Health department to hold six seasonal flu-shot clinics

The department will host six clinics open to the public: Patricia's Foods, Sept. 22, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sweet Springs Elementary School, Sept. 23, from 1 to 6 p.m.; Malta Bend School, Sept. 24, from 1 to 6 p.m.; Martin Community Center, Sept. 29, from 1 to 6 p.m.; Friends of Arrow Rock office, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Slater City Hall, Oct. 1, from 1 to 6 p.m.

In addition, the department is scheduled to hold 10 clinics at area businesses for their employees.

"We're going to use the flu clinics to test some of our H1N1 plans," Assistant Administrator Russ Donnell said.

The flu shot consent form is available on the health department's Web site for the first time: http://saline.lphamo.org/.

Donnell said there is also a possibility that a drive-through flu-shot clinic will be set up.

Seasonal flu shots cost $25, though they are free for seniors with Medicare Part B.

Donnell also reported on the H1N1 virus and vaccine, although he didn't have a lot of new information.

About the vaccine he said, "We're not sure when we're going to get it. We're not sure how much we're going to get."

In other business, board members approved a partnership with Lafayette County Health Care Coalition.

LCHCC has formed Saline County Health Care Network in an effort to coordinate the health services provided in the county. Administrator Lisa Thomas said the health department is an ex-officio member, along with Fitzgibbon Hospital, I-70 Community Hospital, Pathways and Care Connection.

The board approved a letter of commitment, for 15 hours per month, on behalf of the department, as well as a contribution of $1,000 to help pay for a grantwriter for the group.

"One of the things they address is the dental services," Thomas said. "I was hoping that could work in with what we're trying to do here."

Board member Joby Raines said, "The investment for the potential return for our citizens could be very substantial."

Thomas also told the board about two department contracts recently renewed.

Donnell's contract as the department's emergency preparedness planner was renewed for another year, with a salary of $20,974.

"He's earning every dime, believe me," Thomas said.

The department's WIC contract was renewed as well, for a total of $102,855. There are three additional parts to the annual contract.

WIC will receive $2,553 for a breast-feeding peer counselor, $2,000 for breast-feeding training and $1,400 for food-packaging training.

Heartland Medical Equipment is holding a barbecue fundraiser Friday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., board member Sara Kirchhoff's said.

"My crew decided they wanted to do something for the community," she said.

Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served at the lunch, for a free-will donation. Kirchhoff said there will also be door prizes, a bake sale and a raffle for such items as University of Missouri football game tickets and signed footballs.

The proceeds from the fundraiser will go into the Saline Public Health Fund, earmarked for the health department's effort to secure the services of a dentist.

The board adjourned into executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.

Board member Virgie Simmerman and Board President Stephen Allegri were also present at the meeting.

After voting to change regular meetings to the second Tuesday evening of the month, board members scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net