Share / View as a webpage

December 2024

Vaccines and Guidance

Immunization

Alexandria (Alex) Jones, Assistant Health Commissioner 

• COVID-19 vaccine is available at FCPH for all individuals 6 months+
  • Make an appointment here.
  • Walk-ins are also accepted at our Memorial hall location from 8:30am - 4:00 pm and during our operating hours at our offsite outreach clinics.
• Also remember to get your flu shot when you get your COVID shot. 
  • It is safe to get both of these vaccines at the same time.
• We are starting to see an increase in RSV nationwide.
• Reminder that the following groups are recommended to be vaccinated.
  • Older adults over 75 are recommended to get one dose.
    • Those between the ages of 60-75 should talk to there healthcare provider to determine if they are at elevated risk for RSV and should be vaccinated early.
  • Pregnant individuals between 32-36 weeks.
  • Babies that are born between October 1-March 31 whose mother did not receive the shot while pregnant.
  • Babies that were born after April 1 and this is their first RSV season.
• COVID, Flu and RSV vaccines are all available at FCPH.

Epidemiology

Radhika Iyer, Infectious Disease Program Epidemiologist & Supervisor

•  Due to reporting changes, Epidemiology Reports are published quarterly.
  
  • The report has been updated to reflect Quarterly community levels.
• Review the full epi report here.
  • Please note: all the data shown in the report is only representative of Franklin County Public Health’s jurisdictions which exclude Worthington and the City of Columbus.
• Click here for today’s presentation.
• Click here for the HAN Respiratory Seasonal Messaging report.

Equity Updates

Lisa Dent, Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion

Tobacco Cessation Our team is looking for Franklin County residents with lived experience with tobacco use. Please contact Projects@canvaas.com.  The Equity Advisory Council (EAC) invites our ambassadors to speak and highlight their efforts at our January meeting.

MLK Jr Scholarship Breakfast

• The City of Reynoldsburg and Reynoldsburg Councilwoman, Shanette Strickland, will be hosting the 4th Annual Martin Luther King Jr scholarship breakfast on Saturday January 18.
• This event serves as an inspiration for our young people to contribute to their community, excel in their education, and emerge as leaders.
• To become a sponsor, please see the following information: Equity Sponsor Letter, 2025 MLK Sponsorship Package.

Asian American Commerce Group

• Come celebrate the holidays with us!
  • Network Central Ohio Business Leaders and enjoy appetizers, drinks, a raffle and more!
  • The event will be held at the Sheraton Suites Worthington, 201 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH 43235, on December 11, 2024 from 5:30 - 8:30pm.
  • AACG MEMBERS $25 - Non-Members $35
  • Click here to register. 

Communications

Kristin Howard, Director of Communications and Public Affairs

TestGiving 2024

• TestGiving 2024 was a great success.
  • Thank you to all our partners who helped us spread the word about the event.
  • We were able to distribute more than 1500 test kits to the community to help stop the spread of COVID and keep our residents safe and healthy this holiday season.

Health Works Franklin County CHIP meeting

• The final Health Works Franklin County Community Health Improvement Plan call was held on Tuesday Dec 3.
• We received updates from our CHIP leads and had presentations from ASPYR, UniteUs and CityHealth. 
• If you’d like to learn more about HWFC and join future meetings please sign up here.

Food Safety Reminders

Tania Nur, Food and School Safety

Click here to review the presentation.

Community Health Action Team Summit

Unity Johnson, Health Promotion Supervisor

• The 2025 CHAT Summit will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the Discover Shine Bright Community Center from 9 am - 4:30 pm. For more information see the flyer here: CHAT Summit 2025.
• The summit highlights the various projects and accomplishments from our seven Community Health Action Teams throughout the year.
  • It provides opportunities for informative conversations and collaboration around different ways to improve our communities.
  • A great way for healthcare professionals and stakeholders to network!
• To be a presenter, find more information here CHAT Summit Call for Presenters 2025.

Franklin County Tap In Centers

Ruchelle Pride, Director, Franklin County Justice Policy and Programs, Interim Director Economic Development and Planning

• Last month, the Office of Justice Policy and Programs (OJPP) and the Franklin County Commissioners launched the Tap in Program for Franklin County residents with non-violent misdemeanor warrants.
• The program was designed to provide an opportunity for re-engagement that does not involve an arrest.
• Currently, there are 55,000 outstanding warrants at our municipal courts.
  • Some of these date back twenty years.
• OJPP has collaborated with county agencies to eradicate barriers and allow our citizens to thrive.  
• To review the specific details of the program in the flyer, click here.
• For more information, visit the website at franklincountytapincenter.

Tree Canopy

Jennie McAdams, Sustainability Supervisor

• Earlier this year, the full Columbus and Franklin County Tree Canopy Assessment from 2011-2021 was released, with collaboration from The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks, The Franklin County Auditor’s Office, The Franklin County Engineer’s Office, Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District and Franklin County Public Health.
• Franklin County Public Health jurisdictions can now see and utilize individual fact sheets for their tree planning and planting efforts.
• Fact sheets include current canopy, potential canopy sites and change in canopy.
• These can be found at the Franklin County Climate and Health Dashboards under Tree Canopy Reports.
• Please contact Jennie McAdams at JennieMcAdams@franklincountyohio.gov with any questions.

MORPC Weatherization

Ralonda Hampton, Senior Director of Communications & Engagement

• The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) works to help low- and moderate-income households maintain and improve their homes through home repair and energy efficiency (weatherization) programs.
• MORPC offers home energy efficiency (weatherization) and safety services at no cost to income-eligible to help keep them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, all while lowering energy bills.
• Our experienced professionals perform home energy inspections to improve the safety and comfort of the home.
• You may qualify for weatherization now!
  • Customers who rent or own a home in Franklin County may be eligible.
  • Based on eligibility, customers may receive the following services at no cost:
    • Repair or replacement of furnaces and water heaters
    • Attic and sidewall insulation
    • Air sealing
    • Much more…
• If you are interested in applying and for more information, please view the MORPC weatherization video here and/or visit the MORPC website at Free Residential Services – MORPC.org.

We will send a newsletter in place of the January 2025 call due to the holiday.     See you in February! Happy Holidays!

Visit vax2normal.org/  for the latest information.