The Christian County Board of Health heard a Community Health Assessment and Reaccreditation and Strategic Plan Update during their special called meeting Monday night.
Amanda Sweeney says they are working to complete the assessment and recently partnered with Jennie Stuart Health to help finish it. Sweeney adds the hospital’s report has been published online and she is working to extract the information they need from it.
Additionally, she notes Hopkinsville City Council passed an update to an ordinance late last year to help in their goal of reducing tobacco use within the county.
The department is also continuing work on reducing teen pregnancy rates, the spread of STI’s, and working to implement the new PREP program.
Sweeney adds they are continuing to spread awareness of the harm reduction program, by recently hosting meetings with the Hopkinsville Police Department and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and letting community members know about it. Work on combating high obesity rates is also ongoing.
Board members also heard an update on possible legislation that could determine how much the department will have to pay over the next few years into Kentucky’s failing pension system. In addition, they heard from the building committee on the status of renovations for the building on Canton Street. Upcoming renovations include making some areas safer for employees and making the front access to the building more handicap accessible.
The board also voted to keep the current officers for the next year, meaning board chairman is still Dr. John Heltsley, vice-chair Dr. Joe Dempsey, and secretary Kayla Bebout.