Mercer County Ohio Health District

08/20/2026

Please join Mercer County Health District at the Overdose Awareness event on 8/31.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FNTbZ8hgB/

08/20/2026

Update: Additional recalls have been issued for jalapeños and products made with recalled jalapeños.

USDA-FSIS also issued a public health alert for certain meat and poultry products containing recalled jalapeños.

See the outbreak advisory for additional information: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-jalapeno-august-2026

08/20/2026

HIRING: Director of Nursing

The Mercer County Health District is seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse to serve as our Director of Nursing. This leadership position oversees all public health nursing programs and services, including communicable disease prevention and investigation, immunization clinics, school health initiatives, and community health programs.
The Director of Nursing provides strategic leadership, supervises nursing staff, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, manages program budgets and grants, develops policies and procedures, and collaborates with community partners to improve public health outcomes. This position also serves as a key member of the agency’s management team, helping guide organizational planning and decision-making.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Current Ohio Registered Nurse (RN) license and valid driver’s license.
Experience in supervision and direction of others is preferred, but equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Benefits: Health insurance starting on first day of hire, paid vacation and sick leave, fourteen paid holidays, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), and optional Deferred Compensation.
Salary: Negotiable.

Please send resume and cover letter to Michelle Kimmel: [email protected]

08/17/2026

WE ARE HIRING for the Director of Nursing position.

The Mercer County Health District is seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse to serve as our full-time Director of Nursing.

This leadership position plans, administers, and supervises public health nursing operations. The DON represents the Health Services division in various interactions with public officials, civic and professional groups, and the community.

This position includes excellent benefits, including health insurance beginning on the first day of employment, paid vacation and sick leave, fourteen paid holidays, and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

More information here:

The Mercer County Health District is seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse to serve as our Director of Nursing. This leadership position oversees all public health nursing programs and services, including communicable disease prevention and investigation, immunization clinics, school....

08/05/2026

07/27/2026

July is National Extreme Heat Awareness Month. Remember, a parked vehicle can become life‑threatening in minutes. Remember: once you park, STOP what you're doing, LOOK around the vehicle for children and animals and always LOCK your car.

07/24/2026

As of July 23, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is reporting 2,576 cyclosporiasis cases in the state in 2026, including 134 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Per the FDA, the outbreak is now 9 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The department updates its Summary of Infectious Diseases in Ohio dashboard weekly, on Thursday afternoons. It includes a breakdown by county. ODH is continuing to work closely with local health departments, state partners (including Michigan), and federal partners on the investigation. This includes interviewing individuals who are sick and collaborating with partners to identify potential common exposures.

The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce. As indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food & Drug Administration, people should not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.

General best practices to help prevent cyclosporiasis:

People should wash their hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruit and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly under running water, and firm fruit and vegetables, like melons, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.
Cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables should be eaten or refrigerated promptly.

07/24/2026

Fresh fruits and vegetables are one of the best things you can do for your health—and we want you to keep enjoying them! 🍓🥕🌽
Recent Cyclospora investigations have been linked to specific produce products, but that doesn't mean you should avoid eating all fruits and vegetables.
Instead:
🥬 Support your local farmers and farmers markets.
🚿 Wash produce under running water before eating or preparing it.
🧼 Wash your hands and keep your kitchen clean.
🍳Cook to a proper temp of 160 degrees Fahrenheit
📢 Stay informed about food recalls and public health updates.
Buying local and practicing safe food handling helps protect your health while supporting our community.
👉 Swipe through for simple tips to safely enjoy fresh produce all season long!