REPORT — Health Commissioner Andrew Henry reveals the mission, vision and values of the Jefferson County General Health District as he presents the health department's 2023 Annual Report at the March 6 District Advisory Board meeting did. — Christopher Dacanay
STEUBENVILLE — At the March 6 District Advisory Board meeting, the Jefferson County General Health District released its 2023 annual report, a year that health commissioners said was marked by community support. Andrew Henry said.
Henry said 2022 and 2023 have brought unforeseen challenges to the health department, following its own turbulent times with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, Jefferson County had its own railroad disaster, with the East Palestine Railroad derailment just one county away. A Norfolk Southern train that derailed near Toronto in late 2022 sent solid waste down a railroad embankment and into the Ohio River. The health department oversaw the final cuts in July.
In 2023, cases of meningitis B were detected among children of Amish residents near Bergholz, leading to fears of an outbreak. The situation was brought under control through the rapid efforts of local health systems, epidemiologists, and Department of Health clinical staff working with the Ohio Department of Health. They set up mobile clinics to provide post-exposure treatment to affected people and distribute vaccinations.
With each new challenge, Henry said, “Our team responded by doing our best to protect the health of Jefferson County.”
But the health department didn't just go on the defensive last year. Instead, Henry said: “(The health department) has confirmed that new community health programs and events will be added in 2023, including the establishment of a diaper bank, the return of the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes car seat program, and several 5K runs/walks. Did.”
Henry said the Community Diaper Bank, organized by Director of Nursing Kylie Smogovic, donated 25,000 diapers that were raised through a fundraiser jointly held by the Edison Local School District and the Toronto School District during the Sept. 22 football game. He pointed out that he accepted the diapers.
As part of the health department's maternal and child health program, staff spent time at county pools during the summer, distributing sunscreen and sun hats. Staff members also served on the Jefferson County Youth Task Force, along with other local agencies.
“Our goal is to learn from both the successes and shortcomings of these programs as we move toward quality improvement in 2024.” Henry said.
The purpose of the March 6th meeting was the selection of new members of the Jefferson County Board of Health by the DAC, a council of local government representatives from each municipality in the county that convenes to make appointments to the Board of Health. Met.
After a two-vote tie put the election on hold for a week, the board returned on March 14 and reelected former Salem Township Trustee Terry Bell.
As a result of the vote, current board members include President Anthony Mougianis, Vice President Suzanne Brown, Mary Mihalho, Dr. Mark Kissinger, and Mr. Bell.
Henry filed his annual report after the vote attempt was halted for the remainder of the meeting. Mr Henry referred to the Department of Health's views in his report. “Pretty good year” Regarding finances.
The Department of Health, which relies heavily on grants due to limited funding, paid $3.5 million in expenses and received $4.3 million in revenue in 2023, Henry said, with a total cash balance of about $1.5 million. It added that the amount had increased from $10,000 to about $2.2 million. From the beginning to the end of the year.
Henry said the department's employees were given a 1.5% pay increase in 2024, noting the department wanted to give more but had to do so at some point. “Please step on the brakes a little.” After increasing prices by 3% over the past few years.
Henry said the health department's environmental division conducted a total of 802 inspections of brick-and-mortar food service businesses, or about two inspections per year per business in the county. Additionally, 144 public health nuisance investigations were conducted, with Island Creek Township having the most investigations (24) and Smithfield Township having the most (23).
Henry said the amount of waste being taken to the Apex landfill has been gradually increasing since 2020, and is expected to reach 891,000 tonnes of construction and demolition debris and 8.4 million tonnes of municipal solid waste by 2023. Then he said. The Department of Health receives a portion of its revenue from solid waste disposal at the landfill.
Henry said 2023 was a relatively high year for odor complaints, adding that department staff are increasing pressure on landfills for better results. So far, the number of cases in 2024 has been relatively low, Henry said, although complaints tend to be lower during the winter months.
“I know they put extra effort into odor control strategies, but this is still a landfill.” Henry said.
Other notable details:
• Infectious disease reports show 1,676 new cases of COVID-19 in the county in 2023, with sexually transmitted infections on the rise, especially among young people, Henry said.
• The Jefferson County Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children served 874 active participants in 2023, 105 more patients than the state allocated. Ta.
• The county had 319 births that year, 299 at Trinity Health System and 20 at home, resulting in 818 deaths. Heart disease was suppressed and cancer caused the highest number of deaths, with lung cancer being the most common.
• The rate of fatal overdoses decreased by 50% from 2022 to 2023, from 42 to 22.
• This report is dedicated to the late Dr. Patrick Macedonia, a member of the Board of Health who passed away in August.
In other business, the DAC approved the Department of Health to enter into contracts with the cities of Steubenville and Toronto for a reimbursement rate of approximately $4.20 per person per city. Depending on the amount of services provided during the year, reimbursements by the City of Steubenville and the City of Toronto totaled $77,910 and $22,749, respectively, in 2023.
