The Nagel Companies, represented by Ed Nagel and James White, were named Public Health Heroes in a ceremony held Monday by the Wood County Health Department.
The company was recognized for its contribution to protecting the health of the community, said Health Commissioner Ben Robison.
The company is ready to help the health department when needed, including stocking personal protective equipment in 2020, and helping the county recover from emergencies, such as after the tornado that passed through Lake Township in 2005.
“You really represent the greatest of the fabric that makes us great here in Wood County,” Robison said.
“We’re both very, very committed to public service,” said Nagel after he accepted the award with White, who is the company’s chief operating officer.
He said winning the award was very humbling.
“I don’t think we are heroes. Let’s just do what we have to do,” said Nagel.
He said the company has been in Lake Township since 1984 and was right across the street from the Lake Township Police Department when it was destroyed by the tornado.
Because the company has a diesel generator, it is the only location with electricity and is used for emergency services, he said.
Giving back is a cornerstone of business ownership, he said.
“This is really our civic responsibility to help the community,” Nagel said.
The company has a 63,000 square foot warehouse and provides transportation services.
This is the first time the award has been given, and it will become an annual tradition, Robison said.
He said the idea came from the staff.
“We want to raise the bar,” Robison said of the recipient.
“Nagel Companies is a great partner for us and we are positioned to meet needs such as providing our (health care) providers with critical personal protective equipment during the COVID time when it is in short supply, ” he said.
They will receive the PPE for us and keep it, he said.
The award ceremony was part of an open house for the renovated Health Center.
The public is invited to tour the center, with a larger pharmacy and waiting area, dental care and expanded behavioral health services.
“We see every dollar invested in us as a commitment to improve lives and well-being within our community,” Robison said.
The average return on investment for public health initiatives is $7-$8 for every $1 invested, he said.
A COVID vaccine clinic was also held during the open house.
“We have a little more demand than we initially anticipated,” Robison said.
The clinics will continue as long as there is interest in vaccination, he said.
There has been an increase in cases in the county, but serious consequences remain low.
“We know we’re going to live with COVID like the flu. … Our concern is for people who are at greater risk of serious consequences to have a comprehensive strategy to keep themselves safe.” it’s safe, there’s testing if they have symptoms and they’re quick to seek care,” Robison said.
Monday is Public Health Thank You Day.
“This is an opportunity for us to thank our public health systems and infrastructure but especially our staff, who every day are not on the front lines providing services that keep you safe, even if you don’t know it. -an,” said Robison.
Thriving communities tend to be healthy communities; it’s really hard to be productive, educated and connected with others when you’re home sick. Public health provides ways for people to stay healthy and avoid diseases that prevent them from living full lives, he said.
