MOUNT VERNON — The message Health Commissioner Julie Miller had for the Knox County Commissioners on Thursday was “the health department is staying busy.”
Reporting no issues last week at the Knox County Fair, Miller said the environmental health division is staying busy with food establishments. Mosquito spraying continues throughout the county, and although building permits remain steady, there are not as many sewer and water permits as last year.
Miller said handling nuisance complaints is a priority for her, noting that while sewer and water services are mandated, handling nuisance complaints is serving the community.
The department has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for additional mosquito control money which will be used for product, education and a new sprayer. The department has also submitted the application to become a federally qualified health center (FQHC). Miller said the department’s application score was high, helped in part by the new designation as being a medically under-served population for Medicaid.
The Knox County Community Health Center Board meets monthly to develop programs for the FQHC; plans could include some renovations. Miller plans to ask an architect to sketch some preliminary plans in order to get an estimated cost for the center.
All necessary documents for national accreditation have been submitted; Miller anticipates a site visit in the fall or winter. The site visit will include the chance for the department’s community partners to learn what accreditation means to the community.
Due to a lack of vendors, Miller said the department is discontinuing its mid-week farmers market. Possibilities include doing something in Danville or adding to the Saturday market on Public Square in Mount Vernon. She also wants to bring back the community garden next ye