MOV HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONSIDERING CALHOUN CUTBACKS

(04/01/2006)

The administration of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department is considering cut-backs that would affect Calhoun, Wirt and Roane Counties, according to Dick Wittberg, executive director. Wittberg said the services provided by the local health department have dramatically changed over the years, decreasing the utilization of programs. Wittberg's recommendation, made to a board meeting this week in Parkersburg, would still have the health department keep office space in Calhoun, but would not have it staffed on a daily basis. Providers of service would come to the office on a scheduled basis. The recommendation, part of the department's strategic plan, was put on hold, according to one of Calhoun's representatives on the health board. Alicia Davisson said the board voted to have Wittberg discuss the cut-backs with county commissions before any vote. Calhoun's other board member, Bill Shock, said "I continue to advocate for services for Calhoun." Wittberg admits that some of the cutback proposals will not likely be passed by the health board, but "I'm obligated to give my best recommendations as an administrator." Proposed cut-backs in Roane would be "minimal," with the office still having a staff. Wittberg is scheduled to meet with the Calhoun Commission on April 10th to discuss the issues. The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, with main offices in Parkersburg, also covers Wirt, Calhoun, Pleasants, Roane and Ritchie counties.

Hur Herald ®from Sunny Cal The information on these pages, to the extent the law allows, remains the exclusive property of Bob Weaver and Dianne Weaver The Hur Herald. All information may be freely used but must not be sold or used in any type of commercial endeavor, or used on any web site without the express permission of the owners ©Bob and Dianne Weaver, The Hur Herald, 1999, 2000, 2001