Douglas County Health Department annual report adopted; department highlights WIC, vital records revenue and office move

The Douglas County Board of Health voted to adopt the Douglas County Health Department's annual report during its meeting. Director Hill summarized substantive items in the report, including program performance, staffing changes and financial notes.

Director Hill told the board that the health department has seen higher-than-expected revenue from vital records: the department collected $108,009 in the past three months and projects approximately $300,000 annually from that line of business, exceeding earlier estimates the county received from Tri-County Health Department. He also noted WIC program activity: in 2024 the department served 2,971 unduplicated WIC families across 24 retail locations and WIC redemptions totaled about $1,400,000 in local retail sales.

Operational updates in the report included a planned office move to Englewood, currently targeted for late June or early July pending arrival and installation of furniture and networking equipment; construction progress was described as on schedule for drywall and interior work. Staffing changes highlighted by Hill included the promotion of Rich Miera to accounting supervisor, departure of Janelle Vedonis to a state job, and onboarding of Dr. Dastri as the county medical officer who is participating in public health training.

Board members praised the report and noted the department has maintained costs close to prior budgets despite taking on local public health responsibilities previously provided by Tri-County Health. The board approved the report by voice vote; no amendments were recorded.