County Health Department Seeks Citizen Engagement

 

Remodeled lobby of health department (Photo: Jody Pena)

By Gretchen Garrity

The Christian County Health Department held their monthly board meeting on August 15, 2023. The meeting is open to the public and meets the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 a.m., at 301 Brick St., in Ozark.

The board spoke with Carolyn O'Kelley  SPHR, SHRM-SCP,  Human Resources Consultant from Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors, who has worked with the health department in the past helping to develop job descriptions. The position of a marketing specialist is the first new position she is helping the health department to develop.

The marketing specialist position has been created in order to engage with the community as a purveyor of information, particularly the resources available to help Christian County citizens.

Board Member Ken Spangler noted that the position would not be one of trying to drive any particular behavior, but to allow citizens to make decisions on their own.

It was noted that trust in government health departments is very low, about 38% for local health departments. It was also noted that the Covid response has driven a lot of the distrust.

The role of a marketing specialist will focus on the sharing of information and resources to help Christian County residents, and to enhance transparency. Other duties will include online content creation, scheduling of events with the mobile unit, presenting, and coordinating community events.

Board Member Ron Nelson noted the position would be designed to improve outreach and listening skills on the part of the health department. Board Member Leah Gregory asked about the budget for a new position and Nelson noted that the current budget had more than enough funds to hire a marketing specialist. It will be some weeks before the position is ready to be advertised.

The health department has been seeking nurses to fill needed positions and currently has hired three part-time nurses, with two more in mind. One or more of those positions may be converted to full-time. All of the nurses are registered with current licenses.

Administrator Karen Peak also spoke about the local WIC program, noting that in upcoming reports, the Health Department should be seeing an increase in usage of the program. She noted that immunizations are up because the new school year is approaching.

In other news, the health department is currently consulting with an architect about a needed new roof, which has been leaking, as well as plans for an addition. There was discussion about whether the new roof on the current building could be rolled into the planned addition in a bid process. An architect will be consulted.

The remodel of the interior lobby is nearly complete, with a few finishing touches to be completed soon.

The health department's current mission statement is, “The Christian County Health Department serves and protects the county citizens by promoting healthy behaviors, increasing understanding of health issues and improving the quality of the environment. This is accomplished by assessment, planning, and assurance activities provided in a caring, confidential and cost effective atmosphere.”