Public health facilities to close

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Two more public health facilities will close in Montgomery County.

It's a financial move officials said will not only save taxpayer money, but better serve those in need

Montgomery County has seven public health facilities. Five of those have already been transitioned under Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton, a non-profit that is funded by the federal government. The remaining two will be transitioned by June. The transition is expected to save the county $1.2 million a year, but also means more than a dozen jobs will be lost.

"Reductions in property values and a failed human services levy have left Montgomery County's Public Health sector $2.6 million in the hole," said Jim Gross, who is the health commissioner for Public Health Dayton, Montgomery County." 

Gross said the agency will make up 50 % of its current shortfall by transitioning its seven total facilities under the non-profit Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton. The network is funded by federal dollars; therefore, will lift the financial burden on a local level.

"This will allow us to take advantage of federal funding that comes to the Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton," said Gross.

Public health serves approximately 4500 people. Gross said some patients will receive care at the same facilities and by the same doctor, with very little difference if not better services received.

"People will be able to get reduced pricing on their medications whereas now we are not able to offer that," said Gross.

The Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton will also be opening a newer, larger facility in Miamisburg to handle the anticipated increase in patients.

"We estimate each patient going to the doctor three times a year.  That represents about 14 thousand visits a year," said Gross.

Public Health Dayton is currently looking at other measures to offset the remaining 50 percent of the shortfall.