Portage County

This Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Portage County was developed using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) process to address health issues identified in a comprehensive community health assessment. The plan focuses on three core priorities: mental health, substance use and addiction; chronic disease, including obesity; and maternal, infant, and child health. It also incorporates cross-cutting strategies related to social determinants of health, healthcare system and access, and health equity. The plan's objective is to improve population health and create lasting, sustainable change through collaborative implementation of these priorities and strategies.

This document outlines the strategic goals and objectives for the Portage County Health Department, structured around five key strategic priorities: Workforce Development, Information Technology, Communication and Education, Financial and Agency Funding, and Access to Care. The plan aims to strengthen staff competency and capacity, enhance IT management for informed decision-making, improve public health communication and community education, ensure financial stability and accountability, and broaden access to care by aligning resources with community health improvement needs. Specific initiatives include staff training, robust website development, branding strategies, seeking diverse funding opportunities, and fostering collaborations to improve health services and transportation for the community.

The Portage County Board of Commissioners meeting included public hearings for the Portage County District Library's and Portage Library Consortium's proposed FY 2022 tax budgets. The meeting also covered the County's proposed FY 2022 tax budget, approvals of various resolutions related to contracts, agreements, personnel matters (hires, promotions, resignations), and budget amendments. Discussions included Job and Family Services data reports, budget reviews, and updates on various programs and initiatives. An executive session was held to discuss the termination of a public employee. A discussion was scheduled for a later date to address a discrepancy in the dollar amount of the Sheriff's Collective Bargaining Agreements.

The Portage County Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions on water resources, human resources, budget and financial management, building department matters, and regional planning commission updates. Executive sessions were held to discuss personnel matters. Key decisions included rescinding COVID-related policies, approving several hires and a disability separation, approving bills and ACH payments, amending appropriation resolutions, and authorizing grant applications for infrastructure projects in Mantua and Ravenna. A public hearing was held regarding critical infrastructure grants for Windham Village and Ravenna City. The Sheriff's Office budget was reviewed, with discussion focusing on staffing needs and funding sources. Appointments were made to the Portage County Board of Building Appeals and the District No. 7 Integrating Committee.

The meeting began with an executive session to discuss the employment of a public employee. Following the executive session, the board took no action. The board then started reviewing applications for County Administrator.