SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) met with officials from the City of Springfield, physicians from Rocking Horse Community Health Center, and other community leaders to discuss their efforts to create a safe public health environment for community members and the steps being taken to address concerns about the city’s growing Haitian immigrant population.
“I want to thank Mayor Rue for his work and the community for the coordinated effort that they have done to try to respond to the influx of individuals who have come into the Springfield area,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “My office has attempted to assist the Springfield community by looking at areas where there might be federal funding that can help. I’ve been incredibly impressed both with Mercy and Rocking Horse and the manner in which people have come together with the spirit of care in their hearts. We have to make certain that this community receives the support they need.”
“I would like to say a big thank you to Congressman Turner and his office and all the community leaders and city officials that came to the table today to collaborate on meaningful solutions,” said Dr. Yamini Teegala, CEO of Rocking Horse Community Health Center. “The mission of a federally qualified health center is clear: We are here to serve all individuals regardless of their circumstances. Anybody who walks through the doors of Rocking Horse, we are here to provide them with the quality care that they deserve. But to the Congressman’s point, we have to be very careful about the proportional support that is necessary to continue such services.”
“I just would like to thank Congressman Turner for paying attention,” said Springfield Mayor Rob Rue. “We brought up the fact that we have had a significant, fast increase in our population, and we need help and resources. He heard us, he quickly responded, and I just want to thank him for being here again in Springfield and making sure that he’s listening to everybody and their concerns. I’m looking forward to future partnerships with Congressman Turner, and we just appreciate him and his office for being here.”
Background:
In February 2024, Congressman Turner and Congressman Mike Carey sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas seeking answers about the Haitian Parole Program’s processes.
In April 2024, Congressman Turner hosted Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, City Manager Bryan Heck, and Deputy Director Public Safety & Operations Jason Via in Washington, D.C., and helped set up meetings with senior officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Labor to detail the impacts that federal policies are having and request assistance for the Miami Valley.
In June 2024, Congressman Turner urged the Biden Administration to address its Haitian Migrant Parole Program on the House Floor.