Columbus health update: OSU’s new hospital tower, measles investigation, and expanded crisis response
Columbus, OH – February 27, 2026 – Measles cases prompt tracing and airport alerts, OSU opens new hospital tower, and city expands clinician crisis response.
Several Columbus-area health developments this week touch hospitals, outbreaks and how people get help in a crisis.
Ohio State begins moving patients into new University Hospital
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center opened its new University Hospital tower on West 10th Avenue and began transferring patients into the building. Spectrum News 1 reported that more than 400 patients had been moved into a facility with more than 800 private rooms. The new hospital is designed to support a wide range of specialty care, including surgery, neurology, critical care and adult organ transplant services.
Outbreak watch: measles cases confirmed; airport exposure window identified
Columbus Public Health confirmed six measles cases in Franklin County, all in children under 5, according to WOSU. Health officials said five of the children were unvaccinated and one had received one dose of MMR vaccine. The cases are under investigation, with contact tracing and monitoring underway.
Separately, the Ohio Department of Health said travelers at John Glenn International Airport may have been exposed to measles on Feb. 18 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Officials said vaccination greatly lowers risk, and people who believe they were in the exposure window and are not vaccinated should follow public health guidance and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
Non-police crisis response expands with more clinician capacity
City leaders announced new funding to expand Columbus’ Alternative Crisis Response Program. A local report said the city plans to add a team of five non-uniformed experts who can respond to mental and behavioral health crises, alongside existing mobile crisis teams that pair clinicians with specially trained police officers.
Budget debate includes health care for uninsured patients
Columbus City Council members said they plan to amend the mayor’s proposed 2026 operating budget to restore or add funding for several priorities, including health care for uninsured patients, according to reporting published this week. Council is expected to vote on amendments at a March 2 meeting.
Sources
https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2026/02/22/ohio-state-new-hospital-columbus
https://www.wosu.org/2026-02-25/six-measles-cases-confirmed-in-franklin-county
https://www.wsaz.com/2026/02/26/health-department-warns-potential-measles-exposure-airport/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/columbus-invests-1m-expand-non-212832732.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/columbus-council-reversing-many-mayors-110436587.html
https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Safety/Alternative-Crisis-Response/Mobile-Crisis-Response-MCR-Unit
