A New Chapter: Welcoming UPMC Trinity to the Community

By: Laurie Labishak

UPMC Trinity Transition Celebration

October 19 marked a historic milestone for the Ohio Valley.

With hearts full of pride and eyes set firmly on the future, Trinity Health System has officially become UPMC Trinity.

While the celebration — marked by the unveiling of our new signage — is a monumental event, it is far more than a change in name or ownership. It is the beginning of a new era of “Life Changing Medicine” for our patients, our families, and our dedicated staff.

As we embark on this journey, we do so with deep respect for our past. For generations, this organization has been a staple of the community, built on a foundation of faith and service by the Sisters of Saint Francis and the Sisters of Sylvania.

“We are not just changing a sign; we are officially joining a legacy of innovation and excellence,” said Dwayne Richardson, Interim President of UPMC Trinity. “We are honoring our past by securing our future.”

Doug Schaefer, Chairman of the UPMC Trinity Board, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on his own family’s five-generation history in the region. “While UPMC is our future, I want to recognize and thank everyone who has had a part in our past … our dedicated physicians and staff who have served our patient needs with care and compassion for decades.”

The transition to UPMC Trinity is a natural evolution of a relationship that has been growing for over 20 years. From our collaborative work in cancer care at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to our advanced orthopedic services and the STAT MedEvac base in Wintersville, our organizations already share a deep understanding of one another.

Leslie Davis, President and CEO of UPMC, celebrates with UPMC Trinity staff.

Leslie Davis, President and CEO of UPMC, expressed her excitement for the road ahead.  “Trinity has felt like part of our family for a long time. We share a commitment to this community, and we are honored to build on the legacy you’ve created.”

What does this mean for Ohio Valley communities? It means expanded access to world-class care, right here at home.

UPMC has pledged to make significant investments in Trinity’s facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. Key priorities include transitioning to UPMC’s unified Epic electronic health record to create a more seamless experience for patients and providers, and expanding specialty services in areas like women’s health, neurology, and rehabilitation.

“The goal is to make exceptional care easier to access for more people,” Davis added. “We want to bring more specialty services closer to home so fewer patients need to travel when excellent care can be provided right here.”

The impact of this union extends beyond the hospital walls. Steubenville Mayor Ralph Petrella emphasized the broader significance for the city, saying, “we are building an ecosystem where education and medical excellence go hand-in-hand to improve the quality of life for every family here.”

John Surma, chair of the UPMC Board of Directors, noted that the core of this transition is sustainability. “Our shared vision is to provide local, high-quality, sustainable health care for residents across this Ohio Valley region.”

Richardson concluded, “To our nurses, physicians, employees, and volunteers — you are the heartbeat of this organization. You have earned the trust of this community, and that trust is something we will never take for granted. As we move forward, UPMC is committed to investing in the people who make this care possible.

“Today, we don’t just close a chapter; we open a new one. We invite you to celebrate this moment with us, embrace the opportunities ahead, and join us as we continue our mission to serve the Ohio Valley with excellence, compassion, and innovation.

“Our future is bright. Our mission is strong. And together, we are ready for what comes next.”