From the Statehouse

By Jennifer Garrison

July 29, 2010

Your health is important to you, and it’s important that the state work hard to protect public health.  We have a great many resources to help, however, they are not always utilized in the most effective manner or to the extent possible.  It is important that our many resources both work to enhance public health and respond to health emergencies quickly and effectively.

Ohio’s Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact (IMAC) plays a fundamental role in enabling our various resources to do just that.  However, IMAC is not a perfect law and the H1N1 pandemic of 2009 illustrated some of its flaws.  House Bill 357 fixes problems in IMAC, therefore improving our state’s ability to halt the spread of large-scale infectious diseases.

Currently, participation in IMAC is restricted to political subdivisions (counties, townships, and municipal corporations).  This bill removes that restriction and allows, but does not require, institutions of higher learning, health districts, and port authority emergency responders to participate in IMAC.  Additionally, a private company may provide mutual assistance or aid if needed by the local government under the guidelines of the Compact.

HB 357 also permits the Governor to declare a health emergency after consultation with the Director of Health.  This bill authorizes certified first responders and EMT’s, under a Governor declared public health emergency, to deliver vaccines and medication under physician approved protocols. This allows Ohio’s front line medical personnel to help distribute necessary medication quickly and effectively.

The legislation also allows emergency responders to train and exercise together to prepare for a real emergency.  This bill takes important steps in ensuring that Ohioan’s health and safety are protected in the event of a health emergency.  I voted “yes” on HB 357 as it passed out of the House with strong bi-partisan support.  It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

Lupus is a serious disease that affects approximately 1.5 to 2 million people across the country and thousands of Ohioans.  It is an autoimmune disease in which the body is attached by a person’s own immune system.  It is one of the country’s most prevalent medical problems and one that is little understood by both the public and health professionals alike.

In order to address the lack of awareness and understanding of the disease, House Bill 406 creates the Lupus Education and Awareness Program (LEAP). The program is designed as a multi-pronged, statewide approach that will increase public and health professional awareness and knowledge of lupus, the importance of early diagnosis, and effective treatment and management strategies.  This program does not require state funding.

This program takes an important step in the fight against this disease that is not well understood but is very prevalent.  I voted “yes” on HB 406 as it passed out of the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.  The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 505 clarifies current law on the benefits a board of county commissioners is authorized to offer county employees.  HB 505 allows, but does not require, a board of county commissioners to offer a qualified benefit under a cafeteria plan.  This will provide a county commission flexibility to offer a wellness benefit program. 

I voted “yes” on HB 505 as it passed out of the House unanimously.  It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

You can reach Jennifer Garrison in her Columbus office at (614)644-8728, in the district at (740)373-2414 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Her website is www.jennifergarrison.com.