BUCYRUS―Crawford County Public Health honored two local organizations at its annual meeting March 5 for demonstrating a commitment to the health and welfare of the citizens of Crawford County and helping Crawford County Public Health fulfill its mission to educate, empower and improve the quality of life for the Crawford County Community.
Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent was recognized as the 2018 Public Health Partner of the Year for his efforts in supporting the distribution of naloxone to all local law enforcement officers and volunteer fire departments in Crawford County.
“It was through Sheriff Kent’s efforts that we were able to distribute doses of naloxone donated by Cardinal Health in 2018 to so many law enforcement officers in our community. Thankfully, in 2018 we had a significant drop in the number of overdose fatalities compared to 2017, and we attribute that to our local law enforcement officers arriving with the ability to administer naloxone,” said Crawford County Health Commissioner Kate Siefert. “In 2018, when law enforcement was first on the scene to administer naloxone, 84 percent of the overdose cases survived.”
As Sheriff Kent accepted the award he spoke of how some of his fellow law enforcement officers were reluctant at first to carry naloxone.
“We didn’t become law enforcement officers to administer medical care at scenes and that is how many of us initially viewed the use of naloxone – not our job. However, in our area, we are often arriving at a scene first and law enforcement officers now realize administering naloxone is one way we can help save lives.”
Bev Brause and Susan Groves, representing IUE-CWA Local 704 from GE, were recognized as the 2018 Public Health Donor of the Year for their donation to the Help Me Grow division of Crawford County Public Health.
As Kate Siefert handed them their award she explained, “For years, the union employees at GE have worked hard to raise funds to support local organizations. We are very fortunate to be just one of the local agencies they donate to after spending many hours organizing events and fundraisers so they can give back to our community. The funds they donate to our Help Me Grow division allows our agency to purchase needed safety items, diapers, and other necessities that help ensure families have what they need.”
Bev Brause spoke of how proud she is of her local union sisters and brothers that come together to raise money for the community.
“Our biggest fundraiser is our annual hog roast and raffle held the first Saturday in November in which all proceeds go to local charities,” said Brause.
The annual meeting was well attended with representatives from 13 Townships, the Villages of Crestline, New Washington and Tiro, the City of Bucyrus, the Crawford County Commissioners’ office, the Crawford County Prosecutor’s office, Treasurer’s office, Auditor’s office, Emergency Management Agency and the Sheriff’s Office.
The voting representatives filled two Board of Health member seats. Dean Sipe was re-elected to serve a second five-year term and Dr. Stephen Novack was elected for a five-year term. Charma Schifer was elected to be the Food Services Program Representative on the Licensing Council.
Blythe Buurma, staff sanitarian at Crawford County Public Health provided a presentation on the newly adopted Operation and Maintenance program that will affect all homes utilizing a household sewage treatment system.
Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall concluded the meeting with a review of public nuisance enforcement procedures and provided example documentation for townships to utilize when declaring a property a public nuisance.
The Crawford County Public Health 2018 Annual Report was distributed for review. The complete 2018 Annual Report can be viewed by the public on the Public Health’s website or can be requested by calling (419)562-5871.