Also serving Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston and Lyon counties, the Pennyrile District Health Department remains as critical as ever for the residents of Cadiz and its surrounding burgs.
That’s according to Director Ashley Tyler, who during Monday night’s Trigg County Fiscal Court meeting gave local leaders a closer look at behind the scenes activities — and what the future holds for rural, centralized public health.
In the last year alone, Tyler noted fiscal court support and successful grant writing through the Department of Public Health allowed for a bevy of building and property improvements for the Cadiz facility, which included:
+ A new clerical workstation
+ The removal of a metal filing system
+ New employee health equipment
+ The construction and installation of a new electronic sign
+ The installation of a new baby changing station
+ New lobby furniture
+ New local artwork
+ Tinted advertising for the frontage windows and doors, improving patient privacy
+ And interactive wall activities in the lobby and clinic rooms, aimed at engaging children
Fiscal court, she said, help with re-flooring and painting in 2022, as well as a parking lot resurfacing in 2024.
Following the retirement of Diabetes Health Educator Kelly Dawes and growth in the HANDS program, Tyler said two positions remain open on what Tyler called “a terrific staff.”
And 2024-25 did see a window of new hiring in Cadiz.
Tyler began her career in western Kentucky public health through HANDS, and noted that families and their children have seen marked progress after partaking in the program.
One big change in services, she said, is the continued relationships with local fire departments and the Trigg County Hospital, particularly as overdose incidences — and sometimes deaths — are on the rise.
Last year, more than 340 Narcan kits were distributed through Cerulean, Caledonia and Linton fire departments, as well as Land Between the Lakes, while “Leave One Behind” bags can now be found at the TCH Emergency Room.
Answering a question from local volunteer and retired pharmacist Jim Mullen, Tyler confirmed her office is awaiting state guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations for this fall. Once it is received, she said those 65 and older would have full access to the shot, as would those who are younger than 65 but are immuno-compromised.
Tyler also confirmed that PDHD has a regional board that meets quarterly, while Trigg County’s local health board meets twice annually to support and prioritize spending and programming in the community. It has 12 members, including Judge-Executive Stan Humphries and Magistrate Pat Bush, and it next convenes at noon Wednesday, October 15, in the Genesis Express Intergenerational Center.
There, Tyler said a new satellite radio will be presented to Paula Flood and other Trigg Emergency Management officials — one that was procured through a preparedness grant.
FULL:
2024-25 Impact Report For Trigg County
(July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025)
Health Education Services
Community Members Reached Through Events: 532
Narcan Kits Distributed: 345
Senior Citizens Impacted Through Outreach: 112
Environmental Services
Onsite Sewage: 638
Swimming Pools Inspected: 31
Food Service Activities: 254
Rabies/Animal Bites Services: 116
Tattoo/Body Piercing Parlors Inspected: 2
Hotels/Mobile Home Parks/RV Parks Inspected: 31
Complete School Inspections: 5
Nuisance Complaints: 10
Clinic Services
Patients Seen: 3,159
WIC: 1,642
Immunizations Given: 1,020
STD: 34
TB: 319
Family Planning: 19
Fluoride Varnish Visits: 122
Offsite Immunization Clinics: 4
Patients Enrolled In Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program: 50
HANDS Services
Families Seen In Trigg: 35
Car Seats Provided: 12
Referrals From Health Departments: 52
Outside Referrals: 4
Graduated Families: 7
Home Visits Completed: 1,549
