Collaboration has been a central theme in Knox Public Health's behavioral health initiatives, as outlined in its Community Health Assessment. Health Commissioner Zach Green addressed the Knox County Board of Commissioners during their meeting on September 4.
According to Green, "So based off our Community Health Assessment, one of our initial strategies was increasing awareness and acceptance into behavioral health substance use disorder. We have launched an initiative with Centerburg schools, and we are offering a behavioral health counselor full-time at Centerburg. That's part of our planning grant through the Ohio Department of Health."
Green said that the county agency has applied for funding to potentially employ a registered or licensed practical nurse on-site and incorporate telemedicine services. For the Mount Vernon office, they aim to have personnel available to assist families in accessing acute care. Collaboration with school administration is essential to ensure parents and guardians are informed about any interactions their child may have with a behavioral health professional. "No student can engage in those services without permission from their parents or guardians," Green said.
Green also mentioned that Knox Public Health collaborates with Mount Vernon City Schools. Efforts are underway to bring community-based behavioral health professionals into schools. A community behavioral health committee provides an opportunity for collaboration, aiming to facilitate meetings between local professionals and established clients within school buildings.
The Emotional Health Forum conducted at the end of April marked the first step towards raising awareness, according to Green. The next initiative planned for later this year will focus on recognizing holiday season triggers and sharing this information with the community. Suicide awareness and prevention efforts will draw on insights from the Fatality Review Board, which examines overdoses, child deaths, suicide, and domestic violence incidents. Green noted that Knox County averages two to four suicides every quarter.
In July, Knox Public Health onboarded a nurse practitioner to address healthcare gaps prevalent across communities nationwide. The local health agency has received COVID-19 vaccines for interested individuals, with Pfizer's vaccine recommended for those aged 65 or older with underlying health conditions. Knox Public Health is awaiting recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
