State Presents Lawrence County $49,500 In Safety Net Funds For Health Department Facility

On behalf of Governor Phil Bredesen, South Central Regional Health Director Suellen M. Joyner has presented Lawrence County Executive Paul Rosson $49,500 in Safety Net funds to assist with the expansion of the Lawrence County Health Department in Lawrenceburg.  The funds are part of a total of $917,000 in Safety Net funding awarded to county Health Departments this year to help build, purchase or enlarge facilities.

“The State of Tennessee is committed to expanding access to basic health care services to its citizens,” said Governor Bredesen.  “Our Safety Net investments are crucial to ensure that residents have these services available in their own communities.  We will continue our work with the Tennessee General Assembly to support the network of health care providers who care for uninsured citizens in this area and throughout Tennessee.”

“It is good to see the continued expansion of our Safety Net services,” said Sen. Doug Jackson, District 25.  “It’s further evidence of the State’s efforts to extend as much primary health care to its citizens as possible.”

“I am pleased to see this grant to help provide more primary care access to the citizens of Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County,” said Rep. Joey Hensley, MD, District 70.

In the fall of 2005, the Department of Health began offering new or expanded adult primary care services to uninsured residents of Tennessee in an effort to strengthen the state’s health care Safety Net.  In June 2006, Governor Bredesen signed the Cover Tennessee Act, which included initiatives to create a low-cost insurance program for uninsured working Tennesseans and to extend health coverage to uninsured children and chronically ill adults.

“We are very grateful and delighted that Lawrence County has received this Safety Net grant award,” said Lawrence County Executive Paul Rosson.  “Our Office of Grants Management worked closely with the Health Department staff to secure these funds. This money will be used for the greater enhancement of our county’s Health Department.”  

“Tennessee’s county Health Departments are an essential part of the State’s health care Safety Net,” said Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, Commissioner of Health.  “Our providers can now offer important services to many people who may have previously gone without needed health care.  These investments allow us to continue our work to increase access to primary care services for all uninsured Tennesseans.”

The Lawrence County Health Department offers a variety of services including primary care for adults, child health care services, family planning, immunizations, prenatal care, WIC and nutrition services, birth and death certificates, home visits to families with infants, and health education for schools and other community groups.  The Lawrence County Health Department provided care for more than 2,300 adult primary care visits and more than 9,800 other visits from January 2006 through September 2006.  When completed, the expanded facility in Lawrenceburg will be almost double the size of the current building.

“This grant will allow us to do more of what we’re already doing, especially in regard to serving uninsured citizens in Lawrence County,” said Lawrence County Health Director Steve Hall.  “There is tremendous need for these services in Lawrence County.  Our encounter numbers nearly doubled when we started offering primary care.  These new Safety Net funds will help us make our operations more efficient.” 

The Lawrence County Health Department at 2379 Buffalo Road in Lawrenceburg is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  To make an appointment or for more information, individuals should call (931) 762-9406.