Annual Reports

The 2025 Annual Report of the Seneca County General Health District provides a comprehensive overview of the district’s activities, initiatives, and governance in public health. Below is a summary of the key sections and highlights:

1. Message from the Health Commissioner

• The Health Commissioner, Julie Richards, highlighted the district’s achievements in 2025, including collaborations with community agencies, the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and initiatives like the Food Council to address food insecurity.
• Programs such as “Walking Wednesdays” were introduced to promote physical activity, and grants were secured for sunscreen dispensers to raise awareness about melanoma risks.
• Emergency preparedness efforts included responses to a train derailment and the development of the updated Seneca County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• The district began reaccreditation efforts and successfully passed a renewal levy in November 2025.

2. Governance and Team

• The district is governed by a nine-member Board of Health, appointed by local officials, with one member being a physician.
• The report lists the names and roles of the district’s staff across various divisions, including Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing, Epidemiology, Vital Statistics, and WIC.

3. Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)

• The 2023-2025 CHIP focuses on three priority areas:
1. Community Conditions (e.g., housing)
2. Health Behaviors (e.g., nutrition and physical activity)
3. Mental Health and Addiction (e.g., depression, suicide, drug use, bullying, and trauma)
• Initiatives like “Walking Wednesdays” and collaboration with local organizations aim to improve community health.

4. Key Services

Linkage Navigator

• Focuses on supporting individuals with substance use disorders, trauma, and mental health challenges.
• Introduced free NARCAN vending machines to combat opioid overdoses.

Emergency Preparedness

• Conducted 10 emergency preparedness exercises and trainings.
• Played a key role in responding to a train derailment in Attica and updated the Seneca County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Expanded the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer program.

Environmental Health

• Conducted inspections for food services, swimming pools, tattoo establishments, and septic systems.
• Administered grants for septic system replacements and handled environmental emergencies at local landfills.

Landfill Oversight & Compliance

• A new division was established in 2025 to oversee landfill operations and ensure safety and compliance.
• Responded to emergencies at the WIN Waste Innovations landfill, including spills and accidents.

Public Health Nursing

• Provided services such as immunizations, TB testing, senior health clinics, and school nursing.
• Key statistics include 2,172 vaccinations, 909 vision screenings, and 1,124 hearing screenings.

Epidemiology

• Investigated 876 communicable disease reports and conducted nine outbreak investigations.
• Leading communicable diseases included COVID-19, chlamydia, influenza-associated hospitalizations, and hepatitis C.

Vital Statistics

• Issued 2,323 certified birth records and 2,154 certified death records.
• Reviewed six child deaths through the Child Fatality Review Board.

WIC Program

• Supported 1,003 monthly participants with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and car seat distribution.
• Promoted the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and maternal education initiatives.

5. Financial Overview

• Total Revenue: $5,264,735, with the majority from Environmental Health Services (57%) and grants/contracts (19%).
• Total Expenses: $6,198,901, with salaries (24%) and fees collected/remitted to other entities (37%) being the largest expenditures.
• The district maintained a carryover balance of $4,241,877 for 2026 and received a clean audit from the Auditor of State.

Conclusion

The report highlights the district’s commitment to its mission of “Prevent, Promote, Protect” through various health initiatives, community collaborations, and fiscal responsibility. It emphasizes transparency, community engagement, and proactive measures to address public health challenges in Seneca County.