Health Department serves all

The Erie County Health Department has a beautiful medical campus on the west side of Sandusky, Bayfront, near Lions Park. It's modern and progressive with family medical rooms, dental services and so much else. It's one of the things about this agency we really like; the progressive, proactive efforts there every day to serve the healthcare needs of every one of us. The addiction recovery center there is another reason we are so grateful for the work this agency does. So many families have been impacted; the health department has served as a lighthouse in rough waters, helping families navigate through it to the path of recovery. That's remarkable. The campus and the services available there are some of the things we really love about this agency. It aggressively seeks to serve the people of our community; to serve people. But there's more to the agency than just all that, as impressive as it is. The Erie County Health Department has health clinics and services from eight different locations across the region to serve people. It's another thing we love about it. There's always community outreach going on at the health department. The agency is in our schools, our jails and our communities, providing high-quality medical, behavioral and life care support for our communities, always ahead of the curve. Health department employees are committed to their jobs, committed to creating better health and improved quality of life here where we live. They are another thing we love about this agency. During the pandemic, our healthcare workers were confident, informed and strong; they led us through that dark time, and we're grateful. Being always ready to serve people, having the education, the knowledge and the desire to be of service and to be part of our community's improved health is a noble cause. We appreciate the employees there and the work they do. We were reminded yet again how much we value the Erie County Health Department this week, when the agency announced another community event to which everyone is invited that will happen Monday. "We're trying to get folks to be as proactive as we can about their own personal health," said Pete Schade, Erie County's health commissioner. That's been Schade's message for years, and he means it. We appreciate you, too, commissioner. *** Thrive together What: Thrive Together When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, in the cafeteria of Sandusky Intermediate School, 2020 Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4). It's the new school building just north of the high school. Why: Free services, screenings, tests and gift cards for vaccinations • Cholesterol (If you want this you should fast for eight hours before the test) • Blood pressure • Blood sugar (fast for eight hours before the test) • Blood lead screening for kids ages 1 to 6, physicals for work and school, and dental health screenings • Vaccinations against COVID-19 and also against flu (from noon to 6 p.m.) • Anyone 12 or older who receives a flu or COVID vaccination will receive a $100 gift card for Meijer or Kroger, but you must preregister by calling 567-867-5174. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian nearby. Bring a valid ID. The local Area Office on Aging is supplying the gift cards. Those planning to get health screenings don't have to register in advance, Schade said. "You can just show up for everything else," Schade said. The health department plans to offer refreshments and giveaways and is making a major effort to make the event a success.