Greene County News

XENIA — Greene County Public Health has announced its proposal to construct a new Health Services building to be located at 360 Wilson Drive in Xenia – adjacent to its current location.

The work on this project will consist of the design and construction of a new building that will be approximately 25,000 square feet. The new building will include space for general Administration, community health services, dental clinic services, medical clinic services, women, infants and children (WIC) services, environmental health services and health education.

The project is estimated for completion by Oct. 31, 2017.

The current building, constructed just after the Xenia Tornado in 1974, has served countless Greene County families for more than 42 years. Health district customers and clients benefit from the organization being situated at this location due to the proximity of other healthcare facilities and transportation routes. The existing facility has outlived its life expectancy and shows severe signs of aging and deteriorating conditions.

The estimated construction cost is approximately $4.7 million dollars. The new building will fulfill the need for additional offices, more spacious clinic rooms, up to date equipment and new technology capabilities. The funds for the building come from combined funds received locally to fund public health in Greene County. Funding will not be provided through public tax dollars (the public health levy). The tax levy can only be used for operating programs and clinics.

“Greene County Public Health is excited to help write the next chapter on the future of public health by responding rapidly to the evolving landscape in public health. At the new facility, we will continue to provide convenient, affordable services for children and pregnant moms, through our Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program; special services to medically and developmentally needy families; and quality dental care,” said Health Commissioner Melissa Branum. “We have responded to changes in the healthcare environment by implementing electronic medical and dental records, and seeking innovative ways to bring healthcare services to the community. The availability of real time data will allow us to respond quickly to changes in the health of our community.”

For nearly 100 years, Greene County Public Health has responded to diseases that concern Greene County residents such as smallpox, anthrax, SARS, MERS-CoV, Ebola, and now Chikungunya and Zika. The current health challenges in Greene County include lack of good nutrition and physical activity; infant mortality; assuring individuals are screened for chronic disease conditions; cancer; substance use, including nicotine; and low immunization rates.

Every three years the organization collects health assessment data through telephone surveys and focus groups, and then responds to those identified concerns by implementing evidence-based programs and services. The new era of public health draws on leadership from public and private sectors to impact community health in cooperative efforts.

According to Greene County Public Health, zip codes are more telling of health outcomes in a particular community rather than genetic makeup. Greene County communities are safer due to the work of Greene County Public Health’s professional public health staff who inspect local restaurants, protect air quality and promote safe water. For this reason, Greene County Public Health is training community health workers, disease scientists and health educators to address broader issues such as education, transportation, food safety and security, safe neighborhoods and the development of health policies.

Greene County Public Health officials said new facility has been a long time in coming.

“We could not be prouder of the work Melissa Branum has done to make this happen,” Board of Health President Scott Filson. “The journey to the new building has been sometimes difficult, but Melissa has been inspirational and kept everyone focused on goal achievement.”

The Health District is currently seeking Statements of Qualifications (“SOQ”) from qualified design-build teams through a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”). The Health District anticipates that each respondent will be comprised of an architectural/engineering firm (designer) and construction management/contractor firm (builder) or a single corporate entity as a design-build firm.

A private groundbreaking ceremony for the new building will take place in August, with a public celebration and grand opening to be planned when the building is complete. For more information about the new building project call 937-374-5600.

Greene County Combined Health District is taking steps toward building a new facility to be located adjacent to its current location.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/07/web1_DSC_0561.jpgGreene County Combined Health District is taking steps toward building a new facility to be located adjacent to its current location.

Whitney Vickers | Greene County News The Greene County Combined Health District facility, located at 360 Wilson Drive, was constructed shortly after the Xenia tornado in 1974.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/07/web1_DSC_0564.jpgWhitney Vickers | Greene County News The Greene County Combined Health District facility, located at 360 Wilson Drive, was constructed shortly after the Xenia tornado in 1974.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/07/web1_GCPubHealthLogogogogo.jpg

Story courtesy of Greene County Public Health.