Portage County Health District

04/13/2026

Join the Hunger Challenge – Help Feed Local Families

The Portage County Health District is partnering with the Ravenna Center of Hope to support local families through our Hunger Challenge Food Drive.

April 1 – April 30

Your donation can make a real difference for individuals and families in our community.

🛒 Items Needed:
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Rice, pasta, and cereal
• Peanut butter and canned protein

✔ Please ensure all items are sealed and within expiration date.

📍 Drop-Off Location:
Portage County Health District
999 E. Main Street, Ravenna

🕒 Drop-Off Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Extended hours: April 8 & April 22 until 6:00 PM

Donations will support the Ravenna Center of Hope and help provide food to local families in need.

📞 Questions? Call 330-296-9919 ext. 107

Together, we can make an impact and help our community.

04/12/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐆𝐈𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The future of public health is GIS (Geographic Information Systems).

GIS allows us to turn data into maps, helping us identify trends, patterns, and barriers to health across Portage County, including transportation access and proximity to resources.

At the Portage County Health District, we use ArcGIS to map:
• Disease cases
• Food resources
• Tick and mosquito activity
• PARTA bus stops

These tools help residents find services and allow our team to better plan where support is needed most.

Our Environmental Health team also uses GIS in the field during inspections at restaurants, fairs, and construction sites to track information and strengthen protection efforts across the community.

Looking ahead, we are expanding our use of GIS to:
• Identify areas in need of additional vaccination clinics
• Develop a public-facing septic system map for Portage County

🥫 Explore Our Public Health Dashboards

Our Portage County Food Resource Dashboard makes it easy to find local food support, including food pantries, WIC and SNAP locations, and distribution sites. You can filter by day of the week and view locations near PARTA bus stops to improve access.

🔎 Explore:
🥫 Food Resources Dashboard
🦟 Mosquito Surveillance Dashboard
🕷️ Tick Surveillance Dashboard

These interactive tools help residents stay informed and connect with resources in their community.

🌐 Learn more: www.portagehealth.net

📞 330-296-9919

GIS helps us see the big picture and take action to keep Portage County healthy.

04/11/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬

Protecting our community every day.

Ever wonder who helps keep restaurants, pools, and campgrounds safe in Portage County? Our Environmental Health Specialists are out in the community every day ensuring facilities meet health and safety standards.

From checking handwashing practices and safe food handling, to verifying proper food temperatures, clean environments, and balanced pool and spa chemicals, their work helps prevent illness and protect the health of our community. They also provide guidance and education to staff to support safe operations.

Education in Action
Our Health Educators are also working with local programs to teach kids about stormwater and drainage. Simple actions, like keeping chemicals out of drains, can help protect our water and environment.

♻️ Help Us Reduce Plastic Waste in Portage County

We are also working to turn small actions into meaningful impact through our Plastic Bag Recycling Program.

So far, we’ve collected 670 pounds toward our 1,000 pound goal, and with the help of our community, we’ve already created one recycled plastic bench, with more to come.

In partnership with Portage County Recycling, we are continuing to collect plastic to create additional benches throughout the county.

📍 Drop-Off Location:
Portage County Health District
999 E. Main Street, Ravenna (Lobby)

Accepted items include:
• Grocery, bread, and ice bags
• Bubble wrap and plastic shipping envelopes
• Cereal and snack bags
• Dry cleaning bags
• Ziploc and similar plastic bags

Small actions can make a big difference. Thank you for helping us reduce waste and support a cleaner, healthier Portage County.

04/10/2026

We had a great time attending the Volunteer Recruitment Fair and seeing our community come together to connect with local organizations and explore ways to make a difference.

Portage County truly works best when we all work together!

Interested in getting involved? Consider joining the Portage County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).

The MRC is a volunteer group that supports local public health and emergency medical services during both emergency and non-emergency events.

👥 Who can volunteer?
Anyone 18 years or older can join. We welcome:
• Medical professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, EMTs, and mental health professionals
• Individuals with active, retired, or non-practicing licenses
• Non-medical volunteers who can assist with clerical support, communications, transportation, and more

Every role plays an important part in supporting our community’s health and safety.

🔗 Learn more and sign up:
https://portagehealth.net/our-programs/health-education-and-promotion/medical-reserve-corps/

04/10/2026

We had a great time attending the Kent State University College of Public Health Career Fair and connecting with students and future public health professionals.

At the Portage County Health District, you are more than an employee. You are part of a mission-driven team dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community. We are committed to supporting our staff through meaningful work, strong benefits, and a positive workplace culture.

If you are passionate about public health and making a difference, we encourage you to explore opportunities with us.

