{"id":358703,"date":"2026-04-01T14:39:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/358703\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T14:39:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:39:21","slug":"public-health-stats-for-2025-tracking-infectious-diseases-giving-vaccines-taking-dental-care-to-schools-bg-independent-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/358703\/","title":{"rendered":"Public health stats for 2025 \u2013 tracking infectious diseases, giving vaccines, taking dental care to schools \u2013 BG Independent News"},"content":{"rendered":"

By JAN McLAUGHLIN<\/p>\n

BG Independent News<\/p>\n

Keeping local residents healthy means public health must take a wide view\u00a0 \u2013 tackling everything from infectious diseases, restaurant inspections, vaping, vaccines, dental care and septic systems.<\/p>\n

The recently released 2025 Annual Report points out the statistics and the services of the Wood County Health Department.<\/p>\n

The document notes the 1,460 communicable diseases reported last year \u2013 including which STDs saw increases and which saw decreases, the 216 animal bites investigated, the licensing and inspections of more than 900 food service operations plus 14 body art shops, and the 94 septic system permits issued.<\/p>\n

The report highlights the creative ways the health department gets its messages and services to the community. Last year, the mobile health center began taking dental care into schools. The serious work of health care hygiene was taught through an \u201cescape room\u201d training to health care professionals. Elementary children created videos to explain the dangers of vaping. And a \u201cpopsicle party\u201d was held at the inclusive playground in Carter Park.<\/p>\n

\"\"Recipients of 2025 Clean Plate Awards<\/p>\n

The annual report also applauds community partners who worked with the health department to promote public health. The North Baltimore Community Garden Project was recognized as a \u201cPublic Health Hero.\u201d And food service operations with spotless inspections were presented with \u201cClean Plate Awards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis report reflects a year of listening, learning, and working alongside the people and communities of Wood County. Public health is strongest when it is rooted in trust,\u201d Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Robison wrote in the report.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe community members are not just recipients of services but experts with lived experience and partners in shaping healthier futures. Our role is to bring resources, knowledge, and support, while recognizing that the most important insights come from the people who live, work and raise families here,\u201d Robison continued.<\/p>\n

In 2025, the agency focused on strengthening partnerships and meeting people where they are, Robison said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe worked alongside residents, local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to improve access to services and support healthier communities across Wood County. At the same time, the Board of Health remained focused on long-term planning and sustainability to ensure we are prepared to serve Wood County for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTogether with our staff, partners, and neighbors, we are building a public health system that believes your health department should be welcoming, accessible, responsive, and truly connected to the people we serve,\u201d Robison stated.<\/p>\n

\"\"Wood County Health Department photo<\/p>\n

The mission of Wood County Health Department is to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect the health of everyone in the county.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last year by the numbers<\/p>\n

Total residents served \u2013 over 130,000<\/p>\n

Birth certificates issued \u2013 2,759<\/p>\n

Deaths reported \u2013 1,228<\/p>\n

Communicable diseases reported \u2013 1,460<\/p>\n

Immunization clinics \u2013 20<\/p>\n

Vaccines for children provided \u2013 288<\/p>\n

Clients served by Mobile Health Center \u2013 278<\/p>\n

Clients served by Women, Infants and Children program \u2013 1,935<\/p>\n

Community Health Center patient encounters \u2013 8,916<\/p>\n

Environmental health inspection hours \u2013 4,620<\/p>\n

Retail food establishment licenses- 979<\/p>\n

Private well permits issued \u2013 53<\/p>\n

Septic permits issued \u2013 94<\/p>\n

Pool\/spa licenses issued \u2013 75<\/p>\n

\"\"Community garden in North Baltimore<\/p>\n

Securing grants<\/p>\n

Grant funds allowed the agency to connect with community members, partners, Wood County youth, and the local healthcare workforce to prevent disease and increase access to resources.<\/p>\n

$3.5 million to help equip the community to prevent the spread of disease through lasting investment in schools, community organizations and throughout Wood County.<\/p>\n

$150,000 to help homeowners cover the cost of repairing or replacing failing home sewage systems, protecting local water quality and preventing health risks.<\/p>\n

$452,003 to promote health and wellness by improving access to healthy foods and nutrition education for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and for children through age 5.<\/p>\n

$110,000 to advance healthy eating and active living in Wood County. Funding supported a community garden in North Baltimore and began work in Plain Township to improve access to transportation and inclusive playground equipment \u2013 efforts that will continue over the next four years.<\/p>\n

$200,000 to equip local healthcare facilities with tools and training to prevent the spread of infections. Wood County Health Department was one of only 15 grant recipients across the country.<\/p>\n

$133,850 to offer education and resources to help youth and adults quit smoking and avoid tobacco use.<\/p>\n

$310,212 to strengthen the community\u2019s ability to respond to emergencies by training volunteers, both medical and non-medical, to assist during disasters or health crises.<\/p>\n

$50,000 to develop materials to protect family farms by promoting strategies to prevent the spread of bird flu.<\/p>\n

