About
About HCPH
Mission
Hamilton County Public Health educates, serves and protects our community for a healthier future.
Vision
Healthy choices. Healthy lives. Healthy communities.
Who We Serve
Hamilton County Public Health is proud to serve the following communities in Hamilton County, Ohio.
- Addyston
- Amberley Village
- Anderson Twp
- Arlington Hts
- Blue Ash
- Cheviot
- Cleves
- Colerain Twp
- Columbia Twp
- Crosby Twp
- Deer Park
- Delhi Twp
- Elmwood Place
- Evendale
- Fairfax
- Forest Park
- Glendale
- Golf Manor
- Greenhills
- Green Twp
- Harrison
- Harrison Twp
- Indian Hill
- Lincoln Hts
- Lockland
- Loveland
- Madeira
- Mariemont
- Miami Twp
- Montgomery
- Mt. Healthy
- N. College Hill
- Newtown
- North Bend
- Reading
- Sharonville
- Silverton
- Springfield Twp
- St. Bernard
- Sycamore Twp
- Symmes Twp
- Terrace Park
- Whitewater Twp
- Woodlawn
- Wyoming
If you live in Hamilton County and your community is not listed, you may be served by one of Hamilton County’s three other local health departments.
If you live within the City of Cincinnati, you are served by the Cincinnati Health Department.
If you live in the City of Norwood, you are served by the Norwood Health Department.
If you live in the City of Springdale, you are served by the Springdale Health Department.
Health Commissioner & Board of Health
Greg Kesterman is Health Commissioner for Hamilton County Public Health, an agency with an operating budget of $17 million serving more than 480,000 citizens in 45 political jurisdictions in Southwestern Ohio. Agency responsibilities include epidemiology, immunizations, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infection control, food service inspection and licensing, plumbing inspection and permitting, waste management, water quality, emergency preparedness and response, and health promotion and education.
He has been with Hamilton County Public Health since 2006, progressing from environmental health sanitarian to division director, to assistant health commissioner for Environmental Health Services. During his tenure, Mr. Kesterman has managed divisions to high-performing status, capturing local, regional and international recognition. Under his leadership, the Environmental Health Division captured the prestigious Samuel J. Crumbine award recognizing the top-performing food program in North America. He has served on State of Ohio task forces dealing with environmental health concerns.
Mr. Kesterman is a strong proponent of the public health accreditation process. He has led public health quality improvement initiatives throughout the agency and has played an integral role in both achieving and maintaining the agency’s status as a nationally accredited health department.
Prior to joining Hamilton County Public Health, Mr. Kesterman integrated his passion for the outdoors and environmental protection into a series of increasingly responsible positions in environmental education. His has lived in Maine, Wyoming and California as an instructor for Regional, State and National Park services. His particular fondness for working with children led him to develop and implement conservation, fire prevention and environmental education programs for youth participating in park programs.
Mr. Kesterman holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Cincinnati and a Masters of Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University. He is a National Environmental Health Registered Sanitarian. He holds memberships in the National and State of Ohio Environmental Health Associations.
Board of Health
Hamilton County Public Health is governed by a five-member Board of Health and day-to-day functions are carried out by the Health Commissioner. The Board has the authority to adopt rules, regulations and resolutions, which have the same status as law, and to enact policies within Hamilton County Public Health.
Board members are appointed to five-year, overlapping terms and at least one member must be a physician. According to Ohio Revised Code, all appointments to the Board of Health must be made with due regard to equal representation of all parts of the jurisdiction served by Hamilton County Public Health. In March of each year, the Board reorganizes, electing new officers and setting the time and location for the next year’s meetings.
Meeting Schedule
The Hamilton County General Health District Board of Health will be held on the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m (unless otherwise noted). Meetings will be held at Hamilton County Public Health offices, 250 William Howard Taft, Cincinnati, OH 45219.
Public commentary is welcome at the beginning of the meetings only. Speaking time is limited to two minutes per participant.
