News – Monday, October 20th 2024

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday evening, October 17th at 6:30. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that there were 21 COVID-19 cases reported, 46 active lead cases, 11 screenings for sexually transmitted infections with 40 total tests conducted, no cases of Influenza and one animal bite. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where 9 total inspections conducted, no recalls, one sewer complaint, and 11 environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there was one CPR Course, no consultations for Childcare Health, 2 Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 21 Title X appointments, 1 Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), and 332 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 538 total appointments other than WIC, 104 Nurse Practitioner appointments, 128 treatment court visits, 163 lab appointments and 147 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 4 family plannings, 1 well-child visits, 17 online appointments, one other well-woman exam, 4 other physicals, 8 SEMO physicals, 17 other visits, and 51 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 150 individual patients, 29 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests and 6 lead tests. Immunizations for September totaled 71 for COVID-19, 52 for Influenza, and 123 other vaccines given. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Fall Health Fair October 11th had 76 participants and the Drive-through Flu and COVID vaccine clinic October 17th resulted in over 100 vaccines being administered. The Board was updated on the initiative to perform a formal Community Health Assessment, and opportunities for three potential new grants. Progress on the DCHC Strategic Plan was discussed, plus the facilities RFQ’s. The Health Center financial reports for September were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After any questions were answered, the financial reports were approved. In new business the Board approved the purchase of 10 bike racks from Focus Welding and 6 benches for the Tiger Trail from Lollis Contracting as part of the BCBH Active Transportation Grant. The Board voted to establish a budget line for IT Management Services and authorized Moser to enter into an agreement with a subcontractor to provide the service. The Board approved the creation of a new position of Accreditation Assistant/CHW pending final contract award from DHSS. After review of interest quotes from several banks the Board approved investing $200,000 in a 1-year CD at the Bank of Salem for 4.25%. The Board went in to closed session at 8:00 and returned to open session at 8:55 having discussed personnel and the RFQ, having taken no votes other than approving closed session minutes. The next regular meeting of the Healthy Women appointment, 4 family plannings, 1 well-child visits, 17 online appointments, one other well-woman exam, 4 other physicals, 8 SEMO physicals, 17 other visits, and 51 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 150 individual patients, 29 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests and 6 lead tests. Immunizations for September totaled 71 for COVID-19, 52 for Influenza, and 123 other vaccines given. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Fall Health Fair October 11th had 76 participants and the Drive-through Flu and COVID vaccine clinic October 17th resulted in over 100 vaccines being administered. The Board was updated on the initiative to perform a formal Community Health Assessment, and opportunities for three potential new grants. Progress on the DCHC Strategic Plan was discussed, plus the facilities RFQ’s. The Health Center financial reports for September were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After any questions were answered, the financial reports were approved. In new business the Board approved the purchase of 10 bike racks from Focus Welding and 6 benches for the Tiger Trail from Lollis Contracting as part of the BCBH Active Transportation Grant. The Board voted to establish a budget line for IT Management Services and authorized Moser to enter into an agreement with a subcontractor to provide the service. The Board approved the creation of a new position of Accreditation Assistant/CHW pending final contract award from DHSS. After review of interest quotes from several banks the Board approved investing $200,000 in a 1-year CD at the Bank of Salem for 4.25%. The Board went in to closed session at 8:00 and returned to open session at 8:55 having discussed personnel and the RFQ, having taken no votes other than approving closed session minutes. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, November 21st at 5:00.

An accident occurred in Reynolds County Thursday night at 7:20 on Highway KK ten miles northeast of Bunker that took the life of a Bunker man. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2002 Lincoln Towncar, driven by 59-year-old Russell Shipp, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Shipp was pronounced deceased at the scene by Reynolds County Coroner Jeffrey McSpadden. The report state that Shipp was wearing a safety restraint. The Lincoln was totaled and towed from the scene by Rowdy’s at trooper’s request.

MoDOT has announced several road projects in and around Dent County for this week. In Dent County, crews will conduct roadside work on Route K from Route E to Route KK. Pavement repair is also planned on Route CC from Route C to Route H. In nearby Phelps County, pothole patching is scheduled for Routes H, P, T, and CC. A culvert replacement project will take place on North Outer Road 44 from the St. James city limits to Route V. Additionally, upgrades to pedestrian facilities continue in St. James on Routes 8 and DD, with completion expected by the end of the month. For all these projects, one lane will remain open with flaggers directing traffic through work zones. MoDOT advises motorists to be cautious and watch for slow-moving equipment in these areas. All work is weather permitting and schedules may change.