Plain City officials warn Memorial Health relocation will leave village without immediate healthcare services

Development Director Jason Stanford told the Plain City Council on Nov. 24 that Memorial Health has confirmed it will relocate its Plain City office to a new Jerome Township location. Stanford said the move will leave the village without an immediate healthcare clinic and described the village as effectively becoming a “healthcare desert” if no replacement provider locates in town.

Stanford presented a drivetime comparison of nearby healthcare facilities and said village staff are proactively soliciting other healthcare providers to serve Plain City’s growing population. He recommended sending a letter to Memorial Health expressing the Village’s concerns; Mayor Jody Carney and Council President M. Terry signed the proposed letter during the meeting.

Council members expressed surprise and concern about Memorial Health’s decision amid rapid local population growth. Stanford said communications with other potential providers are ongoing but did not name specific prospective providers during the discussion.

Why it matters: The relocation reduces on‑site primary-care access inside Plain City limits and may increase travel time for residents seeking routine care. Local officials said they are concerned about maintaining access as residential growth continues.

What’s next: Staff will continue outreach to potential healthcare providers and pursue recruitment; no formal council action (such as zoning incentives or financial offers) was recorded at the Nov. 24 meeting.