jpatterson@mariettatimes.com
As the nation kicked off National Public Health Week, turmoil and change has continued in local administrations.
¯ Marietta-Belpre Health Department
Concerns about the joint health department encompassing both of Washington County’s cities have residents and other health workers questioning the impacts on elderly and homeless or transient individuals’ access to coronavirus vaccination in the middle of a pandemic.
Marietta Law Director Paul Bertram confirmed Monday the department remains under investigation by both city administrations and by the (Ohio) State Employee Relations Board for the removal of former Director of Nursing Vickie Sawyer, which followed the exit in 2020 of Director of Nursing Beth Casto and the resignation this year of Health Commissioner Anne Goon.