The health care sector represents approximately 1 in 5 workers — from nurses to social workers — in the Mahoning Valley.

More are needed, an industry official said.

Last week, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services released its preliminary average quarterly employment report from October through December 2024.

Health care and social assistance workers in Mahoning County numbered 19,817 for the quarter, with 10,467 in Trumbull County. Both ranked No. 1 in employment categories for each county, the state reported.

Statewide, the sector’s 862,066 workers represent the top employer.

Larry Moliterno, CEO and president of Meridian HealthCare, had a mixed view of the numbers.

“The reality is there’s been a shortage of nurses since COVID, but a lot of people have entered the field si

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