Local boards of health hold first county-wide meeting

Hampton - The Sussex County Dept. of Health and Human Services, Division of Health, hosted its first meeting of the local boards of health on Saturday, May 20, at the Sacred Heart Center in Hampton. All members of local health boards, in areas within the jurisdiction of the county, were invited to attend. The focus of the meeting was to highlight activities and programs of the Sussex County Division of Health. Herbert Yardley, director/health officer, and Ellen Phelps, supervisor of public health nursing, provided an overview on pandemic flu. Beldina Opiyo-Omolo, health educator, clarified and gave examples of the Public Health Nuisance Code. Jim McDonald and Emrick Seabold, both principal sanitarians, provided a forum to engage in open dialogue and discussion on strengthening community relations. As a first-time event for the county, the turnout by local board members was outstanding. Members were asked to suggest future topics, as well as to anonymously evaluate the event. Feedback ranged from good to excellent. One attendee said, “It is evident that there are positive changes at the County Health Department.” Stephen Gruchacz, administrator for the Department of Health and Human Services, said, “I was very pleased to see such strong support for a collective meeting of the local boards of health. Based on the positive and enthusiastic responses of those in attendance, the Sussex County Division of Health will plan on scheduling this as an annual event.” “I want the people in every municipality to know that the Division of Health encourages open communication,” added Yardley. “We are committed to serving our community, and to the best of our ability, we are here to serve the public. If we are not doing it right, I want to know how we can make it better.”