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With plenty of focus on state and federal government entities these days, it is important for local residents to remember the agencies in our own communities that serve us every day. That includes our local health departments, such as the Marietta/Belpre Health Department.
From education to immunization, our local health departments serve as an access point to healthcare for just about everyone.
"We've had a federally subsidized program for two years now that helps people with reproductive needs and also tests for STIs," said Dianna Beck, nursing director for the nursing department. "We have the testing equipment here on site to test and treat for almost everything that would come through the door."
These folks handle environmental health -- food inspections, licensing, foodborne illness and public facility inspections. They can help get children fitted with the proper car seats or get bicycle safety equipment. They even help prepare for the unknown by working with other local agencies.
"There's drills and scenarios that we do once a month, some a quarter or yearly and we work with the county health department, the (Emergency Management Agency) and the fire departments to monitor and figure out traffic flow," said Marietta/Belpre Health Department Administrator Barb Bradley.
Beck referred to our local health departments as a "safety net" for those without insurance or at-home support. Across the Mid-Ohio Valley there are similar agencies filling that need -- often with little notice.
"Public health does a lot every day and it's usually behind the scenes until there's a problem," said Bradley.
They may not always get the accolades they deserve, but our public health workers are carrying a heavy load for our communities. We can be grateful they are willing, and do an excellent job working to, as Beck put it, "get people what they need."