Head Start to move out of Discovery Center
The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities discussed COVID-19 vaccination efforts for both clients and staff members during their recent meeting.
“I would like to express my thanks to Mary Rutan Hospital and the Logan County Health District for arranging the distribution of this vaccine to our employees and clients,” Superintendent Saul Bauer said. “We are very fortunate to have this protection.
“Chad Ross and the staff at Mary Rutan Hospital and (Health Commissioner) Dr. (Boyd) Hoddinott and the staff at the LCHD have been crucial in making this happen. We are fortunate to live in Logan County with the support of such caring and dedicated people helping us stay informed and healthy.”
Superintendent Saul Bauer said with support from the Logan County Health District, nearly 100 percent of Logan County citizens with developmental disabilities who wanted to receive the vaccine have received their first dose, and most have received their second dose as well.
Also statewide, more than 12,700 people served by county boards of developmental disabilities have been vaccinated so far in Phase 1B. More than 80 percent of all eligible clients that wanted the vaccination in the state received their first dose as of Feb. 15, Bauer noted.
Relating to LCBDD staff vaccinations, the agency worked with Mary Rutan Hospital as of Friday, all of their employees who wanted the vaccination have received the first dose. Their second is dose scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.
Employees shared with the board that the vaccine has eased their minds and they encouraged eligible individuals to receive the vaccination.
In other business, Superintendent Bauer informed the board that he received a letter from Daniel Schwanitz, CEO/Interim CFO of Council of Rural Services, informing him that Head Start will terminate their lease with the Discovery Center, effective June 30.
Head Start has been a part of the DC for several decades and were a part of the original purpose “One Stop for Early Childhood Services” outlined in the 1999 renovation plan.
Bauer expressed his gratitude for the ongoing relationship with Head Start and the Board of DD will continue to support their mission as they move to Union Station this summer.
A Wednesday virtual meeting has been arranged with several county leaders to discuss the best way to optimize the space that will be available.
Bauer also discussed the LCBDD Needs Survey sent out last week with a previous March 8 deadline that has been extended to Wednesday, March 10. This survey is used to determine how the LCBDD is doing in the eyes of the community, clients, families, employees and stakeholders and is utilized he board’s strategic plan, he said.
The survey can be located at https://forms.gle/QJpJMj8FbEeXXHpv6.
The superintendent presented information from Special Olympics Ohio. During the past month, they had multiple conversations with the Board of Directors, SO Medical Director, the Ohio State University leadership, State Staff, and SO athletes and the Return to Play COVID Committee.
While stating that they understand that everyone wants to get back to the playing field, ultimately, they decided to follow CDC guidelines to ensure a safe return.
The evening also began with a board training, “My World My Way” using the Charting the Life Course tool to “design my idea of a good life” as stated by Ty Ferguson and Kelli Douglas Bader.
Douglas Bader explained that everyone has dreams and goals of what they want for their life and the course tools can help individuals with planning, problem solving, or working on a goal. Ferguson related that this will be different for everyone and each person is in control of their own plan.
“You are the only one that can determine what is a good life for you” she said.
In financial business, the board ended January with the general fund at 7.08 percent utilization and the Community Support Fund is 7.95 percent utilized.
Revenues in the general fund are 2.01 percent collected, while the Community Support Fund is 0 percent collected.
Year-to-date expenses in the general fund are .047 percent lower than this time last year and the revenue general fund is 36 percent higher than this time last year.
The finance committee will meet virtually on Monday, March 26 at noon. The next virtual board meeting takes place on Thursday, April 1, at 5 p.m. These meetings are open to the public. Contact Deb Morrison at (937) 292-3011 to receive the link to join the meetings.