SALEM – The Salem Health District will no longer have funds distributed throughout the county.
Health Commissioner Alanna Hughes announced Wednesday in her report to the Salem health board that beginning in 2023, the department’s funds will no longer go through the county health district and instead be distributed directly to the Salem health district. the city.
Hughes also said she and Accreditation Coordinator Sara Houchins will attend a two-day grant writing training program in Toledo to prepare to pursue additional grant funding for the department in 2023, noting that increasing the amount of grant funding the department receives is one of three goals he was given when he was first hired in the position.
Hughes also noted that the department was currently trying to get Public Health Emergency Grant funding that the city was eligible to receive that was never received from the county. She said the funds were needed for the department to establish additional public health programs and conduct emergency drills and training.
Also discussed was Ohio House Bill 513, which is currently awaiting consideration by Governor Mike Dewine. The proposed bill if passed would outline statewide licensing rules, penalties and guidelines for the Tobacco 21 states law. Crucially, the proposed bill also repeals all ordinances and city-level resolutions related to the law and changes the authority to enforce the law from the local to the state level. Hughes noted that many action groups were pushing for Dewine to veto the bill.
Other business included passing a motion to approve a severance agreement with former Director of Nursing Kristin Toy following an executive session on personnel matters. The exact terms of the agreement have not been determined at this time.
The Board also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Board of Health will meet on January 18 at 2:00 p.m.
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