Lazy summer? Not at MCHD, which is offering new services!
Jul. 15, 2024
By Mary Wade Burnside
Maybe somebody is experiencing the lazy, hazy days of summer, but not Monongalia County Health Department.
It’s not that we don’t like a little down time ourselves, but with six active programs combined with our passion for public health, things don’t seem to be slowing down.
There are so many new and exciting opportunities coming soon to MCHD that a roundup of activities seems appropriate.
Offerings that are being launched in the next few months include both nutritional counseling and lead testing to any community member who wants it as well as an HIV PrEP clinic.
Here’s a breakdown:
MCHD Clinical Services is taking appointments for our new HIV PrEP clinic that starts in July. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is medication that can prevent HIV.
Anyone who is sexually active might want to consider if HIV PrEP is right for them, said Jennifer Goldcamp, MCHD’s outgoing nursing director.
“PrEP is to prevent HIV transmission and that can apply to anyone having sex,” Goldcamp said.
MCHD’s new nurse practitioner, Haley Tucker, will be the provider seeing patients interested in PrEP. Call 304-598-5119 to make an appointment. .
“We strive to have a welcoming environment for all individuals,” Tucker said. “We appreciate and respect that medical care can be a sensitive experience. Our clinic takes pride in the confidential and empowering healthcare we provide to persons of all identities.”
MCHD WIC, which operates in six counties, already began testing participants and their family members in Harrison County for high lead levels after a public drinking water issue there.
As of the beginning of August, that testing will be expanded to Monongalia and Marion counties, and it will be conducted for anyone who wants it, whether or not they are WIC clients.
While anyone 1 and over can be tested for lead, high levels impact children more than adults, potentially impacting their growth and IQ. They are also more likely to ingest lead from old paint than adults, although anyone can be affected by lead that gets into water via an older pipe system.
Plus, as of April 2022, the state Legislature has mandated that children under the age of 6 be tested for lead, preferably at age 1 or 2.
To make an appointment for lead testing at a WIC office, call 304-598-5181 in Monongalia County; 304-366-2387 in Marion County and 304-848-9680 in Harrison County.
Also in early August, registered dietitian nutritionists at Monongalia Health Department will be offering medical nutritional therapy counseling.
Anyone interested in improving their diet could benefit from this service, noted Cami Haught, one of the dietitians who will be providing counseling.
Specific groups who might be interested include people with diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, food allergies or eating disorder issues.
“It could also be helpful for those who want to manage their weight or their high blood pressure, or who have chewing and swallowing difficulties,” Haught noted.
The nutrition counseling can be billed to insurance, with a referral from a physician, and there will be private-pay options.
“Nutrition is the foundation for health and well-being,” she added.
Call 304-598-5181 to make an appointment.