Metcalfe Health Board Hears Updates on Public Health Programs

By PJ Martin

Editor, The Herald-News

 

The Metcalfe County Board of Health met for its biannual session last Tuesday and received updates on communicable diseases, local health services, environmental inspections, and financial matters.

The Barren River District Health Department (BRDHD) presented Metcalfe items and also an overview of its programs in its eight-county service area of Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Simpson, and Warren Counties.

 

Clinical Services

The clinical report was presented by Leeann Hennion, RN Team Lead, who reported that statewide, 43 measles cases had been confirmed, and only three were hospitalized. Metcalfe County had no confirmed cases. Cases have been reported elsewhere in the Barren River area, including five in Barren County.

Hennion emphasized that measles is highly contagious and can live up to two hours after the contagious person has left the area. Stressing that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is about 93% effective after one dose and about 97% effective after the recommended second dose.

Children typically receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose at about age 4.

The health department has MMR vaccines available for children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured. Children without insurance may qualify for reduced-cost vaccinations based on household income, and adults without insurance can also receive the vaccine through the health department.

They will not turn away someone who needs a vaccination during an outbreak but cannot afford it. Board member Daniel Bragg advised that TJ Health Partners has a Good Samaritan Program that might help with vaccination costs.

Hennion also presented an update on tuberculosis (TB) activity in the Barren River District. District-wide, there have been three new active TB cases currently being managed. Patients with active TB are closely monitored, and procedures are used to ensure medication is taken as prescribed.

The district also conducted 46 TB tests and saw 76 individuals through monthly dormant TB clinics.

Board member Terri Cassady asked how non-compliant patients are handled, and it was explained that public health law states procedures for dealing with active TB patients who refuse treatment. Depending on the circumstances, health officials can seek a public health order through the county attorney’s office.

Hennion mentioned an increase in infant deaths in some Barren River District counties, although none in Metcalfe County. “Part of our role in public health is in every county; if there’s a child death, there’s a multidisciplinary team that reviews those deaths,” explained Hennion. The health department plans to increase education about infant safe sleep practices and other educational items.

 

WIC Services

Katie Matthews, RN, BSN, PHNII presented the WIC program information. “So, for week as of August 5th of this year, there are 282 individuals currently enrolled with a 97% participation rate out of a total of 273 total participants.”

“We have done 331 WIC certifications as well as 162 WIC mid-certification health assessments, and those occur every six months, where I assess height, weight, possible hemoglobin, and dietary assessments.”

From July 2025 through June 2026, the clinic administered 116 vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and completed 487 WIC nutrition visits.

The clinic also conducted TB visits, family planning and STD visits, lead testing, and other health services.

Matthews said WIC participants will soon have another option for obtaining groceries through Walmart pickup and delivery, which could provide an additional resource for families in Metcalfe with no local source.

 

Health Education

 Health Educator I, Macy Steele, stated that the staff visited Metcalfe County High School on the final day of the school year and spoke with about 140 freshmen about energy drinks, caffeine intake, and healthier beverage choices.

Educational programs presented included sun and heat safety for senior citizens and tobacco and vaping education for 50 Metcalfe County school transportation employees.

Steele stated that upcoming programs for freshmen will include nutrition, tobacco and vaping education, and sexually transmitted disease prevention.

 

HANDS Program

Director Callie Shaw stated that a recent statewide policy changed, and families can now remain in the program until their child turns 3; previously, it was age 2.

During the July 25 to June 26 fiscal year, the program completed 2,912 visits and served 167 families in Metcalfe County.

They referred five children to Kentucky Early Intervention Services (KEYS) for possible developmental delays among the 392 developmental screenings performed, stated Shaw.

Also, 127 postpartum depression screenings were done, and 18 screenings were positive, prompting staff to provide additional resources, referrals, and support.

Metcalfe County also received $1,000 in United Way grant funding that will be used to purchase toys supporting developmental milestones. The program is also conducting a reading challenge in which participating families receive books.

 

Disaster Preparedness

“My name is Crystal Henry, and I just wanted to remind everybody that, especially with flu and COVID season and the kids are back in school, we offer these tests for free at the health department. You can go in and ask for however many you need.”

“And we also still offer free carbon monoxide monitors. So, if you know someone who is needing one of those, they can just talk to the health department and request one of those too.”

 

Environmental Health

 The health department issued 46 septic system permits during the past fiscal year and conducted 47 site evaluations.

There were 84 establishments under inspection in Metcalfe County. Those include restaurants, vending in a factory, food service operations, schools, nursing homes, gas stations, hotels, and mobile home parks.

Officials completed 148 regular inspections and 189 total inspections when follow-up inspections and complaint investigations were included.

There are also two septic system disposal sites that are inspected in Metcalfe County.

Judge/Executive Larry Wilson asked if food trucks were inspected.

The answer is yes; they are regulated similarly to restaurants. Food trucks are required to pay an annual fee and generally receive two inspections each year, or more when they operate in other counties or at special events.

 

Financial and District Reports

 Dr. Matt Hunt, BRDHD Director, presented the financial figures to the board, which show the district received $612,949 in revenue through August, compared with $850,099 at the same point last year.

The district was operating with a deficit of about $1.7 million at the time of the report, compared with a $1.4 million deficit last year. Hunt noted that state and federal funding usually arrives later in the fiscal year, requiring the district to operate for several months before receiving reimbursements around October or November.

During the past fiscal year, the district reported 7,739 WIC clients, 1,602 students receiving dental services, 2,912 HANDS home visits, and 10,881 students reached through school health education.

More than 11,000 people were reached through community events and education classes, while environmental health staff completed 10,849 inspections across the district.

The district is pursuing funding for a chronic care hub focused on diabetes prevention and management, obesity, nutrition, and physical activity. The proposed 10-county initiative would include the district’s eight counties along with Allen and Monroe counties.

Officials also announced a bicycle helmet initiative that will provide free helmets to children and adults.

The district is also planning a Remote Area Medical clinic for either fall 2027 or spring 2028. That clinic would provide free dental, vision, and medical services through volunteer health care providers.

The board approved the minutes from its previous meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2027.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.