Paulding County Health Department proclaims the week of April 1-7, 2019, as National Public Health Week.
PCHD, along with other local health departments throughout Ohio, are using this week to recognize 100 years of public health.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of two legislative acts that helped shape the future of public health in Ohio. The Hughes Act and Griswold Act, both enacted in 1919, established the modern day organization of local health departments. This was following the aftermath of terrible Spanish flu epidemic that killed 25-50 million people worldwide.
Paulding County Health Department is reflecting on public health efforts from the past 100 years to honor “How the past made public health matter”. Public health has added 25 years to American life expectancy, reduced motor vehicle crash deaths by 90 percent and helped reduce sudden infant death rate by 50 percent. Public health has eradicated small pox, increased vaccinations against polio and other preventable diseases, reduced tobacco use, improved maternal and infant healthcare.
Some other Ohio Public Health milestones include:
In 1953, Ohio local health departments were given authority to abate nuisances (ORC 3701.01)
In 1966, Medicare takes effect after the Medicare Act was signed in 1965 which expanded nursings services in many local health departments and allowed for home care agencies to receive reimbursements.
In 1978, Ohio requires vaccinations for schools
1987 – pool licensing, sanitation & safety authority given to local health departments (ORC 119)
In 2005, breastfeeding allowed in public
2006 – SmokeFree Ohio passes
During this week of April 1-7, 2019, as National Public Health Week, PCHD calls upon the people of Paulding County to celebrate 100 years of public health and how the past made public health better.
Top Ten Public Health Achievements in the last 100 Years:
Immunizations/control of infectious diseases
Motor vehicle safety
Decline in deaths from heart disease and stroke
Safer and healthier foods
Improved maternal and infant health
Reduction of tobacco use
Vector and mosquito control programs
Cancer screenings and education
Public health preparedness and response
Breastfeeding support and education
