SANDUSKY — The city schools didn’t learn there was a problem until Sept. 2, months after a refrigeration malfunction caused doctors to question the potency of some of the vaccines students received.
The Ohio Department of Health investigated the malfunction with the refrigeration systems used by Family Health Services, which provides school clinic services for Sandusky Schools.
David Tatro, CEO of Family Health Services, and Dr. Mary Peters, FHS director, met with district Superintendent Dennis Muratori the next day, according to a news release from the school district.
“District leaders met with FHS leadership to review the issue in detail, discuss communication with families, and learn about the corrective action plan directed by the Ohio Department of Health,” the release states. “Since first being notified, FHS has been working closely with the state health department to implement that plan.
As the provider, FHS, not the school district, is responsible for patient communication and medical privacy.
“The agency has confirmed that all impacted patients and families were directly notified and that proper follow-up measures are in place. Importantly, FHS has confirmed that no students were harmed as a result of this situation,” the news release states.
Under the service agreement with Sandusky City Schools, FHS leadership is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and overseeing the delivery of both primary care and behavioral health services by its staff. The district intends to continue to work closely with FHS to review findings, processes, and next steps to ensure the integrity of this partnership.
“Ongoing collaborations with organizations such as Family Health Services, the Erie County Health Department, Bayshore Counseling, and the Boys & Girls Club remain essential in connecting students and families with vital resources,” the school district’s news release states. “These partnerships reflect the district’s continuing commitment to reducing barriers to care and supporting the health, safety, and well-being of every student.”
The timeline concerning when the problem was first detected and when families were notified remains a little muddy. Tatro agreed late last week to provide a copy of the state health department’s corrective action plan to StatyTunedSandusky.com after the newspaper made a public records request for it.
