Health News and Event Calendar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/26/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds everyone that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Halloween poses an especially dangerous threat to pedestrians, as this year’s holiday falls on a Saturday and more people are out at night. If your night involves alcohol, plan for a sober ride home. Remember: it is never safe to drink and drive. Between 2014 and 2018, there were 145 drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night. According to NHTSA, 41 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night from 2014 to 2018 were in crashes involving a drunk driver. Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (39%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2018. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/13/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition reports four crash fatalities in the county during the third quarter of 2020 (July 1st to September 30th). Of the four fatal crashes, two involved the driver and/or passenger not utilizing safety equipment (seat belts). During this same time frame last year, there were ten reported fatal crashes. This is a decrease of six crashes. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/12/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is offering flu vaccines to children and adults in Licking County. Children age six months and older and all adults should receive a yearly flu vaccination. Get a flu vaccination by walking-in to LCHD's Clinic, located at 675 Price Road in Newark, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment required. Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. Roll your sleeve up and help protect Licking County by getting your flu vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death and can help save medical resources this fall and winter. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/30/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is participating in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24 from 10 am to 2 pm at Walgreens on N. 21st Street in Newark and CVS on E. Broad Street in Pataskala. This year's event is in partnership with the Newark Police Department, Licking County Sheriff's Office and support from Mental Health and Recovery of Licking and Knox Counties. Take advantage of a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs during Rx Collect Drug Take-Back Day. This year's event will be held at two NEW locations: -Walgreens: 1425 North 21st Street in Newark -CVS Pharmacy: 8910 E Broad Street SW Pataskala On Saturday, October 24, from 10 am to 2 pm, visit one of our take-back locations with your unused or expired prescription drugs in a clear, plastic bag for safe disposal. No questions are asked, and confidentiality remains a priority. For COVID prevention safety, please drive through the location and hand the medication to our professionals for disposal and remain in your vehicle. In addition, we ask that participants wear a mask when dropping off medication for disposal. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/10/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) invites you to participate in our 13th annual Pink Strides for Breast Cancer Awareness Walk - virtually - on Saturday, October 17! Register for 2020's Pink Strides 1-mile walk for Breast Cancer and support Licking County's Screening and Survivor Support (SASS) program. SASS helps provide financial and social support to those affected by breast cancer and helps individuals receive necessary breast health screenings. Registration: General Ticket ($20) includes a t-shirt and a raffle entry! Survivor Ticket ($15) includes a t-shirt, survivor pin, and a raffle entry! All proceeds stay local and go towards supporting the Licking County Screening and Survivor Support (SASS) program. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/27/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) and Licking County Safe Communities Coalition, through support from State Farm®, is challenging Licking County high school students to create a public service announcement (PSA) billboard to educate their peers about teen driver safety. The winning design will be displayed on a local billboard and the creator will be awarded $500. Motor-vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness leading up to National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18 through 24. The contest requires students to create their own billboard design with a PSA for teen driver safety and includes one of the following areas of teen driver safety: seat belts, distracted driving, speed, and peer pressure. The billboard design can be created using whatever media they are most comfortable with, including graphic design, drawing, painting, photography, etc. When using facts and statistics, students should use credible sources (i.e. teendriversource.org, safecar.gov), or through their own research. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/25/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) invites you to wear purple in support of International Drug Overdose Awareness Day on Monday August 31, 2020. International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. From January 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020, Licking County has had 18 overdose fatalities. Show your community support by posting a photo of you, your family, your friends, or your business wearing purple on social media by using the hashtag #PurpleLCfightingOD. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/21/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is now providing new data in our daily COVID-19 report listed on our website and our social media channels and is reporting more localized data in the Licking County Health Jurisdiction to better focus on our residents. LCHD has transitioned from reporting Ohio Department of Health's (ODH) county-wide boundary data to Licking County Health Jurisdiction data. This updated way of reporting the local Licking County Health Jurisdiction data will better focus on the Licking County residents whom we serve at LCHD. Licking County Health Jurisdiction vs. Ohio Department of Health’s County-wide Reporting ODH's COVID-19 Dashboard reports cases by county boundaries and not by health jurisdiction boundaries. Portions of Licking County are served by Franklin County Public Health based on tax jurisdiction and contractual agreements, including portions of Reynoldsburg and New Albany. If a resident would test positive for COVID-19 in one of these areas, then the public health department in Franklin County would manage that case, even if they reside in Licking County. New Classification: Closed LCHD has added a new classification of COVID-19 cases, named “Closed.” Cases of individuals with COVID-19 who LCHD is unable to contact after numerous attempts, and 30 days past diagnosis are put into the "Closed" category. Since our staff members are unable to verify these cases are recovered, they cannot be classified as “recovered.” Being classified as a “closed” case removes them from the "active" category. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/17/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – This time of year and during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will join Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition to spread the word about the dangers of impaired driving and work together to get drunk drivers off the road. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from August 19 through September 7, 2020. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased state and national messages about the dangers of drunk driving, coupled with law enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways. Sadly, the statistics prove that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. During 2019 in Licking County, 46 percent of all fatal crashes involved a driver impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. From January to July of 2020 in Licking County, 60 percent of all fatal crashes involved impairment. In fact, since 2017, Licking County has had 77 crashes involving an impaired driver. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/17/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Monday, August 17: Village of Granville and Park trails Subdivision; Wednesday, August 19: Village of Alexandria; Thursday, August 20: Buckeye Lake KOA and Kirkersville. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/11/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes Wednesday, August 12: Village of Alexandria; Thursday, August 13: Buckeye Lake KOA, Kirkersville, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/27/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes Monday, July 27: Etna (Jardin Manor, Cumberland Trails, Mayflower, Russel Heights, Royal Acres, Cumberland Crossing and Ballman Road); Wednesday, July 29: Village of Granville, Village of Alexandria; Thursday, July 30: Buckeye Lake KOA, Kirkersville, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/23/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) has been working to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities in Licking County receive the safest care and public health protection possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, long term care populations like assisted living facilities and nursing homes are one of the most vulnerable to the virus, and unfortunately, outbreaks do occur frequently in these environments. Newark Care and Rehabilitation Center, located on McMillen Drive in Newark, reported such an outbreak to LCHD and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) beginning July 1, 2020. As of Wednesday, July 22, LCHD and ODH are reporting 59 residents at Newark Care and Rehabilitation Center who are actively ill and testing positive for COVID-19 (this includes confirmed, suspected, and probable cases of the virus). In addition, 32 employees of the facility have tested positive for COVID-19 (also including confirmed, suspected, and probable cases reported to ODH). Sadly, 11 residents have died as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Please note that not all of these COVID-19 deaths have been accounted for on the daily ODH report as of today. LCHD has provided Newark Care and Rehabilitation’s administrative team with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health. Additionally, LCHD has provided the facility with personal protection equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing supplies. Newark Care and Rehabilitation Center staff are continuing to work to make sure the facility’s staff and residents are properly protected, including meeting their crucial PPE needs. