| In celebration of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department's 30th Anniversary, the Calhoun Office
will be hosting an open house today from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Thirty years ago when the department went regional, it became the only regional health
department in the state of West Virginia, which is a title it still holds," according to Dick
Wittberg, Executive Director of the Health Department.
Covering more than one county, the
organization is able to improve the ability to obtain resources such as grants, and help make the
community healthier with the broader reach and accessibility.
The health department serves 123,000 people of all ages in six counties, including Calhoun,
Wood, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane and Wirt. Along with providing direct services to the public
including immunizations, the department also works with businesses to ensure public health.
Officers with the MOVHD do restaurant inspections and make sure water wells and septic
systems are installed properly because people can become ill otherwise.
The department has recently been able to gain more access to grant opportunities to help
change the environment, such as the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Grant that has
allowed them to get fresh fruits and vegetables in convenience stores and encourage stores to
put healthier food options in check-out lanes.
Local Calhoun staff includes Ruth Looney, Office Assistant; Phil Carper, Sanitarian; and Janet
Heiney, Wellness Coordinator.
Please come to your county health department on Thursday, July 26, and visit with us for a
while. We are located on the Minnie Hamilton Health Systems Campus, next door to Minnie's
Rainbow Day Care Center.
The department will be doing free blood pressure checks and serving healthy
snacks and bottled water, and
also have informational exhibits and displays available.
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