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Richland County Board of Health hears sharp grant cuts, votes to eliminate annual review
Summary
At its Sept. 24 meeting, the Richland County Board of Health approved removing its yearly review process, was told of steep state grant reductions through 2026, and reviewed program updates including a $30,000 immunization grant and plans for Richland County to assume the Forman WIC program.
The Richland County Board of Health voted Sept. 24 to eliminate its yearly board review and was told the health department faces significant reductions in grant and state aid funding through 2026.
Laurie Straus, chair of the Richland County Board of Health, called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. and the board unanimously approved the minutes and the meeting agenda. At the start of the health department overview, Patty Lies moved and Terry Goerger seconded a motion to eliminate the board’s yearly review process; the motion carried unanimously.
The board was presented with a three-year funding summary showing public health grant/state aid dollars of $1,074,013.08 in 2024, $710,836 in 2025 and $569,433 in 2026. Kenzy Kaehler read the budget figures for the board and described program adjustments being considered in response to the reductions.
Kayla Carlson, a health department staff member, told the board the department has seen a significant reduction in full-time equivalents and that staff are covering multiple programs. She said the department would benefit from hiring an additional staff member and asked that the department cover required staff license fees; the board indicated that payment of required licenses was appropriate.
Program updates included plans to raise the cost of foot care to $30 beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and a $30,000 grant awarded to boost immunizations, with several outreach clinics planned. The minutes credit Kaci, the immunization coordinator, with strong outreach work. The department also plans a trick-or-treating event at the health department to connect families to services and promote programs such as Parents Lead.
Other operational notes: jail nursing duties will shift as staff move to work under a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant; minor PHIG funding updates and treatment-room work were reported; Health Tracks/Well Child screenings will be completed at Head Start and Richland 44; the Women’s Way program has been reinstated; maternal and child health staff are evaluating evidence-based curricula and produced a promotional video; two staff members are trained as tobacco cessation specialists and are partnering with schools; and CPR/First Aid/AED classes are being scheduled.
The WIC program underwent a survey Sept. 8 and Danielle was noted for strong performance. The WIC director for Ransom/Sargent/Dickey County resigned and Richland County will take over the Forman WIC program; staff told the board that logistics such as travel and outreach days remain under discussion. The Home Health Quarter 2 report for 2025 was distributed to board members.
The board noted that the state passed a Community Health Worker bill and said staff are examining potential benefits for local implementation. The minutes record there were no public comments. Laurie Straus moved to adjourn at 2:00 p.m.; the minutes indicate the meeting concluded then.
Next steps identified in the minutes include working through WIC logistics for Forman and considering staffing changes to address program needs. The minutes were signed and submitted by Kenzy Kaehler, the meeting recorder.
