News

The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has announced a new partnership with the Columbus Crew, allowing library patrons to check out free tickets to select home games. Starting next week, ten Culture Passes will be available for in-person checkout at CML’s Main Library for six upcoming Crew home games on July 19, July 25, July 29, August 1, August 5, and August 23. Each pass admits two individuals of any age. The Culture Pass program, which began in 2018, allows CML cardholders to borrow passes to various cultural institutions in central Ohio, similar to checking out a book.

We are currently recruiting for a vehicle safety volunteer study about seat belt comfort. Participants will sit on a vehicle seat and various measurements will be made of the position of the seat belt and participant's torse. We aim to understand how torse shape and bra design influence seat belt fit, posture, and comfort. To participate, you must be between 10-21 years old, in good health, a current bra-wearer, and willing to attend one 3-hour appointment at Graves Hall on OSU's campus. You will receive $30 for participation.

Legal Aid Society provides free legal help for many problems that homeowners encounter, including: mortgage foreclosure, tax delinquency, land contract disputes, mortgage company mismanagement, condo association foreclosure and much more.

Find Mobile HealthCare Near You! A mobile health care unit is like a doctor’s office on wheels. These units are staffed with trusted medical professionals from local hospitals and organizations, and they are now open for appointments in your neighborhood. Use the Mobile Health Locator app to find services and schedule your appointment on a mobile health unit today. Walk-ins may be available.

To celebrate Earth Day, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) launched a new initiative called Choose to Reuse, which aims to make Columbus less dependent on the Franklin County landfill. The goal of this initiative is to prioritize waste reduction and inform residents on how to engage in reuse activities that can further protect the environment. “The landfill only has about 42 years of life left, and so, we want to extend its life and make sure it is a valuable resource for residents and businesses in central Ohio for as many years as possible,” Hanna Greer-Brown of SWACO said. “One of the ways we can do that is by reducing our reliance on the landfill. According to SWACO, more than one million tons of material come to the landfill every single year. In Franklin County, 76% of what is thrown away could have been reused or recycled. With the new initiative, the hope is to bring those numbers down every year.

Council President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans is sponsoring Ordinance 1705-2025, which will appropriate $5.9 million for Early Start Columbus to partner with organizations that offer high-quality pre-kindergarten programming. Early Start Columbus seeks to expand high-quality pre-kindergarten services through partnerships with Columbus City Schools and community-based providers, which are selected via a competitive application process and have all achieved at least a Silver rating in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality rating and improvement system. This funding will ensure that these programs are ready for the 2025-2026 school year.

Linden-McKinley STEM Academy Students Interning with the Linden Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) Attend their First Area Commission Meeting "Before attending the North Linden Area Commission meeting, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect. I didn’t know what the atmosphere would be like or how the meeting would go, and honestly, I was a bit worried I wouldn’t understand much or feel out of place. However, once the meeting began, all of that changed. I quickly became interested in the discussions, especially the presentation by the “Healthy Homes” organization. Their idea of building a four-unit home really caught my attention, and I was surprised by how engaged I became in the debate between them and the zoning department. I really feel like the four-unit home can help so many families in need of homes. The whole argument of homeowners caring more about their homes than renters can be easily refuted, and I don’t agree with it at all. My family are renters and we take very good care of our home. It was fascinating to see how different viewpoints were expressed and how local decisions are made. I realized how important these meetings are in shaping communities and how everyday people can have a say in local development. One of the highlights of the evening came at the end, when I had the chance to speak with Mr. Robinson. He was incredibly genuine and kind, and he took the time to talk with me about college. His advice was really helpful and encouraging, especially since I'm preparing for the next steps in my education. Overall, attending the meeting was a valuable experience. It opened my eyes to the importance of civic engagement and helped me realize that I enjoy learning about how local government works. I’m really glad I went." - Julian Perez, 12th Grade at Linden McKinley STEM

The Columbus Division of Police's "When Seconds Matter" guide provides essential information on effectively using emergency and non-emergency services. It emphasizes that 911 should be called for immediate threats to life, crimes in progress, fires, medical emergencies, or unknown situations, while the non-emergency number, (614) 645-4545, is for incidents not currently posing immediate danger. Callers are advised to stay on the line until instructed to disconnect, as call-takers gather critical details to ensure appropriate response. The guide outlines the importance of providing accurate information about the incident's location, nature, involved parties, and any weapons present. Additionally, it notes that both emergency and non-emergency lines lack text messaging capabilities, and silent or unresponsive 911 calls will be checked with a text telephone (TTY/TDD) to determine if a user is attempting to report an emergency.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives! In the event of a fire, you may have only two minutes to escape safely. Having a working smoke alarm can make all the difference in protecting your home and loved ones. Columbus Fire offers free smoke alarms to residents—just call the Smoke Alarm Hotline at 614-724-0935 to request one. Stay safe, stay prepared!

