Press Release

Director of Health Visits Union County

On Wednesday, July 18^th, Ohio Department of Health Director Nick Baird, M.D., visited Union County, after an invitation from Health Commissioner Anne Davy to assist in kicking off a local campaign to make heart health a priority for employers, community leaders and residents alike.

Dr. Baird promoted Ohio’s campaign “Healthy Ohioan’s, Healthy Communities,” which is aimed at changing Ohio’s bleak statistics on cardiovascular health. Ohio ranks 45 out of 50 states for number of obese residents, 46^th for inactive residents, 47^th for number of residents who smoke and Ohio is dead last for intake of fruits and vegetables. The Executive Director of the campaign Senator Dick Schafrath accompanied Dr. Baird on his visit.

The Health Department recently received a grant through the Ohio Department of Health to conduct some targeted programming around cardiovascular disease, which will be aimed at Richwood, Byhalia, and Magnetic Springs.

Dr. Baird and Mr. Schafrath first met with Board of Health Members. They discussed local initiatives and the challenges they face in changing the behaviors that impact heart disease. They next held a ribbon cutting for the Health Department’s New Division Help Me Grow, who just opened their office on North Main Street. The group next toured the local public health facilities, talking with staff about local public health programs.

Dr. Baird and Mr. Schafrath addressed the community at the Vets Memorial Auditorium, discussing the importance of making heart health a priority for Ohio and here in Union County, closing with a group walk around Eljer Park. Those in attendance were asked to sign a pledge to bring back some specific ideas to create a more heart healthy worksite or to make some personal changes toward developing more heart healthy habits.