| Departments / Programs |  |
|
|
Washington Co./J. C. Health Department
|
Vital Records
Persons born in Tennessee after 1949 may obtain a certified copy of birth, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm. Others born before 1949 may obtain an application form and forward to Division of Vital Records in Nashville. Certified copies of death certificates can also be obtained through the registrar. A small fee is charged for copies of birth and death certificates. Also paternity acknowledgement for the birth certificate can be obtained.
Dental Health Services
The Dental Program has two defined program areas aimed at children (age 3 to 21 years): the prevention component and the clinical service component. The preventative program provides school-based dental screening, oral health education, fluoride applications, and protective dental sealants. The clinical component is provided in conjunction with support from local school systems which provide transportation and supervision of children during school hours. Children are bused to health department to receive services. Adult services are limited to emergency relief of pain and infection. Adults can be referred to the Keystone Dental Clinic if additional services are necessary.
Environmental Health
The FOOD and SANITATION staff issues permits and inspects restaurants, hotels, camps, daycares, schools, public swimming pools, tattoo parlors and body piercing parlors. All of the above mentioned establishments must obtain and maintain a permit by meeting the standards set forth by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Inspections are unannounced, with special consultations or training sessions available upon request or made mandatory. Fees are dependent upon the type of service rendered.
Primary Care
Provide medical consultation and care to uninsured and uninsurable at a $5.00 minimum fee. Education, medical exams, lab test, and some medicines and supplies for people who meet eligibility requirements are provided. These services are designated primarily for individuals who are 19-64 years of age.
Health Promotion
Health Promotion employs health educators in each local health department to provide a variety of health education services to clients, general public, professionals, staff and the community. Educational programs and in-service training are provided for students and/or community-based organizations to inform the public and promote healthy lifestyles in order to reduce premature deaths, disabilities, and diseases.
Immunizations
Tennessee state law requires all children who are without medical or religious exemption be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, and hepatitis B before entering school. Chicken pox vaccine is available for certain age groups. Delaying these important immunizations may cause denied entry into school and poses unnecessary risk of serious illness to the child. Adult immunizations recommended are tetanus, pneumonia, and flu vaccine.
International Certificate of Vaccine
Individuals who are planning to travel to another country should inquire about immunizations and procedures in obtaining ICV (which is an official statement that a person is adequately protected against disease which would be a threat to the United States). This certificate is second in importance only to the passport in permitting uninterrupted international travel. After requirements on the certificate have been completed, the health department will stamp the certificate for validity and completion. Some vaccinations for International Travel are available at the Health Department. An appointment is required to receive these vaccinations.
Nutrition Education
The Nutrition Education and Resource Center provides QUICK WIC and FIT WIC service to any WIC participants who do not need recertification or immunization. Cooking demonstrations, group nutrition education, and one-to-one nutrition education classes are available. Clients with HIV infection can receive counseling and nutrition supplements though the Ryan White Program.
|
|
Best Start
Staff, including local breastfeeding coordinators, provide infant feeding, counseling , and breastfeeding education and support to WIC moms and families. This program assists new moms with any infant feeding or breastfeeding problems. Breastfeeding provides superior nutrition, protection against infection, obesity prevention, and security. The program works with prenatal education classes by providing educational resources for patient care. Support group meets once a month providing education, counseling, and healthy recipes.
Tennessee Breast & Cervical Program
The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program provides clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests for eligible Tennessee women free of charge. General eligibility requirements are women who meet income guidelines and have either no health insurance, or insurance that does not pay for these screenings. Participating state wide providers, including Washington County Health Department, can provide screening services and referrals if additional testing is needed. An appointment is required to receive this service.
Family Planning
Family Planning provides consultation and medical assistance for individuals desiring to postpone or prevent pregnancy. Pelvic examination,
pap test, breast examination, Chlamydia testing, gonorrhea culture, urine test, hemoglobin test, blood pressure check, and general health history are taken for each female patient on an annual basis. Sterilization consultation and referrals are provided for both men and women. Condoms are available at the front desk upon request.
Pregnancy Test
The Health Department provides a urine test for determining pregnancy. Any female who is two weeks past a missed menstrual period, and suspects she is pregnant, may call for an appointment. The morning’s first urine specimen can be given at the health department or can be taken at home as long as it is kept refrigerated and brought to the clinic by the individual who is receiving the test.
Prenatal Program
The Health Department is a state agency chosen to grant temporary TennCare privileges for 45 days to pregnant women in order to have early access to outpatient prenatal care. Those eligible are pregnant women whose income and family size are within the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, the Health Department refers clients to the appropriate agencies.
