Overview

Ohio is in the Midwestern region of the United States and has a population of 11.7 million people. The Ohio Department of Health is an independent agency and has a decentralized relationship with local health departments in the state. Ohio envisions a transformed public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams that advance the health and wellbeing of its population. To do so, the state must address the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes, and implement data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Modernization of our public health system has been a need for decades, and that need has now become an imperative. PHNCI is providing a forum for states to collaborate. Bringing together entities that are structured and funded differently sparks conversation and innovation. Krista Wasowski, Health Commissioner, Medina County, OH]

Key Highlights

In September 2012, the state legislature established the Legislative Committee on Public Health Futures, resulting in 2013 legislation that required all LHDs to apply for accreditation through PHAB.

The state’s FPHS costing work has been instrumental in a number of policy and funding situations, including during COVID response. Using the gap analysis in the costing tool, Ohio identified overall funding needs and what is needed to fill gaps within specific areas of the foundational capabilities. In the most recent state budget bill, the administration proposed $25 million for data systems improvements. While the final funding number was $6 million dollars for infrastructure in general, this additional appropriation marked initial progress toward increasing state support for local public health.

The advancement of equity has been a longstanding cornerstone of state and local health assessment and improvement plans. Ohio mandates accreditation for all LHDs by PHAB, which has always incorporated equity into its standards and measures. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health hosts an Ohio Equity Institute and provides grants to a small number of LHDs, who are increasingly adding dedicated health equity officers or similar positions.

Equity in Data Systems

Ohio was selected to participate in PHNCI’s Equity in Data Systems Transformation Cohort, a group of states focused on data modernization and implementing the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s National Commission to Transform Public Health Data Systems. As a participant, Ohio will engage in network mapping, host a data summit, and more.

The Work Were Doing

Additional resources