Union County Health Department supervising nurse Kim Klein discussed plans to shift more functions from the state's COVID grant funds to local health maintenance funds at Union County Council's May 19 meeting.

Klein explained to council the department pays a part-time nurse through the state COVID vaccination grant, which is expected to be exhausted within a couple of weeks. Klein asked to move that nurse's pay into the local health maintenance grant fund, primarily focused on tobacco cessation efforts in the county and assisting in other health department efforts when needed.

Council president Trisha Persinger asked how much work the department is still doing on COVID. Klein replied COVID has tapered off in the county, but she has seen a slight uptick lately. Whether or not that continues to rise is unknown, but the state is winding down compensation for local testing efforts. The county does hold testing supplies in reserve expiring in July. The local health board has decided to push those testing supplies out to the community with attached instructions on how to administer the test and what to do if the test is positive. Rapid testing will still be offered through the health department if preferred, or if test documentation is needed.

Persinger inquired about test availability after the July expiration. Klein replied the department has another allotment of tests expiring closer to the end of the year. In addition, the department plans to continue ordering testing supplies to provide rapid testing availability to the community. 

Persinger asked about the smoking cessation program the health department is working on. Klein replied the nurse will offer individual, group and employer-based support and education sessions. Persinger asked if it will include anti-vaping programs for Union County schools. Klein replied school programs will go through the new state cooperative agreement (CoAg) grant and introduced Beth Lang, who will execute that program.

Lang reviewed the results of meetings with school district officials to determine the needs of the district. Areas of need that have been identified include mental health, anti-vaping, vision screenings, vaccinations and sports nutrition. Lang is currently working on becoming certified to offer anti-vaping programming and will start a program to become a certified CPR/AED/ Heimlich Maneuver trainer so she can train the district's cafeteria and custodial staff.

Klein discussed the school vaccine program she is working on in conjunction with the school district. In order to provide on-site vaccinations at the school, the health department will need a mobile refrigeration unit to ensure the vaccinations are held at the proper temperature. Council approved the purchase of the $8,882 mobile vaccine freezer through the state COVID grant fund.

Also discussed:
-Council reviewed status of the tax abatement underway for NSK's planned facility upgrades. Council approved a resolution drafted by county legal counsel Jim Williams declaring NSK's property to be an economic revitalization area.