BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — After leading Wood County through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Batey is leaving the Wood County Health Department for a job at Bowling Green State University.
"I've worked as the health commissioner for almost six years. When I was told that in this position I would also have some potential to work to be able to improve public health, it became very hard to pass up," Batey said.
Batey will move on to serve as a the Chief Health Officer at BGSU. While this may seem like a tumultuous time for a health commissioner to make a transition, Batey said Wood County is in a good place as far as case numbers. He's been impressed with the community's willingness to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I have been amazed that the people of Wood County and Wood County businesses have been so supportive and so willing to work with us as a health department, and that's been so helpful and the reason I think we've had such great outcomes here in Wood County," Batey said.
As of Thursday, there were 10 active COVID 19 cases spread over three zip codes in the county. They will have a pop up testing site available in Bowling Green on Tuesday, June 30.
Batey's last day at the Wood County Health Department will be in late July. Health leaders say his replacement will be hired as soon as possible.
Further details will be discussed at a special meeting of the Wood County Board of Health at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 29.