Health district considering Jackson teen clinic
The Northeast Health District is in the preliminary stages of determining whether it can locate a teen clinic in an unused portion of the old Jackson County Health Department building in Jefferson.
The clinic — similar to teen clinics in Madison, Walton and Clarke counties — would offer services that could include family planning, pap smears, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, some immunizations and possibly even sports physicals, said Dr. Claude Burnett, director of the health district. It would be operated by the staff of the Jackson County Health Department.
At last Wednesday’s meeting of the Jackson County Board of Health, Burnett raised the issue and asked if the county government could provide any assistance with remodeling.
“We do have crews,” said Hunter Bicknell, who as chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners is also a member of the board of health. “It is something we would certainly look at and consider.”
Half of the building is currently being used by the environmental health section of the Health Department. Burnett said renovation work would be minimal and the center would not require any extra funding at present.
At last Wednesday’s meeting of the Jackson County Board of Health, Burnett raised the issue and asked if the county government could provide any assistance with remodeling.
“We do have crews,” said Hunter Bicknell, who as chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners is also a member of the board of health. “It is something we would certainly look at and consider.”
Half of the building is currently being used by the environmental health section of the Health Department. Burnett said renovation work would be minimal and the center would not require any extra funding at present.
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#1
Shelpn
on
05/14/10 at 07:50 AM
[Reply]
Great News!! This is something Jackson County has needed for some time now.
#2
Life Long County Citizen
on
05/18/10 at 08:30 AM
[Reply]
I totally agree with the first comment. I think the Teen Clinic will be a positive place for teens and parents to get educated on issues that our teens are faced with. There is always a stereotype that the Health Department is in place for birth control only! The truth is the Health Department offers many services for our community. I have seen the Health Department staff teach classes at the school, do community health fairs, and host family events. I really hope the County supports the clinic. My biggest hope is that the Teens feel comfortable enough to go to the clinic.