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/21/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, July 21: Newark: Derby Downs, Hudson, Little Texas, Park Trails, and the Buckeye Avenue Area; Wednesday, July 22: Village of Alexandria; Thursday, July 23: Buckeye Lake KOA and Kirkersville. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/16/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Today, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced that Licking County has been upgraded to a Level Three ("Red") category on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System. The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) has been tracking an increase in COVID-19 cases in the county over the past month. These alert levels are based off new cases per capita, sustained increase in new cases for at least five days, proportion of cases not in a congregate setting, sustained increase in emergency room visits, sustained increase in outpatient visits, sustained increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, and intensive care unit bed occupancy percentage. A Level Three ("Red") classification means there is severe exposure and spread in the county. Citizens should limit their activities as much as possible. They should continue to follow all standard precautions and health orders. Face coverings are mandated by Governor DeWine in all counties ranked at Level Three ("Red") and Level Four ("Purple") in the Ohio Public Health Advisory Alerting System. The requirement to wear a facial covering shall continue for a county identified in the Order until that county no longer is designated at Level Three ("Red") or Level Four ("Purple"). More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/14/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition reports eight crash fatalities in the county during the second quarter of 2020 (April 1st to June 30th). Of the eight fatalities in the first quarter, four involved a motorist impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Also, five fatalities also involved the drivers and/or passengers not utilizing safety equipment (seat belts or motorcycle helmets). During this same time frame last year, there were also eight reported fatal crashes. “Though we are seeing a decrease in traffic fatalities in 2020, a troubling development is the frequency of drivers driving reckless or impaired,” said Jon Kraus, Safe Communities Coordinator at LCHD. So far during 2020 in Licking County, six out of the seven total fatalities occurred in crashes involving a driver impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. Similarly, six out of the seven fatalities also involved the drivers/passengers not wearing their seat belts or motorcycle helmets. “It’s vital people understand the danger they put themselves in when they drive intoxicated by alcohol and/or drugs. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs reduce the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. You simply cannot drive safely if you are impaired. Though many of us are staying safe and staying home, you cannot forget that you must have a sober driver for the times you go out no matter what you are doing or where you are going. You can designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a ride sharing service, or many other options. Do not put yourself and others at risk because you make the wrong decision to drive impaired,” concluded Kraus. The Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement will continue efforts to decrease fatalities by reminding everyone to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and to Click It or Ticket. Although simple, these initiatives act as reminders for drivers to make smart decisions and that alcohol is not the only substance that can impact driving. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/13/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Monday, July 13: Harrison Township, Wednesday, July 15: Village of Alexandria, Thursday, July 16: Buckeye Lake KOA, Kirkersville, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/10/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Today, the Licking County Health Department (LCHD) published a new COVID-19 Epidemiology Report on our website. The report breaks down data for active COVID-19 cases by city/village and zip code for both the last 30 days and the last 7 days (as of today, July 10). It also explains the difference between COVID cases reported in Licking County Health's jurisdiction as compared to county-wide reported cases (as reported by ODH). The report has data and numbers on hospitalizations, deaths, and recovered cases. It also includes data about contact tracing - including how many individuals are isolated, quarantined, and tested negative in Licking County. In order to develop this epidemiological report, we made it a point to listen to what information and data Licking County residents wanted to know most about COVID-19 in our community. The report will be updated weekly. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/07/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is closely following the guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and the Governor’s Office in regard to safety recommendations related to COVID-19. While LCHD historically offers our Change Gears | Ride a Bike event each summer to Licking County residents, this year we are modifying the event by addressing the needs of our community while understanding the risk of virus transmission. On Saturday, July 25, the Licking County Health Department (LCHD) invites Licking County residents to our modified Change Gears | Ride a Bike event! We encourage Licking Countians to get outside and use the bicycle paths on Saturday, July 25 as an open ride, so you may choose your own distance and pace. Check-in virtually anytime by posting a selfie on social media and using the hashtag #ChangeGears2020. Those who participate with a photo and hashtag on Saturday, July 25 will be entered into a raffle with the chance to win free bicycle accessories. Winners will be announced via social media on July 29. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/01/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – This Independence Day, Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) want to remind drivers to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Make sure you celebrate the birth of our nation safely. If you are under the influence of any substance and you choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you put everyone in a vehicle on the road in danger, including yourself. During the Fourth of July holiday, make sure you plan for a safe weekend. According to NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, drunk driving accounted for 29 percent (10,511) of motor vehicle traffic crash deaths in 2018. With Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more vehicles will be on the road at night. In 2018 alone, 193 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period. Forty percent (78) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. This compares to 2017 when 38 percent of the July 4 holiday period fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/30/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, June 30: Village of Alexandria, Etna (Zellers, Pepper Tree, Orchard Glen, Cumberland Trails/Crossing); Wednesday, July 1: Pataskala; Thursday, July 2: Granville Village, Buckeye Lake KOA, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park, Green Meadows Mobile Home Park, and Kirkersville. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/23/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) has expanded Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing to include all Licking County residents regardless of being symptomatic or asymptomatic. LCHD is offering a weekly drive-through testing clinic at an off-site location beginning this Thursday, June 25 and continuing each Thursday thereafter. To reserve a time slot for the clinic, residents must call LCHD at (740) 349-6535. LCHD public health nurses will administer a COVID-19 nasal swab test to any-aged Licking County resident while they remain in their vehicles. LCHD will call patients with test results within 2-3 days. For individuals who are confirmed as a positive COVID-19 case, LCHD’s public health workers will begin contact tracing and determining close contacts of the individual. COVID-19 tests offered by LCHD are free, however clinic attendees will be required to download and complete our form prior to testing and bring it along with a photo ID and their insurance card to the clinic appointment. Completing and printing the form prior to attending the clinic will assist with making the testing process quicker. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/22/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Wednesday, June 24: Village of Alexandria; Thursday, June 25: Buckeye Lake KOA and Kirkersville. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/15/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Monday, June 15: Buckeye Lake KOA, Wednesday, June 17: Village of Alexandria, Thursday, June 18: Buckeye Lake KOA, Kirkersville, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/10/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Go BIG, donate now! The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is a local, non-profit participant in The Big Give donation rally hosted by The Columbus Foundation. Donate to LCHD now through tomorrow (Thursday, June 11) at 11:00 am and your gift will be amplified! During this 25-hour online giving event, your donation to LCHD will be boosted, thanks to a $1.5 million+ Bonus Pool provided by The Columbus Foundation and corporate and community partners, the largest in Big Give history! Further, all credit card fees will be covered by the Foundation, so 100 percent of your donations go to LCHD. Click HERE to help us prevent disease, protect the environment, and promote healthy lifestyles in Licking County. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/09/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is now offering Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing to Licking County residents who are exhibiting symptoms and meet Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) priority group 1 or 2 (more guidance below). Testing will be administered in a “drive-through” style by LCHD public health nurses at an off-site location this Friday, June 12. Residents may call (740) 349-6535 to determine if testing is appropriate and reserve a time slot. There is no cost for COVID-19 tests offered by LCHD. Licking County Health Commissioner Chad Brown says, “LCHD continues advocating to open testing priorities to all county residents but was recently informed that the ODH lab does not have the capacity to meet the testing demand at this time. We are hopeful that we will be able to offer testing to additional priority groups soon." More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/08/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Monday, June 8: Buckeye Lake KOA, Tamarack Rd in Newark, Village of Granville, Granville Township; Tuesday, June 9: Harrison Township; Wednesday, June 10: Alexandria; Thursday, June 11: Etna, Buckeye Lake KOA. