Pulaski Health Department Plans to Increase Narcan Training, Following Release of Grant Funds

The Pulaski County Health Department will be able to step up community Narcan training and distribution efforts, after a release of funding by the state. Office Manager Terri Hansen told the county commissioners last week that the Indiana State Department of Health recently opened the portal that holds health departments’ leftover grant money, making $94,000 available to Pulaski County.

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Flu Shots Available at Local Health Departments

 
 

Health officials urge you to get a flu shot to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Pulaski County Health Nurse Andrea Keller said the number of cases of fever and respiratory illness has increased. Keller told WKVI News that the flu shot is the number one defense against the virus. She noted that there are plenty of flu shots available at the Pulaski County Health Department. She administers shots Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch encourages patrons to stop in the office to get a flu shot. He stated that he has an ample supply of vaccinations. To help prevent the spread of the flu, wash hands often and thoroughly, sneeze and cough into a tissue and stay home if you are sick.

West Nile Virus Confirmed Early This Year

First signs of West Nile virus activity in Indiana have already been confirmed – a full month sooner than last year. Mosquitoes in Orange County have tested positive for the virus, considerably earlier than the first positive mosquitoes found last year in Mid-July. State health officials say it’s not possible to predict the severity of this year’s West Nile virus season, as temperatures and rainfall will have an impact. Last year, the virus was found in mosquitoes in 34 counties.

Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch has a number of tips for those looking to avoid mosquitoes.

“Big thing is to just be insect repellant when you’re outdoors, try to avoid mosquito-infested areas around dusk to dawn – that’s when they’re most prevalent, use your repellant, screens on the windows and doors, and any standing water – bird baths, puddles, anything like that – try to keep those cleaned out as best as possible,” said Lynch.

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Thank a Nurse during National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2012

The Pulaski County Health Department is celebrating National Nurses Week this week.

National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the ways in which registered nurses are working to improve health care. Nursing is the largest health care profession and nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry.

3.1 million registered nurses work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, research facilities and in hospitals all across the United States.

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Changes in Immunization Requirements Take Effect January 1st, 2012

Immunization eligibility requirements are changing as of January 1st, 2012.

All childhood immunizations are administered by the local health departments for free of charge, but due to funding constraints, eligibility requirements are changing. The State will only be providing childhood vaccines to the local health departments that have patrons who are on any type of Medicaid insurance, who are American Indian/Alaskan Native children, and those who are underinsured. “Underinsured” is defined as having no insurance, insurance that does not cover vaccines or the insurance caps vaccine coverage at a certain amount.

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Dave Kesvormas begins Work as Starke County Food Inspector

Dave Kesvormas

Dave Kesvormas has signed a Food Inspector contract and is out conducting inspections. He signed a contract for the part-time position in Starke County last week.

Food inspectors are responsible for inspecting food establishments for possible violations with serving, storing or preparing food. He also educates establishments on handling food.

In other news from the Starke County Health Department:

Even though flu cases in Indiana are multiplying more quickly than normal, Starke County Health Nurse, Frank Lynch, told WKVI that he has heard that residents are suffering from a variety of flu symptoms but no serious cases have been reported. Lynch reminds residents to get a flu shot if they haven’t gotten one. Wash your hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.

Pulaski County Health Nurse, Andrea Keller, reports no severe flu cases in Pulaski County.