When a major employer leaves a region, it can be devastating.

The hardship affects not just those who are losing their jobs, but also the surrounding local economy, who relied on those workers and co-existed as a community.

Which is why we are glad to hear that the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Agency is reaching out to those who will be out of work due to the closure Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital.

Through its One Stop location, the CAO has created a hotline to help patients looking for new medical homes and employees to search for work and assistance.

The loss of OLBH will be a major blow to the region, but it is imperative that all options be available to help these workers get back on their feet and spur a rebound in the community.

It is our hope that the CAO’s efforts will help all those affected and transition them into a better future.