Health department provides public health update

THOMPSON FALLS – The Sanders County Health Department met with the county commissioners on Friday to provide them with a monthly public health update.

According to Public Health Director, Karen Morey, so far the health department has given approximately 500 flu vaccinations.

The SCHD charges $15 for the vaccinations and does not make money off of the shots. Morey also stated that there had been no confirmed cases of the flu in Sanders County and that there had only been seven confirmed cases statewide.

As the meeting continued, Morey said that both her and WIC Program Assistant Karen Dwyer were looking to become certified counselors to help people work their way through the Affordable Health Care Act.

Dwyer explained they have had clients come in who are unable to get anything on the exchange because they do not fall between the 100 to 400 percent category. This leaves a gap of people in Montana without any service available to them.

Commissioner Carol Brooker said the intent of the program initially was to help serve those people.

“That was the whole intent – to service the people who wouldn’t have anything,” said Brooker. However, since Montana did not pass a Medicaid expansion, there are now some people who fall through the cracks.

Brooker did think the idea of the two becoming certified counselors would be a good idea.

“I think it would be awesome for the county to provide that. I think that’s a great idea,” said Brooker.

Locally the only available resource for help is Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

As the conversation continued, it was announced that a new blood pressure monitoring system would be put on the second floor in front of Commissioner Glen Magera’s office. The bench was secured through a grant and would be available for the public’s use.

After the commissioners applauded the SCHD for their hard work at the health fair, the topic of tobacco was brought up.

Tobacco Prevention Specialist Jan Parmelee provided an update from the Tobacco Advisory Board Meeting held on November 6th and 7th. She stated the board was working on addressing e-cigarettes.

Parmelee said it was important for the population to be educated about the e-cigarettes and the possible effects they could have.

She also mentioned the Great American Smokeout was to be held on November 21st and stated she would be at Harvest Foods in Thompson Falls for more information on the effects of tobacco products.

The Great American Smokeout is held by the American Cancer Society and encourages smokers to set up a quit date or quit plan in advance of the event to encourage people to stop smoking on that particular day.

According to the American Cancer Society’s website, the goal is to reduce the risk of cancer.

“By quitting – even for one day – smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk,” stated the website.