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Public health report: environmental audit favorable, flu activity high, vending machines distributed 313 Narcan kits
Summary
Ashland County public-health staff reported a favorable DATCP program review despite a consortium average decline, sustained high influenza A and RSV activity, a decline in flu-vaccination rates to 33%, and distribution of 313 Narcan-related items via three public-health vending machines in their first year.
Public-health staff briefed the Ashland County Health and Human Services Board on multiple topics: an environmental health audit, respiratory illness trends, vaccination rates and community harm-reduction distribution through vending machines.
Staff said the county’s DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) environmental health audit went “very well” for Ashland County as an individual agent, but a lower review for a consortium counterpart reduced the consortium average and will require a corrective action plan. Staff said corrective actions will likely involve the consortium partner more than Ashland County.
On respiratory illnesses, staff reported influenza-like illness is at very high sustained levels locally, driven largely by influenza A, and that this season is the worst in 15 years by several measures. RSV activity remains high, particularly among preschool-aged children, while COVID-19 is at moderate-to-low levels and trending down in some areas. Staff said the statewide flu-vaccination rate is 33%, and Ashland County’s vaccination rate has fallen to the state average of 33% after prior seasons of 36%, 41% and 46%; staff said vaccine supply is available and that vaccination appears effective at reducing hospitalizations and severe outcomes.
Staff also reviewed harm-reduction vending-machine activity. The county currently operates three public-health vending machines stocked with Narcan (naloxone) boxes, Narcan Go kits and other items. Since rollout, staff reported the machines have dispensed 228 boxes of Narcan and 85 Narcan Go kits (313 items total), averaging about 6.5 boxes per week between the three machines. The machines also carry fentanyl test strips, medication disposal bags, condoms, medication lock boxes and COVID-test kits when supply allows.
Staff further summarized a briefing on PFAS funding included in the governor’s executive budget: funding is earmarked to the Department of Natural Resources for PFAS monitoring and mitigation, including a well-abandonment grant subset for PFAS; staff said some of that funding has not yet been released and that different parties are still negotiating use and timing.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the consortium review and the DATCP partner. Staff identified Sawyer County as the consortium partner whose review lowered the consortium average and said they will work through a corrective action plan with that partner.
