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Public health director reports staffing growth, clinic revenue and programs; county to pursue rural health designation
Summary
Elbert County Public Health Director Sarah McIntosh reported the department now has five full-time staff, generated about $21,000 in clinic revenue for the recent quarter, and is pursuing a rural health center designation and a county health fair. She also reported a recent boil-water advisory that has been lifted.
Sarah McIntosh, Elbert County public health director, presented the quarterly Board of Health update on July 22 and outlined staffing, clinic activity and several community programs.
McIntosh said the department now has five full-time staff and named several roles and staff members, including Marissa Ginger (environmental health specialist), Irish Slossing (clinic administrative assistant), nurse practitioner Lauren Gardner and assistant Lorinda Gail. "We now have 5 full time staff at the public health department," McIntosh said. She reported the clinic generated about $21,000 in the most recent quarter after the department was without a provider for roughly four months. McIntosh added the clinic offers pediatric through senior care, immunizations, TB testing, lab draws and DOT exams.
On environmental health, McIntosh said the department recorded 28 new on-site wastewater systems, 61 repairs and 124 use permits year to date, and that inspections matched last year's pace. She also discussed vital records revenue rising after a state fee increase, WIC outreach (Douglas County hosts a monthly WIC day; staff are negotiating a second location in Simla), and a health-needs assessment open through July 29 with findings to be presented Aug. 26. McIntosh previewed a county health fair and said the last blood drive collected 25 units with the next scheduled for Oct. 14. She also said the department is exploring a rural health center designation so the county could be eligible to hold rural transformation grant funds directly.
During Q&A, commissioners asked about marketing for clinics and coordination with schools for sports physicals; McIntosh said staff do school outreach and will honor reduced sports-physical fees outside the fair for those who cannot attend the Saturday clinic. She also thanked Road and Bridge for delivering bottled water during a recent boil-water advisory, which she said has been lifted. The Board closed the health session and moved on with the regular agenda.
