Teton County Health Director Riddell outlines community health initiatives and challenges

Teton County's Health Department is making significant strides in community health initiatives, as highlighted in a recent government meeting. Dr. Travis Riddell, the new Health Director, reported on several key developments aimed at enhancing public health services.

One of the most notable updates is the establishment of the Public Health Foundation, which has received a 501(c)(3) designation and is currently fundraising through Old Bill's Fund Run. This foundation aims to support various health activities, particularly the family planning clinic.

Additionally, the Health Department has officially taken over the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional support to pregnant women, infants, and children. This transition comes after the state struggled to maintain these services in Teton County, ensuring that families now have access to essential resources.

Dr. Riddell also emphasized ongoing mental health initiatives, including an upcoming suicide prevention walk scheduled for September 20. The department has been proactive in addressing mental health issues, particularly among groups that are often underserved, such as outdoor enthusiasts. A recent outreach program, "Mental Health in the Wild," aimed to connect with this demographic.

In environmental health, the department is collaborating with the Teton Conservation District to monitor water quality in local streams. Unfortunately, Fish Creek has experienced multiple E. Coli exceedances, prompting health officials to issue warnings against recreational use of the waterway. In contrast, Flat Creek has not shown any exceedances this summer.

The nursing department is also active, conducting anemia and lead poisoning screenings at local childcare centers and planning flu and back-to-school vaccine clinics. However, Dr. Riddell noted potential cuts to the reproductive health clinic due to the departure of a key nurse practitioner, which may affect service availability.

In response to concerns about a possible measles outbreak, Dr. Riddell reassured the community that Teton County's vaccination rates for kindergarteners are between 96% and 98%, indicating a strong position against sustained transmission of the disease.

These developments reflect the Health Department's commitment to improving health services and addressing community needs in Teton County. As initiatives progress, the department aims to continue fostering a healthier environment for all residents.