Clinical director leaves health department

The Wayne County Health Department is looking for new leadership.

Dr. Paul Rider, chair of the county’s health board, announced at its July 23 meeting that Becca Alliston, the clinical director, was leaving the department. Rider praised Alliston, who joined the department in May 2023, for her work while the department has not had an executive director.

“She stepped in at a difficult time and a time of immense change and did well,” Rider said. “We thank you for your time with us and your service.”

The department had considered continuing without an executive director, leaving Alliston in charge of the clinical side and Dan Burk in charge of the environmental side. During the meeting, however, Rider indicated the executive director position should be inserted in the department’s 2025 budget.

Sponsorships

The board unanimously voted to spend more than $9,000 to sponsor health-related events.

Sponsorship for a package of Meridian events, including Fit Fair, Flu-Lapalooza, Get Kids Smiling and a school speaker series, cost $6,400. 

Another $3,000 was approved to fund a Car Seat Connections program with Firefly and Richmond Police Department. The September event would include inspections of car seats to ensure they are the correct seat for the child and are installed correctly.

Take precautions

Dr. David Jetmore, the county’s health officer, spoke about precautions for tick season and summer heat.

Two cases of Lyme disease are being investigated in the county, Jetmore said. When in the woods, he recommends spraying exposed areas, such as the ankles, with repellent and after leaving the woods, checking the body for ticks.

Jetmore suggested residents drink water and stay near air conditioning to avoid problems with the heat. 

Procedures

Burk wrote nine sets of departmental standard operating procedures that help comply with Health First Indiana requirements. The board unanimously approved the SOPs.