New Maury County Health Department Host Open House
Assistant Commissioner Cathy Taylor, DrPH, MSN, RN, of the Tennessee Department of Health was on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at the new Maury County Health Department facility in Columbia today. She also met with county staff members, as well as local and state government officials.
In May 2005, Governor Phil Bredesen proposed $1 million in Healthcare Safety Net funding for a new facility for the Maury County Health Department. The funding, which was approved by the Tennessee General Assembly, assisted in the addition of primary care services for uninsured adults, which were initially offered in July 2006. The new building provides space for primary health care services as well as preventative services, and will accommodate growing patient numbers.
“Primary health care is a vital service that helps prevent serious illness and provides management of chronic disease,” said Governor Bredesen. “We are committed to making these services available near the places where Tennessee citizens live and work.”
The new Maury County Health Department facility opened for patients on August 29, 2007. Maury County government provided funding for the project, in addition to the Safety Net award and other state funds. Senator Bill Ketron, District 13; Representative J. Thomas DuBois, District 64; and Representative John Tidwell, District 74 represent Maury County.
“This is a wonderful day for Maury County, for all the people who will be served by this new facility and the devoted providers who work there,” said Taylor. “I am pleased we were able to work with Maury County to make this project possible and to make primary care services available at this county health department.”
“I think all the citizens of Maury County should be very proud of this new facility,” said Maury County Mayor James L. Bailey, Jr. “It’s a tremendous building in a great location. The previous building had become cramped, and this will be such a great improvement. We are very appreciative to Governor Bredesen and his administration for making the Safety Net funding available to support this project.”
The new Maury County Health Department features 20 examination rooms, a laboratory and pharmacy, as well as a dental clinic which will open later this year. In addition to daily services, the 27,370 square foot facility offers specialty clinics for tuberculosis, HIV and genetics each week, and provides office space for Maury County’s environmental health services.
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“This new health department facility is the result of a cooperative effort that has been underway for a long time in this community,” said Maury County Health Director Brenda Martin. “Our patients have been very appreciative of both the new building and the services we’re able to provide here, especially with the addition of primary care.”
The Maury County Health Department at 1909 Hampshire Pike in Columbia provides an array of services including adult primary care, family planning, immunizations, well child/EPSDT screenings, WIC and nutrition services, breast and cervical cancer screening, birth and death certificates, children’s special services, HUGS, HIV testing and counseling, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment and communicable disease control. Primary care services are offered on a sliding fee scale based on income, with a $5 minimum fee for each visit. Hours for the clinic are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals wishing to make an appointment may contact the Maury County Health Department at (931) 388-5757.