Board of Health Members
Dan Meloy – President
(2020-2025)
Dr. Elizabeth Kelly – Vice President
(2023-2028)
Eric Knapp – Board Member
(2024-2029)
Max Miller – Board Member
(2024-2027)
Tracey A. Puthoff, Esq. – Board Member
(2021-2026)
More Information
Meeting Minutes
Meeting minutes from Hamilton County Board of Health meetings are available online on a rolling year schedule. If you require copies of meeting minutes from a date not posted on our website, please contact us at 513-946-7800.
2024
- January 8, 2024
- February 12, 2024
- March 11, 2024
- April 4, 2024
- May 13, 2024
- June 10, 2024
- July 8, 2024
- August 12, 2024
2023
- December 12, 2023
- November 13, 2023 Public Hearing
- November 13, 2023
- October 9, 2023
- September 11, 2023 Public Hearing
- September 11, 2023
- August 14, 2023
- July 10, 2023
- June 12, 2023
- May 8, 2023
- April 10, 2023
- March 13, 2023
- February 13, 2023
- January 9, 2023
2022
- December 12, 2022
- December 12, 2022 (Public Hearing)
- November 10, 2022
- October 10, 2022
- September 6, 2022
- September 6, 2022 ( Public Hearing)
- August 8, 2022
- July 11, 2022
- June 13, 2022
- May 9, 2022
- April 11, 2022
- March 14, 2022
- February 14, 2022
- January 10, 2022
2021
- December 13, 2021
- November 8, 2021
- October 11, 2021
- October 9, 2021 (Strategic Planning Retreat)
- September 13, 2021
- August 9, 2021
- July 12, 2021
- June 14, 2021
- May 10, 2021
- April 12, 2021
- March 8, 2021
- February 8, 2021
- January 11, 2021
2020
- December 14, 2020
- November 9,2020
- October 12, 2020
- September 14, 2020
- August 10, 2020
- July 13, 2020
- June 8, 2020
- May 11, 2020
- April 13, 2020
- April 2, 2020 (Special Hearing)
- March 3, 2020
- February 10, 2020
- January 28, 2020 (Special Hearing)
- January 13, 2020
2019
- December 9, 2019
- November 12, 2019
- October 14, 2019 (Public Hearing)
- October 14, 2019
- September 9, 2019
- August 12, 2019
- July 8, 2019
- June 10, 2019
- May 13, 2019
- April 12, 2019
- March 11, 2019
- February 11, 2019
- January 14, 2019 (Public Hearing)
- January 14, 2019
2018
- December 10, 2018
- December 10, 2018 (Public Hearing)
- November 8, 2018
- October 8, 2018 (Public Hearing)
- October 8, 2018
- September 10, 2018
- August 13, 2018
- July 9, 2018
- June 11, 2018
- May 14, 2018
- April 9, 2018
- March 12, 2018
- February 12, 2018
- January 8, 2018
2017
- December 11, 2017
- November 13, 2017 (Public Hearing)
- November 13, 2017
- October 9, 2017
- September 11, 2017
- August 14, 2017
- July 10, 2017
- June 12, 2017
- May 8, 2017
- April 10, 2017
- March 13, 2017
- February 13, 2017
- January 13, 2017 (Special Meeting)
- January 9, 2017
2016
- December 12, 2016
- November 14, 2016
- October 10, 2016
- September 12, 2016
- August 8, 2016
- July 11, 2016
- June 13, 2016
- May 18, 2016
- April 11, 2016
- March, 14 2016
- February, 8 2016
- January 11, 2016
2015
- December 14, 2015
- November 9, 2015
- November 9, 2015 (Special Hearing)
- October 12, 2015
- September 14, 2015
- August 10, 2015
- July 22, 2015
- June 15, 2015
- May 11, 2015
- April 13, 2015
- March 9, 2015
- February 9, 2015
- January 12, 2015
- January 12, 2015 (Public Hearing – Proposal/Policies and Standards for Sewage Systems)
Our Board has the authority to adopt rules, regulations and resolutions, which have the same status as law, and to enact policies within Hamilton County Public Health.
