May 24, 2009

Public health district begins
District will serve three counties

     Wasco Sherman Public Health Department will expand July 1 to include Gilliam County, according to an announcement from Teri Thalhofer, department director.
     Accordingly, the organization’s name will change to become North Central Public Health District. Prior to formation of the district, Gilliam County was the only county in Oregon with no local public health authority. It received limited public health services through contracted agencies.
     On May 13, a three-county health district board consisting of members of Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam County courts adopted by-laws and a resolution forming the district — the first of its kind in Oregon.
     The board is chaired by Commissioner Bill Lennox of Wasco County and vice chaired by Commissioner Mike Smith of Sherman County.
     A workgroup will convene to discuss service provision and aid smooth transition to the local Public Health authority.
     The Wasco-Sherman Public Health Department is responsible for enforcement and administration of public and environmental health laws of federal, state, and county government. Public health conducts activities necessary for the preservation of health, prevention of disease, and protection of the public.
     Well known services include WIC (Women, Infants & Children), immunizations, environmental health and public health nurse home visits.
     Thalhofer invited the public to call Wasco-Sherman Public Health at (541) 506-2600 or visit www.wshd.org for more information.