After a two-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Community Star Awards will return on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Villa Milano. The Citizens Committee for Persons with Developmental Disabilities is once again sponsoring the event, which recognizes 12 outstanding individuals and organizations for their service to people in Franklin County. More than 400 people …

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the COVID transmission-risk rating for Franklin County from high to medium. In light of that positive change, all facilities operated by the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities will shift safety protocols to mask-friendly or mask optional. “Mask friendly” means that we want staff, …

Due to the increased number of COVID cases and the impact of the Omicron coronavirus variant in our community, we are asking all staff and visitors to wear a mask in buildings operated by the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. This request applies to home visits as well. The Omicron variant is highly contagious …

Out of an abundance of caution, the Community Star Awards event that FCBDD typically holds in the fall has been postponed this year due to the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus. A new date has not been determined; however, consideration will be given to scheduling the event during DD Awareness month in the spring. …

The Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities will have its regular monthly meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at 2879 Johnstown Rd. The meeting will be held in person and also will be streamed live on the Zoom platform. To join the meeting on Zoom, please click on the link below: FCBDD Monthly Meeting …

We are saddened to report that Jerry Manuel, former director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, passed away on Feb. 12, 2022. Prior to his service as state director in the 1990s, he served as superintendent of the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Director Manuel was instrumental in many advances in our field, …

Congratulations to Debbie Charles, West Central School nurse, for being named by Columbus Business First as one of the 2022 “Healthcare Heroes” in central Ohio. Debbie will be featured later this year in the business journal for her outstanding work, including excellent services and support to students, families and staff during the pandemic. Thanks, Debbie, …

The federal government has launched a new website for the public to order free, at-home COVID-19 tests. Every household in the U.S. is eligible for four tests, which will sent directly to homes. The Columbus Dispatch recently published a helpful article on testing. Click here to read it. To visit the new website or to …

The January Family Support meeting for family members of individuals served by the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. The meeting will take place on the Zoom platform. To hear updates from Superintendent/CEO Jed Morison or to provide feedback, click here for the link or …

The Franklin County Commissioners have appointed Marci Straughter to a four-year term on the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Marci will be the first person who receives services form the board to serve as a board member. She joins six other board members, who have experience in finance, business, government technology and legal matters. …