OPHA Signs Amicus Brief -

We are Public Health. We are optometrists, dentists, tobacco control specialists . . .  and only through extensive discussion and due consideration are we - OPHA - in a collective voice, supporting the amicus brief filed in support of resolving the constitutional question of whether the General Assembly has the power to divert the funds from the Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Endowment Fund.

At question is the fundamental right of the legislature to strip public health funds for "light and transient" causes and divert those funds to unrelated projects. While the diverted funds were intended for critical public health services, i.e. optional Medicaid services, such meritorious intent cannot be assured in future legislative sessions. The only assurance comes from establishment and maintenance of Trusts with specified public health purposes.

It is not the intent or purpose of the Ohio Public Health Association to identify funding streams for core public health services. It is, however, our obligation to advocate for funding for those services that reap the most public good. The Ohio Quitline, the youth Stand campaign, and enforcement of Smokefree Workplaces are those services.

Our work does not end here with tobacco control. Now we must advocate for funding of Medicaid; for mental health, dentistry, podiatry and optometric services; for CFHS, for BCMH, and all other critical public health programs.

We are public health and we are united in our professions, united in our need, and united in our voice.  We call upon other professional associations to meet with us and develop a plan of action for seeking the necessary funding to support our mutually vital services. In the spring of 2010 we offer an open invitation to our colleagues in public health to join us for a summit to discuss the future of public health funding, including the optional medicaid services.

J. E. Orcena, MA

Health Commissioner

Union County Health Department

(937) 642-2053 x2044