Special to 1808Delaware
The Delaware Public Health District Board of Health today announced the decision to close the Health District’s Sunbury location effective May 31.
The Board’s decision was made after evaluating the usage of the location, financial implications, and after a discussion and consultation with City of Sunbury officials.
“It’s not uncommon to only see one or two visitors a day seeking services at this location – mainly birth and death certificates,” said Health Commissioner Garrett Guillozet. “But with new online options for birth and death certificates and environmental health permits, a new neighborhood mobile unit, and our new Delaware location which includes easy accessibility and sufficient parking, we have ample ability to still successfully serve the eastern part of Delaware County.”
Guillozet added that the Board also considered the financial implications of maintaining a satellite office.
“Paying for an under-utilized location, including rent and utilities, is not a sound investment on the Health District’s part, and it’s also not a responsible one,” said Guillozet.
“The City of Sunbury values our partnership with the Health District and understands their difficult decision to close this location,” said Sunbury Mayor Joe St. John. “The availability of online services and deployment of the neighborhood mobile unit to Sunbury will help connect our residents with services that should result in even better and more impactful public health outcomes. I appreciate the Health District’s ongoing commitment to maintain a visible presence in our city and other nearby jurisdictions assisting residents with a wealth of valuable public health services.”
The Sunbury office, which opened in July 2019, is located at 137 State Route 3, Sunbury, OH 43074 (in the Kroger Shopping Plaza) and will remain open for services until Friday, May 31.
Source: DPHD