$20,248 for mosquito surveillance and control programs in collaboration with the Ohio EPA and BGSU to reduce bites and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.<\/p>\n

$1,181,543 to support the health center\u2019s medical, dental, pharmaceutical and behavioral health operations, allowing access to care at reduced fees for services for the uninsured and under-insured population.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Women, Infants and Children office returns to Wood County Health Department building.<\/p>\n

More accessible<\/p>\n

In 2025, the health department completed a facility renovation designed to improve how residents access public health services. The redesigned space prioritizes accessibility, visibility, and ease of navigation. The goal of this transformation was to bring all public-facing services together under one roof and create a clearer, more welcoming point of entry for the community.<\/p>\n

Strengthening the front door to public health is one way the Wood County Health Department continues to try ensuring that residents can easily find, trust, and benefit from the care and support available to them.<\/p>\n

\"\"WIC photo from Wood County Health Department<\/p>\n

Expanding services<\/p>\n

The Wood County Community Health Center provides comprehensive medical services for men, women and children. The center welcomes all patients, including uninsured or underinsured clients, regardless of their ability to pay, and accepts most third-party insurance.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Wood County WIC was awarded the USDA Breastfeeding Award of Excellence \u2014 an honor given to only four local WIC programs in Ohio this year.<\/p>\n

This recognition highlights the work of WIC staff, who go above and beyond to support breastfeeding families through prenatal education, one-on-one guidance, and access to lactation professionals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wood County WIC served 1,935 participants last year, with more than $1 million in WIC funding being spent at local grocery stores.<\/p>\n

The Wood County Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center rooted in the community, ensuring individuals and families across the county and the region can access affordable, high-quality care close to home.<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Bushra Aouthmany in dental area of community health center<\/p>\n

Last year, the health center handled:<\/p>\n

4,505 medical visits<\/p>\n

2,503 dental visits<\/p>\n

1,908 behavioral health visits, a 74% increase in behavioral health visits since 2024<\/p>\n

In October 2025, Wood County Community Health Center began a pilot program in partnership with the Wood County Committee on Aging to bring mental health support closer to older adults in our community. Together, behavioral health providers shared practical tools for managing stress, building coping skills, and supporting emotional well-being, helping make conversations about mental health feel more comfortable and normal. By working side-by-side, this partnership is increasing awareness of available services, strengthening referral pathways, and ensuring older adults have greater access to supportive care that promotes independence, resilience, and quality of life in the communities they call home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The health center received the following accolades last year:<\/p>\n

Earned national recognition from HRSA as a Health Center Quality Leader \u2013 Bronze<\/p>\n

Received the Quality Leader in Heart Health Award<\/p>\n

Received the Advancing Health IT for Quality Award<\/p>\n

Earned two Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognitions<\/p>\n

Was recognized as a Center for Inclusive Dentistry<\/p>\n

Wood County Community Health Center\u2019s dental team completed training through the Centers for Inclusive Dentistry program, created and sponsored by the Delta Dental Foundation to expand access to dental care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through immersive training the dental team strengthened their ability to provide safe, comfortable, and compassionate oral health care.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wood County Community Health Center is the first Center for Inclusive Dentistry site in Northwest Ohio, helping lead efforts to make dental care more inclusive and accessible across the region.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Mobile health clinic<\/p>\n

On the road<\/p>\n

In 2025, the health department focused mobile health efforts on community engagement and outreach. The Mobile Health Center participated in over 60 events to provide health information, resources, and referrals \u2013 plus partnered with seven community organizations to host 20 community clinics, expanding access to vaccines.<\/p>\n

The health center also expanded mobile dental services, bringing preventive care directly to schools and communities to reach children who may otherwise face barriers such as transportation, cost, or time away from work for families. Mobile services include exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, and sealant to help catch problems early and keep kids healthy and in the classroom. These efforts help remove barriers, build trust, and ensure families can receive the care they need close to home.<\/p>\n

\"\"Public health photo<\/p>\n

Tobacco prevention and cessation<\/p>\n

This program works collaboratively to reduce tobacco use and exposure through education, policy support, and community engagement. By partnering with schools, local organizations and coalitions, the program focuses on prevention, supports individuals seeking to quit, and promotes healthier environments that protect residents of all ages.<\/p>\n

Through youth-focused, art-based initiatives, students were empowered to learn about the risks of tobacco and nicotine while using creative expression to share prevention messages with their peers and community.<\/p>\n

In 2025, the health department partnered with the Children\u2019s Resource Center on Art for Action, a youth art project that combined education, advocacy and social marketing to amplify youth voices through original artwork and design. The health department also collaborated with Crim Elementary, where all fourth and fifth grade students participated in an anti-vaping project that blended education with creative video production, allowing students to translate what they learned into peer-led messages promoting healthy, vape-free choices.<\/p>\n

