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LISBON -- The Columbiana County Health District Board recently welcomed Misti Allison of East Palestine as a new member and said goodbye to longtime board president Shawn Apple, who decided to retire after 30 years.
Allison joined the board last month after being appointed by the Columbiana County Health District Advisory Council when Apple asked not to be reappointed. County Commissioner Tim Weigle had recommended Allison for the opening after approaching her to see if she would be interested, noting her credentials.
Allison earned a Master of Public Health, Health Services Management & Policy degree from The Ohio State University and a bachelor's degree in health sciences from Kent State University. She also has various certifications from the Insights Association, Pragmatic Institute and RIVA Training Institute.
"As a dedicated advocate for public health and a firm believer in the importance of community well-being, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to this esteemed board," she wrote in a letter of interest for the board position.
"With my educational and professional experience in healthcare, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field of public health and have actively engaged in initiatives that prioritize community health," she wrote. "I am passionate about promoting preventative measures, ensuring access to quality healthcare, and addressing health disparities within Columbiana County."
A product marketer with 15 years experience helping organizations to define and implement strategies to improve customer experience, many in the healthcare industry, she spent seven years as a market research and insights professional at the Cleveland Clinic, worked in community outreach at Susan G. Komen and worked at the American Cancer Society.
She ran for mayor of East Palestine last year and has been vocal about the issues facing residents since the East Palestine train derailment and chemical disaster on Feb. 3, 2023, testifying on a national stage and appearing on numerous news programs.
During the March meeting, board members expressed their thanks to Apple for his service and also reorganized, electing Gary Dailey as chairman/president of the board and Dr. Kimberly Jackson as Vice President. Meetings will remain at 4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month, unless there's a need to reschedule. Allison and board member Linda Garwood will serve on the personnel committee and Jackson and board member David Rose will serve on the finance committee.
The recent granting of $2 million from the federal budget to the health department for water testing remains at a standstill for now. Environmental Health Director Laura Fauss said the department is still waiting for the guidelines. Since Feb. 10, 2023, the health district has done 1,300 water samples within the designated property zones for sampling. Out of all those tests, only four exceeded levels but it was determined that none were a result of the train derailment.
During Wednesday's meeting, Weigle asked for clarification on the process to handle property splits, noting that the commissioners' office tells people to contact the health department first, but then they come to the health department and say they are told to come back to the commissioners for a form. He said forms were left at the health department because it's the first stop for approvals.
"We'll look at it again," Dr. Wes Vins, Health Commissioner, said.
He said he doesn't want the health department's process to hold up the rest of the process, adding "we want it to be successful and go smoothly."
With a recent positive rabies case in Mahoning County, Fauss reminded residents that deceased animals can still be submitted to the health department for testing, such as raccoons and other animals. Vins, though, noted the surveillance program does not include animals involved in bite incidents, which is a separate program. Residents can call the health district at 330-424-0272 with questions.
Health Services Administrator Amanda Amato reported that animal bite incidents have increased. According to the numbers, during the first quarter last year from Jan. 1 to March 31, there were 30 bite incidents. This year, there were 48 bite incidents from Jan. 1 to March 31. She suggested residents keep animals vaccinated and reported that 57 cats and dogs were vaccinated against rabies during a recent clinic by the Lisbon Veterinary Clinic.
In other business. Amato reminded residents about the drug take back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the East Liverpool City Hospital and the Salem Regional Medical Center professional building. Skin cancer screenings will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22. Residents need to call 330-424-0272 for an appointment. The screening is free for district residents and $5 for those outside of the county district.
She also reported on the Cribs for Kids program, which is funded through the Department of Job and Family Services and provides qualifying residents with a pack and play crib, an educational packet of information and access to staff members regarding the Safe Sleep program. The number of pack and play cribs given out included 63 in 2021, 153 in 2022 and 141 in 2023.
Vins recognized the good work of the staff in the program, saying "we're very pleased with the work they're doing."
In other matters, the board approved an overtime policy for work related to the East Palestine train derailment, agreeing to pay the overtime instead of continuing to have employees accumulate comp time. The board agreed to grant an extension until June 15 for John Ford of Advanced Excavating in East Liverpool to complete work for a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund contract. Ford said the weather was delaying the work on the septic system installation. The board also approved WPCLF contracts for Wind Turbines of Ohio for $40,750 and $15,000 and Colian's Multi-Service for $29,500.
A variance was granted for Rob Clark of North Jackson regarding continuing education hours and board orders were issued against John Eiler for a septic nuisance on Dillworth Road, East Liverpool.
Both Vins and Fauss talked about some of the presentations they've made regarding the department's response to the East Palestine train derailment regarding public health and water sampling.
The next meeting of the health board is set for 4:30 p.m. May 15.