Only 3 states in the U.S. spend less on health than Ohio.  Problems getting bigger | Opinion

The best way to treat a health problem is to avoid it in the first place. That’s why I’m a big fan of preventive health care — and why I value Ohio’s local health network.

All 88 counties and several municipalities have their own local health agencies.

This is important because Ohio is so diverse — large cities and small towns, family farms and lakefront communities. Different health districts face their own problems and take unique approaches to them. But they also work together, sharing knowledge, strategies and resources.

Over the past six years, Gov. Mike DeWine has made it clear that Ohioans’ health is one of his top priorities. But Ohio’s health challenges are growing, and we need an all-hands-on-deck approach, which includes our local health partners.

For example, Greene County, about 50 miles southwest of Columbus, includes the county seat of Xenia; the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn; the Dayton suburbs of Beavercreek and Bellbrook; the eclectic college town of Yellow Springs; along with other small towns and farmland.

More than a third of Greene County residents struggle with obesity, and the county’s obesity rate spiked from 30% to 39% between 2019 and 2022. To address this and other chronic health conditions, Greene County Public Health is working to expand access to screenings for blood glucose, A1C and blood pressure monitoring.

The department also has programs to encourage physical activity identifying problems sooner and teaching skills to improve individual life choices. 

Preventing disease and empowering residents to protect themselves are the cornerstones of local health departments.

As the lead advocate for Ohio’s health plans, I know how much smarter and cheaper it is to identify a health risk before it becomes an illness and to catch a condition before it becomes a crisis.

This is why our neighboring states have invested in local health. Kentucky spends $4.23 per capita on local health. It’s $4.30 per capita in Pennsylvania; $5.16 per capita in Virginia; $21.86 in Indiana. Ohio’s per-capita investment in public health is 38 cents. Only three states in the U.S. spend less.

And yet, we have a strong foundation of preventive services that, as we build upon it, will allow more people live longer and healthier lives.

Strong preventive healthcare is needed

A strong local health network also strengthens our workforce by increasing productivity. A 2024 report from the National Association of Counties found that a population’s physical and mental health play “a pivotal role in shaping the economic well-being of counties,” adding: “A healthy population contributes to a more productive and engaged workforce, fostering economic growth and stability.” 

Evidence-based interventions to reduce absenteeism, mental health programming, prevention of workplace injuries and support for new working parents are all initiatives that can be supported by local health departments.

There’s no job more important than protecting the health of our neighbors. Nov. 25 was Public Health Thank You Day, and so I want to say a belated thank you for the dedication of all the members of our local health network.

I am hopeful that they will get more support for the crucial work they are doing.

Kelly O’Reilly is president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Health Plans.