In HCPH Wrapped – a take on music’s Spotify Wrapped phenomenon – the agency highlights some of its major achievements, milestones and stats in public health from 2024.
“Hamilton County Public Health engages with so many public health concerns in every community within Hamilton County and beyond,” says Greg Kesterman, health commissioner for Hamilton County Public Health. “From clinical services to food safety to vital records, we’re here to help our communities thrive. HCPH Wrapped hits the high notes, calling attention to several achievements that we’re really proud of this year.”
HCPH Wrapped for 2024
(all figures accurate as of Dec. 6, 2024)
*1 new clinic; 2,339 patients served: Hamilton County Public Health opened its disease prevention clinic this year, delivering top-tier health care and clinical support to thousands of community members. The clinic at 5050 Section Ave. offers tuberculosis care, sexual health testing and treatment services, the Children with Medical Handicaps program and more.
* 26 homes safer from lead: Backed by significant grants, HCPH removed lead paint hazards and improved structural safety in nearly 30 homes within Hamilton County’s most vulnerable communities. A healthier home improves quality of life, increases property values and helps families build generational health.
* 9,545 birth certificates issued: Thousands of current and former county residents sought birth certificates from HCPH for newborns, genealogy projects, passport requirements and other life events.
* 3 new vending machines: Accessing life-saving resources is easy with HCPH’s harm-reduction vending machines, introduced this year. The agency’s SAFE Services team stocked the machines with free items like Narcan, fentanyl test strips, hygiene products, safer-sex supplies, first-aid kits and more. There were 870 vending transactions in 2024.
* $13.5 million in community-changing grants: HCPH has plenty of support behind the agency’s community health programs, including from a variety of state and federal funding sources. HCPH put millions of dollars to work in infant and child health, disease research, clinical services, harm reduction initiatives, wellness education, vulnerable population services and more.
* 18 new recovery-supportive partners onboarded: Nearly 20 local businesses and organizations joined Hamilton County Public Health’s Recovery Friendly Hamilton County program, which treats substance use disorder and helps reduce stigma in the workplace. More than 60 partners are participating, and the program’s number and reputation both continue to grow.
* 15 years of community transformation: In a huge milestone, HCPH’s WeTHRIVE!℠ initiative celebrated 15 years in 2024. The program’s population specialists collaborate with schools, governments and neighbors throughout Hamilton County to develop meaningful and sustainable changes for individual communities. Major projects over the years have included active transportation plans for safer walking, biking and rolling; community gardens with fresh produce; inclusive parks and recreation projects; and engaging educational opportunities for students of all ages.
* 34 disaster trainings: Thinking through public health actions even before difficult situations arise, HCPH’s emergency preparedness team hosted nearly three dozen planning meetings and training exercises with local, state and federal partners to address every type of crisis.
* 131 ServSafe® courses completed: Safely supporting Hamilton County’s growing food and drink economy, HCPH certified 131 food service-managers through ServSafe® courses in English and Spanish.