View our current Schedule of Records Retention and Disposition.
Regulations and resolutions passed since 2007 are available to view. If you require access to a regulation or resolution from a year prior to 2007, please contact us.
2024
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A – 2024 CDD Budget
- Resolution B – 2024 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 – 2024 Air Fees
2023
REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 – Food Fees
- Regulation 2 – Campground Fees
- Regulation 3 – Pool Fees
- Regulation 4 – Plumbing Fees
- Regulation 5 – Sewage Treatment Program Fees
- Regulation 6 – Birth & Death Certificate Fees
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A – Board of Health Bylaws
- Resolution B – TB CMH Budget Increase
- Resolution C – Budget Revision
- Resolution D – 2023 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution E – C&DD Budget Adjustment Correction
- Resolution F – TB Fund Transfer
- Resolution G – SW OH Mutual Aid Agreement
- Resolution H – 2023 for 2024 Revised & 2025 Estimated Budgets
2022
REGULATIONS
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A 2022 – Revising Sewage Terms
- Resolution B 2022 – Acceptance and authorization of payment between Hamilton County Board of Health and Wasserstrom Company
- Resolution C 2022 – Resolution to adopt recovery friendly workplace practices
- Resolution D 2022 – Authorizing the use of credit cards by the Hamilton County Board of Health and providing guidelines for the usage
- Resolution E 2022 – Expressing appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated public service of Rebekah Harlow
- Resolution F 2022 – Appreciation for Chris Griffith
- Resolution G 2022 – DP Budget Revision
- Resolution H – 2022 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution I – 2023 and 2024 Budget
2021
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A 2021 – Resolution for supplemental appropriation to the 2021 revised budget.
- Resolution B 2021 – 2021 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution C 2021 – Revisions to 2021 Budget
- Resolution D 2021 – Supplemental Appropriate Vitals
- Resolution E – Revised Budget 2022
2020
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A 2020 – Establishing procedures for the tagging and embargo of articles and food per Ohio Administrative Code, 901:3-4-15, in retail food establishments and food service operations.
- Resolution B 2020 – Authorizing the health commissioner to suspend or revoke a food service operation and retail food establishment license.
- Resolution C 2020 – Expressing appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated public service of Kenneth G. Amend, M.D.
- Resolution D 2020 – 2020 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution F 2020 – Expressing appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated public service of Kevin Hawkins
- Resolution G 2020 – Expressing appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated public service of Mary Ann Robertson
- Resolution H 2020 – 2021 and 2022 Budget Resolution
2019
REGULATIONS
- Regulation 5 2019 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for public accommodation facilities.
- Regulation 4 2019 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for temporary camps, resident camps, combined park-camps, recreational vehicle parks, and recreation camps.
- Regulation 3 2019 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for public swimming pools and spas.
- Regulation 2 2019 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for food service operations, retail food establishments, vending operations, temporary food services and mobile food services.
- Regulation 1 2019 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for sewage treatment systems, grey water recycling systems, small flow onsite treatment systems, and semi public sewage treatment systems.
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution E 2019 – Resolution to approve 2020-Revised budget and 2021-Estimated budget for the Hamilton County General Health District.
- Resolution D 2019 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2019 revised budget, effective October 14, 2019.
- Resolution C 2019 – 2019 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution B 2019 – A resolution authorizing the Health Commissioner to apply for, accept and enter into a Water Pollution Control Loan Fun (WPCLF) Agreement on behalf of Hamilton County General Health District for the repair and/or replacement of household sewage treatment systems.
- Resolution A 2019 – To accept and authorize the execution of payment between Hamilton County Board of Health and Treasurer of the State of Ohio.
2018
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A 2018 – Expressing appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated service of Henry Stephen Bjornson, M.D., Ph.D.
- Resolution_B_2018 – Expressing Appreciation for the Outstanding Dedicated Public Service of Thomas W. Chatham.
- Resolution C 2018 – Expressing Appreciation for the Outstanding Dedicated Public Service of Pat Allingham, RN, BSN, MS.
- Resolution D 2018 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2018 Revised Budget, effective April 9, 2018.
- Resolution E 2018 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2018 Revised Budget, effective April 9, 2018.
- Resolution F 2018 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2018 Revised Budget, effective April 9, 2018.
- Resolution G 2018 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2018 Revised Budget, effective April 9, 2018.
- Resolution H 2018 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2018 revised budget, effective August 13, 2018.
- Resolution I 2018 – 2018 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution J 2018 – Expressing appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated service of Robin Fristoe.
- Resolution K 2018 – Resolution for supplemental appropriation to the 2018 revised budget, effective October 8, 2018.
- Resolution L 2018 – Expressing Appreciation for the Outstanding and Dedicated Service of Carla Fulz.
- Resolution M 2018 – Resolution to approve the 2019-Revised Budget and 2020-Estimated Budget for the Hamilton County General Health District.
REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 – 2018 – Adopting Data Analysis Fees for the Division of Epidemiology and Assessment – Hamilton County General Health District.
- Regulation 2 2018 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for vending operations and mobile food services.
- Regulation 3 2018 – Regulation Adopting Revised Local Fees for the Private Water System Program.
2017
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A 2017 – Resolution to dissolve the Hamilton County General Health District licensing council.
- Resolution B 2017 – Expressing appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated service of John Teufel.
- Resolution C 2017 – A resolution authorizing the health commissioner to apply, accept and enter into a water pollution control loan fund (WPCLF) assistance agreement on behalf of the Hamilton County General Health District for the repair and/or replacement of household sewage treatment systems.
- Resolution D 2017 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2017 revised budget, effective July 10, 2017
- Resolution E 2017 – 2017 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution F 2017 – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2017 approved budget, effective September 11, 2017.
- Resolution G – Resolution to approve 2018 revised budget and 2019 estimated budget for Hamilton County General Health District.
REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 2017 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for temporary camps, resident camps, combined park-camps, recreational vehicle parks and recreation camps.
2016
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A – Resolution to approve the 2016-Revised Budget and 2017-Estimated Budget for the Hamilton County General Health District.
- Resolution B – Amending Board of Health policies and standards pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code, Section 3701-29: Sewage Treatment System Rules.
- Resolution C – Expressing Appreciation for the Outstanding and Dedicated Service of Kathy Lordo.
- Resolution D – Resolution to approve transfer of 2016 budgeted funds, effective April 11, 2016.
- Resolution E – 2016 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution F – Resolution to approve revisions to the 2016 revised budget, effective October 10, 2016.
2015
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A – Resolution establishing board of health policies and standards pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code Section 3701-29: Sewage Treatment System Rules.
- Resolution B – 2015 – Expressing Appreciation for Dedicated Service of Robert McDaniel.
- Resolution C – Resolution to approve 2015 revised budget and 2016 estimated budget for the Hamilton County General Health District.
- Resolution E – Adopting resolution E-2015 to amend terms and conditions for Sewage Treatment Systems (STS) and Gray Water Recycling Systems (GWRS) operation permits for maintenance, monitoring and operation.
- Resolution F – A resolution establishing board of health policies and standards referenced in attachment B pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code Section 3701-29: Sewage Treatment System Rules.
- Resolution G – 2015 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution H – Approving transfer of 2015 budgeted funds, effective October 12, 2015.
- Resolution I – Repealing Regulation 529.
REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 – Regulation Amending Hamilton County General Health District (HCGHD) School Environmental Safety Regulation 1-2010.
- Regulation 2 – Regulation Amending HCGHD Regulation 1-2009, Governing the Sanitation and Safety of Public Accommodation Facilities
- Regulation 3 – Adopting revised fees pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code Section 3709.09, 3717.25, and 3717.45 for food service operations, retail food establishments, vending operations, temporary food services, and mobile food services.
