The Ohio Department of Health has been working to maximize its share of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus) funding by investing in core public health priorities. The Ohio Department of Health is currently overseeing just over $22,491,136.00 in stimulus funds with the goal of improving the health and well-being of our state. As a whole, these programs will create and/or retain jobs in almost every county and make significant investments in the public health infrastructure of our state. Specifically, goals of the program areas at ODH funded with stimulus dollars include:

• Increase the number of family supports and early identification of infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities (birth to age three)
• Increase the proportion of children who receive all vaccines that are recommended for routine administration
• Increase the number of adolescents having access to all ACIP recommended vaccines through public health departments
• Improve reporting of healthcare associated infections through information technology systems and development of a state healthcare associated infections plan
• Increase the number of National Health Service Corps loan repayment participants
• Increase the number of primary care providers who deliver high-quality care through interdisciplinary practice in rural and urban communities
• Provide greater oversight in non-accredited Medicare-certified Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

• Support healthy behaviors related to obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco prevention

ODH is committed to informing all stakeholders and the public about the progress of these programs and how dollars are being spent. As the state continues to see the public health value and outcomes related to the stimulus, please visit our site for the latest reporting information. Additional information about the stimulus is available at the state of Ohio’s stimulus page, as well as this Web site which includes announcements, links and additional funding opportunities.