The City’s newest outdoor pickleball courts are now open at Anheuser-Busch Sports Park! Located at 4990 Olentangy River Road, 43214, this project adds four fenced courts with lighting, shaded pavilions, accessible design and resurfaced parking—shaped by input from the Community Sports Park feasibility study. These are the second dedicated pickleball courts in Columbus, following Warner Woods Park, with more planned at Krumm and McCoy parks. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, there's now more space to serve, volley and play!

Registration is now open for the exciting eight-week Community Center Playground programs, offering all the fun of summer camp in a laid-back setting. Kids will enjoy field trips, swimming, special events, and plenty of time to make new friends and memories. Daily meals and snacks are provided—just bring a labeled water bottle! Sign up starting Tuesday, May 13, with on-site registration at 12:30 p.m. and online at 7 p.m.

This summer is the perfect time to inspire a love of reading by enrolling your child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through this program, children ages 0 to 5 receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their home each month. Nationwide Children’s Hospital supports this initiative as part of its mission to improve early childhood literacy and long-term academic success. Reading with young children not only boosts brain development but also creates meaningful moments of connection. Learn more or support the program by visiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library page.

On January 29, 2025, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to waive all transit fares during extreme temperature events. When the National Weather Service issues a heat or cold advisory or warning, fares will be suspended for the remainder of that day across all COTA services, including fixed-route buses, Mainstream, and COTA//Plus. This initiative aims to provide free transportation to heating and cooling centers, ensuring residents can access safe shelter during hazardous weather conditions. COTA President/CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler emphasized the organization's commitment to serving all Central Ohio residents, particularly those seeking refuge during dangerous temperatures. This policy complements existing measures, such as fare waivers during Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies, to enhance community safety and accessibility.

Council President Shannon G. Hardin is sponsoring an ordinance to address the need for affordable housing in Columbus. The first, 1765-2025, will appropriate $2 million for Reserve at Maryland Avenue, a proposed 84-unit, multifamily development that will offer income-restricted housing on Columbus’ Near East Side. These units will be designed and manufactured by Connect Housing Blocks, a modular apartment manufacturer in Columbus. This innovative type of housing development is potentially more environmentally sustainable and time efficient.

Jazz Arts Group is the newest organization to join CML’s growing list of community arts partners offering free event tickets through the Culture Pass program. The Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Culture Pass initiative provides free access to performances, museums, and cultural institutions across Central Ohio. With a library card, patrons can check out passes just like books, making the arts more accessible to everyone. Options include tickets to the Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and now Jazz Arts Group performances. Visit your local library or the CML website to explore available passes and enrich your cultural experiences—free of charge.

Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche is sponsoring Ordinance 0915-2025 which would direct up to $673,675 in federal COVID relief funds to support low-income residents with their utility bills in 2025. Eligible water/sewer customers will receive a $65 credit to help offset rising costs, continuing a program first introduced in 2023. For the first time, low-income power customers will also benefit, receiving a $50 credit to make electricity more affordable.

The Columbus Litter League is a citywide competition that turns litter cleanup into a team sport. Organized by Keep Columbus Beautiful, this initiative invites residents, businesses, and community groups to form teams and hit the streets to collect litter and improve neighborhood environments. Participants log their cleanups throughout the season, with prizes awarded for top-performing teams. It’s a fun and impactful way to build community pride while keeping our city clean. Get involved, make a difference, and help Columbus shine.

