475 Western Ave., Suite A

Chillicothe, OH. 45601

Phone: 740-779-9652

Fax: 740-779-0744

 

 

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OUR MISSION: The Mission of the Ross County Board of Health is to protect the physical and environmental health and wellness of the citizens of Chillicothe and Ross County; and to promote healthy behaviors and practices through education, partnerships, outreach, and services.

HISTORY

The Ross County Health District was formed in 1979, when the Boards of Health of the Chillicothe City Health Department (1908) and the Ross County General Health District (1920) agreed to a merger.  Even before the merger, the two health agencies usually shared one health commissioner and most of the time they shared office space and other resources.

During the 20th century the health agencies occupied offices at various sites, including West Main St., West Second St., and later in the old Tuberculosis Hospital on Pohlman Rd., which had declined in use. In 1978 the agencies moved once again, this time locating their offices in the former Chillicothe Hospital on Chestnut St. They would remain there for another 20 years.

In 1998, the Ross County Commissioners purchased the former Harts Department Store building at 475 Western Ave., for use as the Ross County Service Center. The combined Health District relocated offices to that facility in early 1999.

The Health District is governed by an eight-member Board of Health: four members are appointed by the District Advisory Council; three by the Mayor of Chillicothe; and one is a representative of the Licensing Council (2001 state legislation).

The Health District is made up of five divisions: Community Health, Environmental Health, Home Health, Administration and Communications, which contain a variety of programs. Currently, the health district employs about 100 people.

Programs are divided into those that are mandated and those that are non-mandated. Mandated programs include public health nursing (TB case management, lead poisoning case management, immunizations, etc.); environmental health programs such as septic, sewage and food service; and the Vital Statistics services of birth and death records.

In 2010, non-mandated programs administered by the health district include: Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Ross County Home Health, the Southern Ohio Women's Cancer Project, Help Me Grow, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Safe Communities, Together We Can (Komen Foundation Grant), and more.

Financially, the health district is supported by a 1-mill, voter approved tax levy, and receives additional funding from fees charged and grants administered.

 

BOARD OF HEALTH

The Ross County Board of Health is comprised of eight members: four are appointed by the District Advisory Council; three by the Mayor of Chillicothe; and one by the Licensing Council. Members serve alternating five year terms and one board member must be a physician. Vacancies are filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

Each year the Board of Health elects from its membership a President and a Vice President. Additionally, members serve on committees such as Finance and Personnel.

The Ross County Board of Health meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Meetings are held in the Health District Conference Room and begin at 4:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. Any changes to the meeting schedule are posted on this Web site, and are also advertised in the local media.

Current Board membership is as follows:

  • President: Mr. Charles Halm (City) term expires Dec. 2014

  • Vice President: Mr. Gary Prater (Licensing Council appointment) term expires April 2012

  • Member: Dr. David McKell (City) term expires Dec. 2011

  • Member: Mr. George Vandemark (DAC) term expires March 2012

  • Member: Mr. Thomas Hamman (DAC) term expires March 2012

  • Member: Mr. Mike Holdren (DAC) term expires July 2014

  • Member: Mrs. Ceil Corcoran (City) term expires Jan. 2014

  • Member: Mrs. Dianna Gray (DAC) term expires March 2016

 

HEALTH COMMISSIONER

Dr. Timothy Angel has served as Ross County's Health Commissioner since November 2004. Dr. Angel holds a PhD in Biomedicine from Marshall University and has taught at the university level, at both Shawnee State and Ohio University.

The position of Health Commissioner is mandated by the Ohio Revised Code. The Health Commissioner must be a physician, nurse, veterinarian, or hold an advanced degree in an applicable field.

Dr. Angel can be reached by calling 740-779-9652.

 

DIRECTORS

Community Health: Kathy Wakefield is a Certified Nurse Practitioner and has been employed by the Health District since 1996. She is a graduate of Hocking College and Indiana University. She can be reached by calling 740-775-1146.

Environmental Health: Kelly Spindler is a Registered Sanitarian and has been employed by the Health District since 1996. She is a graduate of Wittenberg University and can be reached by calling 740-775-1158.

Home Health: Wanda Whetsel holds an A.D.N. and has been employed by the Health District since 1990. She is a graduate of Rio Grande University and can be reached by calling 740-775-1114.

Administration: Adam Dyer is Chief Financial Officer and a graduate of Ohio Northern University. He has been employed by the Health District since 2010. He can be reached at 740-779-9660.

Communications: Rami Yoakum is the Public Information Officer and Emergency Response Coordinator, and has been employed by the Health District since 2002. He is a graduate of Ohio University and can be reached by calling 740-779-1039.