Grand Opening of New Health Department Facility in Jackson County

GAINESBORO − Department of Health Assistant Commissioner for Health Services Administration Cathy R. Taylor, DrPH, MSN, RN, today joined other state and local officials in Gainesboro to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the new Jackson County Health Department Community Health Center.

“We are very pleased to celebrate the opening of this new facility and the partnership effort that made it possible,” said Taylor. “The improvements in the new clinic will allow us to better serve our clients in Jackson County and the Upper Cumberland Region.”

The new facility replaces the outdated health department built in 1977 and doubles the amount of clinic and parking space. The cost for the 7,200-plus square-foot facility, including construction, equipment and furnishings, totaled $957,030. The Tennessee Department of Health’s Upper Cumberland Regional Office received a $625,680 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Capital Improvement Program grant award through the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. Jackson County Government contributed $276,850, which includes the land for the building, and the United States Department of Agriculture provided $54,500.

“This new health department facility is the result of a cooperative effort that has been underway for a long time in this community,” said Jackson County Health Director Andy Langford. “Our patients have been very appreciative of both the new building and the services we’re able to provide.”

In 2010, the Jackson County Health Department provided 6,722 patient visits. The clinic is a federally qualified community health center providing primary medical and dental care to the medically underserved and uninsured. Other services offered include immunizations, well child/EPSDT screenings, WIC nutrition services, children’s special services care coordination, breast and cervical cancer screening, family planning services, vital records and communicable disease control.