SIDNEY — The Sidney-Shelby County Health Department (SSCHD) has been in existence and providing services to the residents of Shelby County for 103 years. Public health has changed over the years, but it has never changed its vital role serving the community in promotion of health and prevention of disease.
Health Commissioner Pamela Riggs has released the following report:
Our logo says it all for what the agency stands for and does on a daily basis: “Prevent, Promote and Protect”. Public health is one of the greatest things in which a government can invest. Early prevention, which is relatively inexpensive, can prevent dire and expensive health care problems later in life.
NursingDivision: The last few years COVID-19 tested public health agencies and those who live and work in the rural communities. Although it has been a challenge SSCHD has met the issues head on and continue to do so. Our nursing services provide many immunizations not only at the health department but out in the community. Our school nurses protect your children and provide assistance to keep our children healthy, safe and ready to learn. School nurses help student to manage chronic health conditions and may be the first to identify an illness through routine health exams.
The immunization program provides all ages with much needed vaccines to reduce and eliminate vaccine preventable diseases including the following: Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; measles, mumps, and rubella; varicella (chicken pox); polio, meningitis, pneumonia; and others.
The nursing division participates in many collaborative services with other agencies – local and state. The Nursing Division has continued throughout this trying times to offer all services/programs including the following: Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH); pass out bike helmets; car seat inspections and distribution; communicable disease control and investigations; collaborating with Dental Association in the Give Kids a Smile Day event; international travel/consultation and immunizations; newborn home visiting, Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC provides services to new mothers such as nutrition education, breastfeeding education; support and breast pump rentals.
Environmental Health Division: Environmental Health Division (EH) staff focuses on the relationships between people and their environment; promotes human health and well-being; and fosters healthy and safe communities. The Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) coordinate many different types of inspection programs and inspects a wide range of facilities for compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations. They work and enforce the rules of the Ohio Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency. They perform routine inspections of food service establishments, public swimming pools, and licensed body care establishments. EH manages the animal bite investigations/rabies program, plumbing program, solid and infectious waste program, school / correctional facilities and smoke-free workplace enforcement.
Vital Statistics Division: Vital Statistics continued its role of supporting the registration of all births and deaths occurring in Shelby County in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health. The availability of a statewide birth record database, as well as the acceptance of credit / debit cards as a source of payment, offers the public the convenience of obtaining a certified birth certificate via telephone order or in person, regardless of their Ohio County of birth. Other functions include issuance of certified death certificates, assistance with the completion of affidavits, and providing genealogy research.
In conclusion, “Public health will continue to protect you and your family in ways you might not even notice.” We are always here for you and your family. Visit us at 202 W. Poplar St., Sidney, Ohio, on the web at www.shelbycountyhealthdept.org or by phone at 937-498-7249.