Suicide Review Board<\/p>\n

In 2025, the health department launched the Suicide Fatality Review Board, joining more than 30 Ohio counties in implementing multidisciplinary, confidential reviews following 2021 state legislation. This collaborative process examines suicide deaths to better understand risk factors, service gaps, and opportunities for earlier intervention.<\/p>\n

Wood County experienced 17 suicide deaths in 2025. Most individuals were male, firearms were the most common method, and mental health concerns were documented in the majority of cases. Deaths occurred across the lifespan, with higher impact among both younger and older adults. These findings are guiding local prevention, partnerships, and policy efforts.<\/p>\n

\"\"Wood County Health Department photo<\/p>\n

Environmental health<\/p>\n

Environmental health services protect public health through the enforcement of health regulations, routine inspections, and timely response to environmental concerns. These efforts help prevent foodborne illness, water contamination, and exposure to environmental hazards.<\/p>\n

Septic Smart Week highlighted the importance of proper septic system care in protecting public health and the environment. Through education and outreach, this recognition reinforced the role of environmental health professionals and community partners in promoting responsible septic maintenance, safeguarding water quality, and preventing contamination that can impact homes, neighborhoods and natural resources.<\/p>\n

Public health heroes<\/p>\n

The Public Health Hero Award celebrates individuals and organizations who demonstrate a commitment to people, prevention and community well-being through their dedication to improving public health. In 2025, the award was presented to the North Baltimore Garden Club for its leadership and partnership in advancing food access, health education, and community connection in North Baltimore.<\/p>\n

Through a partnership with the Wood County Health Department\u2019s Creating Healthy Communities program and the North Baltimore Community Garden Project, the garden club helped expand opportunities for residents. The club played a key role in turning the community vision of a shared garden into a welcoming space that supports local connection, increases access to fresh foods, and demonstrates how grassroots efforts can improve health outside traditional public health environments. Their work reflects the power of community-driven solutions and demonstrates how local partnerships can create lasting public health impact beyond traditional settings.<\/p>\n

Throughout the growing season, the project hosted events like the tomato canning workshop, where residents learned safe food preservation techniques and took home jars of freshly canned tomatoes along with guides to continue preserving food at home. The project continues to grow as a shared community space that reflects resident involvement, local partnership, and a commitment to healthy living.<\/p>\n

The Wood County Health Department\u2019s annual Clean Plate Awards recognized licensed food service and retail establishments that demonstrate exceptional commitment to food safety and sanitation, going beyond basic requirements to protect the health of the people they serve. Last year, 35 out of more than 800 food facilities in Wood County earned this distinction, reflecting their dedication to maintaining high standards that help prevent foodborne illness and safeguard community health.<\/p>\n

Collaboration<\/p>\n

The 2025 Wood County Community Health Assessment brought nearly 600 voices together from across the county to identify local health conditions, needs, and resources in order to help the community understand the current state of health and guide future planning and action. The CHA was led by a steering committee that includes the Wood County Health Department, Wood County Hospital, Mercy Health\u2013Perrysburg Hospital, and community partners.<\/p>\n

Existing health data and feedback from residents, focus groups, and local stakeholders were used to identify priority health needs. The results informed strategic decision-making and have driven the development of a 2026 to 2028 Community Health Improvement Plan.<\/p>\n

Disease tracking<\/p>\n

Protecting community health happens both behind the scenes and out in the community. From environmental health and disease tracking to health education, vaccines, and mobile services, these efforts work together to prevent illness and keep the community safe.<\/p>\n

Wood County Health Department epidemiologists monitor reportable diseases and work closely with healthcare providers, schools, and community partners to investigate illness, reduce exposure, and help prevent future outbreaks. This work includes tracking more than 80 diseases required to be reported under Ohio law, ensuring timely response and coordinated action.<\/p>\n

Through the Project Firstline grant, the Wood County Health Department partnered with Toledo-Lucas Health Department and Hancock Public Health to deliver hands-on infection prevention and control training for healthcare workers across Northwest Ohio. This work focused on building practical skills for frontline staff in areas such as hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, personal protective equipment, food safety, and disease reporting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thirteen trainings were completed in seven different healthcare facilities including: Wood County Hospital, Mercy Health \u2013 Perrysburg Hospital, Three Meadows Post-Acute Care, St. Clare Commons, Manor at Perrysburg, Wood Haven, and Bowling Green Manor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The full 2025 Annual Report is available in the \u201cAbout Us\u201d section on the Wood County Health Department website at woodcountyhealth.org\/about-us.<\/p>\n

\"More<\/a>Posted by: Jan Larson McLaughlin<\/a> on March 31, 2026. \t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By JAN McLAUGHLIN BG Independent News Keeping local residents healthy means public health must take a wide view\u00a0…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":358704,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[134,527,111,139,69],"class_list":{"0":"post-358703","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-healthcare","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-healthcare","10":"tag-new-zealand","11":"tag-newzealand","12":"tag-nz"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358703","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=358703"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358703\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/358704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=358703"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=358703"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=358703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}