By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Amy Jones went into public health so she could get to know individual patients better. She stayed in public health to make a difference in the health of the entire community.
After 32 years on the job, Jones’ last day at the Wood County Health Department is Friday. An open house for her retirement is being held Friday (12/19) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the health department.
Jones started her nursing career at St. Vincent Hospital, but realized something was missing.
“I wanted to do something where I got to know the patients more,” she said.
So in 1994, she came to the Wood County Health Department, doing home health visits.
“I loved it,” she said. “I will never forget some of the seniors we saw in the field. I still think of them.”
Jones became director of nursing in 2010, later performing the role of acting health commissioner, and most recently as the deputy health commissioner.
Jones recalled being somewhat trepidatious about picking up the phone when she first started in public health. After all, public health nursing covers a large range of issues from infectious diseases to foodborne illnesses.
“I remember thinking, am I going to be able to help them,” she said. But before long, any nervousness had evaporated. “I got this,” she recalled thinking.
“It’s rewarding to be able to help people at a community level,” she said.
The worst public health challenges during her career were also the best experiences because of the intense teamwork that took place.
After the Sept. 11 attacks, it was the threat of anthrax poisoning. Health department staff responded to calls from people receiving envelopes filled with powder. Then there were smallpox vaccines.
“It changed. Suddenly infectious diseases became a bigger thing,” she said. And Jones became the health department’s infectious disease and emergency preparedness nurse coordinator.
In 2009, came HINI – also known as the swine flu. Clinics were set up for vaccines, first offered to emergency responders.
Then in 2020, Covid hit. Public health went into high gear to educate the public about information as it became known. And when vaccines became available, health departments held frequent clinics to immunize anyone wanting the shot. It meant long hours, trying to prevent the spread, and trying to answer endless questions about an emerging health crisis.
“Those were crazy times. But we worked as a team,” Jones said. “We were looking out for one another. Those were the best of times, too. We did a lot of good things.”
Jones remembers long days, and her determination that she not ask more from her nursing staff than she did from herself. It was draining for those in public health.
“That went on for so long. Hopefully, we don’t see that again,” she said.
Unlike traditional nursing, public health nursing focuses on spreading information.
“Public health has always been about education,” Jones said. “We provide education so people can make informed decisions.”
The profession requires employees who have empathy. “You need the ability to understand the person you are talking with,” she said. Staff must be flexible and able to roll with the punches, she said. “No day is the same.”
For example, staff may deal with a strange foodborne illness one day, then some unusual rashes, and animal bites the next.
And it’s only to be expected that Jones’ professional caution seeps over into her personal life. Her now adult children have memories of their mom frequently telling them to wash their hands, and warning them “don’t eat that” or “don’t pet animals you don’t know.”
Once Jones and her husband, Brad, found a bat in their home, in a bedroom where their son had been napping. As Brad was trying to shoo the bat outside, Amy was yelling, “don’t let the bat out,” since it needed to be tested for rabies.
“It carries over into your life, for sure,” Jones said.
To Jones, it’s just common sense. “If something looks funny, leave it alone. If something tastes funny, don’t finish it.”
To recognize her work in public health, a conference room at the Wood County Health Department has been named in her honor. “The Jones Room” plaque reads it is a “positive space for team building. Inspired by Amy’s leadership, integrity and unwavering dedication to the community for over 30 years.”
“That was unexpected,” said Jones, who admits to being uncomfortable in the spotlight.
She has no definite plans for retirement, other than traveling with her husband and spending time with her first grandchild expected in April.
“I’m going to take my time and enjoy retirement for a while.”
And she will leave knowing Wood County is a healthier place because of her work.
“I think Amy leads with value for the community and the belief that we can do great things to serve the residents of Wood County,” said Ben Robison, the county health commissioner. “She’s always trying to find ways to make an impact.”
Robison called Jones a “fierce” advocate for public health.
“Wood County is much better off for Amy’s time here,” he said.
