City, county health department merger moves forward in Akron

A merger feasibility study committee unanimously approved a report this week that recommends the merging of the Akron Health Department and the Summit County Health District (Source: “Group recommends merging Akron, Summit County health agencies,” Akron Beacon-Journal, Feb. 9, 2010).

The last step in the planned merger is for the Akron City Council to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with the Summit County Health District to provide public health services to the city, effective Jan. 1.

''A consolidation would strengthen the community's public health system and is feasible,'' the merger feasibility report concluded. Among the advantages of the merger cited in the report are the ability to secure more funding, reduce costs and better plan for the future.

With the move now appearing inevitable, both agencies are expected to start working toward the merger over the next 10 months, with Akron Health Department employees moving to jobs within the expanded Summit County Health District.