CADIZ — Harrison County Health Department’s district administrator and only employee, Garen Rhome, resigned his position and is taking on a new role with the Ohio Department of Health.

Rhome has been with the health department for more than six years. During that time, the department has grown in the services and programs it provides to the community.

“This health department is so fortunate to have the support of the Harrison County residents and a committed staff. In 2015, the residents generally endorsed the future of the health department by supporting a levy.

“Without that levy and the dedication and thoughtfulness of the incredible staff at the health department, things like SilverSneakers, Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (car seat program), and our COVID response would not be possible,” Rhome said.

The health department also offers vaccinations, financial assistance through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to repair or replace failing septic systems, Women Infants Children, Cribs for Kids and many more programs.

Dr. Scott Pendleton, DVM, has been the department’s part-time health commissioner for a little more than seven years and was part of the team that hired Rhome in 2016.

“As a part-time health commissioner, I cannot overstate the gratitude I have for Garen’s service to the health department and the county. He was a calm and competent voice during the pandemic providing drama-free, fact-heavy updates to the county commissioners and the public. The health department could not have had a better public face during those stressful and confusing times. He truly represented our core values of evidence-based decision making, integrity, respect, accessibility, and equity in health care. I am sorry to see him move on but look forward to working with him in his new role,” Pendleton said.

Rhome will begin his new position with ODH as the regional health officer for Southeast Ohio in December.