2014
REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 – 2014 – Amending Hamilton County General Health District Sewage Code Regulation 529–Sections 529.01(FF), 529.02(N)(1), 529.02(N)(7), 529.02(S), 529.18(E) and Table 1.
- Regulation_2_2014 – Regulation Adopting Revised Local Fees for Public Swimming Pools and Spas.
- Regulation 3 – 2014 – Regulation Adopting Revised Local Fees for Plumbing and Medical Gas.
- Regulation 4 – 2014 – Adoption of Hamilton County General Health District Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance, Installation and Inspection of Plumbing and Medical Gas Pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3709.21. See Regulation 4.1 – 2014 for details.
- Regulation 5 – 2014 – Adoption of Hamilton County General Health District Rabies Prevention Regulation 5-2014, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3707 and 3709. See Regulation 5.1 – 2014 for details.
- Regulation 6 – 2014 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for food service operations, retail food establishment, vending operation, temporary food services and mobile food services.
- Regulation 7 – 2014 – Regulation adopting revised fees for immunizations and clinical services.
- Regulation 8 – 2014 – A regulation adopting revised sewage treatment system (STS) and Grey Water Recycling System (GWRS) program fees and to declare an emergency.
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A – 2014 – Resolution A to approve the 2015 estimated budget for the Hamilton County General Health District.
- Resolution B – 2014 – Resolution to approve transfer of Bureau of Children with medical Handicaps (BCMH) 2014 budgeted funds from capital outlay to other expenditures, effective July 14, 2014.
- Resolution C – 2014 – Resolution to approve transfer of 2014 budgeted general funds from capital outlay to other expenditures, effective July 14, 2014.
- Resolution D – 2014 – 2014 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution E – 2014 – Hamilton County General Health District Board of Health approves resolution expressing appreciation for dedicated service of Dave Nutini.
- Resolution F – 2014 – Resolution adopting operation and maintenance program standards: Specifying terms and conditions of operation permits for the maintenance, monitoring and operation of sewage treatment systems (STS) and Gray Water Recycling System (GWRS).
2013
RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 – 2013 – Amendment to Sewage Code Regulation 529.
- Resolution A – 2013 – Resolution to approve revised 2013 budget and estimated 2014 budgets.
- Resolution B – 2013 – Accept and authorize execution of contracts between Hamilton County Board of Health and vendors.
- Resolution C – 2013 – Approval of addresses for delinquent sewage fees.
- Resolution D – 2013 – Resolution to approve the transfer of the 2013 construction and demolition debris landfill operating license from New Baltimore, LLC to Rumpke Waste, Inc.
- Resolution E – 2013 – 2013 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution F – 2013 – Resolution to approve the 2014 revised budget for the Hamilton County General Health District.
2012
RESOLUTIONS
- Resolution A – 2012 – Resolution establishing procedure for the tagging and embargo of articles and food per the Ohio Administrative Code Section 901:3-4-12 and Section 901:3-4-15.
- Resolution B – 2012 – Authorizing the Health Commissioner to suspend a food service operation and retail food establishment license.
- Resolution C – 2012 – Approval of the 2012 revised and 2013 estimated budgets for HCPH.
- Resolution D – 2012 – Approving increased fees for tuberculosis skin tests.
- Resolution E – 2012 – Closing Marina Fund.
- Resolution F – 2012 – Budget adjustment for mobile home parks program changes.
- Resolution G – 2012 – Expressing appreciation for the dedicated service to Mary Sacco.
- Resolution H – 2012 – 2012 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
2011
RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1-2011 – Adopting revised local fees for Food Service Operations.
- Regulation 2 – 2011 – Adopting revised fees for mechanical operation permit inspections of household sewage treatment systems.
- Regulation 3 – 2011 – Revising fees for certified birth records.
- Regulation 4 – 2011 – Regulation adopting revised local fees for food service operations, retail food establishments, vending operations, temporary food services, and mobile food services.
