Reminder! Do not go to the emergency department for COVID-19 testing. To find a testing location near you visit vax2normal.org/testing/.

A new way for kids to eat healthy, local foods is sprouting here in central Ohio.

From farm to table and PreK to Grade 12, the Ohio Days program is looking to grow and establish roots here in schools all over Franklin County.

For more information, go here: https://ohiodays.org/learnmore/ ... See more

❗️Mask Advisory :: All Franklin County Residents Regardless of Vaccination Status

Don’t forget to mask up every time you leave your home, regardless of your vaccination status. Our community is seeing substantial spread of COVID-19 and wearing a well fitted mask is another layer of prevention that will protect yourself and others. A mask advisory continues to be in effect, urging everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status until further notice. It's simple! For more info visit vax2normal.org. ... See more

Is it time to get your COVID-19 booster dose? Below are the recommendations for boosters based off of the primary series you received. For more information visit bit.ly/C19boosters

Pfizer
🔸Who should get a booster? Anyone 12+
🔸When? 5 months after completing Pfizer primary series

Moderna
🔸Who should get a booster? Anyone 18+
🔸When? 5 months after completing Moderna primary series

J&J
🔸Who should get a booster? 18+
🔸When? 2 months after completing J&J primary series ... See more

Radon is lurking in Ohio homes. Approximately 50% of tested homes have unsafe levels. 🏠Test your home with a free or discounted radon test kit: https://secure.airchek.com/cgi-bin/ohio-2020.cgi #NRAM Ohio Environmental Protection Agency ... See more

With all we've been through this year, it feels so right that 2022 is here 🙌

To ring in the new year safely, remember:

🎉 Get vaccinated.
🎉 Wear a mask, especially if unvaccinated.
🎉 If you're unvaccinated, reconsider gathering with others to stay safe while case numbers are high.
🎉 Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
🎉 Outdoors is safer than indoors.
🎉 Talk in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you're taking. Cancel plans if you're sick.
🎉 Travel safely! If possible, delay travel if you are not vaccinated or feeling sick. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask and get tested.

Have a happy and healthy 2022 everyone! ... See more

Happy Kwanzaa everyone!

While gathering to celebrate the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), remember:

🔴 Get vaccinated.
🟢 Wear a mask, especially if unvaccinated.
🔴 Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
🟢 Outdoors is safer than indoors.
🔴 Talk in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you're taking. Cancel plans if you're sick.
🟢 Travel safely! If possible, delay travel if you are not vaccinated or feeling sick. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask and get tested.

We hope you have a safe and healthy holiday! ... See more

❗Here are the facts... in addition to increasing rates of cases... Franklin County Adult Hospital COVID patient census has increased to the highest point since December 23, 2020, a 25.6% increase over the past 7 days.

FCPH wants each of our residents to stay healthy, safe and protected! To help minimize the spread of COVID-19 wear a mask when in public (regardless of vaccination status), limit activities outside your home and get vaccinated.

Our community needs each of us to make the next best decision. If you are feeling sick stay home. If you are experiencing symptoms of C19 get tested. Masking and vaxxing are the best ways to protect yourself and others. If you are eligible, receive the booster as soon as possible. For more information visit vax2normal.org. ... See more

The big day is almost here, so remember how you can stay healthy and give others the gift of holiday cheer:

🎄 Get vaccinated.
🎄 Wear a mask, especially if unvaccinated.
🎄 Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
🎄 Outdoors is safer than indoors.
🎄 Updates aren't just for your Christmas cards. Chat in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you're taking. Cancel plans if you're sick.
🎄 O Come All Ye Safely. If possible, delay travel if you are not vaccinated or feeling sick. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask and get tested.

Healthy Holidays everyone! ... See more

Finally! Some healthy holiday tips for the rest of us!

Remember:

💉 Get vaccinated so you can safely shun traditional holidays.

😷 Wear a mask (especially if you’re unvaccinated) while you gather and air your grievances.

🧼 Wash hands before and after serving and eating food, as well as before the feats of strength.

🗣 Talk precautions and ground rules so that you don’t pull the Festivus Pole out of the crawl space for nothin’!

