Lorain Health Department Releases New Guidelines for 2025
The Lorain Health Department has announced updated public health guidelines aligned with the 2023-2025 Lorain County Community Health Improvement Plan and Ohio state mandates. Key areas of focus include:
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
The department aims to screen at least 200 individuals annually for chronic conditions such as stroke and cardiovascular disease, connecting those screened to primary care providers. Emphasis is placed on outreach within African American, Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities to reduce health disparities.
Mental Health Initiatives
Plans focus on developing suicide prevention protocols, increasing depression screening referrals, and improving post-crisis care connection via Mobile Crisis Teams and Emergency Stabilization Services.
Substance Use and Harm Reduction
Efforts include expanding naloxone access through nontraditional means like vending machines and mailings, training first responders in overdose prevention, and supporting recovery services covering 50% of Lorain County residents by the end of 2025.
Tobacco Use Reduction
The department will implement tobacco retail licensing in select communities, promote tobacco-free policies in public spaces, and expand cessation services including web, phone, and text options.
Vaccination Programs
Flu vaccinations begin October 1, 2025, with offerings for ages 6 months and up, including high-dose vaccines for seniors. RSV vaccines are available for older adults, pregnant individuals, and those at risk of severe disease. Updated COVID-19 vaccines will also be provided following CDC guidance.
Public Hygiene Recommendations
Residents are encouraged to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, frequent hand washing, and regular surface cleaning to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
These updated health guidelines aim to improve the well-being of Lorain County residents by expanding access to screenings, preventive care, and community education, with special emphasis on vulnerable populations and chronic disease control.
Sources
(https://www.uhhospitals.org/-/media/files/about-uh/community-benefit/chna-lorain-implementation-strategy-2023.pdf)
(https://www.loraincountyhealth.com/respiratoryviruses)
(https://mchb.tvisdata.hrsa.gov/Narratives/Overview/ddaf13e0-c7d9-4561-bd2b-a22618b01099)
(https://www.loraincountyhealth.com/files/Environmental%20Health/Food%20Program/Plan%20Review%20Guidance%20Document%20rev%201-2025.pdf)
(https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/8588b164-e9ac-412c-9121-101b652289c4/Lorain+County+Cancer+Profile+2025.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_79GCH8013HMOA06A2E16IV2082-8588b164-e9ac-412c-9121-101b652289c4-prZGt2m)