- Resolution A-2011 – Intent to adopt revised fees for mechanical operation permit inspections of household sewage treatment systems.
- Resolution B – 2011 – Approve 2011 and 2012 estimated budgets for Hamilton County Public Health.
- Resolution C – 2011 – Authorization of Health Commissioner travel.
- Resolution D – 2011 – 2011 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution E – 2011 – Resolution to approve the transfer of the 2011 construction and demolition debris landfill operating license from New Baltimore C&DD, LTD. to New Baltimore, LLC.
2010
RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS
- Regulation 1 – 2010 – Adopting School Environmental Safety regulations.
- Regulation 2 – 2010 – Amending Plumbing Regulation regarding forced main sewers.
- Regulation 3 – 2010 – Adopting extension of plumbing permit validation period.
- Regulation 4 – 2010 – Declaring the adoption of medical gas systems enforcement in Plumbing Regulation.
- Resolution A -To approve the 2010 revised and 2011 estimated budgets for the Hamilton County General Health District.
- Resolution B -To schedule the deposit of public moneys received by the Hamilton County General Health District.
2009
RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS
- Resolution A-2009 – Appointing Health Commissioner Local Registrar of Vital Statistics Program
- Regulation 1-2009 – Adopting Public Accommodation standards.
- Resolution B – Supplemental Appropriations to the 2009 Budgets for Hamilton County Public Health.
- Resolution C – Supplemental Appropriations to the 2009 Grant Budgets for HCPH.
- Resolution D – 2009 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution E -Authorizing Health Commissioner to appropriate grant funds on behalf of the Board of Health.
- Resolution F – Supplemental Appropriation to the 2009 Budgets for Hamilton County Public Health.
2008
RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS
- Resolution A – Authorizing the health commissioner to execute a contract with the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for the management of the Tuberculosis Control Program.
- Resolution B -Expressing appreciation for dedicated service.
- Resolution C -2008 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Resolution D – Declaring a public health nuisance in the area of Bauerwoods/Rosewood subdivisions in Hamilton County, Ohio.
- Resolution E-2008 – Declaring a Public Health Nuisance in the Area of Dornbush Subdivision in Hamilton County, Ohio.
- Regulation 1 -Adopting and/or revising sewage treatment system fees.
- Regulation 2 – Revising fees for certified birth and death records.
2007
RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS
- Resolution A-2007 – Intent to adopt revised fees for recreational vehicle parks, recreation camps and combined park-camps.
- Resolution B-2007 – Intent to adopt/revise sewage treatment system fees.
- Resolution C-2007 – Intent to adopt/revise private water system fees.
- Resolution D-2007 – Adopting Household Sewage Code Regulation 529
- Resolution E-2007 – 2007 STS Program Delinquent Sewage Fees Certification
- Regulation 1-2007 – Adopting revised fees for recreational vehicle parks, recreation camps and combined park-camps.
- Regulation 2-2007 -Adopting and/or revising sewage treatment system fees.
- Regulation 3-2007 -Adopting and/or revising private water system fees.
- Regulation 4-2007 – Adopting/revising sewage treatment system fees.
- Regulation 5-2007 -Amending sections I and II of Regulation 1-97.
The first meeting of the Hamilton County Board of Health occurred on Sept. 26, 1919, following passage of Ohio’s Hughes Law and the Griswold Act. The Griswold Act created minimum requirements for local health departments in every community of the state and became the operational foundation for the Hamilton County General Health District.
Prior to 1919, each municipality or township in Ohio operated as its own health district, employing part-time, little-educated public health employees on salaries averaging $4-10 a week. More than 2,100 health districts existed in Ohio in the first two decades of the 1900s, with little oversight from the State Board of Health.
The Hughes Law and subsequent Griswold Act, which received widespread support from labor unions, women’s organizations and medical professionals, created a public health model for the country by organizing local health districts into city and county areas of populations of 25,000 or more.
