The Franklin County Board of Commissioners held its General Session on January 6, 2026, launching the new year with leadership selections and key county decisions.

The Board elected Commissioner John O’Grady as President for the 2026 term and heard his remarks outlining key priorities, including fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, workforce development, and community partnerships.

The session also included approval of resolutions related to inmate medical services, animal care, opioid harm reduction evaluation, cybersecurity authority, employee salary adjustments, and long-term support for Nationwide Arena renovations. Additional administrative actions included board appointments, annexation filings, and notice of a critical website accessibility upgrade to meet federal compliance deadlines.

Watch the full meeting on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE0F0e5vQ7M

Find the agenda here: https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/fi...

This is an episode that’s both informative and inspiring, revealing why public health matters and how it touches the lives of every county resident—every day.

Kenneth Wilson sits down with Franklin County Public Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola for an insightful and engaging conversation about all things public health in Franklin County. Whether you’ve ever wondered what a health commissioner does, how epidemiology helps keep communities safe, or why local partnerships matter, this episode is packed with answers.

Joe Mazzola shares his unconventional journey from political campaign work to leading public health efforts, highlights the broad array of services Franklin County Public Health provides—from food inspections and mosquito control to maternal wellness and addiction support—and unpacks his agency’s innovative work tackling issues like infant mortality and substance use disorder.

The discussion also covers how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the approach to health emergencies, why community initiatives like Recover for Life make Franklin County different, and even how artificial intelligence might impact future public health efforts. Plus, you’ll get a few personal insights about Joe Mazzola through a fun lightning round at the end.

Moments

00:00 "Unexpected Paths in Public Health"

05:58 Epidemiologists: Data-Driven Health Storytellers

08:56 Health Department Services Overview

11:45 Community Health Improvement Plan

13:50 Franklin County Addiction Response Plan

19:16 Housing for Health Innovation

23:05 Beyond Nuisance Abatement

24:59 Townships: Core of Health Department

27:45 Health Prevention Strategies

30:50 "Franklin County Recovery Campaign"

33:52 Pandemic's Impact on Public Health

39:29 AI in Healthcare: Challenges & Trust

40:34 AI Needs Human Oversight

46:52 Support Franklin County Community

47:31 "Amplify Lives, Spread Kindness"

Takeaways

Here are three key takeaways:

• Collaboration is at the heart of progress: Joe Mazzola emphasizes the power of partnerships—whether it's tackling infant mortality through initiatives like Celebrate1 or addressing substance use disorder with the Columbus Franklin County Addiction Plan. Working together with local agencies, townships, and community organizations makes a measurable difference.
• Public health is more than just responding to outbreaks: From environmental health (like food safety and mosquito control) to tackling social determinants, the Franklin County Public Health team focuses on preventive services and holistic health solutions—including innovative housing collaborations for better community outcomes.
• Continuous learning from challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic was a major pivot point, highlighting the need for strong relationships, clear communication, and constant preparedness. As Joe Mazzola shares, these lessons are leading to lasting changes in how the county approaches health emergencies—with an eye on technology and equity.

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Whether you’re a student navigating college choices, someone interested in public service, or just looking for genuine inspiration, this episode delivers honest insight and energetic storytelling you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of Talk Of The County, County Administrator Kenneth Wilson welcomes Kennedy Hampton, a driven bio pre-med major from Hampton University, for an inspiring and lively conversation.

Kennedy shares what drew her to the “real HU”—from a vibrant campus ministry to the welcoming community and scenic waterfront views. Together, they explore her passion for pediatric dentistry, her experiences as a summer intern in Franklin County, and the importance of faith and community for college students today.

Kennedy opens up about the influential women who have shaped her goals, her commitment to serving marginalized communities, and how internships and mentorship can shape a student’s future.

The conversation also includes topics of campus life, music favorites, self-care, and Kennedy’s love of fashion and sneakers—sprinkling in laughs, practical advice, and ambition along the way.

Moments

00:00 "Faith-Focused Hampton Experience"

03:32 Legacy Park: Inspiration and Reflection

08:43 "Kennedy's Dentist Dream"

12:14 Social Media's Positive Influence

14:52 "Boosting Student Support & Growth"

18:43 Staying Rooted in Faith

19:57 Securing the Bag Explained

25:41 Maximize Opportunities, Reach the Door

28:22 Prioritizing Self-Care in College

32:12 "Drake: My Top Artist"

34:05 Top Female Artist: Summer Walker

38:16 "Old R&B Beats New"

40:55 Santorini Dreams and Pinterest

44:16 "Fashion: Economy and Identity"

Here are 3 key takeaways from my conversation:

Finding Your Fit Matters: Touring HBCUs helped her realize how important it is to feel “at home” on campus. Hampton’s bold campus ministry and welcoming vibe truly sealed the deal for me.

Internships Open Doors: Her summer in public service taught her more than any class could. Real-world exposure, research projects, and community engagement have prepared her for her path in dentistry—and emphasizing the value of saying yes even when you feel unsure.

Authenticity & Faith Fuel Ambition: Perseverance and faith remain central to her story. Using her voice on social platforms and in the community, she's learned the power of showing up unapologetically and supporting others—especially those who aren’t always heard.

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners