EAST PALESTINE, Ohio - The East Palestine Train Derailment Research Program officially opened its new office Tuesday morning, giving residents a dedicated place to connect with researches and get answers about ongoing health studies. 

The office is located inside The Way Station at 109. W Rebecca St. in East Palestine. Program leaders say it will serve as a central hub for community engagement, research coordination, and support for residents impacted by the derailment.

"So we are sampling, or planning on sampling once a year," Juliane Beier, doctor and research from the University of Pittsburgh said, "And then as soon as we have the results back, the individuals that gave us samples will be informed privately with letters of the results." 

The program is funded through a federal initiative worth $10 million that will be designed to track both mental and physical health over several years. Participation is open to people eight years old and older.

As part of the study, annual health sampling will include blood, urine, hair and other samples, which will allow researchers to monitor changes over time. 

Participants will also complete a health survey once a year, with screenings taking place at the East Palestine Clinic. 

Leaders at The Way Station said the partnership ensures the research stay focused on the needs of the community. 

"Through this partnership, we can help the research process. We can help them focus on what the community really needs, and not just what the researchers think we need," Chaney Nezbeth, CEO of The Way Station said. 

The office will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.