The Hamilton County Health Department announced that it will terminate 15 jobs at the end of June following a “comprehensive operational and budgetary efficiency review.”

On Monday, May 4, Hamilton County’s Health & Social Services Division notified 13 employees that their positions, plus two vacant positions, were being eliminated. This move will go into effect on June 30, 2026.

The reductions will impact the Dental Clinic within the Clinical Department and the Community Assistance Program within Social Services.

Hamilton County will close its Dental Clinic at the health department’s E. 3rd Street location on July 1, 2026. The Community Assistance Program will be discontinued on this date as well.

Dental staff will give patients referrals to other dental providers in the area, according to the health department.

“These decisions are never made lightly,” said Beka Bohannon, administrator of the Health & Social Services Division. “The employees impacted by this decision have served our division and community with dedication, professionalism, and compassion. We are grateful for their many contributions to public health.”

Dental Clinic review

The Hamilton County Health Department says it only makes back $0.16 for every dollar spent on the E. 3rd Street Dental Clinic, “leaving a gap of $0.84 per dollar that the county must cover.”

In addition, there has been a 513% increase in the cost of dental supplies in the last five years. The cost to run the Dental Clinic has increased 47% over the last five years.

Community Assistance Program review

The health department says the Community Assistance Program has seen a 45% decrease in households served over the last five years. In 2021, the program served 275 households, and it served only 149 in 2025.

“This reduction in force is part of a broader effort to align services and resources within the approved budget while maintaining our core public health priorities. Calls like this are difficult, especially when they impact dedicated public servants who have been part of our Health Department’s mission,” said David Roddy, chief operating officer of Hamilton County. “We are confident these services will continue through strong community partners, with broader reach than the county can sustain.”

What’s next?

Hamilton County will reallocate the Community Assistance Program’s $60,000 in funding to the United Way. They say the United Way will give the county an annual report detailing its use of the funds.

The health department says it does not plan to reduce its staff any further.

Hamilton County’s Human Resources will support affected employees by providing job placement and transition resources.

Leftover dental supplies will be given to the county’s Homeless Health Care Center Dental Clinic and to the School-Based Dental Sealant Program.

Other surplus equipment, such as dental chairs, will be donated to local nonprofits.