The Long County Board of Health adopted new health regulations regarding body art businesses in the county during its regular meeting Sept. 13.
Some of the standards adopted were prohibiting any person under the age of 18 from obtaining any administrative body piercings, requiring single-use only marking devises for tongue piercing and requiring spore testing be done monthly unless the manufacturer specifies more frequent monitoring.
Health clinic to open
Coastal Health District Director Dr. W.D. Skelton reported the Diversity Health Clinic is to open in Long County at Liberty Square. He said Deidre Michelson would serve as the clinic’s executive director until Russ Toal assumes the position in January.
“With this FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) coming, it is obvious that good things are happening in your county,” Skelton said.
Health fairs planned
In addition to this, Long County nurse manager Kathy Rowell reported the school immunization clinics earned a total of $3,902, and informed those present there would be two health fairs coming up. The first one will focus on prostate screenings and is scheduled for Sept. 30. The second one will focus on breast cancer awareness and it will be on Oct. 2.
“Most people only think the health department is for WIC and STDs, but we do so much more; I want to get that message out to the public,” Rowell said.
Financial report given
Brent Jordan gave a financial report and said all state employees received a 3 percent raise, nursing salaries increased to 75 percent of the market value for wages and health insurance benefits increased by 6 percent.
“Despite several mandated increases, we have a realistic and attainable budget, which is consistent with last year’s,” Jordan said.
Outreach grant noted
Linda Ratcliff discussed the Georgia Rural Outreach Grant for Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties, and reported $200,000 had been received. She also reported Phase Two of the grant was now being worked on, with the plan of receiving additional funds.
Rabid bat discovered
Long County School Superintendent Dr. Edwin Pope reported a dead bat had been found at Walker Middle School by Principal Vicky Wells. The animal had been sent for testing. The results were positive for rabies.
“We are pretty sure that no one has come into contact with the bat, but a letter was sent home with each student informing the parents of the incident, and what they should know, just to be safe,” Pope said.
Some of the standards adopted were prohibiting any person under the age of 18 from obtaining any administrative body piercings, requiring single-use only marking devises for tongue piercing and requiring spore testing be done monthly unless the manufacturer specifies more frequent monitoring.
Health clinic to open
Coastal Health District Director Dr. W.D. Skelton reported the Diversity Health Clinic is to open in Long County at Liberty Square. He said Deidre Michelson would serve as the clinic’s executive director until Russ Toal assumes the position in January.
“With this FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) coming, it is obvious that good things are happening in your county,” Skelton said.
Health fairs planned
In addition to this, Long County nurse manager Kathy Rowell reported the school immunization clinics earned a total of $3,902, and informed those present there would be two health fairs coming up. The first one will focus on prostate screenings and is scheduled for Sept. 30. The second one will focus on breast cancer awareness and it will be on Oct. 2.
“Most people only think the health department is for WIC and STDs, but we do so much more; I want to get that message out to the public,” Rowell said.
Financial report given
Brent Jordan gave a financial report and said all state employees received a 3 percent raise, nursing salaries increased to 75 percent of the market value for wages and health insurance benefits increased by 6 percent.
“Despite several mandated increases, we have a realistic and attainable budget, which is consistent with last year’s,” Jordan said.
Outreach grant noted
Linda Ratcliff discussed the Georgia Rural Outreach Grant for Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties, and reported $200,000 had been received. She also reported Phase Two of the grant was now being worked on, with the plan of receiving additional funds.
Rabid bat discovered
Long County School Superintendent Dr. Edwin Pope reported a dead bat had been found at Walker Middle School by Principal Vicky Wells. The animal had been sent for testing. The results were positive for rabies.
“We are pretty sure that no one has come into contact with the bat, but a letter was sent home with each student informing the parents of the incident, and what they should know, just to be safe,” Pope said.