The City of Columbus introduced a $1.9 billion voted bond package to finance capital improvements in neighborhoods across the city, without raising taxes. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther will advance Resolutions of Necessity to Columbus City Council, the first step in placing five bond issues on the November 4 ballot. Building on the success of the 2019 and 2022 Affordable Housing Bonds valued at $50 million and $200 million, respectively, the city will commit $500 million from the new bond package to support the construction of affordable housing in the city. “One of the most powerful ways we can address our housing crisis is to get shovels in the ground and build units for Columbus residents struggling with housing instability,” said Mayor Ginther. “Affordable housing bonds have supported the construction of more than 4,000 rental units in our city, including more than 630 units of permanent supportive housing. This bond proposal doubles-down on our commitment to drive continued progress.” The ballot measures would allow the City of Columbus to sell bonds to investors and use the proceeds to finance infrastructure improvements including police and fire facilities and equipment, road resurfacing, new community centers, parks and pools, and water and sewer infrastructure. To repay the debt, the city utilizes 25% of income taxes collected and a portion of utility bills to pay for the debt that is issued for a term of five to 20 years. Since 1956, the city has never had to use other sources of funding to repay the bonds, thus enabling the city to fund infrastructure investments without raising property taxes. "Columbus is a growing city with growing needs,” said City Council President Shannon Hardin. “This bond package ensures we’re not just keeping up—we’re planning ahead, investing in the infrastructure and services that will support our residents today and for generations to come." The package will be voted on by Columbus residents

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offers Mobile Produce Markets which provide a one-week supply of fresh produce to eligible families at no cost to them. The markets are held from April through November at select community centers throughout the City.

If you are 65 or older, you will receive 50% off COTA fares! Just show them a photo ID or apply for a Senior ID. COTA’s Reduced Fare Program aims to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for those who need it most. The initiative offers a discount on fixed-route bus fares for eligible riders, including seniors (65+), veterans, Medicare cardholders, individuals with disabilities, and those enrolled in public assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and Ohio Works First. To apply, visit the COTA Customer Experience Center at 33 N. High St., Columbus, with appropriate documentation.

CelebrateOne, in partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, has stocked up library branches around Central Ohio with free pregnancy tests!

In Franklin County, 65% of children are not prepared for kindergarten—a challenge the Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative aims to address. The collaborative supports families in preparing children for a strong start in school by focusing on early learning, health, and family engagement. It is designed for children from birth to age five and connects families with local resources, events, and activities that promote school readiness.

We invite the Columbus Public Health Minority Health Advisory Committee to partner with us by disseminating study information to support recruitment efforts for our study, Digital Transformation of CRC Screening: Revolutionizing Access and Saving Lives. I am pleased to share that Dr. Aldenise Ewing’s pilot study has launched, focusing on usability testing of a prototype website that promotes colorectal cancer education and improves screening access for OSU patients aged 45–64. We will evaluate the platform using task-based usability testing—tracking metrics like task completion, error rates, and the System Usability Scale—to ensure its feasibility, preliminary efficacy and accessibility prior to further testing through an NCI R01 grant.

Parenting can be challenging, but you're not alone! The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) offers free workshops for parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 16. Tailored to meet your family’s unique needs, these workshops aim to reduce stress and boost confidence, helping you raise happy, successful kids.

Join the movement toward a greener future with Compost Clubhouse! We specialize in comprehensive waste management services for large commercial clients committed to reducing their environmental impact. By diverting organic waste from landfills, we transform it into nutrient-rich compost that promotes healthy plant growth and sustainable land use.

Join The Angel House, a restorative care home for young women survivors of sex trafficking, for an opportunity to learn about their mission and impact. The Angel House provides a safe, long-term residential program that focuses on healing, restoration, and empowerment through trauma-informed care, education, and life skills training. This is a chance to see how community support helps transform lives and fosters lasting change.

Zone-In will now focus on expanding economic and housing opportunities for all Columbus residents. This work will continue to modernize the zoning code to support job growth, build more housing and foster prosperity citywide by updating zoning regulations for areas that have been identified as being well-suited for enhanced mixed-used developments, industrial and warehouse operations, and business and institutional campuses — including hospitals, academic institutions and office parks.

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) offers an Event Container Loan Program to assist Franklin County public events in effectively reducing waste through recycling and composting. Organizers can borrow up to 100 dual-stream CeroBins for recycling and landfill waste, and 20 ClearStream containers for compost collection. These collapsible containers are easy to transport and set up, with signage attached to the lid. To participate, events must be open to the public and located within SWACO's jurisdiction. Organizers should complete the online request form at least two weeks before the event. A $10 deposit per container is required, refundable upon return. After the event, organizers are asked to report the amounts of materials recycled, composted, and landfilled to SWACO.

