Johnson County Public Health told supervisors June 25 it will add a health-promotion specialist position to carry part of the county’s tobacco program into a new four‑county service area under a contract administered by the Iowa Primary Care Association (IPCA).

Why: The state’s recent behavioral-health regional changes moved responsibility for certain tobacco-program contracts into regional administration. Public Health Director Danielle Pettit Majeski said the county signed a contract by the June 20 deadline to continue providing services, but the new scope requires additional staffing because the existing Tobacco Program lead, Susan Bilita, cannot cover five counties and the work she already performs under an opioid grant.

How it will work: The new health-promotion specialist would be hired by Johnson County Public Health and serve Iowa, Lee, Des Moines and Henry counties under the IPCA contract; Johnson County will bill and receive reimbursement under terms of the contract. Pettit Majeski said the new hire could be based in one of the counties served and that neighboring health departments have agreed to offer desk space and transitional support.

Contract and risk: Supervisors asked why Johnson County was selected to hold the contract for the four counties; staff said Johnson County volunteered to take on contiguous counties when some other local health departments did not have capacity or expertise. Pettit Majeski noted there is some financial risk if state or regional funding is reduced mid-year — for example, the county would still be responsible for payroll and benefits costs until reimbursements are settled — but staff said the position is structured as "money in, money out" under the contract and that the county has signed and countersigned the agreement.

Next steps: Supervisors heard the briefing and raised questions about risk and the county’s role; staff said they will proceed with hiring and provide onboarding to ensure the new employee works closely with current staff and regional partners. The board did not take formal action during the work session; staff will return with typical personnel actions for board consideration.