“I am proud to say that we have caught up to the need. But our work is far from over. Our next step is making sure the healthcare system in Springfield will continue to efficiently and effectively serve everyone in this community for the long-term,” DeWine said. “We’re now in the process of securing a site for a permanent health clinic. In the coming months, we will transition from the mobile unit to this permanent clinic as we continue to supplement the existing healthcare network in Clark County.”
Clark County Health Commissioner Chris Cook confirmed that the backlogs are gone.
The mobile health clinic opened to all at the end of September as part of an effort to reduce wait times and health concerns that have come in tandem with an increased population of Haitian immigrants.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in September that ODH had brought staff to Springfield and would remain here “throughout this time of challenge.” He said priority care areas were getting people vaccinated and providing maternal, prenatal and infant care.
DeWine said that Ohio Department of Health staff have helped to register or recertify more than 600 people for Clark County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits, “to ensure families are able to receive needed supplemental nutrition services.”
Second Harvest Food Bank, with ODH’s help, has opened a baby formula bank, too. ODH is continuing to work with local organizations to increase breastfeeding rates and provide prenatal care and support.
Additionally, the department’s Children’s Vision Team, in partnership with the health department and local schools, has provided vision screenings for more than 7,600 students. It is now working on securing eyeglasses for children in need.
DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education in September awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to the Springfield City School district. Since then, the district has hired seven interpreters and gotten more than 460 translation technology devices. It is also now offering comprehensive mental health care to all students.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
About the Author
