The Hancock County Board of Health has awarded the 2021 Champion of Public Health Award posthumously to Mr. William E. Ruse for his vision and stewardship of the Hancock Public Health Mobile Health Clinic.

Ruse is former President and CEO of Blanchard Valley Hospital and passed away in August.

Hancock Public Health initiated the Champion of Public Health Award in 2021 to highlight an individual or agency that has helped to further the mission of Public Health in Hancock County, Ohio.

Officials say it was only fitting to introduce the award with the incredible leadership from Mr. William Ruse.

Mr. Ruse attended Xavier University, earning a degree in Pharmacy and later a Law degree from the University of Toledo.

William, also known as Bill, was known to be hard-working, kind, and ahead of his time.

He was a healthcare innovator by establishing technology to streamline the delivery of care to those who needed it most.

Bill was instrumental in the development of the Mobile Health Clinic. The Mobile Health Clinic began servicing Hancock County in the summer of 2022 and has been active in the community providing health screenings, wellness exams, point of care referrals and medication refills.

Laura and her team are at the City Mission several times each month as well as attending health fairs around the county.

The Mobile Health Clinic will bring healthcare services to those who are unable to travel to a clinic or physician office.

The goal of Bill Ruse was to bring quality healthcare services to all of Hancock County, and he succeeded with the creation of the Mobile Health Clinic.

Mr. William Ruse left a legacy on his community, and we are honored to award him the 2021 Champion of Public Health.