West NY News

Chautauqua County marks a century of public health service in 2025, reflecting on its historical journey since the appointment of its first Public Health Nurse, Isabella B. Bellshaw, in 1925. Bellshaw's role involved a rural nursing program focused on therapy and education, overseen by a committee including two doctors and supervisors from the Tuberculosis Hospital Committee.

By 1938, with state funding support, the county expanded its public health services to include maternity care, infant and preschool care, school health programs, and communicable disease education. The budget for these services was under $11,000 at that time. Operations were managed by a nine-member public health committee similar to today's Board of Health.

During World War II, county health nurses contributed to the war effort by teaching Red Cross Home nursing courses and supporting Civilian Protection Councils. They also implemented maternity and infant care programs for families of armed services personnel.

Significant progress was made in controlling communicable diseases throughout the early 20th century. In 1939 alone, there were 53 pneumonia deaths and 20 smallpox cases reported in Ripley. Diphtheria claimed 144 lives in 1944 but decreased significantly over the next decade. The introduction of the polio vaccine in 1957 led to a dramatic reduction in new cases among school-age children.

The public health program continued to grow through the fifties and sixties. By 1951, the nursing staff had increased to five members. In collaboration with the Chautauqua Lake Association, the county hired its first public health engineer in 1952 and added an assistant sanitary engineer in 1954.

An April 23, 1891 report from the Jamestown Evening Journal estimated that "5,000 barrels of sewage are emptied into the (Chautauqua) lake daily during the height of the season." In response, public health efforts in the fifties included improving water quality through sanitary surveys of Chautauqua Lake. Environmental health staff now oversee various programs promoting clean water and adequate sewage disposal facilities.

These community-based efforts have led to significant improvements locally and globally. This article is part of a series with County Historian Norman Carlson highlighting Chautauqua County's Department of Health history and work.

The Chautauqua County Health Department remains committed to supporting community health through innovative approaches and partnerships aimed at disease prevention and wellness promotion. More information can be found at www.HealthyCHQ.com.