Ohio Department of Health

10/04/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Ohio Department of Health Provides Updates on Response Efforts in Springfield

October 4, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: ODH Office of Communications 614-644-8562

Ohio Department of Health Provides Updates on Response Efforts in Springfield

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Under the leadership of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and as part of the State of Ohio's ongoing commitment to the City of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, today provided an update on ODH's efforts in the community:

Vaccinations and Essential Care Services

  • Since the ODH mobile health clinic opened in Springfield last week, 98 patients have already been seen. This exceeded the expectations of the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD), which also has benefited from four additional nurses ODH sent to Clark County in August to help with back-to-school vaccinations.
  • Located at CCCHD, the mobile health clinic is currently offering seasonal vaccinations, vaccines for COVID, flu, and RSV, as well as blood pressure screenings. Members of the public can schedule an appointment at the mobile clinic today by visiting: https://mobile.clark.health/

Infant Nutrition

  • Four ODH staff members have been assisting the local WIC team to clear a registration and certification backlog.
  • Over the course of the past week, ODH, CCCHD, and other public health partners have registered or recertified 229 individuals and are on track to clear the backlog by October 20.
  • A community WIC registration and certification event is planned for later this month. Combined, these efforts are anticipated to clear the existing backlog.
  • In addition, ODH is working closely with Mercy Health and CCCHD to provide WIC registration opportunities for families prior to discharge from the hospital after having a baby. Later this month, we anticipate helping our partners open a formula bank with Second Harvest Food Pantry for families in need, even as we work to encourage and support breast feeding.

Support for Tuberculosis patients

  • In partnership with the American Lung Association of Ohio and CCCHD, ODH is coordinatingfunding and access to safe and appropriate outpatient housing and other wrap-around services for individuals who are completing treatment for TB.

Lead Exposure Reduction

  • ODH and CCCHD are working this week to identify additional licensed lead abatement contractors, bolster public health lead-screening capacity, and increase the number of translated educational materials on lead.

Child Vision Services

  • ODH is working with CCCHD, the Rocking Horse Community Health Center, Prevent Blindness Ohio, and Vision Service Plan to host a screening event later this month with the intent to then follow-up with comprehensive eye exams and glasses for those in need.
  • This effort dovetails with the work of the Children's Vision Strike Force, which was created by Governor DeWine earlier this year and is chaired by Dr. Vanderhoff.

"The Ohio Department of Health's work is just one example of Governor DeWine's pledge to support the health of everyone in Springfield and Clark County," Dr. Vanderhoff said. "We recognize that much work remains to be done, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that Ohioans in this community have access to the healthcare services they need."

Springfield's healthcare system has been under significant pressure due to the influx of thousands of Haitian migrants over the past several years, which has resulted in longer wait times for appointments and delayed care.

In September, Governor DeWine pledged that the state would dedicate $2.5 million toward expanding primary care access for all Springfield residents. This is in addition to other support that the state had already been providing in Springfield to aid in addressing the increase in the area's Haitian population. In August, Governor DeWine announced the opening of a school-based health center to further support Springfield City School District and the entire community.

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About the Ohio Department of Health
The Ohio Department of Health's mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans. ODH is transforming the state's public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.