Wyandot County Health Department

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Welcome to the Wyandot County Health Dept Nursing Divison

Newborn Baby Visits

At the home visit, the RN will assess the baby, check the weight of the baby, and assess the mom if requested. A gift bag is given to the new mom and baby along with a folder of helpful information. The RN will inform the parents of resources available in the county, such as: WIC, Birth Defects Council, BCMH, Immunizations, and HMG. The visit is voluntary, and there is no cost involved.

Our local Help-Me-Grow program offers home visits to first-time mothers, teen mothers, and mothers who have more than one child, if there is a concern. If you have recently had a baby and have not heard from the health department or HMG, call the health department at 294-3852 and ask for the Newborn Home Visiting Nurse.

Bereavement Home Visits

The Wyandot County Health Department has an RN available to make a home visit to a family who has lost a child at birth. The nurse can assess the mother for any postpartum complications, lend a listening ear and offer information on bereavement, counselors, and support groups. Other family members are welcome at this bereavement visit, as they are grieving also.

Buckle-Up Baby Car Seat Program

Did you know that 80-90% of car seats are improperly installed? That's nearly 1 out of every 4! As of 1994, it became the law in Ohio that children must be restrained in a car seat until they are 4 years old AND weigh 40 pounds. For safety purposes, infants should ride facing the rear of the vehicle until they are both 1 year old AND weigh 20 pounds. Ohio law may be changing to add the need for children ages 4-8 years needing a booster seat until they are 4'9" or 80 lbs.

The Wyandot County Health Department may have car seats available to clients who cannot afford to buy one. Our car seat program is funded through Easter Seals and the Ohio Department of Health. A car seat is provided for the child in addition to verbal and video instructions regarding the proper placement of the car seat in the vehicle. Financial eligibility requirements need to be met by the family in order to qualify for this program, which are the same guidelines that WIC uses.

There are 3 types of seats we offer:

The "convertible" which holds children from 5 to 40 lbs and can be used rear facing and forward facing.
The highback booster with harness straps for children 22-40 lbs who don't fit comfortably in the convertible.
The highback booster without a harness for children 40 to 80 lbs who need a "boost" so that the vehicle's seat belt will fit them properly.

A class is required to receive the seat. This class consists of a video, a hands on demo of your car seat and paperwork.

Sign up is available by calling 419-294-3852 or visit the Wyandot County Health department at 127-A S. Sandusky Ave, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351. There may be a waiting list, depending on the availability of seats.

Lead Testing Program

Wyandot County Health Department offers lead testing to children age 9 months through age 6 years Tuesday & Friday lead testing clinics. The cost is $40. Medicaid/Healthy Start will pay for this. Additional funding may be available for payment for qualifying individuals. Education regarding lead poisoning prevention is a vital component of our lead prevention program. Follow up is provided for those children who have an elevated lead level.

Your child may be at risk for lead poisoning. Does your child...

Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950?
Live in or visit a house that has peeling, chipping, dusting, or chalking paint?
Live in or visit a house built before 1978 with recent, ongoing or planned renovation/remodeling?
Have a sibling or playmate that has or did have lead poisoning?
Frequently come in contact with an adult who has a hobby or works with lead? Examples are construction, welding, pottery, painting and casting ammunition.

A blood lead level is indicated if the answer to any question is positive. Call the Wyandot County Health Department for an appointment, testing dates, or for more information at 419-294-3852.

Hearing Clinic

The Ohio Department of Health operates and funds this clinic that provides hearing and speech diagnostic services for children of Wyandot County and its surrounding counties. A complete evaluation is performed by an audiologist, speech therapist, and physician specializing in ears, nose, and throat. This clinic is held at the Wyandot County Health Department five (5) times per year. This clinic is for people up to 21 years of age.

Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling 419-294-3852.

Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)

This program was developed to help provide financial assistance to eligible families who have children (under the age of 21) with special health care needs. BCMH also offers diagnostic opportunities, regardless of family income, to children with suspected medically handicapping conditions. BCMH is a tax-supported, state administered program in the Ohio Department of Health.

To make sure that children with medical handicaps receive quality services, BCMH wants to help families use all the benefits for which they are eligible.

BCMH pays for services only after all other benefits have been used. If you have private insurance or are enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan or Medicaid waiver, you must use those benefits first.

