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Rutherford County health department reports increases in clinic visits and WIC participation
Summary
Ms. Butterfield told the Health & Ed Committee on March 24 that dental visits, men’s and women’s health visits, and WIC appointments rose versus last year; the committee approved the department’s February report and discussed hygiene lessons delivered in elementary schools.
Ms. Butterfield, a representative of the Rutherford County Health Department, told the Health & Education Committee on March 24 that the department’s clinics are busier than a year ago. “Our dental services were up nearly 30 visits from last February,” she said, adding that men’s and women’s health visits were “up 66 from last year” and that “WIC visits were up over 300 from last year.”
Committee members asked about causes for the increases. When a commissioner asked whether the uptick was tied to changes in federal health coverage, Butterfield said some of it “may be” related to insurance status but emphasized outreach: “Tennessee Department of Health as a whole has been doing a lot more of promotion and trying to get our access and increase that,” she said, noting department and regional strategic-plan efforts to publicize services.
Members also asked whether WIC intake tracks applicants’ employment fields. Butterfield said employment fields are likely part of the WIC application but that the department does not currently track that information; she offered to check and report back to the committee.
The committee also approved the health department report by voice vote after a motion to accept it. Butterfield described a school-based hygiene series taught by health educators in two elementary schools for K–5 students (handwashing, basic hygiene and deodorant use), and said the department hopes to expand the program.
The committee did not set additional formal actions tied to the report; Butterfield pointed board members to a February snapshot of services available on their tablets and offered to provide follow-up data on specific questions.
