×

Opioid crisis depletes health department’s Narcan

LISBON — Following many recent requests for Narcan, which is administered to those found passed out during an opiod overdose, the Columbiana County Health Department is entirely out of their doses, according to nursing director Jennifer Davis.

Additionally, Davis said to obtain more the health department is going to have to provide the state information on how many police cruisers will be carrying the drug. The health department will no longer be able to give Narcan to EMS services because, Davis said, the EMS departments can bill for the Narcan.

“We are out and we don’t know when we can get more,” Davis said, adding she has recently received requests from at least three fire departments.

The state budget was another matter discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the County General Health District Board. Health commissioner Wes Vins said while there is $4.5 million being allocated by the House’s proposed budget for health department accreditation, the Columbiana County district does not qualify for any of it. Board president Jack Amato questioned Vins about really how many rural health departments would actually be eligible.

Vins said he is uncertain, but added all the 117 health districts in Ohio are at different places in working toward accreditation and it would be good if the state would distribute the money to all of them to complete the process.

The health department board approved a contract with Veronica Rhoades to coordinate the process of reviewing and rewriting policies, which are needed for accreditation. Rhoades will allow those working at the health department to contribute to the process, without pulling them away from the regular duties often, Vins said. Rhoades will take the input she receives from health department employees, employees from the recently accredited Lorain County health department, and use this information to compile and rewrite the county policies. Rhoades will be paid $1,300 per month with no benefits.

Additionally, the House version of the budget increases the cost of birth and death records by $3, which will make them cost $30 in Columbiana County. The county department will be responsible for collecting the increase and sending the additional funds to the state.

Finally, Vins said there is a proposal to eliminate the sanitarian board, which would place control of sanitary issues in the state under the director of health. While the change would eliminate another board, Vins said it is not believed the change will save money.

In other matters:

— The board decided to change the name of the mosquito surveillance program to a vector control program. Amato pointed out ticks and the Lyme disease they spread are causing a much larger problem in Columbiana County than mosquitoes. The county has also been denied grant money for the mosquito surveillance program this year and it was determined the interns chosen at a recent meeting will not be needed.

— After receiving his master’s degree in environmental studies, Kevin Summerville was approved to be hired full-time by the board, instead of the temporary seasonal position he had been holding with the environmental department. Summerville will now make $2,990 monthly plus benefit. Additionally, the board approved the hiring of Steven L. Wiesen, a geologist with knowledge in soil and water, as the new temporary seasonal employee at a rate of $17 per hour from June 1 to Dec. 1.

— A prostate cancer screening is scheduled from 2-6 p.m. June 13 at the health department. There is no charge to be seen at the clinic, which is for residents of the General Health District, which does not include residents of East Liverpool or Salem or those living outside the county. The American Cancer Society recommends men ages 50 and older receive a prostate screening blood test each year. African-Amercian men and those with a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer should begin receiving screenings at age 45. A digital rectal exam is also recommended and can be done by your physician. Those receiving the screening must have a physician to whom the test results can be sent. To schedule an appoint call the health department at 330-424-0272.

— A safe sitter course will be offered by Akron Children’s Hospital at the health department from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 20 for boys and girls ages 11-16. The class will include information on handling minor emergencies, life-saving techniques, safety precautions and basic child care skills such as diapering and feeding. The cost is $30 and those attending the class are asked to bring a packed lunch. Call Krista at the health department at 330-424-0272, ext. 114 to register.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today