County Official Raises Concerns Over State Contact Tracing Program
Cuyahoga County, Ohio – November 13, 2024 – A top Cuyahoga County official is sounding the alarm about a new state-run contact tracing program, expressing concerns over data privacy and the potential for inaccurate information. County Council president Matt Sczesny warned residents on November 12, 2024, about the program, urging caution when interacting with state health officials.
The Ohio Department of Health launched the program earlier this month to bolster efforts in tracking and containing the spread of infectious diseases. Sczesny’s apprehension stems from reports of aggressive outreach tactics and questions surrounding the security of personal health data collected during the tracing process. He emphasized the importance of verifying the identity of anyone requesting health information and advised residents to independently confirm any positive test results with thier healthcare provider.
“I’ve received reports of individuals being contacted very aggressively, and frankly, it’s concerning,” Sczesny stated. “People are understandably anxious, and we need to ensure this program is being implemented responsibly and with respect for individual privacy.”
The program relies on interviews with individuals who have tested positive for a disease to identify and notify those they may have exposed. While contact tracing is a long-established public health practice, the scale and methods employed by the state’s new program have raised eyebrows among local officials. Sczesny’s office has been inundated with calls from constituents reporting confusing or intimidating interactions with contact tracers.
The Ohio Department of Health has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the concerns raised by Sczesny. However, a statement on the department’s website asserts that all data collected is handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations and is used solely for public health purposes.
