It’s National Public Health Week and Greene County Public Health has several services that they provide to the community.
Director Shelby Cooklin says they offer about ten services for people in the county the stretch across a variety of areas including children and young families with an iSmile Dental, First Five, lead poison prevention program, the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) and the Healthy Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success (HOPES). Cooklin notes that other services are geared for adults and the elderly with the Lifeline Medical Alert System, along with services to all ranges of ages with immunizations, the loan closet, Healthy Rides to transport people to and from medical appointments, and the Community Health Needs Assessment.
Cooklin states that Greene County Public Health can be seen at several community events such as the Bell Tower Festival, Greene County Fair, supplying public areas with sunblock in the summer, leading the youth medical career camps, among others. Cooklin explains that this year’s theme for National Public Health Week is “It Starts Here,” which she believes exemplifies them in public health completely.
“We play a vital role in promoting and protecting your health and the wellbeing of the residents of our community. And we serve not only as a provider for direct health services, such as immunizations, and emergency preparedness, and other programs, but also as a trusted source of accurate health information.”
Cooklin adds that Greene County Public Health is often viewed as the central hub to connect people with additional resources or needs that they might have. She appreciates the staff with Greene County Public Health with her other nurses, support staff for the HOPES program, as well as the two office employees for all working well together and sharing the same helpful vision that is public health. A description of each service that Greene County Public Health provides can be found below.
Healthy Rides – free non-emergency transportation to and from appointments for those who live in Greene County and have their appointments in Greene County
HOPES – Healthy Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success – home visitation program for parents with children up to 4 years old or not yet born. This builds skills for parenting and goal setting for success
Immunizations – offered to all ages in the county and can administer vaccines for people on Medicare Part D
Community Health Needs Assessment and the Community Health Improvement Plan – both are required by the state every five years to do a full update. Through community assessment and data collection, it is developed into a plan to improve the overall health of the county
Loan Closet – medical equipment that are needed on a short-term loan following a procedure or surgery
Lifeline Medical Alert System – a quick response by a family member, caregiver or emergency services for typically the elderly or anyone that has a medical condition that would need a quick response
Children and adolescent health – lead poisoning prevention program, along with nutritional counseling and home testing for elevated lead levels.
iSmile Dental – do dental screenings and fluoride varnish as well
Hawki – cheaper insurance for people who don’t qualify for medicaid and who can’t get it through their employment
First FIVE – works with providers to assist with care coordination for individuals who need access to additional resources