At a minimum, each district was required to employ a full-time health commissioner, a nurse and a clerk. In addition, each district was required to have a five member board of health, with the health commissioner serving as administrative or executive agent of that board. A newly reorganized State Department of Health was given more oversight over local health districts, though local health officials retained the authority to resolve local issues.
In addition to monies collected at the local level, a $2,000 state stipend was given to each local health district to assist in carrying out public health duties in their respective jurisdictions. In Hamilton County, Dr. Charles Aleshire Neal was appointed the county’s first health commissioner in 1920. Dr. Neal soon after submitted a proposal for the district’s 1921 operating budget, totaling $20,000 including salaries for 13 part-time Environmental Health Specialists, a microscopist and a clerk. In 1929, Dr. Neal left Hamilton County to become the State Director of Health.
Much of the public health work conducted in Hamilton County in the 1920s is still carried out in some form today. For example, issues including school inspections, communicable disease prevention and reporting, and sanitation issues are still concerns in the 21st century.
Today, thanks to advances in technology and communication systems, these processes are carried out more quickly and more efficiently.
Partners in our community can be notified within hours of imminent public health threats or emergencies.
Food safety inspections, including restaurants, school cafeterias and grocery stores, are now conducted digitally, making inspection reports available to residents the next day with just the click of a mouse.
Illnesses that once led to community wide outbreaks can now be identified, tracked and treated much more quickly thanks to a real time communication system shared by a network of hospitals and physicians throughout the region.
Hamilton County Public Health serves more than 497,000 Hamilton County residents living outside the cities of Cincinnati, Norwood and Springdale. With a staff of more than 100, including Environmental Health Specialists, plumbers, health educators, nurses and epidemiologists, Hamilton County Public Health strives to prevent disease and injury, promote wellness, and protect people from environmental hazards.
The Hamilton County General Health District is dedicated to providing important health information to the public. Your access to this website is important to us. If for any reason you cannot access information on this web site, please e-mail us or call (513) 946-7800 to determine the best way for us to get information to you.
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Hamilton County Public Health (HCPH) is providing information via this website as a public service. Users of this website are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of all information themselves. HCPH makes no representations, guarantees, or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, currency, or suitability of the information provided via this website. HCPH specifically disclaims any and all liability for any claims or damages that may result from providing this website or the information it contains, including any websites maintained by third parties and linked to or from the HCPH website.
EXTERNAL LINKS AND ENDORSEMENT DISCLAIMER
This site provides links to other government and non-government related websites. Once you link to another site, you are subject to the privacy and security policy of that site. HCPH links to external websites in the hope that users will find reference material on health-related subjects. Because HCPH cannot control those sites, it cannot be held responsible for content included on any sites outside the “www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org” domain. In no way should an external link be considered any form of endorsement by the HCPH.
Links to external Web sites were examined when they were posted and were found to be of appropriate value.
PRIVACY POLICY
Your Privacy is very important to us. HCPH respects your concern about maintaining strict privacy. We do not collect any personal identifiable information on this site unless otherwise provided by you through, e-mail, and/or electronic registration. Even when you choose to give personal information it is kept in the strictest confidence and is not sold, traded or exchanged as lists. Click here to read our Privacy Practices Statement.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Repeated violations of our social media policy may cause the author(s) to be blocked, banned and/or reported for abuse. Posts that violate the law will be reported to the proper authorities.
We will make every effort to monitor and moderate our social media content, usually replying to inquiries within one business day. Information posted on any of our social media platforms should NOT be considered medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your primary physician on any medical issues you may be having. Most facts and data come from HCPH, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and/or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), unless otherwise noted.
Anything submitted to us on any social media platform is public information, so please use reasonable caution when posting and know that anyone in the world can see your posts. As such, your information may be copied and reposted by other social media users without your knowledge or consent and that is beyond our control.
Links, statistics and information from other organizations are provided as a service to you, but should not be considered an endorsement by HCPH. We are not responsible for any inaccuracies that exist on those external websites or from those external sources.