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/22/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announce that Ohio businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding on March 20-22, 2020 can apply for low-interest disaster loans. The loans were made available in response to a letter from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on May 21, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Licking County and the adjacent counties of Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Muskingum and Perry in Ohio. Survivors should contact SBA Customer Service Representatives at (571) 422-1925, (571) 422-6016 or (404) 909-1535 to schedule a virtual appointment for immediate one-on-one assistance in completing their Electronic Loan Application (ELA). In addition, requests for SBA disaster loan program information may be obtained by emailing FOCE-Help@sba.gov. These services are only available for the Ohio disaster declaration as a result of the Severe Storms and Flooding on March 20-22, 2020, and not for COVID-19 related assistance. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 20, 2020. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 22, 2021. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/14/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Thanks to a partnership between the Licking County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) Program, the Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS), the City of Newark, and the Canal Market District (CMD), two new crosswalks have been added on 2nd and 3rd Street at the Canal Market District in downtown Newark. The two new crosswalks create a safe and visible point for crossing and accessing the market along with other nearby attractions. Easy access to healthy foods is essential in helping people choose healthier options for both eating and transportation. The Canal Market District is located at 36 E. Canal Street, Newark with operating hours of 4:00-7:00pm Tuesday & Friday. Fridays: May – October, Tuesdays: June-September. See CMD's Facebook page or website to see what items are available at the market and to follow their social distancing guidelines. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/01/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Today, the Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is reporting 118 positive test results for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Licking County, in addition, 3 patients are classified as probable* COVID-19 cases. Of this data, 81 individuals are classified as recovered**. There are 5 reported COVID-19 deaths*** in Licking County. Today, Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health's "Stay Safe Ohio Order" will replace the previous "Stay at Home" order, which expires at 11:59 p.m. tonight. The Ohio Department of Health’s new order was posted to the state's website, laying out the extended requirements and restrictions. This order incorporates the openings of businesses and services announced as part of the Responsible RestartOhio plan. Ohio Department of Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton has issued the updated "Stay Safe Ohio" order that reopens businesses, with exceptions, and continues a stay healthy and safe at home order. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/24/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) continues to partner with Licking County schools during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to best protect their students, staff members, and community members. This includes providing support to school leaders regarding their upcoming graduation ceremonies. Based on guidance issued by the Ohio Department of Education, and in the interest of protecting public health, LCHD recommends that all 2020 graduation ceremonies be conducted virtually. LCHD does not advise schools to hold in-person graduation ceremonies, virtual events will reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus among students and attendees. In addition, an in-person ceremony would violate the current Stay-at-Home order issued by Ohio Department of Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton. LCHD understands the importance of graduation ceremonies and realizes that the recommendation to hold ceremonies virtually rather than in-person could be disappointing to many Licking County students and their families. However, it is important to continue implementing proper social distancing measures to limit the number of people exposed to the virus. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/23/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is not able to offer a local National Drug Take Back Day event, which was originally scheduled for this Saturday, April 25. While LCHD will not be hosting the event in order to comply with the Stay-at-Home Order to keep Licking County residents healthy, alternative methods are available for those who would still like to dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted medications. The locations of permanent drop box locations across Licking County are listed below for use when the Stay-at-Home order is lifted. Meanwhile, to safely throw away medications at home, please follow the MEDS Method. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/14/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is complying with Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton's order to report Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases as either confirmed or probable. Beginning today, LCHD is reporting the number of individuals classified as probable COVID-19 cases. This is in addition to LCHD’s previous report which includes the number of individuals confirmed as COVID-19 cases, the number of individuals who have recovered from a COVID-19 diagnosis, and the number of deaths from COVID-19 in Licking County. To be classified as a confirmed case, an individual must have a confirmed laboratory test result. To be classified as a probable case, a patient must present with at least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, new smell and taste disorder(s). Or the patient presents with at least one of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Or the patient presents with severe respiratory illness with at least one of the following: evidence of pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Probable cases must have any other likely alternative diagnosis ruled out prior to reporting them to LCHD. All probable cases of COVID-19 are reported to the Licking County Health Department within 24 hours of the diagnosis. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/13/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition reports two crash fatalities in Licking County during the first quarter of 2020, January 1 to March 31. Of the two fatalities in the first quarter, one involved a driver not wearing their seatbelt and both crashes involved a motorist suspected of being impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. During this same time frame last year, there were six reported fatal crashes. This is a decrease of four fatalities. “A recent concern for Licking County is the occurrence of crashes involving a driver that is impaired,” said Jon Kraus, Safe Communities Coordinator at LCHD. In just the last six months in Licking County, four out of the six total fatalities occurred in crashes involving a driver impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. In one case, a driver impaired by marijuana was at fault for a crash that killed both the driver and their passenger. “It’s vital people understand that alcohol is not the only substance that causes you to drive impaired. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds that alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs impair the ability to drive because they slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times. No matter what you are doing, make sure you have a sober ride home from wherever you are. You can designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a ride sharing service, or many other options. Do not put yourself and others at risk because you make the wrong decision to drive impaired,” concluded Kraus. The Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement will continue efforts to decrease fatalities by reminding everyone to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and that If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Although simple, these initiatives act as reminders for drivers to make smart decisions and that alcohol is not the only substance that can impact driving. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/10/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – This week, April 6 though 12, The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) was pleased to promote National Public Health Week! Licking County Health Commissioner Joe Ebel, says, "During events like a pandemic, the importance of public health becomes obvious. Public health workers are always at work behind the scenes to prevent disease, protect the environment, and promote healthy lifestyle. Public Health Week is an opportunity to recognize the important work of these dedicated public health professionals." As everyone’s mind is especially focused on public health's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are highlighting LCHD employees who are going outside of their normal job duties to respond to COVID-19 in Licking County Help us recognize the contributions of our public health workers in Licking County in everyday public health response... and during our COVID response! More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/06/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic has exceeded the supply available to first responders. The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is asking for personal protective equipment (PPE) to distribute to Licking County First Responders to protect them as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. LCHD is specifically accepting unopened medical-grade masks such as N95 and surgical masks. LCHD is also accepting medical-grade gowns and Tyvek suits during the PPE Drive. Community members making donations are encouraged to drop off donations to the Licking County Health Department on Friday, April 10 from 8 am to 3 pm located at 675 Price Rd. in Newark. If you are unable to donate during that window of time, please call (740) 349-6535 to arrange a better time for drop-off. