Local News – Wednesday, September 28th, 2022
The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 13th. DCHC Administrator Zach Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 105 new COVID-19 cases for August. Moser reported on the recent FDA and CDC authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 month and older and noted that DCHC has not yet received a shipment of the new vaccine. He said the Pediatric C19 vaccine is available at the Health Center and Walmart, and the adult vaccine is available at the DCHC and all local pharmacies. Moser also reported on the FDA authorization of the bivalent booster, which contains the original COVID strain and the Omicron strain, for ages 12 and up. He said that a replacement communicable disease nurse has been hired to replace the one that resigned, but reports on TB, STI’s, animal bites, etc., will be limited until she is up to speed. Moser indicated that the number of tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas are up. Individuals who think they might be infected can call the DCHC at (573) 729-3106 to set up an appointment for testing and treatment. In the diagnostics report, Moser said that 141 blood draw appointments were completed and the DCHC can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 141 COVID tests during the month. COVID tests are $10 for rapid antigen test, $35 for COVID/FLU combo test, and $50 for molecular C19 Test. Most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 80 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 346 other vaccines. There was a total of 667 appointments held during the month. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 10 inspections and fielded 15 environmental questions. In the Administrators report, Moser said that the new flooring has been installed, plus the new electronic sign is in and operational. He reported that the first checks for the childcare subsidy program have been sent out. Moser said the health center had a booth at the recent “Girls Night Out” and they will be holding in a drive through flu and COVID vaccination clinic on October 6th from 1:00 until 6:00 at the Dent County Fire Station. Moser said representatives of the DCHC will be at Health Expo at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on October 13th. Moser presented a bid for the installation of blown-in cellulose for sound mitigation, but the Board took no action and instructed him to search for sound mitigation options. He also presented an estimate for some concrete work for a ramp to the back door to access Exam Room 1 as an alternative location for treatment of COVID and other patients. The Board approved the work providing 50% or more can be funded by a grant. The Board went in to closed session where no actions were taken. Dent County Health Center expenses for August were not available for approval. The next regular meeting of the DCHC Board was set for Thursday, October 20th.
Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show on KSMO AM 1340 and 95.7 FM at 1:00 in the afternoon. The program is also streamed on ksmoradio.com and on the KSMO Stream Facebook page. Dr. Ouzts talks about pet health and safety as well as different topics that could affect your furry friends. So, get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.