LISBON — The Columbiana County Health District won’t be buying a new computer server after all since the federally-funded grant for the purchase is no longer available.

Fiscal Officer Karen Clark announced the end of the Enhanced Operations Grant during her report to the health board Wednesday night. During last month’s meeting, the board had chosen a quote of $19,683 for a new Dell server provided by the district’s contracted IT company, ECMSI, Inc. The company had secured three quotes, with the other amounts totaling $22,475 and $24,132.

According to Environmental Director and Public Information Officer Laura Fauss, the EO grant was “reimbursement style funding provided to us by the Ohio Department of Health for COVID-19 related matters associated with things such as personnel, office and medical supplies, equipment, cleaning, postage and training. The grant began in August of 2023. We were notified by the state last month that the Notices of Awards for several federal grants, including this one, had been revised with the end date changed to March 24, 2025.”

She said the funds were supposed to be available until the end of the year, but that’s no longer the case.

The total amount available for reimbursement to the county health department was $557,500 and of that, she said roughly $290,000 was left unspent as of March 24, the new cut-off date.

“Thanks to the restructuring of our department over the last several years, we operate very efficiently. When we were notified of the recent changes to our EO grant, we did have to make some minor adjustments. The foremost being the new server that we intended to purchase. Luckily, the existing server still has some useable life remaining, so we have tabled that purchase for the time being,” she wrote in an email.

Fauss added that, “On a positive note, there have been talks of a renewed interest in Chronic Disease grants/funding. Chronic Disease is a top health priority identified in our Community Health Assessment. Programs targeting chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiac disease and asthma would greatly benefit our community and we are excited for the possible opportunities that may be on the horizon to direct attention to this important matter.”

She referred to the restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the new focus on chronic diseases.

“We have a great team here; our staff work very hard and are very community focused. With this approach, we will move forward together with whatever the future may bring our way, but regardless we will continue to provide the highest quality service to our residents,” county Health Commissioner Dr. Wes Vins was quoted in the email.

In other business, Vins reported the health department has had an influx of requests for copies of birth certificates due to the upcoming Real ID deadline which falls May 7. A Real ID will be required to board domestic flights in the United States and to enter certain federal facilities.

One of the documents used to secure a Real ID at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is a birth certificate. Vins noted that the county health department can access birth certificates from all over Ohio. Residents can come to the office at 7360 state Route 45, Lisbon to request a birth certificate, which costs $27, or they can order one online on the website at www.columbiana-health.org, which can then be mailed out. The fee online will include a convenience fee besides the $27.

To learn more about Real ID, visit www.bmv.ohio.gov.

Health Services Administrator Amanda Amato reported that as of April 10, there were 20 confirmed measles cases in Ohio, with zero in Columbiana County or surrounding counties.

“We do have the vaccines available here at the health department,” she said.

Board member Dave Rose asked if anybody has called about measles vaccines and she said some people have called. The vaccines are available for both children and adults. Board Vice President Dr. Kimberly Jackson said adults can consult with their physician and have blood drawn to check on their level of immunity if they already had a shot years ago.

Amato announced some upcoming dates for events, such as the drive-up prescription drug take-back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at East Liverpool City Hospital, where residents can get rid of expired medications.

There’s a rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs from 1 to 3 p.m. May 3 at the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center by Lisbon Veterinary Clinic. The cost is $5 per shot, cash only, with no appointment needed.

Jackson noted a skin cancer screening is coming up on May 21, with Fauss saying there are two more set for later in the year.

During her report, Fauss said new state software is being provided to the environmental division which will provide some online options, including for complaints and for food inspectors to complete reports on a secure system. Board member Linda Garwood asked if that will include an option for online payments, but Fauss said not at first.

Besides approving monthly expenses and expenses over $1,000, the board granted 30-day extensions to Wind Turbines of Ohio to complete two septic system installation projects. Fauss explained the projects were delayed due to weather.

The next county health district board meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. May 21 at the state Route 45 headquarters in Lisbon.