Rep. McNally Announces $24,997 for Mahoning County Public Health to Battle Mosquito-borne Viruses

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced $24,997 in state funds has been awarded to Mahoning County Public Health from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mosquito Control Grant (MCG) Program.

“Our public health professionals are doing critical work ensuring our overall community health and wellbeing,” said Rep. McNally. “I’m happy these local efforts are being recognized with a nearly maximum grant from this state program.”

The Ohio EPA’s MCG Program is a collaborative effort between the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and was developed to help local governments reduce and monitor the potential for an outbreak of mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, West Nile, and La Cross Encephalitis.

“Our team is grateful for the Mosquito Control Grant, which is instrumental in our efforts to combat mosquito-borne diseases. With these funds, we are implementing comprehensive trapping initiatives and providing educational outreach that is designed to empower our community with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce exposure to mosquito bites, disturb mosquito breeding sites and ultimately protect the public,” said Mahoning County Public Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac.

Those eligible to apply are local health departments and other government agencies such as solid waste management districts, mosquito control boards, and local government. Any government agency applying for MCG monies that is not a local health department must obtain sponsorship from a local health department demonstrated through a letter of support. Applications for the program were due on January 26, 2024, and the maximum request per grant application is $25K.