Good health requires more than just quality health care. Having a good job, community support, and access to education or training opportunities impact your overall health and well-being. That’s why CareSource Life Services is here for you. We can help remove barriers that stand in the way of reaching your goals. Life Services can help pave the way from where you are, to where you want to be.

Summer is a great time to check off important tasks to make room for more fun-filled days. One essential item on the to-do list? Your child’s yearly wellness exam and physical. These exams help monitor growth, keep vaccines up-to-date and gives you time to discuss any concerns. By scheduling your child’s appointment now, you can beat the back-to-school rush.

The second ordinance from Council President Shannon G. Hardin, ordinance 1552-2025, would appropriate $2.2 million for the redevelopment and preservation of affordable housing at Tivoli Apartments in Harrison West, with rents restricted to 60% of the Area Median Income. The 88-unit property, which was originally developed as part of the Goodale Urban Renewal Project, will contribute to housing affordability in a neighborhood that offers walkability to downtown Columbus, employment centers and public transit. Currently, there is a strong demand for affordable housing options near downtown Columbus.

As part of the City of Columbus' Lead Service Line Replacement Program, Columbus Water & Power is preparing to replace lead and galvanized water service lines at no cost to eligible homeowners. For many, this represents a $6,000+ investment in their home’s safety and infrastructure. There are eight upcoming capital improvement projects in or near Linden that will include lead and galvanized water service line replacement. To replace private water service lines, we are required to enter the home, so it is imperative to share information about this project widely. We’re hosting a neighborhood meeting Thursday, August 21 at 6:00pm in the Linden Community Center to ensure residents are informed, empowered, and prepared to take advantage of this opportunity. Your presence would mean a lot- both as a show of support for Linden residents and as a way to help spread the word about this important work.

Have you experienced with deer in your neighborhood? The City of Columbus wants to hear about it! Please complete out survey to help us determine how best to manage our relationships with our four legged neighbors.

Councilmember Nicholas J. Bankston is sponsoring Ordinance 1209-2025, which would appropriate $2 million for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s new Eastland Prosperity Center. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is renovating the 67,000 square foot facility – formerly a grocery store – into a multipurpose center anchored by the Mid-Ohio Market and the Mid-Ohio Kitchen. The new center will offer emergency food services, primary health care, pharmacy services, benefits navigation assistance and other supportive services.

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Artist in Residence Program at the Fran Ryan Center. This dynamic residency is designed for artists ages 50 and older who are ready to share their voice, push their creative boundaries and make a lasting impact on the community. Selected artists will receive a $2,000 project stipend, access to top-tier creative facilities and materials, dedicated studio space and the chance to take up to two free in-house classes or workshops to grow their practice. Don't miss your chance to be part of this inspiring opportunity! Applications are open until Aug. 22.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s School Health Services offer health care to students, families and community members. Our providers work on-site at schools across Ohio to provide primary care services, mental health counseling, asthma therapy care, vision care, dental care and more. The services provided are not meant to replace your pediatrician or family doctor. When your child has any medical need, your first call should always be to your pediatrician. If your child does not have a pediatrician or family doctor, we will connect you to one.

Sleep plays a huge role in children's mental health. Sleep is related to kids' energy levels and lack of sleep is also related to increased depression or anxiety symptoms. Check out the helpful resources put together by The Kids Mental Health Foundation to help your child get a good night’s sleep!

The City is moving forward with creating registries to track vacant and foreclosed residential properties to hold owners accountable for their upkeep. City Council President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans also hopes the registries can be used to push owners toward using their properties for housing again. The council approved these registries last year and they are part of the Housing for All package of legislation that the council has been working on since 2023. City Council voted last night to approve a three-year contract with Tolemi Building Blocks to manage the vacant, foreclosure and wholesaler registries. While owners of vacant properties will be required to register, this software is billed as being able to identify distressed properties early when owners don't come forward. The software uses real-time information like utility usage, mail delivery and code violations to find properties that are not registered. City inspectors can tell owners to fix issues at their empty properties. If they don't comply with the ordered deadline, owners can be fined $150 for every day of noncompliance. The vacant and foreclosed properties registries will go online by June 1.

