The Strength of Our Community

HEALTH & WELLNESS

COVID-19 has changed us. It tested us, sometimes broke us, and forced us to make changes to how we live our lives. Each one of our communities, each one of our households, every business, has made sacrifices and choices to stay safe. At our hospitals like OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, or with the Delaware Public Health District, we have fought every single day, with you and for you. We still do. Delaware County has a story to tell. And that story, regarding COVID-19, is one of hope and pride. We lead the state of Ohio in engagement with the health district, with awareness, and with vaccinations. It’s because of you. We rolled up our sleeves for ourselves, our family, our kids, and our seniors. Recent data shares Delaware County has the highest percentage of those vaccinated in the areas closest to our county by 11%, and 77% of those eligible are now fully vaccinated. Our COVID-19 hospitalized patients per 100,000 are the lowest in that same region. Our COVID-19 positivity rate per 100,000 is the lowest in the region. We know vaccines work. Even in COVID-19 breakthrough cases, which are defined as a case after being fully vaccinated, they can lessen the impact from the infection, and have been very effective in preventing severe cases of COVID-19 that lead to hospitalization or death. Our data shows 94% of cases in the county are those who have not been vaccinated, with only 6% considered breakthrough. Your support of vaccinations, masking, and social distancing is evident in these numbers. Thank you. And despite this positive momentum in our community, it does not underscore what we, along with our friends and neighbors, have lost. Lives were taken from this horrible infection. We missed graduations, weddings, the “normal” lives we knew. Our health care staff is overwhelmed, both physically and emotionally. They are some of the best people you will find anywhere. They care so much for you and your families and despite all of the death and severe illness they’ve seen, and the stress they carry home with them after another long shift, they bravely come back the next day ready to save another life and make a difference. These losses will not be forgotten. This hard work will not be taken for granted, ever. We hope you feel proud, Delaware County. We were strong before this pandemic and it shows. As we hopefully come out of this fourth surge, we emerge changed. But we should emerge with the knowledge and hope that Delaware County is a shining example of health care, government, community, businesses, and so much more, coming together to be the best of Ohio. We can’t thank you enough for what you have brought to the battle against COVID-19, and for what you have done for each other.

Delaware County is home for us. It’s special here and nothing can take that away. Ever. Armin Rahmanian is the president of OhioHealth Grady Memorial and Dublin Methodist Hospitals and Shelia L. Hiddleson is the Delaware Public Health District Health Commissioner.

MANOS, MARTIN & PERGRAM CO., LPA Attorneys at Law

Client Focused, Client First Since 1951

50 North Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015-1926 Phone: 740-363-1313 Fax: 740-363-1314 email@mmpdlaw.com; mmpdlaw.com

138 Johnson Drive Delaware, OH 43015 (740)363-6284 | DelawarePeopleInNeed.org

Last year, PIN served nearly half a million meals and kept more than 200 families in Delaware County in their homes.

Are you a senior in need of support in one of the following areas? Contact us today to learn more about using our services.

Food Pantry Eviction Prevention Utility Assistance Medical Expenses Our Mission: Assisting families and individuals of Delaware County in a collaborative effort by providing personal emergency assistance with dignity and respect in their time of need.