County Health Department needs support on Issue 40
By Kyle Valentini
October 15, 2012
369
Summary: Voters can support the Tuscarawas County Health Department when they vote yes on Issue 40. The agency provided services to nearly half of the countys residents in 2011.
On Nov. 6 Tuscarawas County Voters will have the opportunity to decide on Issue # 40, a renewal of a 1-mill levy that funds basic services including medical and dental clinic operations at the Tuscarawas County Health Department that was originally passed nine years ago.
Based on the most current property evaluations, a homeowner of a $100,000 home would pay approximately $26.86 per year to support the Health Department levy. As a renewal levy it will not increase the taxes paid by homeowners.
In 2011 the Health Department served over 42,200 clients, nearly 50% of the Tuscarawas County population. This is a nominal fee for the variety of services provided at the Health Department. Voters support of the levy would allow a host of services to remain available to the residents of Tuscarawas County.
Services include:
- Adult Care
- Bureau for Children with Mental Handicaps Services (BCMH)
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening
- Blood Pressure Testing
- Dental Services
- Specialty Clinics
- HIV Screening
-TB Testing
- Lead Testing
- Well Child Clinic
- Immunizations
- Vital Statistics
- Pregnancy Testing
- Women, Infant, Children (WIC)
- Family Planning
- Environmental Health
- Alcohol & Addiction Program
-School Wellness Program
Most people dont realize the variety of services the Health Department provides, said Dorothy Yoder, a health educator at the agency. We offer programs and services based on family size and income so we can be more economical. We also offer programs and services that are flexible to meet the needs of busy family schedules.
We have amazing medical and dental services and anybody that walks through the door can take advantage of that, said Yoder. We understand how busy families get so clients get a phone call reminder the day before their appointments to make sure they wont be missed. Courtesy like that is not often extended anymore. We want residents of the county to have access to healthcare so they can be healthier and we want to help improve the quality of life for everyone.
The agencys dentists are in high demand. Because so many private insurance plans no longer offer dental services we see a lot of people in need of basic care. We have two dentists on staff as well as hygienists, said Yoder.
In addition to regular services the Health Department also offers seasonal services. Each October the agency offers Womens Health Days. This year on Oct. 22 and again on Oct. 26 women can receive an examination that includes height and weight check, blood pressure check, breast exam and Pap smear for $40. Additional lab services are available as well as referrals for affordable mammograms. No appointment is needed and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Flu shots are available Monday through Friday with no appointment and the agency accepts Medicaid and Medicare. The first Thursday of each month residents can get immunizations with no appointment.
For more information about the levy or the services provided by the Health Department call them at 330-343-5555.
