The Logan County District Board of Health were introduced at their Wednesday afternoon meeting to a new board member and also a new medical director who will serve the Logan County Health District.
New board member Kristen Wish, who also has worked as an occupational therapist in the area since 2000, replaces Robin Price, who retired from the board last month after serving 16 years. Wish was selected by the Logan County Health District Advisory Council to fill the spot.
Dr. Nicholas Morton was extended a one-year contract to serve as the part-time medical director, effective April 1, following the retirement of Dr. Boyd Hoddinott from that role. He will work alongside Logan County Health Commissioner Travis Irvan.
Dr. Morton has been a provider at Mary Rutan Hospital OBGYN for eight years. He said he is excited to work in this new role, and will be at the health district on Wednesdays and on select times as needed throughout the month.
“I’m looking forward to helping to manage the naloxone project and vaccinations, along with assisting our nursing staff to focus on bringing back our newborn home visit program.”
COVID-19 made the home visits more difficult, but the nursing staff have been able to conduct those visits via phone call during the pandemic. However, the nurses are available to visit with mothers and their new babies in their homes once again.
“It’s a really important way that we can check on the health and well-being of our moms after delivery and connect them with resources in our community,” Dr. Morton said.
“We can meet with them in their homes or talk over the phone, however they’re most comfortable. “
Also during the meeting, Nursing Director Kelly Reaver and Irvan noted that COVID-19 cases in the county have been on fairly steady decline, with about two cases on average reported per day.
Reaver said the health district began offering individuals 50 and older and immunocompromised individuals a second COVID-19 booster shot, starting last week.
Tuesday walk-in immunization clinics are available and Thursday clinics are available by appointment.
Irvan reported that the health district’s employee of the month is sanitarian Arie Pequignot, who was recognized for his friendly and helpful demeanor when working with the public. He also is a recently published author, with a piece featured in the Ohio Journal of Environmental Health detailing the Logan County Health District’s indoor air quality initiative conducted to combat COVID-19.
Members also convened in executive session to discuss Irvan’s six-month evaluation. No action was taken after the session.
The next meeting is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the health district, 310 S. Main St.