Ohio health department urged to find healthier space

LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) — The state says a county health agency in Ohio needs a new building because the current one isn’t setting a healthy example.

An employee at the Fairfield County Health Department in central Ohio complained to state officials about black mold, bats and rodents, high radon levels and possible lead exposure at the facility.

Acting county health administrator Larry Hanna tells the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette that there’s a bit of truth to all of that. But he says addressing some of those issues will be expensive.

The newspaper reports that the director of the Ohio Department of Health has sent a letter urging county officials to find money for a new building.

County Commissioner Steve Davis says a solution could come next month.