Jefferson County appoints new board of health member

FAIRFIELD — The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors voted Monday morning to appoint Jim Schwarz to the county’s board of health. The new member takes the position of James Trent, who recently resigned from the seat, to round out the term ending in late 2024.

“He’s been the hospital laboratory manager … I’ve worked with Jim in the capacity of public health, he’s always a great resource to the community as far as communicable disease and information, education,” Jefferson County Public Health Administrator Chris Estle said. “He’s been involved in a lot of community activities and organizations, so he felt the time was right for him to serve in this capacity.”

Schwarz has a bachelor’s degree in science from Wartburg University in Waverly and has lived in Fairfield for 37 years, working at the Jefferson County Health Center. He was also the Jefferson County Health Center’s infection preventionist for 24 years.

The vote by supervisors to approve his appointment was unanimous.

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