🔗 Learn more and view current openings:
https://portagehealth.net/about-us/employment-opportunity/

04/10/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦

Public health is a team effort, and our work is made possible by the dedicated professionals who serve our community every day.

Our team includes nurses, health educators, environmental health specialists, registered dietitians, inspectors, clerical staff, administrators, and many others, each playing a vital role in protecting and improving the health of Portage County.

From inspecting restaurants and pools, to supporting families and children, tracking data, responding to health concerns, and connecting residents to essential resources, every role matters.

We are grateful for the commitment, expertise, and passion our team brings to this work each day.

Take a moment to watch our team wishing you a Happy Public Health Week!

Interested in a career in public health?
View current job opportunities:
🔗 https://portagehealth.net/about-us/employment-opportunity/

🌐 Learn more about our programs and services:
https://portagehealth.net

📞 330-296-9919

Together, we are building a healthier Portage County.

04/10/2026

Celebrating Our Public Health Heroes

As we wrap up National Public Health Week, we celebrate the people behind the work—our dedicated team who makes a difference every single day.

From the front lines to behind the scenes, their commitment, compassion, and expertise help create a healthier, safer community for all.

Ready. Set. Action!

This is what public health looks like.

✨ Thank you for all that you do—for our community and for each other.

04/09/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭

Public health starts with individual action and grows stronger when we work together.

Every day, Portage County residents are taking steps to improve their health and the well-being of their families. From attending SAIL exercise classes, to accessing nutrition support through WIC, to visiting clinics and food pantries, these actions make a real difference.

These programs help individuals stay healthy, stay safe, and build strong families. When residents support one another, we create a stronger, healthier community for everyone.

Looking for support or services? We’re here to help.

Here are a few programs available through the Portage County Health District and our partners:

SAIL Classes (Stay Active & Independent for Life)
Contact: Kim Plough
📞 330-296-9919 ext. 126

WIC Program
📞 330-297-9422

Complex Medical Support
Contact: Kirsten Orr, RN
📞 330-296-9919 ext. 117

PCHD Pop-Up Pantry
🗓 First Thursday of each month
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Together, small actions lead to big impact.

04/09/2026

Behind the Scenes. Impact Everywhere.

Much of what public health does isn’t always visible—but it’s felt in every safe meal, clean system, and protected space throughout our community.

Our team works every day—often behind the scenes—to ensure the health and safety of Portage County residents.

This week, we’re shining a light on the people who make that impact possible.

Ready. Set. Action!
Because protecting and promoting health happens in ways you may not always see—but always benefit from.

✨ Protecting health. Promoting safety. Strengthening community.

04/08/2026

Celebrating Leadership in Public Health

We are proud to share this feature on our Health Commissioner, Becky Lehman, and her inspiring journey to leadership at the Portage County Health District.

Becky’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and growth. She began her public health career as an intern with PCHD in 2009 and, through years of hard work and commitment, has risen to serve as Portage County’s Health Commissioner.

From returning to college as a non-traditional student while raising a family to leading public health efforts across our community, her journey reflects a deep passion for service and making a meaningful impact.

Her leadership continues to strengthen partnerships, advance public health initiatives, and improve health outcomes for the residents we serve.

Watch the video and read more about her journey below.

When Becky Lehman walked into her first class at Kent State University, she was in her 30s, raising kids and working at an embroidery shop in nearby

04/08/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

Community leadership in public health starts with connection, meeting people where they are and working together to build healthier, safer communities across Portage County.

Through our Photovoice Project, community members shared their perspectives, sparking meaningful conversations and helping identify opportunities for positive change.

We also bring prevention to the forefront through our Safe Kids and Safe Communities coalitions, working to protect residents of all ages through education, outreach, and strong community partnerships.

Keeping Kids Safe
The Health District is here to support families. If you are in need of a car seat inspection or a safe sleep option for your child, call 330-296-9919 ext. 107 or 129 to learn more.

Together, through people, partnerships, and presence, we are building a stronger Portage County.

🎉 Save the Date: Thrive Together Open House
📅 June 23
📍 Portage County Health District

Join us to learn more about the programs and services that support a healthy community.

Here’s what you can expect:
✅ Learn about PCHD programs and services
🩺 Participate in health screenings
🛍️ Shop the farmers’ market
🤝 Meet community partners and organizations
🌟 Discover what makes Portage County a great place to live

We hope to see you there!

04/08/2026

Public Health in Action

Every inspection, every vaccine, every call, and every partnership—this is what public health looks like in action.

Our team is out in the community every day, working behind the scenes and on the front lines to ensure our residents have the opportunity to live long, healthy lives in a safe environment.

Ready. Set. Action!

Because protecting and promoting health isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

✨ Your public health team—making a difference every day.