Ohio Agencies Award $976,600 in Mosquito Control Grants
During the past two years, the two agencies have awarded nearly $3 million to local health departments and communities for mosquito control programs to prevent disease outbreaks.
Craig W. Butler, director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and Ohio Department of Health Acting Director Lance Himes on May 17 announced nearly $1 million in grants to community health departments and related public entities statewide for mosquito control. The intent is for the funding to mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, West Nile, and La Cross Encephalitis.
"The Mosquito Control Grant program has been a major success," Butler said. "Tires are often a breeding ground for mosquitoes and, fortunately, we have developed an innovative way to put dollars to work to help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses."
The grants will specifically target:
- mosquito surveillance
- larval control
- adult mosquito control, including spraying where mosquitoes' presence poses a risk to public health
- community outreach
- breeding source reduction, including trash and tire removal
A total of $976,600 in grants are being issued in 35 counties and four cities. They're available in collaboration and with support from the Ohio Department of Health's larger effort to mitigate the potential for outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses. During the past two years, the two agencies have awarded nearly $3 million to local health departments and communities for mosquito control programs.