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/03/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) reports the first death of a Licking County resident who had tested positive for COVID-19. The patient was a man, 81 years old, and had underlying health conditions. Any personal or identifiable information will not be released about the patient to respect his family’s privacy. A patient's family may elect to self-identify via social media or otherwise, however, LCHD will still refer to that person, or case, as one case in our aggregate total of cases. Today, LCHD confirms 43 total COVID-19 cases in Licking County, of which 1 is a fatality. Those affected include 20 men and 23 women, range in age from 15 to 82, and a cumulative number of eight hospitalizations. Updated COVID-19 numbers in Licking County can be found daily at 2 pm on the health department’s website. LICKING COUNTY HEALTH COMMISSIONER, JOE EBEL: “On behalf of the entire county, we express our deepest sympathies for the family and friends of the patient who died,” said Licking County Health Commissioner, Joe Ebel. “Our thoughts go out to the Licking County community, as well as families of everyone affected by this pandemic.” More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/25/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is reporting a total of five positive test results for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Licking County residents. The new confirmed cases include a 30-year-old female, a 51-year-old female and a 19-year-old female. LCHD previously reported two cases; a 27-year-old female, and a 58-year-old female. The health department is continuing to conduct contact tracing to identify individuals who may have had a prolong close contact with these confirmed cases. If determined to be a close contact, LCHD is ordering a 14-day quarantine from the date of last exposure and asking those contacts to monitor their temperature and report any symptoms to the health department. To protect the privacy of these individuals during this time of illness, LCHD will not be releasing any additional demographic information related to these cases, or anyone determined to be close contacts. There are 564 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 8 reported deaths (as of Tuesday, March 24). Licking County now reports five confirmed cases of COVID-19. LICKING COUNTY HEALTH COMMISSIONER, JOE EBEL: "The Licking County Health Department received three additional reports of COVID-19 positive test results in the past 24 hours. This brings the total lab confirmed case count to five. The confirmed cases are just the tip of the iceberg. Because of the limited testing availability and with many people only having mild illness, there are a lot of infected individuals that are never tested. The cases are from across the county, and everyone should assume that there is community spread of the virus throughout the state." More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/24/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is reporting the second positive test result for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a Licking County resident. The individual is a 58-year-old female. LCHD is investigating the case and is contacting anyone who was in close contact with the individual who needs to take action. To protect the privacy of the individual during this time of illness, LCHD will not be releasing any additional demographic information related to this case. LCHD infectious disease staff are following our department's infectious disease investigation guidelines. They are regularly communicating with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) as well as our other public health partners in the county to work as efficiently as possible to handle each case and their close contacts. LCHD staff has prepared for a pandemic through our Public Health Emergency Preparedness program. There are 442 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 6 reported deaths (as of Monday, March 23). Licking County now reports 2 confirmed cases of COVID-19. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/20/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is reporting the first positive test result for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a Licking County resident. The individual is a 27-year-old female. LCHD is investigating if this case is considered community spread. LCHD Health Commissioner, Joe Ebel wants to emphasize, “We will not be releasing any additional demographic information relating to this case. We want to protect the privacy of the individual during this time of illness. LCHD is contacting anyone who was in close contact with the individual and needs to take action.” LCHD infectious disease staff are following our department's infectious disease investigation guidelines.They are regularly communicating with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) as well as our other public health partners in the county to work as efficiently as possible to handle each case and their close contacts. LCHD staff has prepared for a pandemic such as this though our Public Health Emergency Preparedness program. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/16/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – At this time, Licking County Health Department (LCHD) officials state there are no confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Licking County. Information and guidance is changing rapidly, and LCHD is committed to keeping our residents safe and informed. ACCESSING HEALTH DEPARTMENT SERVICES LCHD is amending its programs and delivery of services to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the community and to protect the health of our employees. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/10/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) understands that novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an issue of concern nationally, internationally, and locally. Monday, the Ohio Department of Health announced that three cases of COVID-10 have been confirmed in Cuyahoga County. Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in Ohio to address the public-health crisis. These three cases are a couple and an individual in their 50s from who had contact with infected individuals while traveling outside of Ohio. There has been no confirmed community spread of COVID-19 in Ohio at this time. LCHD officials report that no one in Licking County is testing positive for COVID-19. In addition, LCHD currently has no cases of a person under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19. Information and guidance is changing rapidly, and LCHD is committed to keeping our residents safe and informed. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/09/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Register now to join the Licking County Health Department's Wellness Coalition for their annual Worksite Wellness Workshop on Friday, April 17, 2020 at RevLocal in Granville. The event welcomes human resources administrators, worksite wellness coordinators and wellness committee members to learn ways to jump start a wellness initiative or improve an existing wellness program. The workshop allows time to network and learn from other Licking County businesses. More...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/27/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) understands that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an issue of concern nationally, internationally, and locally. Our mission is to prevent disease, protect the environment, and promote healthy lifestyles for those who work, live, or play in Licking County. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 212 people who have arrived in Ohio from China are under public health supervision. These individuals have been asked to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days to prevent the potential spread of the new coronavirus. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, and currently the disease poses a very low risk to county residents. LCHD officials report that no one in Licking County is currently showing symptoms of COVID-19. LCHD currently has no cases of a person under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19. LCHD is notified by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) of anyone returning from China who lives in Licking County. Individuals returning from China are considered “travelers” and are under public health supervision and asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. As with other local health departments around the state, we have been notified of some returning travelers to our community. These individuals have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. We have been working closely with these individuals to ensure that they understand the parameters of self-quarantine and have reiterated them as recently as this morning. We will continue to stay in touch with them daily to ensure they follow our guidance. Our daily touch points will include phone calls, home visits and daily temperature monitoring. We will not be sharing information about individuals under public health supervision or under voluntary quarantine for COVID-19 in Licking County. These individuals are not showing any symptoms and are not under investigation. As is our normal practice when we monitor situations of infectious disease in the community, information will be shared as is necessary to protect the public while balancing individual privacy. As with other diseases, we do not routinely share suspected case information until it is confirmed. The same will be done with COVID-19. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/13/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force announces the opening multiple overnight warming centers this week in preparation for extremely cold temperatures. Anyone who is seeking a place to get out of the cold is welcome at any of the following offerings: The Disciple Factory Warming Center begins at 5 pm Thursday (02/13/20) and is also offered overnight Friday (02/14/20) through 8 am Saturday morning. The Disciple Factory is located at 50 S. 30th Street in Newark. The Salvation Army is offering a free dinner at 5:30 pm on Friday (02/14/20) and opening a warming center after dinner at 6:30 pm through 9 am Saturday morning. The Salvation Army is located at 250 E. Main Street in Newark. Transportation: Those in need of transportation to either warming center location can call 211 to arrange pick-up. Current pick-up sites are located at the East side of the Courthouse Square, the Newark Library, Vertical 196, and the corner of Baker Blvd and N. 21 Street. More...

