Food inspection changes now in effect, some confusion still lingers

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

The transition has officially occurred, according to Henry County Environmental Health Specialist, Jodi Sutter, in regards to a recent change in a Henry County food inspection program that she says has some still asking questions.

?I have had a few questions and complaints from folks (about the change), but I simply have to tell them that they need to talk to Lee County officials,? Sutter said, after she gave an update to the Henry County Board of Health, on Tuesday.

As of Oct. 1, all applications for temporary food licenses are to be issued in Lee County. The change in procedure, according to officials, was made at the state level in order to help save the state money. This change effects both Henry and Van Buren Counties.

Officials also say the change will be in effect for at least a year, to a year and a half.

?I am keeping a log book of some of the calls I am getting just to see what the timeframes are (for service). I just want to do some checking so we can compile some information about the change and see how it?s working,? Sutter said.

According to her, there are about 120 temporary food licenses given out in Henry County on an average year. Most of these licenses are issued for the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, the Henry County Fair and other larger events like Rock Around the Block.

Sutter also reported that through a well program grant, the county will now be able to assess well water and test well water for arsenic, which Sutter says is a positive thing for the community.

In other Henry County Board of Health news, the time for administering flu vaccines is in full swing, which is why Community Health Director, Travis Johnson, took time to brief the board on HCHC?s current activities related to immunizations.

Immunization clinics are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m., and the first Thursday of every month from 1 to 6 p.m., at HCHC.

?I have gone out with our nurses to flu clinics and seen them working, and they are good at their job,? said Johnson.

Johnson did report, however, that with recent changes in insurance billing procedures, the overall procedure time for patients is slightly longer than in past years. But, he insists HCHC staff is always striving to streamline wait times as much as possible.

?The new changes do make things easier for us overall, I think. It just takes time to adjust to a new system,? said Johnson.

According to reports, HCHC gave 279 immunizations to children and 35 immunizations to adults during the month of August. In September, 124 immunizations were administered to children, while 19 were given to adults.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, the board also took time to review the fiscal year Dashboard report.

The next Henry County Board of Health meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 12:30 p.m., in the HCHC Board Room.