Harrison County health department reports 2025 gains, commissioners approve mosquito contract and safety grants

The Harrison County health department reported a year of expanded outreach and steady clinical services during the April 6 meeting of the Harrison County Commissioners.

Health department administrator Jennifer Caffrey said the department leveraged Health First Indiana funding in 2025 to support prevention programs, educated 831 fifth- and sixth-grade students about vaping, distributed more than 1,500 weather radios, funded a youth nutrition program and continued vaccines, TB testing and CPR training. She said the department also partnered with Harrison County Hospital on mobile integrated health initiatives.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the county’s 2026 mosquito contract as presented. Caffrey also presented three grant agreements that would allow the department to purchase life jackets, car seats and bike helmets for community distribution; commissioners approved the grant agreements 3-0.

Caffrey announced the department’s rabies clinic is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Harrison County Government Center; Dr. Sharon Christie of the health board will conduct the clinic. Commissioners granted permission for the department to hold the clinic at the county facility.

The approvals were procedural and unanimous; the next step for the mosquito contract and grant-funded purchases is implementation by health department staff and any required procurement steps.