LCHD pushing to reach 50 and under age range
New Logan County Health Commissioner Travis Irvan reported at his first Logan County District Board of Health meeting Wednesday afternoon that the agency is looking at rolling out potential vaccine incentives — such as gift cards — through funding available from the state to boost the county’s vaccination rate, especially in individuals age 50 and younger.
“We really need to kick up that vaccination rate; we need to move the needle,” he said.
“Individuals can act now to get vaccinated, and then we can enjoy a healthier time around the holidays in November and December, and leading into 2022.”
Irvan related that Logan County’s vaccination rate for ages 20 to 29 is about 24 percent, and for ages 30 to 39 is approximately 27 percent, according to the state COVID-19 dashboard.
Board members discussed potentially utilizing the available state funds to purchase gift cards to local establishments to help give back to the business community as well through this program.
The LCHD is increasing its focus on COVID-19 vaccination following the recent spike in cases in the county. From Aug. 8 to Sept. 8, a total of 739 cases were reported, including 486 confirmed cases, 252 probable cases and one suspected case.
Nursing Director Kelly Reaver and Irvan said the county is seeing very few cases of vaccinated individuals having serious illness or needing to be hospitalized.
There have been more children affected by the virus in the past month, including 52 cases in ages 1-10, and 119 cases in ages 11-20.
The age group with the highest number of cases in the last month — 129 — is for ages 21-30, according to statistics provided by the LCHD. A total of 116 cases, 103 cases and 102 cases were reported in the following age groups: 31-40, 41-50 and 51-60, respectively.
Relatively fewer cases are reported among older adults in the county during the past month, including 78 cases in the 61-70 age group, 40 cases in the age 71-80 and 19 cases in ages 81-90.
With the recent acceleration in case counts, Reaver said that she has had more recent response from area residents wanting to get their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, along with immunocompromised individuals receiving a booster vaccine.
Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics are conducted from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at the health district. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine area available
Those age 12-17 can also receive a vaccine, but must have a parent or guardian present at the time of COVID-19 vaccination and are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Individuals who are homebound may call (937) 651-6244 to arrange in-home vaccinations.
Related to his first days in the new role, Irvan said he has been enjoying learning the responsibilities and duties through outgoing Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott.
“It’s been a great eight days so far, and I’m looking forward to many more,” he said. “Dr. Hoddinott and I have really hit the ground running. I really appreciate the opportunity to work here and all of the board’s support.”
Since 2006, Irvan was an employee of the Delaware Public Health District, and previously served as a program manager and epidemiologist. The LCHD staff have gotten to know Irvan through his contracted epidemiology services provided to agency for many years.
He received his masters of public health degree from the University of Toledo.
With Irvan stepping into the new role, Dr. Hoddinott will soon be serving as the health district’s medical director on a part-time, as needed basis, effective Oct. 1. Dr. Hoddinott began his health commissioner tenure in 2000.
In other action, the board:
• recognized Laurie Monaghan, intermittent public health nurse, as the employee of the month;
• expressed appreciation to Marcella Burroughs for more than 38 years of janitorial services, with her contract ending this month
• approved a six-month janitorial services contract for Bertha Kauffman;
• approved the 2022 appropriations/budget;
• approved a renewal with the Mary Rutan Hospital Corporate Health Services agreement;
• approved the hiring of temporary outreach specialist Megan Bailey, effective Sept. 9; and
• accepted the retirement resignation of longtime employee Kim Houchin, vital statistics registrar/environmental clerk.
The next meeting is 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13.