Board approves public‑health plan after adding language ending YAS and Wear1 participation

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health submitted its Cycle 9 plan of organization required by Michigan statute. Commissioners debated whether two items—YAS (Youth Assessment Survey) and a program referred to as "Wear1"—should remain in the document. Public commenters and several commissioners urged removal, citing community concerns and program content. County counsel advised that the state requires the plan to accurately report the health department's recent activities and that removing those items outright could prevent state acceptance.

As a compromise the board voted to insert explicit sentences into the plan stating that, "at the direction of the local governing entity, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health ended participation with the YAS Committee and the youth assessment survey on 03/24/2026," and that the Wear1 program was discontinued on the same date. With those clarifications the board authorized the county chair to sign the plan for submission to the state. The motion passed by roll call.