Struggling with energy costs? Columbia Gas offers several programs to help, including HEAP for one-time payment assistance, the Winter Crisis Program for seasonal support, and PIPP Plus to reduce monthly payments based on your income. Flexible payment plans are also available to ease financial stress. Monitor your energy usage, find saving tips, and better understand your bill online.

Children’s Hunger Alliance is helping ensure that no child goes hungry this summer by connecting families across Ohio with free meal sites for kids and teens. The Summer Food Service Program provides healthy meals at schools, libraries, parks, and other trusted locations—no registration or ID required. Families can easily find a site near them by texting “FOOD” to 304-304 or visiting the USDA’s online map. These meals help bridge the nutrition gap when school is out and support the well-being of children in every community. Spread the word so more families can access this vital resource.

The Columbus Police Community Immersion program is a three part immersive training that develops Columbus police recruits and field officer’s cultural understanding of the community, and to facilitate positive relationships between police officers and residents of Columbus in order to increase public safety.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library now offers free basic notary services at most of its branches. Customers can schedule appointments with commissioned notaries during regular library hours. While the service covers documents like vehicle titles and affidavits, it excludes complex legal documents such as real estate transactions, wills, and powers of attorney. All signers and required witnesses must provide valid photo identification and must sign documents in the notary's presence. This expansion aims to meet community needs, with plans to offer notary services at all 23 library locations within the next year.

Come join us at St. Stephen's Community House for a day filled with fun, music, and community spirit on August 30, 2025 at 12:00pm. Get ready to enjoy delicious food, exciting activities, and great company! Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate our neighborhood and create lasting memories. Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join in the festivities!

Councilmember Melissa Green is sponsoring Ordinance 1851-2025, which would appropriate $15,000 in support of the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center. This funding will be used to support its Family Services program Choice Food Pantry. In addition to providing food, personal hygiene items and clothing to families impacted by food insecurity, the program connects individuals with a social worker to help them apply for benefits. The Community Resources Center also has a housing resource specialist who supports families facing an imminent risk of eviction.

Do you want to raise strong, healthy children and connect with other parents in Linden? Join us for the Proud Linden Parent Program – a free 11-week program for parents or caregivers of children ages 2 to 8. Build a community by learning from other parents and caregivers while learning skills and techniques for raising young children.

The Minor Home Repair Program provides services that contribute to a safe and secure living environment for Franklin County seniors. Qualifying seniors can apply to receive services such as: minor plumbing, electrical, gas and furnace repairs, installation of safety devices, ramps, and handrails.

Reflecting on community feedback from the One Linden plan, Columbus spent nearly $1.9 million to remodel Maloney park in South Linden, which was completed in May. Features including a new open-air shelter, a looped walking path, soccer fields and a fitness station for adults to exercise are all included as a part of this park remodel.

The Franklin County Office on Aging offers the Kinship Support Program to assist caregivers aged 55 or older who are raising a minor child when the biological parents are unable to do so. This program provides free, short-term support services to help ease the challenges of kinship care, which can be accessed once per calendar year. Caregivers can receive assistance with a variety of needs, ensuring they have the resources necessary to provide a stable and nurturing environment. If you or someone you know is a kinship caregiver, this program can offer valuable support.

The Nationwide Children’s Healthy Homes team is building five, affordable homes for ownership in North Linden! These ranch-style homes will be 1,250 square feet, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully fenced in yard and a one-car garage. Are you interested in entering the drawing to be a homebuyer? Take the first step in the process by attending a virtual Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT) Homebuyer Orientation Class. During the class, attendees will learn about the homebuyer selection process, eligibility requirements and all the steps to homeownership. The class is free to attend and you make no commitment by participating.

The Center for HumanKindness invites you to partner with us in starting a chain reaction of kindness and connectivity throughout central Ohio neighborhoods. Born out of community conversations at The Big Table®, Kindness Close to Home seeks to bring neighbors together to build a friendlier, kinder community where everyone feels seen and known. Hosting a small, casual gathering with a few folks who live nearby is one excellent way to get to know your neighbors and strengthen your community. We’ve developed a kit with supplies to make hosting a gathering easier, including name tags, a welcome banner, invitations, napkins, helpful tips, and more!