🚗 Travel safely! You want to make sure your loved ones hear all the problems you have with them! ... See more

Biting the hand that feeds you isn’t a good idea, but if you host a holiday dinner 🍽️ that makes others sick, you could end up in the doghouse. 😨 CDC http://ow.ly/zqSe50HgWLM

🎄'Twas the holiday season and the gift of presence remained key...
But how can you gather and do so safely?

👥Protection is the name of the game and these simple steps will do..
To gather safely this season with your family or boo.

😷 Wear your mask in public, especially in crowds...
Test before gathering, the whole family will vowel.

🏠 Stay home if you are sick so you don't spread...
and send all of your love virtually instead.

❤️ These steps are simple but protection is best...
so that we can gather again with all of the rest. ... See more

There has been an unprecedented turnout at all free testing handout locations, and we are OUT OF TESTS!

Thanks so much to everyone that came out this morning! We're incredibly happy to help you and your families have a safe and healthy holiday season! ... See more

The 🎄holidays are fast approaching & no one wants to spend them sick as a dog. 🐶Foodborne illnesses are preventable yet roughly 1 in every 6 Americans will get sick each year. Practice safe food handling to keep your guests free from food poisoning. 🤢 http://ow.ly/ik2J50Hej3m ... See more

Unfortunately, this news reflects where we're at with COVID.

To protect our community, remember these tips:

⚪️ If you have any symptoms, get tested and stay home
⚪️ Get vaccinated if you haven't yet
⚪️ Get the booster if you haven't yet

We hope everyone has a safe and healthy weekend! ... See more

Yippee-Ki-Yay, we're giving free test kits away!

This Monday, welcome to the party pals! We have test kits that are limited to six per person and are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. So once you get in line, stay in your lane McClane!

Healthy Holidays everyone! ... See more

One way to keep the Christmas season merry and bright...

Have a healthy holiday!

Remember:

🎄 Get vaccinated.
🎄 Wear a mask, especially if unvaccinated.
🎄 Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
🎄 Outdoors is safer than indoors.
🎄 Updates aren't just for your Christmas cards. Chat in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you're taking. Cancel plans if you're sick.
🎄 O Come All Ye Safely. If possible, delay travel if you are not vaccinated or feeling sick. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask and get tested. ... See more

Isaiah, an Air Force veteran, college student, and essential worker has a lot on his plate, including symptoms of Long COVID.

If you are still on the fence about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, take it from Isaiah's experience. It's never too late to get the vaccine and it’s the best defense against serious complications. To learn more about our vaccination clinic dates and times visit vax2normal.org/vaccine. ... See more

Even if you don't intentionally use opioids, carrying NARCAN® can save a life. Fentanyl has been showing up in more drugs, including cocaine and fake pressed pills, and the result could be deadly. NARCAN® can save a life, including yours, in unexpected situations. Get NARCAN® for free by visiting FranklinCountyRecovers.com.

#RecoverForLife #FranklinCountyRecovers ... See more

National Influenza Vaccination Week is here! If you haven’t received a flu shot yet, there’s still time. People with certain chronic conditions are more likely to develop serious flu complications. Together, we can all #FightFlu. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a flu shot. https://bit.ly/3oJdbXB ... See more

NOW HIRING❗️📣 Come help our community with your talent and skills. Visit us for more information at https://myfcph.org/resources/careers/.

We have a fantastic group of Community Health Workers at FCPH, just like Matthew. Take a listen below to learn more about his journey. CHWs are able to assist residents and connect individuals to medical and social service resources, and it is FREE!

Every client is partnered with a CHW and they assist to provide wrap-around services to help clients take charge of their health and achieve their personal goals.

✴️Visit myfcph.org/care-coordination-program/ to fill out a referral form to be connected to a CHW today. ... See more

🕎 As we gather to light the Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah, remember these tips to stay safe during the holiday season.

💠 Get vaccinated.
💠 Wear a mask, especially if unvaccinated.
💠 Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
💠 Outdoors is safer than indoors.
💠 Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you're taking. Cancel plans if you're sick.
💠 Safe travels. If possible, delay travel if you are not vaccinated or feeling sick. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

✨ We are hopeful that everyone will celebrate safely and remain healthy. Even in challenging times, we have each other, and there is always light to be found. ... See more

Recovery blooms from the support we give one another, and in Franklin County, where at least two members of our community die from an opioid overdose every single day, we need everyone's help to recover. Recover from addiction, recover from the stigma that surrounds this disease and recover from indifference.

