March 12, 2008 -- Hamilton County Commissioners
approved a measure today to transfer the Tuberculosis Control Center from
the Department of Job and Family Services to the General Health District
(Hamilton County Public Health) on
May 1.
Commissioners Todd Portune and Pat DeWine said the move, which has been
discussed for many years, will benefit the citizens of Hamilton County
because the Health District is more appropriate to handle matters of health
care and disease prevention. The Health District has resources that can be
shared with the TB center, and can cross-train employees to work in multiple
areas, increasing efficiency.
Meanwhile, JFS can better concentrate on its core services.
“JFS did a good job, but it just doesn’t make a lot of sense (to have it
under them),” Portune said.
Added DeWine: “We have to look at what are the core businesses the county
ought to be and really focus on things we can do well.”
Director Moira Weir said employees of the center have been notified of the
move and a meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the transition with
them. The center will remain at its Taft location.
“This is a good move for our agency as we look to improve efficiency and
focus on providing great services with our mandates and core areas of
responsibility,” Weir said. “And it is a good fit for the TB Control Center
because I know the health commissioner has some innovative and
cost-effective ideas that can be applied to the center and its mission.”