The Delaware Public Health District came into existence in the early part of the 1900's after the flu pandemic which killed over 25 million people world wide, with over 500,000 dead in the United States. State government officials, following the flu pandemic and other serious health threats, realized the importance public health and the need for citizens to have a local governmental entity assist in keeping residents safe and well. Issues of water and food safety, communicable disease control and maintaining healthy environments all came together to have new laws written designed to protect Ohio's health. The Delaware Health District is a Combined Health District, serving Delaware County (except portions annexed to Westerville, Columbus, and Dublin), Delaware City and Powell. Your Health Department is operated under the authority of State Law and the adoption of local regulations and resolutions which are voted on by your Board of Health, following community input. The nine community members who serve on the Board of Health are community volunteers. Your Health District employs over 80 full and part time professional and support staff who are "dedicated to fostering, protecting and improving the health and the environment of our residents and our community." Please join us in creating "Healthy People, Healthy Habits in Healthy Communities" as we strive to make Delaware the best community in which to live and work.