Recovery is a journey of self-discovery and it begins with a single step. Take a listen to Patrice's first hand experience, and know, recovery is possible. Today, Patrice celebrates 18 years of sobriety. 🦋 ... See more

Thanksgiving is a whole family affair and so are vaccines. Celebrate safely this holiday season, with peace of mind, by choosing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. So before we gather together, let us take a minute to be grateful for some of the reasons the COVID-19 vaccine protects us and our loved ones.

🧡Protection against short and long term complications.
🧡Available for those 5 years of age and older.
🧡Once vaccinated, you can start doing more.
🧡Safe and effective. ... See more

**When arriving for our 11/20 peds clinic, pull in and park. The car line is not for you.**

Give thanks not germs this Thanksgiving. 🦃 No one wants to get sick after eating a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. Keep loved ones safe from foodborne illnesses by following our safety tips, which includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Hotline available at https://bit.ly/ThanksgivingFoodTips. ... See more

While celebrating with friends, family and more, we have proven ways to stay safe and healthy...

Which is something we should be thankful for!

Remember:

🦃Get vaccinated.
🦃 Celebrate outdoors if you can and wear face masks indoors.
🦃 If traveling, do so safely.
🦃 When in doubt, get tested.
🦃 Stay home if you're sick. ... See more

🎵 Testing, testing 1-2-3!

Get your test on East Gay Street!

It’s great to be COVID-free

Before you go see your fam-il-y 🎵

Before you hand us a Grammy for this hot hit, make sure to come pick up free test kits at our Testgiving event on Monday (Nov. 22nd) at FCPH on 275 E. Gay St./280 E. Broad St.

Tests are free of charge, limited to six per person and available as supplies last.

See you there! ... See more

Today is the Great American Smokeout!

Quitting tobacco can be a long and difficult journey, but it's a process that must be taken a day at a time.

So why not start your journey to quitting today?

For resources and info on quitting, go here: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html ... See more

**Vaccine clinic for children ages 5-11 ONLY**
🗓Saturday, November 20 from 9am-1pm
📍Mid Ohio Food Collective
✅Appointments are required

Schedule appointment(s) now at vax2normal.org/vaccine
✴️$100 gift cards (1st-dose only, while supplies last)
✴️Free! No insurance needed
✴️No ID needed

Vaccination remains the number one way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. If you have questions, please reach out to your pediatrician. ... See more

Franklin County residents and businesses send over a million tons of material to the Franklin County landfill. Nearly 76 percent of all the material in the landfill could have been recycled or composted. ♻️ https://recycleright.org/ #AmericaRecyclesDay ... See more

Addiction is a brain disease, not a choice. If you know someone struggling with addiction and want to find treatment resources in our community visit franklincountyrecovers.com. Together we are stronger than addiction.

#addictionisadisease
#franklincountyrecovers ... See more

Children age 5-11 are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine!
✅ 2-dose series taken 3 weeks apart
✅ Dose for children 5-11 is one-third the dosage of the vaccine for older adolescents and adults.
✅ 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 among 5-11 years old
✅ Pfizer COVID-19 Pediatric Vaccine

Vaccination remains the number one way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. This vaccine was thoroughly tested and has been through multiple review processes before it was deemed safe and ultimately approved for children 5-11 years old. Parents and caregivers with questions should talk with their child’s healthcare provider.

We are finalizing plans to offer vaccination clinics by appointment only for this age group (5-11) and will continue to offer a $100 dollar gift card for first doses. Information will be available in the coming days at vax2normal.org/vaccine.

🧡 As we approach the holiday season, the best way to keep your children safe and healthy is by getting them the #COVID19 vaccine. ... See more

Here's your opportunity to get rid of your old election yard signs. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio - SWACO is holding a free election yard sign recycling event this Saturday to help you properly dispose of these signs. ♻️ In 2020, SWACO collected and recycled more than 3,000 pounds of yard signs. https://www.swaco.org/ ... See more

Having Narcan on hand means you're ready to reverse an opioid overdose. Our community needs more support and less judgment. Get Narcan shipped straight to your door for free by visiting FranklinCountyRecovers.com. Together we can fight addiction.

