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STEUBENVILLE -- Besides continued juggling of environmental complaints and violations, the Jefferson County board of health heard updates and approved proposals for the county health department during its regular session Tuesday.
The board approved position-dependent salary increases of between 5 percent and 10 percent for the Jefferson County General Health District's Women, Infants and Children program staff. Health commissioner Andrew Henry said the increases -- with an original $20 salary for nurses or dietitians -- will make WIC salaries comparable with other departments and generally more competitive.
"I have a very good staff and I'd like to keep them," said Stephanie Chester, WIC director, adding that increases will be paid from the department's WIC grant and not its general fund.
Also, Chester said in her report that WIC benefits for fruits and vegetables have increased. Congress passed a continuing resolution in September that extends increased benefits, which include $26 for children, $47 for postpartum women, $52 for fully or partially breastfeeding and pregnant women and $78 for exclusively breastfeeding multiples.
Chester said the newest change and previous switches in benefit numbers have created more work for WIC staff, with burdensome processes being necessary to manually adjust numbers. Thus, Chester said she hopes the government keeps the benefits steady through the end of the fiscal year.
The board approved the health department becoming the lead agency for the Central Ohio Trauma System, a regional health care coalition group formerly led by Trinity Health System. Henry said COTS aligns well with the health department's current Public Health Emergency Preparedness agreement capabilities.
The board approved three purchase orders of more than $5,000: $18,363.51 for a keyless fob system meant to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases over contact surfaces in the Jefferson County Juvenile Court; $20,080.08 for birth, death and fetal certificates for the treasurer of the state of Ohio; and $9,856 for naloxone for the Jefferson County Jail.
The board was notified of nursing director Hannah Piko's resignation, effective Nov. 17. Board members thanked Piko for her service to the department, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
Piko said, "Thank you for all your support and encouragement. During some of the most challenging times in public health, I have really appreciated and valued my time here."
Henry said individuals who wish to apply for the nursing director's position can call the health department at (740) 283-8530 and ask for administration or email their resume to administrative assistant Michele Henry at mhenry@jchealth.com. The application period will end Nov. 3.
Piko said in her report that the nursing staff will host the Bend-Brew and Boo yoga event on Oct. 30 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Tri B's Coffee Shop. Also, staff are preparing for a Diaper Dash 5-K, scheduled for Dec. 2 in Belleview Park.
Dr. Janie Culp, medical director, said the health department's clinic has flu vaccines available, and insurance is not necessary. Individuals can call the department to see if they qualify.
The board voted Suzanne Brown as its vice president, with Anthony Mougianis filling the president's role after the Aug. 16 death of Dr. Pat Macedonia. Also, the board welcomed Dr. Mark Kissinger, who was appointed by the District Advisory Council, on Sept. 28.
Henry said the health department's accreditation application will be complete by this week, and staff will be attending a workshop in Columbus next month for health departments that are not currently accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board.
Henry informed the board that the health department's active transportation efforts were recognized by the informational nonprofit Strong Towns in an article entitled "Local conversations across North America are looking at their towns on two wheels," published Sept. 19.
Board member Terry Bell warned the northern segment of Jefferson County to be prepared for "around the clock traffic" as oil and gas developments increase in the area.
The board gave its second reading of fees for 2024, pertaining to cost methodology of certain environmental programs. Sanitarian Carla Campolo noted that Kelly Wilson, director of finance and administration, worked diligently on the cost methodology, with this year being the first that the State of Ohio has not returned the methodology with any changes.