Prenatal Education Classes
Prenatal classes are provided to pregnant women enrolled in the WIC or HUG program. The class is also offered to anyone who wishes to gain further knowledge about the entire prenatal experience. The instructors include Health Educators, Nurses, Nutritionists, and other guest speakers. The Prenatal class consists of 10 sessions on a variety of topics such as prenatal and postpartum care, infant care, labor and delivery breathing techniques, proper nutrition, and parenting. Classes are offered in both English and Spanish.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to five years of age, who meet income guidelines and have documented medical or nutritional needs are eligible. Individuals who receive food stamps, AFDC, or who are TennCare insured are income eligible for WIC. When a person is enrolled in the WIC program, they receive vouchers to use for buying certain foods including cheese, milk, juices, eggs, peanut butter, fortified cereals, and dried beans.
|
|
Child Health and Development (CHAD)
The program provides enrichment to children birth to six years of age in areas of social, educational, and health needs. CHAD helps prevent or reduce abuse, neglect and developmental delays by providing parent support and education services. Clients may apply directly or be referred by doctors, neighbors, or other social agencies.
Children’s Special Services (CSS)
Limited care can be provided for children with orthopedic, heart, epilepsy, renal and other chronic illnesses until age 21. Families may apply upon referral from their private physician or direct contact with the health department. CSS provides medical services and reimbursements for medical care, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and therapies and transportation.
TENNder Care
TENNder Care is Tennessee's program for assuring early medical screenings for children, in accordance with the federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) service. The purpose of EPSDT is to assure the availability and accessibility of required health care resources and to help TennCare eligible children (under the age of 21 ) and their parents or guardians effectively use these resources. Every child (under 21) who is eligible for TennCare is eligible for (EPSDT) services. A child can be eligible for TennCare through Medicaid or through the Uninsured or Uninsurable guidelines. Children and adolescents should receive regular screenings even if there is no apparent health problem. Screenings include physical exam, hearing test, eye test, nutrition check, growth and development exam, necessary blood and lab tests, and dentist referral. Federal law requires all children under 21 years of age who receive Medicaid or TennCare benefits to have access to an EPSDT Exam/Screening.
Help Us Grow Successfully (HUGS)
Help Us Grow Successfully (HUGS) program staff assist pregnant women, postpartum women for up to two years, and infants and children up to age six in gaining access to medical, social, and educational services. The HUGS program locates, monitors, and coordinates the needed services for those clients in the program. The main purpose of the program is to ensure excellent prenatal, postpartum, and
infant care through case management, counseling and education. Please contact health department for more information.
Phenyletonuria (PKU) and Thyroid Test
State law requires all babies born in Tennessee be tested for PKU, a disease that prevents a child’s brain from developing. Children must also receive a thyroid test that detects malfunctioning of the thyroid gland which can cause mental retardation. The Health Department administers the required test if the infant was delivered at home or if the test was not administered before leaving the hospital. All infants should be tested within a 24 hour period after beginning formula or breast milk. The Health Department is responsible for follow-up of all positive tests.
Sickle Cell Screening
The Health Department has Sickle Cell testing supplies which are provided by the Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center. This testing is used during Well-Child and EPSD&T Clinics to determine if the child/newborn has either Sickle Cell Anemia or the Sickle Cell trait. Sickle Cell Anemia is more prevalent in persons of African or Mediterranean descent, including those of mixed ancestry or newborns who have had a blood transfusion from one of these races.
|
|
Communicable Disease Services
Through reported cases of infectious diseases and human infestation, the Health Department maintains an ongoing study of disease incidence and distribution. Dependent upon the nature of the disease and its potential community threat, procedures for control may vary. Diagnosis, treatment, and contact investigation are made pertaining to communicable diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases, Hepatitis, Salmonella, and other diseases. Parasitic infestations are investigated for area incidence and source of transmission with consultation provided for control measures. The Health Department’s primary efforts in Tuberculosis control are directed toward individuals with Tuberculosis and their contacts. Diagnosis and treatment are provided for those who can remain at home through drug therapy. Chest x-rays and sputum testing are available when required.
HIV Testing and Counseling
The Health Department offers HIV Testing and counseling on a confidential basis. The HIV test consists of a pre-test counseling session, and the patient is scheduled back in two weeks for tests results and a post-test counseling session to reduce risk behavior. The HIV Test is free to the public.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Program
The Health Department provides diagnosis, treatment, and partner notification for persons infected with a sexually transmitted disease. All services are completely confidential.
|
|
|
A fee may be required for some services since charges are based on the Tennessee Department of Public Health Fee-for-Services Policy. Some charges may be adjusted based on family income. The Health Department accepts TennCare, Medicare, and private insurances. All patients are required to have an appointment and verbal proof of income. WIC requires written documentation on income. All services are strictly confidential. Interpreter services are available. For further information on services and scheduling appointments at the Washington County Health Department, call (423) 975-2200.
|
Washington County, Tennessee - Email
Jonesborough Courthouse and J.C. Downtown Centre
P.O. Box 219
Jonesborough, TN 37659
|
|