About OVDMA

Ohio Valley Derailment Mutual Aid (OVDMA)* informally formed in the immediate aftermath of the February 2023 East Palestine train derailment and became an official 501c3 organization in December 2024. As government agencies and corporate actors failed to provide timely, transparent, or adequate support, OVDMA emerged as a grassroots response network to meet the urgent needs of impacted residents.

Rooted in principles of mutual aid, environmental justice, and community solidarity, OVDMA was founded by residents, organizers, and allies across the region to provide direct assistance, distribute vital health and safety resources, and amplify the voices of those most affected by the disaster — particularly rural or low-income families are often left behind in official recovery efforts.

Our work continues today, grounded in the belief that no one is disposable, and that those closest to the harm must be centered in healing and resistance.

*All OVDMA Board members and advisory committee members are volunteer (unpaid) positions