Byesville Rotary gets H1N1 flu update from Health Dept.

Pictured: Joe Waske, Byesville Rotary President Elect, Rose Ball, Administrator, Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Department, Nellie Bichard, Byesville Rotary Club Member.
Reading for Nov. 3: none

Activities:

• October 29, 12N, Board Meeting, Pizza Plus.
• October 29 and 30: 8:00 am-12N, sign up for Christmas Food Basket program at the Main Street Methodist Activity Center.
• Nov. 3: Don't forget to vote.
• Canned food drives are beginning.

Red Eye Bus Trip to New York City--all tickets are sold--hurrah!!!

Club members delivered dictionaries to Rolling Hills School District 3rd graders after the morning meeting.

Members also voted to send a donation to the Marietta Rotary Club in support of their Philippines relief effort.

The Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Department works to “Prevent, Promote, and Protect” the health of the residents of Guernsey County.

This month the Health Department is working to protect people from H1N1 flu. Rose Ball, Administrator for the Cambridge and Guernsey County Health Department reported that the Department has held 4 H1N1 clinics for top priority groups—pregnant women, and healthcare workers.

She stated that the state of Ohio determines what amounts of flu vaccine each county receives. The local Health Department does not know how much vaccine it will have for a clinic until the delivery arrives. So far, the Cambridge and Guernsey County Health Department has used all the vaccine they have received. As of 10/27/09, 329 people have been vaccinated.

The Health Department’s next goal is to work with the schools and provide vaccine to students. In order for a student to be vaccinated, parents must return a permission slip allowing vaccination for their children. No student or child will be vaccinated without a parent’s approval.

The H1N1 vaccine is considered a “federal asset.” It is being provided by the federal government. The Health Department does not charge for the vaccine.

The Health Department has also been administering season flu shots. Last year, demand was low, and they had more vaccine than needed. This year, there has been a big demand for seasonal flu shots. The Health Department has run out of supplies several times. The public will be informed of clinics as new supplies arrive.

Fighting the flu is just one of the services the Health Department provides. Much of what the staff does is behind the scenes like inspecting restaurants and campgrounds and providing community health services such as lead testing and lice prevention and control.

This year, the local Health Department has put a replacement levy for .50 mill on the November ballot. This levy will help the Department maintain current services and support the General Medical Clinic they are providing. Dr. Richard Day staffs the clinic on Wednesday mornings. There is a $10 fee per visit.

For more information about local Health Department services, call 740-439-3577 or visit http://www.guernseycounty.org/agencies/healthdept.asp
The club’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, November 3 at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767.