Beginning October 1st, 2005 new guidelines for the Cost Share program changed to benefit families. House Bill 66 has restored funding for the BCMH program. Therefore, the guidelines have been lowered to assist Cost Share families (more realistic share/deductible). Thanks to families making their concerns known, the Ohio General Assembly restored funding for some 5000 families who recently were determined to be over income.

BCMH values the important role of the public health nurse and the support you provide in linking families to necessary programs and services. It is our hope that you find this information useful in meeting the special needs of the children residing in your health district that are eligible for the BCMH program.

Public health nurses are responsible for the follow-up of these children through phone calls and home visits. The public health nurse is then responsible for billing these interventions to the Ohio Department of Health BCMH Program.

Blood Pressure Screening

Many senior citizens monitor their blood pressure through the Wyandot County Health Department. Nurses provide education to clients and refer those with abnormal blood pressure readings to a physician. Appointments are encouraged and donations are accepted. Blood pressure screening done at the health department is not a substitute for a follow-up with your doctor.

Head Lice Eradication

Public health nurses provide education to the child and parent/s regarding eradication and prevention of head lice. Nurses will instruct the parent on methods to remove head lice and nits in order for the child to return to school. Appointments are highly encouraged and donations are accepted.

Tuberculosis Testing & Follow-Up

The Wyandot County Health Department is designated by the County Commissioners as the Tuberculosis Control Unit for Wyandot County. The health department provides TB testing for clients as a requirement for their employment, school, or by request. Education and follow-up are provided by the public health nurses for individuals who have a significant (positive) skin test. Assistance is available for the payment for chest x-rays, lab tests, and medication for those in need. There is a charge for this test.

Communicable Diseases

The Wyandot County Health Department's role in communicable diseases is to report, control, and prevent the spread of disease through education, screening, surveillance, treatment, and follow up of disease cases that affect Wyandot County residents. Communicable diseases are reported to the Ohio Department of Health through the use of the Ohio Disease Reporting System, a computer web based program.

Teen/Family Clinic

The Teen/Family Clinic is available the second Wednesday of each month. This clinic provides individuals with a thorough history and physical as required for sports, employment, and school.

Appointments are highly recommended and can be scheduled by calling 419-294-3852.

Family Planning Clinic

The Wyandot County Health Department continues to build on the Family Planning Clinic that was started in October, 2005. Clinics are held every Wednesday (except the 2nd) of the month. Clinic days will be expanded, as needed, to serve our increasing client numbers. Services include: a physical, PAP, pelvic exam, STD testing and treatment, birth control options, and education. These confidential services serve men and women starting at age 13 years. Cost is based on income using a sliding fee scale. No one will be refused services due to inability to pay. Medicaid is accepted for payment for services. Clinics are staffed by a medical doctor or certified nurse practitioner, registered nurses and clerical staff. Appointments are highly recommended and can be made by calling the health department at 419-294-3852. Family Planning clinics are funded by a Women's Health Grant through the Ohio Department of Health.

Pregnancy Testing

The Wyandot County Health Department will do pregnancy testing by request of the client. An appointment is recommended, but not required. The cost for this test is based on the individual's income using a sliding fee scale. If the client has Medicaid, a copy of current Medicaid card must be presented.

HIV Counseling & Testing

The Wyandot County Health Department is a HIV Counseling and Testing Site as established by ODH. Three (3) registered nurses have received the specialized training by ODH to provide this service that includes testing, education, follow up, and referral. The Orasure Oral Specimen Collection device is used for this testing . HIV counseling and testing is typically completed through the Family Planning Clinic and the cost is based on income using a sliding fee scale. There is a flat fee if done outside of the Family Planning clinic. Appointments are highly recommended.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

The BCCP program is funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health and is managed by the Mansfield/Richland Health Department. Women who meet the age and income requirements may obtain a pap test and/or mammogram at no charge. This program is available during the Teen and Family Clinic. For further information, call 419-294-3852.

Immunization Clinics

Walk-in immunization clinics are held at the Wyandot County Health Department every Tuesday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and every Friday from 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Satellite clinics are held at the Carey Senior Depot the second Monday of each month and at the Sycamore Senior Center the fourth Monday of each month from 2-6 p.m. An "appointment only" clinic has been recently established for the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the Health Department at 419-294-3852. Our IAP grant's goal is to have 90% of all children "up to date" with their immunizations by the age of 24 months by 2010. As of April 1, 2007, the Wyandot County Health Department's "up to date" rate is 82%. Education efforts included participation at health fairs, speaking at clubs and organizations, newspaper articles, radio public service announcements, discussions with parents during home visits, and distributing brochures and other educational materials. Immunizations are offered at WIC appointments, during our Teen/Family Clinics, and at Kindergarten screenings in order to increase our immunization rates in general.