Struggling with smoking or vaping in your congregation? The Tobacco Treatment Center of Ohio’s Faith to Quit program partners with faith-based organizations to help individuals quit with faith at the center. By aligning your faith with the desire to quit, you can achieve lasting transformation and a healthier life. Join this supportive community where faith fuels your strength to break free from harmful habits. Start your journey to a healthier, happier life today!

The City of Columbus thrilled to announce upcoming enhancements to our shared mobility options, giving you more flexibility and access than ever before. Whether you bike, scoot, or rely on other forms of shared transportation, these updates are designed with you in mind. As part of this transition, Veo is offering 6-month memberships to VeoPlus for all qualifying former CoGo members—a $48 value!

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) offers the Event Waste Reduction Grant to assist local event organizers in minimizing waste and promoting recycling, composting, and reuse initiatives. Eligible public events within Franklin County, Ohio, scheduled for 2025 and expecting at least 2,000 attendees, can apply for grants ranging from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on attendance figures. Applicants are required to provide a 20% cash contribution toward the project and must submit their applications at least eight weeks before the event date.

Looking for a summer job? The CMHA Youth Summer Employment Opportunity offers teens ages 14–19 the chance to gain valuable work experience, connect with mentors, and earn money while they learn. Open to CMHA residents and Community Connections Initiative members, but hurry—only 25 spots are available!

The 2025 Farmers’ Market began Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The market operates Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 6:30pm through September 10, 2025. Vendors offer a mix of local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health & beauty products. EBT is accepted for all qualifying purchases and incentive dollars through the Produce Perks Columbus program for fresh produce are offered for all EBT participants. Kids can also participate in VEGGIE CHAMPS, a weekly activity that rewards kids with Veggie Bucks to spend at the market. Markets will occur if it rains but will be canceled in the case of dangerous weather: high winds, lightning, or extreme heat.

Learn more about the Homestead Exemption Thursday August 14th at the Westerville Community Center, including the application process and eligibility. Discover services that protect, support and inform. Talk one-on-one with experts from every department. The topics discussed will include Property Values & Appraisal, Board of Revision filings, Dog Licensing, Fraud Prevention, Homestead Exemption, Title Transfers, Legislative Efforts, and more!

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther released his proposed 2025 General Fund budget. Through sound fiscal management focused on strategic, thoughtful investments in safety, housing, transportation and core services, the city is presenting a balanced budget totaling $1.23 billion designed to foster equitable prosperity and safety for Columbus residents as the city continues to experience rapid growth. The full budget can be viewed online at the link below.

Youth ages 4 to 14 are invited to ride their bikes, trikes, or scooters to raise funds for children's cancer research and treatment. Riders will register on the Pelotonia Kids site. Riders who also create a fundraising page and raise $25 to fight children's cancer will be entered into a drawing for great prizes, including new bikes, gift cards, backpacks with school supplies, and more!

The OSU SCREEN Community Program is looking for women aged 21 to 74 to participate in a research study focused on cancer screening tests. Your insights and opinions can help shape future healthcare approaches and make a positive impact in your community. Participants may receive gift cards if eligible.

Last week, City of Columbus announced the deployment of Next Generation 911 technologies that enhance the protection and safety of residents and businesses. New video-sharing and AI-powered text translation capabilities will help support emergency response and provide more equitable access to Columbus’ 911 services. The new Text-2-911 Translation tool allows residents to text 911 in their native language. The technology auto-detects the language of that incoming text and provides accurate, actionable translations in 55 languages. As the 911 Call Taker responds in English, the resident receives the response in their language. The 911 Center will continue to utilize the Language Line translation service to engage verbally with our residents as needed. New Video to 911 capabilities allow a 911 Call Taker to text a link to a caller’s phone. Last year, Emergency Communications Center personnel handled 1,412,355 phone contacts, including 671,341 911 calls, 709,381 non-emergency calls, and 31,633 text messages.

The Franklin County hospital systems and our local health departments developed a combined community health needs assessment, providing a comprehensive overview of our community’s health status and needs. Our organizations are collaborating, in partnership with dozens of community organizations, to analyze hundreds of health indicators and listen to our residents’ health concerns through a series of focus groups. HealthMap 2025 provides our hospitals, our health departments and other community organizations with an important tool to better understand the health needs and priorities of our residents.