Henry County Health Dept. asks voters to approve replacement levy | News

NAPOLEON, OH (WTOL) – Public health could become a problem in Henry County. The health department is asking voters to pass the replacement levy after the other levy was rejected back in November.

Jennifer Imthurn brought her two daughters into the Henry County Health Department in Napoleon Wednesday to get their shots.

"If I didn't have the immunization program, I'd have to go to Defiance because most of the doctors here in Henry County do not give immunizations," explained Imthurn.

Creating a huge inconvenience for Imthurn, it could become the reality if voters turn down the $1.2 million replacement levy on the March ballot.

"It's tough on me. It's even tougher on the staff. The not knowing has been very difficult," said Anne Goon, Henry County health commissioner.

Goon said the department has already cut several positions and programs due to the lack of funding for public health. If the levy fails in March, Goon will have no choice but to cut even more programs, including immunizations for children and adults.

"The worst that could happen is children could actually die. It's been a long time since Americans have faced the day-to-day realities of diseases like polio or other things like that," said Goon.

Vision and hearing tests, as well as the public dental clinic, are all at risk.

The five-year replacement levy would cost the homeowner of a $100,000 house about $37 every year.

"I don't want to pay any more taxes than anybody else wants to, but it's a small price to pay to make sure that my children are immunized and that I have a safe environment to live in," said Imthurn.

Read more about the Henry County Health Levy here.

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