Public health is more than just health care. It's the steps we take to make sure our neighborhoods and environment are free from pollution. It's making sure our food and water are safe to eat and drink. It's the relationships we foster in our communities; we're all interconnected. When we all come together to support public health, — individuals, families, communities, and those working in the public health field — we can achieve the goals of optimal and equitable health for all.
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes an entire county to improve the health of our community.
Civic engagement not only shapes our community, but it impacts the health of everyone within our community. Franklin County Public Health actively works with community partners and organizations to create policies, voice concerns about policies that could negatively impact public health, and share data identify where improvements are needed.
Here are just a few ways FCPH celebrates Civic Engagement in Public Health:
Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
Nearly 100 community stakeholders worked together to develop the CHIP. The CHIP is a plan rooted in community with a shared vision for a healthy Franklin County.
District Advisory Council (DAC)
The Franklin County District Advisory Council is made up of representatives from townships trustees, village mayors and the President of the Board of County Commissioners. The DAC meets annually to appoint board members to the Franklin County Board of Health
Health Works Franklin County
Health Works Franklin County is a partnership between the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Franklin County Public Health. It is a “health in all policies” initiative to integrate and coordinate social determinants of health data, policy and planning efforts with the public health system.
CHATs are teams of community members and organizations that work together to better the overall health of their communities!
Our CHATs in Franklin County, with their focus areas, include:
- Westerville – Infectious and chronic disease prevention, with a focus on cancer and COVID-19.
- Prairie – New American citizen and older adult health.
- Upper Arlington – Youth mental health.
- Hilliard – Mental health and mindfulness in the general community.
- Clinton Township – Anti-violence, general resource connection, harm reduction and food insecurity.
- Eastside – Chronic disease prevention.
- Canal Winchester – Older adult health.
Want to learn even more? Visit https://myfcph.org/health-systems-planning/community-health/chat/.
Interested in starting a CHAT for your area or joining an existing one listed above? Contact FCPHCHAT@franklincountyohio.gov.
Public health means many things, big and small.
The effects of climate change present many major public health hazards, including threats to the physical environment, social and economic conditions, and the overall quality of our everyday lives. By buying less, supporting green spaces, and transitioning to renewable energy, we can lessen the negative health effects of climate change.
As we celebrate National Public Health Week, Franklin County Public Health is proud to be taking steps to reduce the effects of climate change for residents of Franklin County!
Air Quality Monitoring
Air pollution affects everyone, especially people with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and young children. FCPH and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) are partnering to establish an air quality monitoring network that will measure air pollution, neighborhood by neighborhood, in Franklin County in order to make the region's air healthier and easier to breathe.
Tree Canopy Assessment
Trees are integral to quality of life. They filter stormwater, cool the air, produce shade, improve mental health, and increase community walkability. FCPH and The City of Columbus partnered on the Tree Canopy Assessment—the first comprehensive examination of central Ohio’s trees in the last decade—which underscored the importance of preserving land covered by trees.
Solid & Infectious Waste Disposal
From inspecting solid waste disposal facilities to organizing community clean-up programs, FCPH is committed to protecting surface and groundwater in our communities from pollution. We are also part of the Environmental Crimes Task Force of Central Ohio, which investigates reports of littering, illegal dumping, and other environmental crimes.
When it comes to the health of individuals and communities, innovation is a must. As new technology comes about, incorporating it into the way we provide care and services as well as developing innovative programs has continued to be a high priority at Franklin County Public Health.
Here are just a few ways FCPH engages and incorporates New Tools and Innovation in Public Health:
Data Hub
To ensure that anyone has access to publicly available data that could better inform the care they receive or provide, FCPH created the Data Hub. This new tool was built on the conviction that data about communities should be accessible for the communities.
Maternal Child Health – Beautiful Beginnings
Beautiful Beginnings is a new initiative funded by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and executed in partnership with Heart of Ohio Family Health Center. Pregnant individuals who receive care at Heart of Ohio are also supported by our Public Health Nurses and Community Health Workers via home visits until the new child is 3 years of age.
On this Friday of National Public Health Week, we are recognizing the importance of access to equitable reproductive and sexual health care.
When people have access to quality reproductive and sexual health care and education, they live longer and healthier lives. Now more than ever, it is essential to connect people with the preventative services and treatment options they need to keep themselves safe and healthy. Franklin County Public Health is grateful for our health care partners who lead the way in protecting reproductive and sexual health in our community.
PrimaryOne Health
PrimaryOne Health offers STI testing, treatment, and HIV services, designed to help you know your status and live your healthiest life.
Harm Reduction Vending Machines
In the past year, FCPH placed three Harm Reduction Vending Machines located at Jordan’s Crossing Resource Center on the West Side, The Peers Enriching Each other’s Recovery (P.E.E.R.) Center in Whitehall, and Clinton Township Fire Department in Linden. Residents can access safe sex kits and pregnancy tests in the machines, free of charge.
Disasters can be stressful for people of all ages. Franklin County Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness program helps its residents and community prepare for those unexpected events. Being ready for a crisis before it happens can give you the confidence needed to protect yourself and your loved ones. You can make a difference by being prepared!
What are ways that FCPH prepares for emergencies?
Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)
PHEP ensures that FCPH is prepared to help Franklin County with potential public health emergencies, such as infectious, occupational, or environmental incidents through disaster mitigation. Allocating funds toward mitigation promotes more projects in our community to protect and make response and recovery time for disasters more efficient.
Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI)
One way the CDC’s CRI program allows FCPH to be prepared is through Points of Dispensing (PODs). PODs are designated dispensing locations for persons who are in areas where incidents have occurred and need preventive medication. FCPH staff and trained volunteers through the MRC (The Franklin County and Columbus Medical Reserve Corps) would operate the PODs for preventative and, in some cases, those that are healthy but have been “exposed” to receive medications.
At Franklin County Public Health, we believe the future of public health is our people. We invite you to learn more about the outstanding work our team achieved by reviewing our 2023 Annual Report. We look forward to building on our successes in 2024 and we are excited to work together with our public health partners to make sure every person has access to the support and care they need for a healthier life. Happy National Public Health!