A new Health Commissioner for Adams County

By Sherry Larson

People’s Defender

Jason Work is up and running as the new Health Commissioner for Adams County. He is no stranger to the job as he has worked alongside Dr. William Hablitzel as his Deputy Health Commissioner for the past eight years.

July 1 was Work’s official first day on the job. Work obtained a master’s degree in Public Health in 2013 and aspired to work as a Health Commissioner someday. A few changes include his responsibilities overseeing personnel and the agency’s overall operation. Work reported that Dr. Hablitzel will continue as the Health Department’s Medical Director.

“As of right now, there are no big plans to change anything,” said Work, who added that he may tweak a few things. He explained that they would review personnel policies and want to get out in the field with nursing services. The Health Department continues to work on informing people of their new location, as there was some confusion following the relocation.

Work’s journey in public health began around the age of five. His mother was the public health nurse back in the 1980s and moved up to the Deputy Health Commissioner position under Dr. Bruce Ashley. Work had to wait for her to retire before he could begin working for the Adams County Department, so he began his health department career in Highland County from 2000 – 2002.

Before working at the health department, in 1995, Work became involved in fire and EMS – a year after he graduated high school from North Adams. He also attended Morehead State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis on Geology.

The Adams County Health Department has had its share of relocations until its recent move to 560 Rice Drive. Work remembers when his mother was on the staff, working as one of three staff members. Now, the agency has 34 employees.

Work is taking a deep breath and working with his directors to see where they want things to go. He said, “It’s going to be a couple of months before we really jump in.” They have sent out a survey asking what health-related topics folks want to learn about and how they’d like to receive it. Work hopes to boost public information and the use of social media.

Work is grateful for the Adams County Board of Health’s faith in him to lead the Health Department. Work also thanked Dr. Hablitzel for the wisdom and leadership he gave through the years. He added, “I hope we can continue to build on what he started, especially in the Behavioral Health program.” Work wants everyone to know that he and his staff are available and eager to help with their public health concerns.