Resignation of Douglas County health officer announced at board meeting

The resignation of Dr. Thomas Marcellino, Douglas County’s health officer, was announced during Tuesday’s Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health board meeting.

Public Health Director Dan Partridge shared the news with the board, and said he’s optimistic about finding someone to fill the health officer position. Marcellino requested that his resignation happen by March 1.

Partridge said he hopes that new health officer contracts will be available for the public health board to view by February. 

Marcellino had been the health officer since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. About a year ago, Jennifer Schrimsher was brought on as deputy health officer.

Partridge said having people in both positions was valuable, and that partnership may stay in place, even if a new health officer is brought on. 

“It’s a lonely job to do this on your own,” Partridge said. “To have someone there beside you, I think mentally, emotionally, there’s a lot of benefit to that, so I want to keep this a team effort.”

Other business at the meeting included the approval of reimbursing COVID-19 test kits through American Rescue Plan Act funds.

After testing kits were in short supply, LDC Public Health worked with Douglas County, which had set aside $180,000 of emergency funds through the federal aid. New kits have been ordered, and some have already arrived. 

Veronica White, preparedness and epidemiology coordinator for LDC Public Health, gave a report on her program, and also introduced herself to the board. 

“Some weeks I’ve been working seven days a week since we’ve been having so many cases coming our way,” White said.

Partridge said since Douglas County reinstated its mask mandate, he has seen more people in the county wearing masks, which he appreciates.

“It’s not perfect, but I think it’s being effective,” Partridge said. 

As of Jan. 14, there were 4,867 active cases in Douglas County, according to the COVID-19 dashboard. The average positivity rate was 23.9%. The mask mandate will be in place until Feb. 9. 

Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]