#RecoverForLife #FranklinCountyRecovers #AddictionIsADisease ... See more

"The effort is an attempt to meet people, primarily those in vulnerable communities, at the ground level–instead of hearing vaccine advice from officials, the community can hear it from their neighbors, friends, social groups and more."

Thanks to Columbus CEO for covering our Vaccine Ambassador Program! It's been amazing working with so many of our great ambassadors to help all of our communities stay healthy and safe!

... See more

It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Did you know that no safe blood lead level has been identified for children? The good news is that childhood lead poisoning is preventable! Take these steps to make your home lead-safe:
∎ Talk with your child’s doctor about a simple blood lead test. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor about exposure sources to lead.
∎ Talk with your local health department about testing paint and dust in your home for lead if you live in a home built before 1978.
∎ Renovate safely. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and replacing windows can create hazardous lead dust.
∎ Remove recalled toys and toy jewelry from children and discard as appropriate. Stay up to date on current recalls by visiting www.cpsc.gov ... See more

In partnership with the Ohio EPA, Franklin County Public Health and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) are making significant progress on the Neighborhood Air Quality Monitoring Project!

Ohio EPA maintains a network of regulatory air pollution monitors to make sure our region is meeting federal standards. We are currently installing our low-cost PurpleAir monitors next to one of Ohio EPA’s to calibrate them before setting them up across Franklin County.

Pictured are staff who are working together on this amazing project: Layla, Dr. May, Jennie, Anna and Dr. Brooke. http://ow.ly/XGnx50GuRK4 ... See more

We're so proud of our Assistant Health Commissioner and Director of Prevention and Wellness Alex Jones (center) for recently winning a Community Service Award from The Ohio State University College of Nursing!

As always, you're the absolute best Alex! We're lucky to have you! ... See more

On the surface, SIDS Awareness Month is important...

But so are surfaces! Babies should sleep on a firm and flat surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, that is free of loose and soft items such as toys, crib bumpers, and blankets. #SIDSAwarenessMonth http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J ... See more

It's crunch time...

Great Apple Crunch time 🍎

Today is Great Apple Crunch Day! Schools across Ohio and the Great Lakes region are participating in this day to celebrate National Farm to School Month.

Students and faculty crunched down on local apples together at noon, with the goal of reaching 1 million crunches to celebrate Ohio farmers, build strong communities and promote local foods for kids. ... See more

Join us for the ACEs, PACEs and Addiction Summit! This Summit will explore the roots of addiction in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at both the interpersonal and community level and the role that protective and compensatory experiences (PACEs) play in mitigating the impact of ACEs.

This Summit will feature keynote speaker Dr. Roy Wade of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as many speakers and panelists during our breakout sessions. Come prepared to listen, learn and engage with those in our community who have direct experience with ACEs and PACEs.

This will be a hybrid event - to learn more and to register please visit bit.ly/FCPHaddictionsummit. We hope you will join us, because together we can work to improve the lives of those we serve in our community. ... See more

We’re pleased and honored to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

In recognizing the strength and resilience of Indigenous People across the country, here are some helpful resources to learn more about the importance of this day:

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/columbus-day-myths
Introduction to Tribal Nations and the United States: https://www.ncai.org/about-tribes?fbclid=IwAR3Y4igAHD7YIWKBeF2cAwvn8G3PlaI14_zDKb9YT1xDy-7Tqh2x2aN5aDc
White House Proclamation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/10/08/a-proclamation-indigenous-peoples-day-2021/ ... See more

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.

The back sleep position carries the lowest risk of SIDS and is recommended for all babies, including preterm babies, until they are 1 year old.

#SIDSAwarenessMonth http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J ... See more

🗓Tomorrow we will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Mid-Ohio Foodbank in Grove City from 9 am - 1 pm. We will be offering free vaccines for first, second and Pfizer booster doses.

🚀 Pfizer Booster Details
- An appointment is required through ArmorVax for your booster. You must be 18 years or older. For more details and to see if you qualify for the booster check out our website www.vax2normal.org/vaccine.

💉 1st or 2nd Dose Details
- If you need to get your first or second dose you can just walk-in, no appointment is required.
- Offering $100 gift cards to first doses only (*while supplies last). ... See more