Health Department: 419-352-8402 | Health Center: 419-354-9049
Health Department: 419-352-8402 | Health Center: 419-354-9049
Your Health. Your Health Department.
We are proud to share this valuable resource for families with newborns! Family Connects Ohio provides a FREE at-home nurse visit to support the health and well-being of babies and moms within the first few weeks after birth. A friendly, licensed registered nurse brings care right to you in those crucial weeks, including:
No insurance requirements • No income restrictions
This voluntary service is part of the Help Me Grow Ohio network and is available to all Wood County families with newborns. Visits typically happen within the first few weeks after birth.
A representative from Help Me Grow will call you within one business day to schedule your visit.
Leslie Madaras is a dedicated public health leader with over a decade of experience guiding healthcare teams and advancing community well‑being. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Earlham College, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Ivy Tech Community College, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. As a Nursing Supervisor, Leslie combines clinical expertise with public health strategy to design and strengthen trusted healthcare systems. Her mission is to make both quality healthcare and self‑care accessible to all, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.
Nikki Errett earned an Associates of Applied Science in the Registered Nurse Program from Owens Community College in Findlay, Ohio in 2014 and became a licensed Registered Nurse with the Ohio Board of Nursing in 2015. Nikki worked at the Wood County Health Department from 2010-2015 as a home health aide (State Tested Nurse Aide) with the previous Personal Care Program while earning her nursing degree. Nikki returned to the Health Department in 2023 as a public health nurse for the Complex Medical Help program, Family Connects Ohio program and the REACH program. Nikki is passionate about assisting families with children get the help and support they may need.
Kathy Teeple earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Owens Technical College in 1992. Her nursing career has spanned from pediatrics to senior citizens. She has worked in two area pediatrics practices in Wood County as well as the Wood County Committee on Aging before starting her career in public health here at the Wood County Health Department in 2012. She has experience in immunizations and immunization education for Wood County Practices, infectious disease investigations and many years of experience with home visits to provide services to children and senior citizens. Kathy is passionate about all aspects of immunization and disease investigations to help protect our population.
Joe Miklavic earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Bowling Green State University in 2004, and his Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Owens Community College in 2022. After earning his RN license, he worked as a nurse at a local hospital on the medical/surgical unit where he earned numerous Daisy Award nominations. Currently, he keeps active both his BLS and ACLS certifications. Joe began working as a Public Health Nurse for the Wood County Health Department in June 2026 with his main focus including both the Mobile Health Center and Family Connects Ohio. He values having a safe, healthy, and flourishing community where individuals are given the tools and resources to navigate life.
The Complex Medical Help program links individuals with special health care needs to a network of quality providers and helps individuals and their families obtain payment for needed services.
The Wood County Community Health Center provides quality health services to improve the well-being of individuals and families. We serve all of our community with courteous and friendly high-quality primary and preventative health services and welcome all new patients, regardless of income level or insurance coverage.
WIC is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Find WIC locations, contact information and download forms and resources.
