Health Department’s mission continues despite recent travails – Published in the March 8-14 edition of the JC Sentinel

This week’s Member Spotlight is on the Johnston County Health Department!
The Health Department’s mission is to protect and promote health, to prevent disease and injury, and to cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can be healthy.  The general clinic provides services such as immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD/HIV testing, SoonerCare enrollment and newborn screenings.  WIC services are offered for those who meet income guidelines, as well as breast feeding education. The Children’s First program with Brooke or Karan provides home visitation for families who might be nervous and need a little guidance when having their first child.  The Health Department houses a TSET Healthy Living grant, guided by Laura Wood, which focuses on nutrition, physical activity and tobacco prevention.  The Health Education Specialist, Janie Cagle, provides enrichment programs throughout the community and schools with topics such as hygiene, bullying, nutrition, safety and much more.  Paul Gilbert is the Environmental Health Inspector – you might have seen him doing inspections for restaurants, convenience stores, schools, dog bites, etc.
All employees are bound by HIPAA rules and regulations, meaning that all services are confidential. They even have alternate parking arrangements if you feel you need privacy. The Health Department partners with many organizations and businesses in the community to meet the needs of Johnston County residents. They work on events like the Great American Smoke Out (GASO) and the Diabetes Conference (April 7^th); Laura coordinates the Hot Wheels Bicycle Program and the local Farmer’s Market.
The clinic is undergoing a lot of changes at the moment, including a reduction in workforce due to the mismanagement of funds at the top level. The clinic will continue to be open Monday through Friday from 8-5, excluding 12-1 for lunch.  Clinic services with a nurse will only be available Tuesday-Thursday from 8-5.  They ask for patience during this period of change. Please call 580-371-2470 with any questions!
Next week’s Spotlight will feature Camp Bond!
Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Chamber Banquet set for March 31^st. Tickets are $25.00 for members, $30.00 for non-members and at the door. We are looking for banquet sponsors – places on the sponsor board are $50.00 each – we would very much appreciate your support as we honor our businesses of the year and volunteer and citizen of the year!
Who would be interested in hosting or attending a Business After Hours? We have some great ideas but would love your input, too. Send us an email or call anytime – johnstoncountychamber@gmail.com, 580-371-2175.

“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” – JFK