The Long County Board of Health got a new member and a new health director at its June 7 meeting.
Florence Baggs, a nurse practitioner with the Long County Diversity Health Clinic, was appointed to the board by the Long County Commission, filling the health services position. County Commissioner Clifton Deloach, who is also on the Board of Health, praised Baggs.
“Florence does a good job over at the Diversity Clinic, and she’ll be a real asset to our board,” Deloach said. “With her being located just across the street, if something happens, and she is needed over, she’ll be right around the corner.”
In addition to Baggs joining the board, members learned they would be receiving a new interim health director, replacing Dr. W.D. Skelton, who resigned to take a position at Trinity Medical College. Skelton’s replacement is Dr. Diane Weems, who told the board there would be little to change with her joining the team.
“I’m delighted to be here and look forward to working with each and every one of you,” Weems said.
She presented a report on the Public Health Triangle, which is a breakdown of the duties and powers between the state Department of Health, the Long County Board of Health, and the district health director. According to Weems the keys to success in achieving the goals of public health are cooperation among the partners, mutual support, open communication, and respect for each other’s role.
Chief Nurse Kathy Rowell also told the board about Hispanic outreach day in the Sand Hill area of the county. She said the department had joined Liberty County in a woman’s health expo in May.
Rowel said that on Aug. 6-7, a back to school promotion would also be held at the health department.
During a report, environmental health officer Fredrik Walton said was asked about a rumor that six mobile homes at Penny Acres Mobile Home Park, had been found to have had mold. Walton said there had been a request of one inspection at the park, and from the findings only one residence had been shown to have mold. He said that this residence was condemned, and is now vacant.
Besides Deloach, board members are Chairwoman Rosezenna Baggs, Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters, Ludowici Mayor James Fuller, Health Director Dr. Diane Weems, and Cathy Stapleton, and Terri McGowan.