The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is included in a partnership between local agencies and organizations known as the Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force. The task force aims to coordinate and establish warming centers in Licking County for individuals who are in need of a warm and safe place to temporarily shelter on extremely cold nights during the winter. The Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force is offering community members a training course on Wednesday, February 12, for those interested in volunteering at warming centers during Licking County’s cold season. Volunteers are encouraged to attend the training course at the Salvation Army, located at 250 E. Main St. in Newark, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The Volunteer Training Course will educate volunteers on what to expect at a warming center and their potential roles and responsibilities along topics covering cold weather awareness, basic shelter operations and communicating with the homeless population. More...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/30/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of drunk driving. Super Bowl LIV is on Sunday, February 2, 2020. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers with non-alcoholic drinks and plenty of food. We want to remind everyone that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. “Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community to plan safe rides home if they plan to be out at a party,” said Jon Kraus, LCHD’s Safe Communities Coordinator. “Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. Even one drink can be one too many.” More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/29/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Beginning mid-February, the Licking County Health Department (LCHD) in partnership with the Licking County Community Health Improvement Committee will begin a survey of Licking County residents as part of its Community Health Assessment process. LCHD is working closely with the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio (HCNO) and researchers at the University of Toledo (Ohio) to conduct the survey. Over the next year, 2,000 Licking County residents will be randomly selected to participate in a mailed survey for the Community Health Assessment. Residents of Licking County who are randomly selected are urged to complete and return the survey. The survey was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is the world’s largest ongoing survey, being in use since 1984. The anonymous survey asks participants to answer questions about general health, risk and protective health factors, and access to health care. These answers will create a snapshot of the health of Licking County residents. The results will guide many public and private agencies in their program planning over the next several years by identifying key health problems. The final community health assessment report will be published in 2021 and the results will be used to prioritize needs and update the county's community health improvement plan. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/22/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department's (LCHD) Board of Health has named Kay Spergel, Executive Director of Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties (MHRLK) as the 2019 Public Health Guardian Award recipient. The award recognizes an individual, agency or program that has made a significant contribution to the promotion and protection of public health in Licking County. “Kay is a strong public health partner who supports programs and participates on local boards that seek to improve health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” said Joe Ebel, Licking County Health Commissioner. M. Kathryn Spergel (Kay), LISW-S has forty years of public behavioral health care experience including expertise in administration and management; public policy development; evaluation and outcomes management; grant management; community collaborations and planning; program development; education and training; and clinical direction and supervision. She has served as the Executive Director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board for Licking and Knox Counties since 2012 and has been with the Board since 2005. Ms. Spergel has clinical expertise in working with crisis and trauma, special need populations including forensic, homelessness, and high risk; providing mental health and addiction treatment and prevention; and advocacy. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Wittenberg University, her Master of Arts in Social Services Administration from the University of Chicago and Masters of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/17/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) encourages participation in Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District's (LCSWCD) River Round Up Poster Contest. The deadline for submission is February 21, 2020 and the winning individual receives $100 cash with an additional $500 in scholarship money! The River Round Up Poster Contest is open to all school-aged youth in primary, secondary schools (public, private, and home school; K-12) or school-aged youth living in Licking County. Posters should reflect water pollution awareness and encourage volunteer participation in the River Round Up. Prizes will be awarded to students and their respective schools. The winning individual will receive $100 in prize money and winner’s school will receive a $500 scholarship to use for advancing science and art programs. Up to two honorable mentions will receive $50 in prize money and a $250 scholarship each for their school. The grand prize also includes having the winning poster used as the primary electronic marketing picture for the 2020 River Round Up. Entries will be displayed on the River Round Up Facebook page. Winning posters will be displayed at a River Round Up registration sites on Saturday, September 12, 2020. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/14/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition reported 29 total crash fatalities in the county in 2019, an increase of eight compared to 2018’s 21. More specifically, there were four crash fatalities in the county during the fourth quarter of 2019, October 1st to December 31st. Of the four fatalities in the fourth quarter, three were drivers and/or passengers not wearing their seatbelt, and another involved a motorist suspected of being impaired by drugs. During this same time frame last year, there were eight reported fatal crashes. “A recent concern for Licking County is the occurrence of crashes involving a driver or passenger who were not wearing their seat belts,” said Jon Kraus, Safe Communities Coordinator at LCHD. In just the last six months, nine out of the thirteen total fatal crashes (motorcycle crashes excluded) involved motorists who were not wearing a seat belt. In one case, both the driver and passenger were not wearing their seat belt and both passed away. “It’s vital people understand that buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/13/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) reminds Licking County residents to test their homes for radon – it’s easy, inexpensive and could prevent you and your family from the dangerous health risks associated with high levels of radon. Licking County historically has the highest radon levels in Ohio. Tests performed by Licking County homeowners indicated nearly three out of four homes have radon levels above the recommended action level. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can not be detected by sight, smell or taste. Because radon is a gas, it can easily drift upward through the ground to the Earth’s surface – and could enter the lowest level of a building. Exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. Though harmful, radon is relatively easy to control. Testing is the only way to find out if radon is in your home. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) estimates that one-half of Ohio homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level of 4 picoCuries/liter (4 pCi/l) of air. To request a free radon testing kit from the Licking County Health Department through ODH's Radon Program, visit www.lickingcohealth.org or call (740) 349-6496. Alternatively, you may purchase a low-cost ($10 to $25) radon test kit from a local home improvement store. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/09/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) recognizes January as National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer screening can stop cancer before it starts. A cervical screening test lasts five minutes, whereas the impact of cervical cancer lasts a lifetime. It is recommended through BCCP (Breast and Cervical Cancer Project) guidelines that women ages 21 and over get a cervical screening every three years. Cervical cancer is preventable if pre-cancerous cell changes are detected and treated early. Regular cervical tests may detect potential problems before they progress. Factors that may raise the risk of developing cervical cancer include having the HPV virus, smoking tobacco, long-term use of birth control, having given birth to three or more children, and having HIV. Licking County women can contact the Health Department’s BCCP program to learn if they may be eligible for the program’s cervical cancer screening services by calling (866) 418-4963. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/07/2020 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – What is your New Year’s resolution? The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Break Free From Nicotine program can help you quit tobacco and nicotine products for good with the help of counseling and nicotine replacement therapies. Tobacco cessation services are free to everyone, either billed through insurance or through free programs. To ensure your success, we use evidence-based techniques and coordinate with other quit smoking programs to ensure you access the best program for you. How Does It Work? Tobacco users can contact LCHD or call (740) 755-4532 to be connected to the program coordinator. After completing a quick assessment, individuals will be referred to the program that is convenient, accessible, and fits their needs. More...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/19/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – This holiday season, Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. The Coalition would like to remind everyone the importance of planning a sober ride home before heading out to enjoy the holiday festivities and on your way to seasonal travel destinations. This holiday season, and every day, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. “The holidays are a special time for every community, and it’s more important than ever for us to stress the importance of safe driving habits,” said Jon Kraus, LCHD’s Safe Communities Coordinator. “We know everyone is rushing around, finishing those last-minute errands and attending various holiday parties. Before you even head out to the door, make sure you plan a sober ride home. Driving drunk should never be an option. Help us spread the message: Even one drink is one drink too many. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” According to NHTSA, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29 percent (10,874) of those fatalities occurred in crashes during which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08. In fact, since 2016 in Licking County, there have been 9 fatal crashes in the month of December. The holidays prove to be extra dangerous to drivers as more people, drivers and pedestrians alike, are out on the roads. Anyone who is seeking a place to get out of the cold is welcome at any of these offerings. More...

The Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force announces the opening of an overnight warming center this week in preparation for extremely cold temperatures. Those in need of a warm place to gather are invited to The Disciple Factory beginning at 5 pm Wednesday (12/18/19) through 9 am Thursday. The Disciple Factory is located at 50 South 30th Street in Newark. In addition, Vertical 196 is offering extended hours on Thursday (12/19/19), beginning at 8 am through 2 pm. Vertical 196 is located at 196 South 5th Street in Newark. The Salvation Army will be offering breakfast at 7:30 am on Thursday (12/19/19). They are located at 250 E. Main Street in Newark. Anyone who is seeking a place to get out of the cold is welcome at any of these offerings. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/16/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) offers free naloxone kits to Licking County community members through our Project DAWN program. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that can be used to quickly reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug. The project educates individuals on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose, call emergency medical services, perform rescue breathing and administer naloxone/Narcan nasally. Naloxone kits are available at LCHD, Mental Health America, Genoa Pharmacy, and Behavioral Healthcare Partners. Residents can stop at any one of the locations during regular business hours to be trained and receive a free naloxone kit. More...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/02/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is pleased to announce that it has been accredited for five years by the Public Health Accreditation Board. This milestone accomplishment is official recognition that the Licking County Health Department meets or exceeds the rigorous standards established by the non-profit, non-governmental Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing and ultimately transforming the quality and performance of the nation’s state, local, Tribal and territorial public health departments. Accreditation means that LCHD is committed to continuous quality improvement so that we can meet our community’s needs as effectively as possible. PHAB accreditation demonstrates our accountability and credibility to everyone with whom we work. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/25/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to share an important lifesaving reminder this Thanksgiving holiday: Buckle Up — Every Trip. Every Time. During the 2017 Thanksgiving weekend, 365 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide. Nighttime proved even more deadly with 57 percent of Thanksgiving weekend crashes occurring at night. Much like drunk driving, these deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America. Many could have been completely prevented with the simple click of a seat belt. “It’s our greatest hope that our community members make it to their Thanksgiving destinations as safely as possible,” said Jon Kraus, LCHD’s Safe Communities Coordinator. “Whether you’re driving 10 minutes to the Thanksgiving dinner table or 10 hours, it’s critical that drivers and passengers Buckle Up — Every Trip, Every Time,” he said. “We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, so please, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you even turn on the car.” More...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/24/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) and Licking County Safe Communities Coalition, through support from State Farm®, challenged Licking County high school students to create a public service announcement (PSA) billboard to educate their peers about teen driver safety. We congratulate Granville High School student Brooke Lemert as she submitted the winning billboard design promoting Teen Driver Safety Week. Brooke's billboard is being displayed this month on digital billboards throughout Licking County. Plus, she won $500 cash! Brooke was awarded her $500 cash prize by Captain Chris Slayman of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, State Farm Agent Aaron May, and LCHD Health Educator Jonathan Kraus during a recent class. A panel of judges selected Brooke's winning entry based on the following criteria: relevance, originality, creativity, aesthetic quality, and how well the message of teen driver safety is communicated through the design. Motor-vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens. The goal of the contest was to raise awareness leading up to National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 20 through the 26. More...

FFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/17/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is offering the flu vaccine to children and adults in Licking County. Children age six months and older and all adults should receive a yearly flu vaccination. Get a flu vaccination by walking-in to LCHD's Clinic, located at 675 Price Road in Newark, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment required. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/15/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Licking County Health Commissioner, Joe Ebel, announced that the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) awarded $65,000 for federal traffic safety funding to the Licking County Health Department (LCHD) for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2020. The traffic safety grant funds are passed through OTSO from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The purpose of the funds is to support the efforts of safety partners statewide and focus on traffic safety priority areas such as seat belt use, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, distracted driving, and youthful drivers. Competitive grant proposals are accepted and reviewed by OTSO. The FFY 2020 competitive grant process solicited grant proposals from state agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, hospitals, political subdivisions and other interested groups within selected Ohio counties and jurisdictions (based upon the number of fatal crashes). Based on data, LCHD has identified restraint use, impaired driving, and motorcycle safety as priority areas. The Safe Communities Program uses the awarded funds to promote traffic safety through education and raise awareness throughout the community. To save lives and make roads safer in Licking County, LCHD will use the grant funds to provide school presentations, participate at community events, distribute traffic safety materials and education, and present a booth at the Hartford Fair. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/10/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is participating in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, in partnership with the Newark Police Department and support from Mental Health and Recovery of Licking and Knox Counties. Take advantage of a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs during Rx Collect Drug Take-Back Day, offered at two locations in Newark. On Saturday, October 26, from 10 am to 2 pm, visit one of the two locations with your unused or expired prescription drugs in a clear, plastic bag for safe disposal: Newark Kroger Marketplace; 1155 North 21st St., Newark Newark CVS - E. Main; 379 E. Main St., Newark Residents should empty the contents of prescription pill bottles into a clear plastic bag and take the bag to the nearest drop off location. No questions are asked, and confidentiality remains a priority. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/08/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition reported ten crash fatalities in the county during the third quarter of 2019, July 1st to September 30th. Of the ten fatalities in the third quarter, five of the crashes involved drivers and/or passengers not wearing their seat belt and two involved alcohol and/or drugs. During the same time frame in 2018, there were seven fatalities. This is an increase of three fatalities in the county. “One of the safest decisions a driver can make is the choice to wear his or her seat belt,” said Jon Kraus, Safe Communities Coordinator at LCHD. So far in 2019, at least nine out of the twenty one total fatal crashes in Licking County involved motorists who were not wearing their seat belt. “The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle. Ejection from a vehicle is almost always deadly,” concluded Kraus. More...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/25/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Registration guaranteeing a 2019 Pink Strides for Breast Cancer Wellness Walk t-shirt ends today at midnight! Register here! You're invited to support Licking County Health Department's (LCHD) and Screening and Survivor Support's (SASS) 12th annual Pink Strides for Breast Cancer Wellness Walk event on Saturday, October 5, event beginning at 9am (registration opens at 8:15am) at LCHD, located at 675 Price Road in Newark. Kick-off October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a family-friendly walk on the health department’s paved walking trail, with local breast cancer survivor testimonials, vendors, and prizes! Bring the family and join us to celebrate Licking County's breast cancer survivors and spread awareness about the importance of regular screenings and mammograms. Registration for the Pink Strides for Breast Cancer event is $20 before September 29th and guarantees a 2019 Pink Strides shirt and one raffle entry. Breast Cancer Survivor pre-registration is $15 and guarantees a 2019 Pink Strides shirt, one raffle entry, and a survivor pin. Children 12 and under are free. Day-of registration is $25 and includes a Pink Strides shirt (while quantities last) and one raffle entry. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/24/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) introduces a new way for Licking County residents and visitors to search for healthy living resources throughout the county by using two new interactive maps on the health department’s website. Over the last two years, the Licking County Wellness Coalition and the Maternal Child Health Program completed assessments on healthy retail and active living resources throughout the county. The goal of this project was to compile healthy living resources in the county and create a user-friendly mapping resource. Funding to complete these projects came from the Ohio Department of Health. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/10/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, September 17: Derby Downs condos in Newark, Village of Alexandria, and Tamarack Road in Newark, and Thursday, September 19: Legend Valley, Village of Kirkersville, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park, and Buckeye Lake KOA Campground. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/16/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department is helping to ensure all children are safe while riding in a vehicle. Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week is September 15-21, 2019. CPS Week focuses on our efforts to educate parents and caregivers about car seat tips and recommendations for children. A properly installed child safety seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by as much as 71 percent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released some startling information - as of 2017, every 32 seconds a child in the United States is involved in a car crash. In Licking County, of the car seats installed prior to an inspection, 73% of seats are not installed correctly. Car crashes are the leading cause of death in children from ages 1-13. With car crashes on the rise, parents need to be extra vigilant about protecting their kids by making sure they are buckled up securely in the right car seat, every ride, every time. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/10/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – You're invited to support Licking County Health Department's (LCHD) and Screening and Survivor Support's (SASS) 12th annual Pink Strides for Breast Cancer Wellness Walk event on Saturday, October 5, event beginning at 9am (registration opens at 8:15am) at LCHD, located at 675 Price Road in Newark. Kick-off October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a family-friendly walk on the health department’s paved walking trail, with local breast cancer survivor testimonials, vendors, and prizes! Bring the family and join us to celebrate Licking County's breast cancer survivors and spread awareness about the importance of regular screenings and mammograms. Registration for the Pink Strides for Breast Cancer event is $20 before September 25th and guarantees a 2019 Pink Strides shirt and one raffle entry. Breast Cancer Survivor pre-registration is $15 and guarantees a 2019 Pink Strides shirt, one raffle entry, and a survivor pin. Children 12 and under are free. Day-of registration is $25 and includes a Pink Strides shirt (while quantities last) and one raffle entry. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/10/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, September 10: Adams Avenue, Merchant Street, Buckeye Avenue, and Tamarack Road in Newark, and Thursday, September 12: Village of Kirkersville, Harbor Hills subdivision, and Buckeye Lake KOA Campground More...

The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, September 3: Village of Alexandria, Village of Johnstown, and Tamarack Road in Newark. Thursday, September 5: Village of Kirkersville, Harbor Hills subdivision, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park, and Buckeye Lake KOA Campground More...

See what's happening this month at the Licking County Health Department! More...

The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) announces a partnership between local agencies and organizations known as the Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force. The task force is aiming to coordinate and establish warming centers in Licking County for individuals who are in need of a warm and safe place to temporarily shelter on extremely cold nights during the winter. The recently established Emergency Warming Center Task Force consists of representatives from LCHD, the Licking County Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Pathways of Central Ohio/211, Mental Health & Recovery of Licking and Knox Counties, Newark Homeless Outreach, Licking County Humane Society, Licking County Coalition for Housing, Licking Memorial Hospital, United Way of Licking County, the Faith-Based Community including Central Christian Church, Licking County Community in Action, and Vertical 196. The group meets at the the Licking County Foundation. Together, the representatives are working to prepare warming centers when inclement weather arises. This includes identifying buildings that can serve as warming centers and training volunteers to assist in the warming centers. The Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force is offering a training course to community members on Wednesday, September 18 for those who have interest in volunteering in warming centers during Licking County’s cold season. Those who are interested in volunteering in a warming center this winter are encouraged to attend the training course at the Salvation Army, located at 250 E. Main St. in Newark, from 5 to 8 pm. Additional Volunteer Training Courses will be offered prior to the cold season. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/03/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department and Licking County Safe Communities Coalition, through support from State Farm®, is challenging Licking County high school students to create a public service announcement (PSA) billboard to educate their peers about teen driver safety. The winning design will be displayed on a local billboard and the creator will be awarded $500. Motor-vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness leading up to National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 20 through 26. The contest requires students to create their own billboard design with a PSA for teen driver safety and includes the following areas of teen driver safety: seat belts, distracted driving, speed, and peer pressure. The billboard design can be created using whatever media they are most comfortable with, including graphic design, drawing, painting, photography, etc. When using facts and statistics, students should use credible sources (i.e. teendriversource.org, safecar.gov), or through their own research. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/29/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Covered bike parking has been added to the 2nd Street Parking garage in downtown Newark thanks to a collaborative effort between the Licking County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) program, the Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS), the City of Newark’s Department of Public Service, and with support from the Licking County Commissioners. Earlier this year, a survey was administered to assess the public’s perception of biking in downtown Newark. The common themes and areas of concern found through the survey were biking infrastructure, safety, and education of the laws of the road for both bicyclists and drivers. Most individuals who completed the survey felt downtown Newark is somewhat welcoming to bicyclists. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/28/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) supports the Licking County River Round Up event on Saturday, September 7. This annual river clean up brings out hundreds of volunteers who pull tires, shopping carts and mountains of trash from 30 miles of rivers and streams. Through this amazing community-based conservation effort, a river system that had all but been abandoned, has seen a beautiful rebirth of aquatic and bird life. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/27/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – During the 2019 Labor Day holiday, Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get drunk drivers off the roads and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from August 14 through September 2, 2019. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways. During the 2017 Labor Day holiday period, there were 376 crash fatalities nationwide. Forty-four percent of those fatalities involved drivers who had been drinking (.01+ BAC). More than one-third (36 percent) of the fatalities involved drivers who were drunk (.08+ BAC), and more than one-fourth (26 percent) involved drivers who were driving with a BAC almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Age is a particularly risky factor: Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday period in 2017, 42 percent of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/26/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Monday, August 26: Flint Ridge Park, Tuesday, August 27: Tamarack Road in Newark and Lazy River Campground, Wednesday, August 28: City of Pataskala, and Thursday, August 29: Village of Kirkersville, Harbor Hills subdivision, and Buckeye Lake KOA Campground. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/20/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department is offering a FREE interactive training for community members to learn safety skills for on-road bicycling in Newark and Licking County. Bring your bicycle and join us at the Licking County Family YMCA located at 470 West Church St., in Newark on Wednesday, September 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for this educational ride. The workshop will consist of a short classroom style presentation covering bicycle safety basics and the rules and laws of the road. The remaining portion will be safety skills training and an on-road group bike ride through downtown for those who are comfortable. Helmets encouraged - and we will have free helmets available, while supplies last. All ages and skill levels welcome with snacks and give-aways. Recently, a survey was disseminated by the Licking County Creating Healthy Communities Program (CHC), Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS) and the City of Newark Engineers to identify the biggest concerns for biking around downtown Newark. One of the main concerns found through the survey was safety on the road, including respect from drivers and bicyclists following the rules of the road. In an effort to address safety concerns around biking in downtown Newark, the CHC program partnered with Toole Design and the Licking County Family YMCA to host this free Bicycle Safety Training Workshop to help bicyclists feel safe. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/20/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Each year, August 20 is marked as "World Mosquito Day." On this day in 1897, British doctor, Sir Ronald Ross discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. So this day is marked every year by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, August 20: Village of Alexandria, and Tamarack Road in Newark, and Thursday, August 22: Village of Kirkersville, Ramp Creek mobile Home Park, Harbor Hills subdivision, and Buckeye Lake KOA Campground. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/07/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) has identified the first West Nile Virus (WNV) infected mosquitoes of 2019 in a trap set in the Village of Alexandria. The trap was set on July 31, 2019, and LCHD became aware of the results from the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory late yesterday, August 6, 2019. The Village of Alexandria was sprayed last evening (Tuesday, August 6) for mosquitoes as a part of LCHD's mosquito control program. “It's not a surprise that we have identified West Nile Virus in the county, but it’s important for residents to take some simple safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Chad Brown, LCHD Director of Environmental Health. “Be sure to eliminate standing water on your property to reduce breeding sites, apply EPA-approved insect repellent, wear pants and sleeves when appropriate, and avoid outdoor activity after dark when mosquitoes are most active.” More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/06/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. LCHD sprays to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, August 6: Village of Alexandria, Tamarack Rd (Newark), and area near Merchant Street (Newark), Thursday, August 8: Village of Kirkersville, Harbor Hills subdivision, Buckeye Lake KOA Campground, and Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/06/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Ohio and Aug. 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). Research suggests breastfeeding is a key modifiable factor for disease for both mothers and infants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report Ohio’s 2018 breastfeeding initiation rate of 81.9 percent ranks 36th in the nation. For this year’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Ohio will adopt the theme: Empower Families, Support Breastfeeding. This theme focuses on the importance of supporting all members of a breastfeeding family as well as working to advocate for breastfeeding supportive environments in and around local communities. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/01/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – See what's happening this month at LCHD! More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/31/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) has identified a confirmed case of Hepatitis A in a food worker at the Little Caesars Pizza location in Newark. Only one case has been identified, which does not constitute an outbreak, and after review of the food handling processes at the facility, the department has determined the issue represents a very low risk to public health. The facility closed voluntarily on July 30, 2019, in order to conduct extensive cleaning and facility repairs, and LCHD has worked with the facility to schedule a clinic to offer Hepatitis A vaccinations to all of the facility’s staff members. These steps were taken out of an abundance of caution, and the facility has been fully cooperative during this investigation. The CDC indicates that foodborne Hepatitis A outbreaks are uncommon.The most common way Hepatitis A is spread is from ingesting something that has come into contact with the feces from an infected person. The Ohio Administrative Code requires that a person with hepatitis A who works in a sensitive occupation shall be excluded from work in the sensitive occupation until ten days after initial onset of symptoms. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/30/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, July 30: Derby Downs/Essex Downs and Tamarack Rd (Newark); Wednesday, July 31: Etna Township, Village of St. Louisville, and Hartford Fairgrounds; and Thursday, August 1: Village of Kirkersville, Harbor Hills subdivision, Buckeye Lake KOA Campground, Harrison Complex, and Beachwood Trails Subdivision. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/29/2018 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Be proactive with your health and schedule your annual Mammogram with OhioHealth's Mobile Mammography Unit, facilitated by the Licking County Health Department's Breast & Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) program. Choose a convenient time between 9 am and 2 pm to visit the Mobile Unit on Saturday, August 17, at the Johnstown Village Offices - 599 South Main Street. Call BCCP at (866) 418-4963 to schedule your 20-minute mammogram. All women ages 21 to 64 are eligible for BCCP Patient Navigation Services and may also be eligible for BCCP financial assistance. Call for qualifications. A prescription from your physician is required for bone density screenings and mammograms for women under 40. BCCP aims to increase breast and cervical cancer screenings for all women by providing education, access to services through screenings, and increase HPV vaccination rates in Central Ohio. Call (866) 418-4963 to learn more. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/24/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is encouraging Licking County residents to get their colorectal cancer screening by offering free colorectal test kits to the public. Colorectal cancer screenings save lives. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., but it can be prevented. Colonoscopies can help find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening of your stool can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. If you are 50 or older – don’t wait, get screened. LCHD is offering free colorectal cancer screening test kits to Licking County men and women who are between the ages of 50 and 75. The new program is in partnership with Licking Memorial Health System (LMHS) and is designed to detect blood in the stool which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/23/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Tuesday, July 23: Camp O'Bannon, Village of Alexandria, Tamarack Rd (Newark), Wednesday, July 24: Park Trails Subdivision and Channel Street (Newark), Thursday, July 25: Village of Kirkersville, Ramp Creek Mobile Home Park, Harbor Hills subdivision, and Buckeye Lake KOA campground. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/22/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) urges parents to protect their children against vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization. July is the best time to have a child immunized before heading back to school. Clinic appointments fill up quickly prior to the first day of school. Parents should contact LCHD's Immunization Clinic or their healthcare provider to ensure all required immunizations have been provided to their child before to the first day of school. Children who go to school without the required vaccinations risk being excluded from school until all requirements are met. They also risk becoming ill. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/18/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) released its 2019 Mid-Year Report with updates and statistics from their Environmental Health division, Health Education division, Community and Personal Health division, Maternal and Child Health division, with grant funding information and epidemiological data. In the report, Licking County Health Commissioner Joe Ebel highlights the top local Public Health impacts from the first half of 2019. They include Hepatitis A monitoring, mosquito prevention, achievements in stigma reduction, communicable disease prevention and monitoring, and the implementation of the Tobacco-21 initiative. The LCHD Health Education division reports success in regards to child injury prevention, tobacco cessation, and drug overdose prevention, among other health education initiatives. Improvements to the solid waste and housing program and the food safety program, along with conducting an environmental health assessment were notable highlights from the LCHD Environmental Health Division. The LCHD Community and Personal Health's division report focuses on accomplishments made in the Children with Medical Handicaps program, narcan distribution program, and breast and cervical cancer screening program. LCHD's Maternal and Child Health division continues to serve women and children enrolled in the WIC program in Licking County, already seeing 2,105 participants in the first half of 2019 and 50 visits made from the Newborn Home Visiting program. In addition, LCHD reports 27 active grants funding 24 programs. Epidemiological statistics include the top five reportable disease rates in Licking County: Hepatitis C, Hepatitis A, Lyme Disease, Pertussis, Salmonella, and Hepatitis B. Also included are the STD disease rates in the county for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. More...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/15/2019 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) practices an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This includes trapping for adults, dipping for larvae, treating standing water with larvicide, draining breeding sites when possible, and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes when needed. Mosquito spraying occurs with weather permitting during dusk hours from an LCHD marked vehicle. This week's mosquito spraying schedule includes: Monday, July 15: Hanover Township and Lazy River Campground, Tuesday, July 16: Harrison Township and Tamarack Rd (Newark), Village of Granville, McPeek Lodge, and Stublyn Road, and Thursday, July 18: Village of Kirkersville, Harbor Hills subdivision, Buckeye Lake KOA campground. More...