Here at the Medina County Health Department, we encourage our staff and members of the community alike to celebrate small victories. Even small strides have a major impact and can motivate each of us to do better next year.
With that in mind, we are excited to announce the release of our 2023 Annual Report. 2023 was a year filled with opportunities to learn, grow, educate and motivate others; we as a health department certainly did. Let’s take a look at some highlights from our 2023 report and celebrate some of our 2023 public health triumphs with all of you.
1. 57 total vaccine clinics
These were held throughout the year at schools, private businesses, long-term care facilities, and other county agencies. In total, we gave 3,888 vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, back-to-school immunizations and more.
2. 834 naloxone kits distributed throughout the community
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug, providing a person another chance at recovery. Members of our Community Health team actively worked with community partners to distribute these kits and place free Naloxboxes in Medina and Lodi. 834 total kits were distributed, a 27% increase from 2022. (victory!)
3. Launched fentanyl test strip program
The majority of overdose deaths in recent years have happened because of the presence of illegally made fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl, making them a tool to prevent overdose deaths. This is a great next step in our harm reduction tool kit. Residents can order online to receive by mail or pick up in person.
4. Strengthened partnerships with long term care (LTC) facilities
We are continuing our efforts year-round to build relationships with long term care facilities surrounding infection prevention to help mitigate risk and manage outbreaks. Staff visited LTC and childcare facilities to educate staff and residents about infection control and the importance of handwashing.
5. Distributed 1,000 hygiene kits
One of our Health Educators was a driving force this year in distributing hygiene kits containing basic self-care items such as deodorant, body wash, toothpaste, and more to Medina County youth serving organizations.
6. Medina County provided 41 pack-n-plays to WIC families
Through the Cribs for Kids program, pack-n-plays are provided to families in need. Safe sleep education is provided during distribution to ensure families are given education on the safest sleep environment for their infant.
7. 4,485 mosquitos trapped
These mosquitos were trapped from 15 trap sites throughout the county, in comparison to 3,715 mosquitos trapped in 2022 (victory!). Mosquitos were sent to the Ohio Department of Health for testing. There was also 348 miles of road ditches treated and 2,093 catch basins treated to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus.
8. Educated the community on HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
In 2023, we put a strong emphasis on providing more education around the importance of risk reduction, safer practices, and screening for STI’s/HIV. Nurses provided monthly educational presentations and screenings for male and female individuals at the Medina County Jail, as well as several treatment and recovery organizations.
9. In 2023, the Health Center received two awards by the Health Resources and Services Administration
By increasing access to health-related comprehensive care and eliminating disparities for racial and ethnic groups, the health center was a 2023 awardee of the Access Enhancer and Health Disparities Reducer badges.
10. Expanding our Network
Over the past year, we created and launched our new Community Newsletter and Public Health Blog. We want to continue to build our network within the community and stay up to date with public health news.
As we dive into 2024, it is important to us as your local health department to remain as transparent as possible, step outside of our comfort zone, and listen to the voices of our community.
We are dedicated to spreading awareness, educating ourselves and others, and making an impact. One small win leads to one big victory. In a world that focuses too much on the negative, we aim to shine more light on the positives in public health in 2024.
