T-L Photos/JOSIE BURKHART Belmont County Board of Health members present a plaque to Dr. Renato Dela Cruz for his 15 years as a member. Shown from left are Dominic DeFelice, Joel Braido, Dela Cruz, Elizabeth Glick, Jerry Moore and Dr. Wayne Groux.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — After 15 years as a member of the Belmont County Board of Health, Dr. Renato Dela Cruz is becoming the medical director and health commissioner.

Board members presented a plaque to Dela Cruz on Monday for his 15 years with the board. Dela Cruz served as the physician on the board, as one is required on the board.

Deputy Health Commissioner Rob Sproul said anytime there was a question about diseases or care, Dela Cruz was the board’s resource.

As Dela Cruz moves onto the medical director position, he takes on the role of dealing with a tuberculosis patient alongside Gabby Timko, director of nursing.

“Having that resource on the board helped us make decisions and make sure we’re getting the right care for the right person,” Sproul said.

Timko mentioned that a big issue the board is dealing with is its TB patient. Timko worked with Dela Cruz to get the patient under the care of an infectious disease doctor, as the patient won’t take medication.

Timko noted the patient is not an active TB patient because his test came back negative, but he still needs to take medication.

The patient had TB previously and finished treatment in September 2023 before testing positive again in January 2024 and restarted the treatment in February.

As Dela Cruz takes on a new role, the front desk secretary is leaving and being replaced.

The board also hired a new nurse, Carol Tipton, to be the coordinator for the Children with Medical Handicaps grant.

The board discussed the epidemiology report on diseases in Belmont County with Lyme disease and COVID-19 being prevalent right now. Sproul said making sure people understand how ticks work is the important thing when it comes to Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

“Most humans are infected through the bites of immature ticks called nymphs. Nymphs are tiny (less than 2 mm) and difficult to see; they feed during the spring and summer months. Adult ticks can also transmit Lyme disease bacteria, but they are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before they have had time to transmit the bacteria,” according to the ODH.

The local area is a hotspot for the illness, with Harrison County having recorded the highest number of cases per capita in the state over the past 10 years. So far this year, Belmont and Harrison counties have each reported six cases, while Jefferson County has reported 12 and Monroe County 1.

“If you find a tick on your body, remove it quickly to reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease,” the ODH notes. “See a healthcare provider if you do get sick. Lyme disease is curable. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in order to avoid further health problems related to Lyme disease.

Meanwhile, the board also discussed the Overdose Awareness Day that will happen from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 30 at St. Clairsville Memorial Park. During awareness day, refreshments, information and free items will be provided. A butterfly release ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. in memory of lives lost to drug overdoses.

Members also approved the contract with Kane Learning to conduct equity training for Belmont County Health Department employees.

The board approved another motion for a refund of $250 to Greg Martin for a septic evaluation, due to the cancellation of the septic evaluation appointment and a request for refund for a design application fee, due to hiring a different contractor to complete the design.

Members approved two resolutions – Resolution No. 5 to designate funds from the General County Health account to purchase food items to not exceed $250 for the purpose of Overdose Awareness Day and Resolution No. 6 tentatively awarding Water Pollution Control Loan Fund contract(s).

The next board meeting will take place at noon Sept. 9 at the Belmont County 911 Building, 68331 Bannock Road, Ohio 331, St. Clairsville.