When should I call my local health department?
When should I call my local health department?
Local Health Departments are government agencies who are on the front lines of public health. But what is public health and when should you call your local health department? Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. While a doctor treats people who are sick, those of us working in public health try to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place. We promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors and provide education on how to incorporate healthy behaviors into your life. While we welcome your calls and questions anytime, listed below are a few examples of events in your life when we can help!
- You have seen unsafe food handling in a restaurant or at an event
- You are concerned about your blood pressure
- You’re concerned that your well water isn’t safe
- Your child needs immunizations
- You have questions on what to do if your home has flooded
- You need a birth certificate for yourself or your child
- You are planning on preparing and selling food at an event
- You need a car seat for your child
- You have no insurance and are in need of a mammogram
- Your neighbor has garbage on their property that is not being picked up by a trash company
- You’re having a baby and don’t have a place for him or her to sleep
- You have decided to get help quitting tobacco
- Your child has head lice
Members of a community may not always see the work done by a local health department, but people live healthier lives and are safer because of the work that they do! The Perry County Health Department is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 5pm. We are located at 409 Lincoln Park Drive in New Lexington, Ohio. You can call us at 740-342-5179, like us on Facebook 
and visit our webpage. - Deborah Raney, Perry County Ohio Health Department.
