Jackson County health department reports staffing gap in maternal-infant program, continues mosquito surveillance

Kristin Pluta of the Jackson County Health Department reported to the committee that the department is recruiting for a public health nurse and a social worker for its maternal-infant health program after the program lost staff to retirement and resignation.

Pluta said the maternal-infant team typically includes a nurse and a social worker who work together with mothers and young children. She also noted the county’s children’s special health care program was featured on local television last week and said the department is shifting some clinic hours to increase outreach in the community.

“We are by appointment only,” Pluta said about the immunization and clinic services, listing current office days as Tuesday, Thursday and Friday while the department provides more services in community settings. She said the health department will post updated hours for back-to-school immunizations on social media and the department website.

Pluta also highlighted environmental health work on vector surveillance, saying county staff continue to collect and analyze mosquitoes and submit samples to the state weekly; she said the program runs through early September.

During questions, a committee member relayed information from Nancy Smith of Senator Schenck’s office about Arbor Village compliance and that daily penalties may begin after a June 30 compliance deadline was missed; that statement was made by the committee member, not the health department.

Committee members moved to receive the health department report; the motion carried on a voice vote.