Health department requests $43,946 in state funds to convert part-time post to full time and expand services

Maggie, a representative of the county health department, told the Washington County Council that the department is seeking $43,946 in Health First Indiana state funds to convert a longtime part-time employee into a full-time health educator and public health nurse.

"This is not county funds. This is state funding," Maggie said, adding that the department has approximately $452,000 in carryover funds and has budgeted for a full-time position next year. She said the full-time role would cover benefits including health insurance and allow staff to expand school-based health education.

Maggie described plans to use the position to provide health education in local schools and to address what she called "bad influences" from media that affect young people. She said the county previously had a school health nurse liaison funded from the same source but the position ended in December because of funding uncertainty.

In addition to the staffing request, Maggie announced a limited tire takeback program: the health department will issue vouchers to cover disposal costs for up to eight tires per household while funding lasts. She also said the department has weather alert radios available to residents during tornado season on a first-come, first-served basis for Washington County residents.

Maggie told the council the funding request will be brought back for approval at the board's May meeting. No county general funds were requested for the position.

The council asked no substantive questions and did not vote on the request at this meeting; staff said the item will return for formal approval in May.