Immunizations

Please call the Wyandot County Health Department for prices and vaccine availability. Medicaid is accepted.

Adult Vaccines:

Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)

Td (Tetanus)

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Hepatitis A - Series of 2

Hepatitis B - Series of 3

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) starting at age 9yrs

Meningitis

HIB

Pneumonia

Flu

Hep. A & B Combined - Series of 3

Shingles

Child/Adolescent Vaccines:

DTAP

IPV

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis A (2-18yr olds) - Series of 2

HIB

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) starting at age 9yrs

Comvax

MMR

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Prevnar (up to age 5)

Meningitis

Td (Tetanus)

Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)

Rotateq

PPD (TB Test) is also available at all regular immunization clinics.

Meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for those at risk for meningococcal disease:

Children ages 11-12 years old
Teens entering high school
College freshmen living in dormitories
Microbiologists who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
US Military recruits
Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa
Anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed
Anyone who has terminal complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder)
People who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak

The Wyandot County Health Department provides an opportunity to get the Meningococcal Vaccine at the Health Department. Please call for the current price.

Tobacco Prevention Education

The Wyandot County Health Department is a member of the Northwest Ohio Tobacco Control Strategic Alliance. Through this association, we have received funding for the 5th consecutive year to teach elementary students a tobacco prevention program called LifeSkills. Four (4) registered nurses have been trained as implementers for this program. This eight-week course is given annually to students in grades 3-4-5 at East, South, Union, St. Peter's, and Our Lady of Consolation schools.

The LifeSkills curriculum is an evidence-based program of what causes substance abuse in children and teens. Classes include education students concerning the effects of tobacco products, awareness of tricky advertising techniques, along with general life skills such as self-esteem, assertiveness, stress, peer pressure, and effective communication skills.

Outreach and Education

The Wyandot County Health Department staff members are very involved in the community by participating in health fairs and collaborating with other agencies and organizations in the area. A nurse from the health department regularly attends meetings of the County Collaborative Group, Community Council, Family and Children First Council, Youth Commission, Wyandot County Birth Defects, Wyandot County Health Alliance, Northwest Ohio Tobacco Control Strategic Alliance, and the Service Coordination Committee. Brochure holders are located in thirty-three (33) locations throughout the county and are updated on a regular basis. Health department staff solicits funds from area agencies and organizations for bicycle helmets that are fitted and distributed at the Family Fun Fair that is held each April. The health department also participats in the Teddy Bear Clinic held at Wyandot Memorial Hospital each March.

The health department worked closely with Wyandot Memorial Hospital in sponsoring "Arthritis Foundation Exercise Classes" funded by the Ohio Department of Health Arthritis Program.

Bicycle Helmet Grant

The Wyandot County Health Department has received generous donations from area businesses for the purchase of bicycle helmets to be fit and distributed to the children in our community. Helmets were fit and distributed at the Upper Sandusky Family Fun Fair and the Sycamore Bike Rodeo and Health fair events.

Sight For Students

The Vision Service Plan from Prevent Blindness Ohio offers a free eye exam and glasses to qualifying school-aged children who do not receive Medicaid and who are not on some other form of vision insurance plan. Applications are available at the Wyandot County Health Department, or children can be referred to the program through their school's health nurse. More information about this program can be found at www.preventblindness.org/ohio.

School Nursing

The Wyandot County Health Department currently holds the contract for nursing services for the Carey and Upper Sandusky public school systems, Our Lady of Consolation Parochial School in Carey, St. Peter's Parochial School in Upper Sandusky, and Angeline School of Opportunity in Upper Sandusky. Wyandot County Health Department also holds the contract for hearing screenings at Mohawk Schools.

School nursing services include, but are not limited to: screenings for Kindergarten; screenings for vision, hearing, and scoliosis; monitoring immunization status and health records of all students, daily health issues, emergencies, and ensuring the general well being of students and staff alike.

Special presentations are held throughout the year as funding allows. Breast and testicular cancer awareness programs are presented to high school seniors with assistance from other service agencies. Growth and development classes are given to all 5th and 6th grade students.

School nurses provide OSHA training to all school staff. Nurses provide education for influenza virus protection, and keep school staff updated with flu clinic information. The school nurses are active members of the school's Wellness Committee creating guidelines and recommendations for healthier, active students.

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