CV NEWS FEED // The administration of Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine this week directed law enforcement personnel to increase their presence in Springfield, citing an “increase in dangerous driving” partly due to ongoing “surges” of Haitian migrants into the city. DeWine also took action to ensure better access to health care.
“I want the people of Springfield and Clark County to know that as we move forward, we will continue to do everything we can to help the community deal with this surge of migrants,” DeWine said in a September 10 press release. “The federal government has not demonstrated that they have any kind of plan to deal with the issue. We will not walk away.”
According to the press release, the increase of Haitian migrants in the area “has significantly impacted local primary care providers due to the increased number of patients and the need for more translation services.”
The press release stated that before arriving to the U.S., the migrants “have had little to healthcare services,” and that the governor’s newly allocated $2.5 million for the city aims to expand “primary care access for everyone living in Springfield.”
The statement outlined several additional steps the state has already invested in, including financially supporting translation services, establishing a school-based health clinic for students and parents in the school district, and “working with the Springfield School District to maximize existing resources and provide ongoing support to deal with the surge of migrant students.”
The state is also taking steps to improve traffic safety in Springfield, according to the press release.
“To address the increase in dangerous driving in Springfield by inexperienced Haitian drivers and all others who disregard traffic laws, Governor DeWine directed the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) to support the Springfield Police Department with traffic enforcement,” the press release stated. “Beginning tomorrow morning, OSHP troopers will patrol local roads with the highest crash rates and hold accountable any driver who drives erratically and risks the safety of others.”
DeWine also urged the federal government to provide support through funding.
“The federal government does not have a plan to give any support to the communities impacted by surges, and we have absolutely no indication that a plan is coming in the near future,” he said at the press release’s conclusion.
