It is a responsibility of the public health department to develop effective plans at the local and regional levels to be able to respond to threats to the health and welfare of the citizens of Fulton County. These threats could include a large outbreak of infectious disease or any other natural or man-made destructive event.

Development of a robust Public Health Infrastructure has been a vital part of local planning for emergencies. To this end, a "task force" called the Core Planning Group for Health Emergencies was established in 2006 and meets regularly to discuss issues and concerns and to work on plans for the safety of the citizens of Fulton County. Recently, this group has merged with the Local Emergency Planning Commision (LEPC), which has been in existence for a number of years. Multiple agencies involved with first response to emergencies are represented in this group. 

Additionally, Health Department officials from 18 counties of Ohio Homeland Security Region 1 are meeting and working together to develop regional planning for uniform response and approach for any type of emergency which threatens the health of the public.

The role of public health in any emergency is an extension of its general mission; to promote physical and mental wellness and to prevent disease, injury, and disability. Our staff continues to train to be better prepared to mobilize into action should such an emergency occur. The more your health department is prepared, the better the community is protected.

The Health Department Emergency Response Plan is a public document.  If you are interested in reading this plan, please call the health department at 419-337-0915 to make an appointment with Oscar Hernandez, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.