Health department details office move, WIC temporary closures, rabies clinic relocation and intern approval

Washington County public health staff told the Health and Human Services committee on Aug. 27 that the department’s planned office move is awaiting final clearance from the State Department of Health and is likely to occur in the third week of September.

Staff said the State Department of Health performed an environmental survey with “a couple minor findings” that county buildings and grounds are addressing; the state will clear the site once follow‑up photos confirm repairs. WIC services that had planned to close for the move will instead close to in‑person clients Sept. 15–17; WIC will continue to provide phone appointments during that time.

Public health staff said the county is relocating its scheduled rabies clinic for Sept. 13. The clinic remains on that date but will move from the previously planned Highway Barn site (which is under construction) to a DPW barn behind the public health office; the department updated its website to reflect the change.

Also at the meeting the department asked the committee to approve an unpaid fall intern from Maria College (a resident of Greenwich pursuing a BSN) for the fall semester; members voted in favor. Staff reported that about 400 community health surveys have been completed so far, nearly double the response from the prior survey period.

Public health staff said they will continue to coordinate with IT and purchasing on the move and equipment needs and will notify clients of service disruptions in advance.