Lancaster, OH – The Fairfield County Board of Health has named Carrie Woody as the 2025 recipient of the Fairfield County Public Health Guardian Award. This award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions to protecting and improving the health of Fairfield County residents.

Carrie Woody serves as the Service Safety Director for the City of Lancaster, where she provides leadership and oversight for the City’s service and safety operations, helping to ensure the well-being of both residents and city employees. She is an active and engaged partner in countywide public health efforts, including participation in the Fairfield County Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program and the Integrated Harm Reduction Program.

Carrie has also played a key role in advancing healthy eating and active transportation initiatives throughout the City of Lancaster, collaborating with public health and community partners to create environments that support healthier lifestyles. Her work reflects a strong commitment to prevention, safety, and long-term community well-being.

A long-time champion of public and mental health services, Carrie has been a consistent advocate for health promotion and healthy living policies. Her leadership has strengthened cross-sector partnerships and reinforced the importance of integrating health considerations into local government decision-making.

The Fairfield County Board of Health is proud to recognize Carrie Woody as the 2025 Fairfield County Public Health Guardian in honor of her dedication, leadership, and meaningful contributions to improving the health and quality of life for Fairfield County residents.

The post The Fairfield County Health Department Announces the 2025 Public Health Guardian Award appeared first on Litter Media.

Lancaster, OH – January 5, 2026 – Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (ISBH) and Fairfield Community Health Center (FCHC) today announced that their boards have approved a plan to unite the two organizations under a single leadership structure, effective January 1, 2026. The collaboration represents a significant step toward expanding integrated services that address both behavioral and physical health needs, while ensuring greater access to whole-person care for the community. Amid rising demand for comprehensive, coordinated care, the organizations will join forces to build a stronger, more sustainable model designed to meet the full spectrum of patient needs. Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, known for providing community mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and supportive housing programs across Southeast and Central Ohio, will merge its operations with Fairfield Community Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center located in Lancaster, Ohio. “This partnership is about building a healthier future for our community,” said Samantha Shafer, President and CEO of ISBH, who will assume leadership of the combined organization. “By bringing together behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and primary care, alongside our robust home and community-based programming, we can truly treat the whole person. This is the natural next evolution of our growth, and one that aligns with what our clients, families, and partners have told us they need.”

FCHC has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality primary care, behavioral health, women’s health, pediatric care and chronic disease management services. Lisa Evangelista, longtime Chief Executive Officer of Fairfield Community Health Center, will retire following more than 13 years of service. She will remain in a consultative role throughout the transition period. “It has been the honor of my life to serve FCHC and the families who depend on us,” Evangelista said. “As I prepare for retirement, I am
deeply encouraged by what this partnership will mean. Our patients deserve seamless, coordinated care, and care that recognizes that mental health and physical health are all connected. I can’t imagine a better leader than Samantha to carry this mission forward.”

Beginning in January 2026, Shafer, who resides in Lancaster, will serve as CEO of the combined organization. The merged entity will maintain all existing services and locations, and there will be no interruptions in care. “Our teams share a vision for compassionate, accessible, whole-person care,” Shafer said. “This partnership allows ISBH to grow in new ways and gives FCHC the opportunity to offer services it has long aspired to provide. Most importantly, it ensures our communities have what they need to live healthy, stable, and hopeful lives.”

The organization anticipates an integrated workforce of 900 employees, reaching over 17,000 individuals and families annually.

The post Two Community Health Leaders Unite to Advance Whole-Person Care appeared first on Litter Media.