By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County Health Department is exploring ways to provide more dental care, more mental health services, and possibly home-delivered pharmaceuticals to patients.
Earlier this month, the Wood County Board of Health heard proposals from Lindsey Ruivivar, CEO of Wood County Community Health Center, who talked about the growing need for expanded dental and mental health services.
“We have quite a backlog” of patients needing those services, Ruivivar said.
“We absolutely have the patient demand to support more dentists,” she said.
“This has been an ongoing need,” she said of the growing requests for mental health care.
The board was also asked to approve a pharmacy courier contract. The service would employ a driver to pick up medications from the Community Health Center pharmacy and deliver them to patients’ homes, and collect patient signatures.
This service could bring more patients to use the center pharmacy, the board was told. For convenience of people at work during delivery hours, it was suggested that the ability to drop off prescriptions at places of employment also be explored.
The board asked for more information on these expansion of services.
In other business, the board learned about the Community Health Assessment currently underway. The assessment helps the health department identify key needs and concerns within Wood County. A crucial part of the Community Health Assessment is surveying community members regarding their challenges and needs. The survey also provides up to date demographic information related to the health status and available resources in the community.
To complete the survey, local residents can go to: Wood County Community Health Assessment.
Also during the meeting, the board approved a work agreement for a data-sharing program to allow Wood County Community Health Center to participate in a project, Focus on ME, to improve care related to anxiety and depression for women of childbearing age in Ohio.
In other business at the board of health meeting:
- The board entered into an agreement with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to administer the 2025 mosquito control grant. The $20,248 grant includes funding for surveillance through Bowling Green State University, along with Wood County Health Department education and outreach to promote awareness of mosquito-borne diseases and prevention.
- The board approved a proposal for an architectural firm to conduct a feasibility study for a school-based health center at Northwood Local Schools, pending approval by the county prosecutor’s office.
- The board approved a revised agreement for the development of infectious disease prevention and health education materials like handouts, infographics and data visuals to use across various healthcare settings, non-healthcare settings, and for the public with the aim to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
- The board entered an agreement with an independent contractor to serve as a community ambassador for the Creating Healthy Communities Grant. The goal of the program is to build and maintain a strong sense of community, fostering resident engagement, facilitating positive interactions between the health department and residents, and acting as a liaison to represent the needs and priorities of the community when it comes to healthy food and opportunities for active living.
