Visit by District Health Officials A Meeting to Look Forward To
Spring is Budget time for local governments and that always draws visitors to my office.
One visit I look forward to is a sit-down with representatives from the Crater Health District, which this year included District Health Director Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. and Business Manager Roxanne Marr-Shears.
Dr. Hart and Ms. Marr-Shears submitted their Budget request for FY ‘17, which is $222,377, the same request as FY '16. They were informed that is the amount proposed by County Staff and before the Board of Supervisors for its consideration at the May 10 meeting.
It was also an opportunity for the duo to share an overview of the programming administered by the District here in Prince George. The offices are located in the Human Services Building within the County Complex.
A pie chart unveiled the following percentages related to spending in Prince George County:
26 percent - Environmental Services.
20 percent - Local Administration Services.
19 percent - Family Planning Services.
11 percent - Maternal & Child Health Services.
9 percent - Immunization Services.
7 percent - Home & Personal Care Services.
6 percent - Communicable Disease Services.
2 percent - Chronic Disease Prevention.
In addition, Prince George County contributes 32 percent to the revenues needed to operate local services, with the state contributing 56 percent. Fees and other revenue generate 13 percent.
The revenue percentages vary slightly for the FY '16 and '17 budgets, but the County’s contribution rested stable at 32 percent.
The services delivered by the Health Department assist the County’s neediest families and individuals, many of them desperate without any insurance coverage or other means to seek assistance. The Staff maintains the best in patient services, ensuring confidentiality and dignity for all who are served.
Prince George County Government has taken the lead in widening our health outreach to the entire population with the establishment of our Community Health Awareness Team. A number of projects and activities are planned for the rest of this year and beyond and the Health District helped shape those ideas with a Health Workshop last year.
Prince George County values its partnership with Dr. Hart and his staff. I will always look forward to their visit and seeking out new ways to serve our citizens and keep them mindful of the importance of good health.