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Oneida County health staff mark reaccreditation, roll out public-health vending machine and onboard interns
Summary
Staff told the Board of Health Committee the health department was reaccredited for a second five-year cycle and described a grant-funded public-health vending machine to dispense free basic supplies; summer interns were introduced and said they will support beach testing, WINS checks and outreach.
At its June 9 meeting, the Oneida County Board of Health heard staff announce that the county health department has been reaccredited for a second five-year cycle and reviewed plans for a grant-supported public-health vending machine and intern-supported outreach.
Linda Conlon read a letter from Paula Tran at the State of Wisconsin recognizing the department’s reaccreditation and explained the reaccreditation process occurs every five years. Conlon said the process helps the organization stay prepared, increase efficiencies, show accountability and strengthens its ability to apply for grants.
Conlon described a public-health vending machine project supported by grant funding and facilities/IT assistance. She said the machine will be placed under the building’s rear overhang to protect it from weather and will dispense free items such as dental kits for adults and children, first-aid kits, socks, sunscreen and mittens seasonally. Conlon characterized the vending machine as a public-health resource and noted that many counties operate similar programs.
The committee also welcomed summer interns. Breana Johnson (recent UW Eau Claire public health graduate) and Holly Jo Steldt (Concordia University graduate, social-work AHEC intern) introduced themselves and described planned fieldwork including beach testing, WINS checks and development of social media toolkits. Conlon noted that Kallie Volk was in the field for beach-testing training and that interns are helping with community baby shower events and other outreach.
The announcement of reaccreditation and the vending machine were presented as informational items; there were no formal votes tied to either item at the meeting.
