Columbus health brief: OSU completes historic hospital move; measles investigation continues; crisis-response proposal advances

ByWeence

Columbus, OH – March 4, 2026 – OSU completes a patient move into its new University Hospital as Columbus tracks a measles outbreak and crisis-response plans.

Columbus saw several notable public-health and healthcare developments this week, ranging from a major hospital transition to an ongoing measles investigation and changes in how the city plans to respond to behavioral health crises.

Ohio State completes large patient move into new University Hospital

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reported March 2 that it completed the transfer of 425 patients into its new University Hospital tower at 520 W. 10th Ave. The medical center said the move was completed in less than eight hours following detailed planning and coordinated transport routes across campus.

Ohio State describes the new hospital as a 26-story facility with 820 private rooms and expanded specialty capacity, including operating rooms, intensive care beds, and areas designed for services such as stroke care, cancer treatment and Level 4 maternity care. The medical center also noted the building includes new technology features intended to support patient care and staff workflows.

Measles: Columbus Public Health posts outbreak status and exposure window

Columbus Public Health continues to investigate a local measles outbreak and lists six confirmed cases on its public information page. The agency also posted a potential exposure location for travelers at John Glenn International Airport on Feb. 18, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a listed last day to watch for symptoms of March 11, 2026.

The city notes measles is highly contagious and shares general guidance for people with symptoms to contact a doctor or public health and avoid visitors while seeking evaluation, along with information on vaccination and where to get immunized.

Non-police crisis response proposal moves forward for May ballot

A compromise proposal to create a charter-based alternative emergency response team for certain mental health and substance-use related calls advanced at Columbus City Council on March 2, according to WOSU. The reported framework would integrate a non-police crisis response model into the city response system, with implementation timelines and budgeting left to future council action.

Budget update includes winter warming center funding

Columbus City Council approved amendments to the 2026 operating budget that include additional funding tied to homelessness services, including support for winter warming centers, according to WOSU on March 3.

Sources

https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaselisting/nations-newest-high-tech-hospital-completes-historic-patient-move
https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Infectious-Diseases/Measles
https://www.wosu.org/politics-government/2026-03-02/groups-pushing-new-emergency-response-ballot-issue-compromise-with-columbus-city-council
https://www.wosu.org/politics-government/2026-03-03/new-columbus-city-budget-includes-more-funds-for-people-experiencing-homelessness

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