News Releases

News Release Archives - 2010


Hospice Volunteers Raise $10,000 Plus for New Building

When the Pike County Hospice volunteers undertook the task of raising $10,000 for a new building to house PCHHH, it was daunting to say the least. However, once the challenge was accepted, the volunteers got to work. Within a few years, the volunteers presented a check to PCHHH. How was the money raised? The volunteers held three Pike County’s Got Talent shows, ran two cakewalks during Heritage Days, sold calendars, trash bags, cookbooks, Mother Earth pillows and local photography. They also sold bracelets at various functions, participated in a Book Fair, and assisted at golf tournaments. By the fall of 2011, the collective efforts of the volunteers had resulted in a check for $10,000, and a little more, being signed by those volunteers and presented to PCHHH.

The volunteers are grateful to everyone who assisted in their efforts, bought products, attended the talent shows, or in any other way contributed to their fundraising efforts.

Hospice Volunteers with donation checkPike County Hospice volunteers present a check to PCHHH during their holiday celebration.

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December Health Tip - What Everyone Should Know About Antibiotics

Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses?  Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses?  It’s true.  Plus, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good.  Taking antibiotics  when they are not needed increases your risk of getting infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

When you use antibiotics appropriately, you do the best for your health, your family’s health, and the health of those around you.  Remember, if you have a cold or flu, antibiotics won’t work for you!
Source:  CDC

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Child Car SeatsPike County Health Department Urges Caution with Winter Coats and Car Seats

It’s natural to want to keep your little one bundled up while traveling during chilly winter months, but a winter coat may interfere with the safety of his or her car seat. With winter upon us a very common misuse occurs with adjusting car seat harnesses for bulky clothing. Snowsuits and "puffy coats” compress in the force of a crash. Children can be ejected from both their clothing and their car seat in a serious crash.

A test to determine if your harness is adjusted appropriately with winter clothing is to:   Read full article....

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Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice Completes Community Needs Assessment

The Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice recently completed a community needs assessment. The assessment was conducted and compiled by Nonprofit Insight a division of Peterson and Associates Consulting.

The assessment covers demographics of the county, poverty levels, public safety, employment, education, housing, income, nutrition, state health rankings, health care professionals, health care benefits coverage, health and preventive practices and maternal and child health.

"The agency conducts community needs assessments approximately every three years,” says Justin Selle, health department administrator. "It helps us define areas of need and focus, thus giving us direction for continuing programs or creating new programs to educate and assist county residents," he adds.

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice strives to carry out the agency’s mission statement: "To ensure the safety, wellness and comfort of the citizens of Pike County through the delivery of exceptional care and preventive services."

Amy KleindienstOctober Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Amy Kleindienst as the October Employee of the Month.

Amy is a RN Case Manager and has been with the agency since 2010.

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Pike County Hospice Volunteers Prepare Thanksgiving Dinner

Hospice Volunteers Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
Pictured l-r: Hospice Volunteers Wanda Grote, Liz O’Farrell and Jenny Early

The Pike County Hospice Volunteers put together a Thanksgiving Dinner annually for the Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice patients. This year 15 meals were prepared and delivered. The Thanksgiving Dinner is one of many kind acts the Hospice Volunteers do for our patients. The volunteers sit with patients; do clerical work and prepare baked goods. The Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is very thankful to have such a wonderful group represent our agency.

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Pike County Health Department Home Health & Hospice Celebrates Diabetes Month

Circle of Hope Bracelets
Left to right: Kim Gamm RN BSN CDE, Robyn Orf LPN and Greta Hopke RD LD

Pike County Health Department staff conducted free diabetes risk assessments and screenings on November 17th in observance of American Diabetes Month. Participants who attended received a free diabetes risk assessment, either a fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1C screening and registered to win a "diabetes management" basket. Healthy snacks and recipes were provided and each participant received a door prize for attending.

The focus of the event was to increase and promote community awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. The Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice currently has a diabetes education program recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.

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Pike County Hospice Raises Awareness during Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Coping with a serious or life-limiting illness is not easy. In fact, it might be the hardest work you’ll ever do. Working with doctors and hospitals, navigating the maze of care needs, figuring out insurance coverage, all in addition to taking care of your family can be overwhelming. Pike County Hospice wants the community to know that there’s help.

Hospice and palliative care providers take the time to talk with you and help you understand your illness and what care options might be available. They make your wishes a priority and make sure you get the care you want and deserve. 

Read full news release....

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Pike County Health Department offers FREE Diabetes Screening

During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association is collaborating with the Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice to rally Pike County residents to take action and Join the Millions in the fight to Stop Diabetes®. 

On November 17th the health department will offer FREE diabetes screenings from 8:30am-12:00pm in support of American Diabetes Month.  If you or a family member may be a risk for diabetes please take the time to get screened. Screenings will include either a hemoglobin A1C test (non-fasting) or a fasting blood glucose test and a diabetes risk questionnaire.  Those in attendance will be entered into a raffle to win a basket of goodies and will also be eligible for door prizes. 

Attendees will learn important information about the risks and prevention of diabetes. Those individuals who currently have diabetes can come and learn about methods to control this devastating disease. Read more...

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Pike County Health Department Reminds You to Get Your Flu Shot

Pike County Health Department administers influenza injections (shots) as well as flu mist, which can be given to healthy individuals ages 2-49. The flu vaccine fee for both children and adults is $17.00 or Medicare or Medicaid can be billed. Please bring your Medicare card with you. Our walk-in hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.  Read more...

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November Health Tip - Test Your Smoke Alarms

On average, 436 children die in home fires every year.  Working smoke alarms are an essential piece of safety equipment which should be in every home.  If your family lives in a home with working smoke alarms the likelihood of dying in a fire is half that compared to a home without working alarms.
Use these tips to keep your family safe from fire:

Source:  www.safekids.org

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Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice Attend Dinner with Circle of Hope

Circle of Hope Bracelets
Hazel Worrel, Tammi Bowser, Doris Miller and Sue Raufer attended a volunteer appreciation dinner for Circle of Hope on October 10th.

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice (PCHD) began selling Circle of Hope Bracelets on July 15, 2004.  Two-thirds of the money raised with the Circle of Hope Bracelets goes to cancer research and one-third of the money goes to the Home Care & Hospice Foundation of Pike County.

PCHD became involved with the Circle of Hope through the connection of cancer and the patients served.  Over the past 7 years the agency has sold $73,203.95 in bracelets. The Home Care & Hospice Foundation of Pike County has received $23,319.00 in commission from the bracelet sales. The Foundation assists the PCHD’s patients who do not have the ability to pay for services.

The Circle of Hope Bracelets are on display and for sale in the lobby of the PCHD Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The bracelets vary in price from $12.00 to $80.00.  The agency carries bracelets with the local school colors and gift certificates are also available for the upcoming holidays.  For more information regarding the Circle of Hope Bracelets you may contact Tammi Bowser at the PCHD at (573) 324-2111. 

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Mary Jo BarrSeptember Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Mary Jo Barr as the September Employee of the Month.

Mary Jo is the Public Health Administrative Assistant and has been with the agency since 1977.

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Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – What You Need To Know

Pertussis (whooping cough) is very contagious and can cause serious illness―especially in infants too young to be fully vaccinated. Make sure your children get their recommended 5 shots on time. Teen and adult vaccination is also important, especially for families with newborns.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Among vaccine-preventable diseases, pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring ones in the United States. Read the full article...

Download Pertusis Fact Sheet

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Pike County Health Department Reminds Parents and Caregivers About Child Passenger Safety

Child Passenger Safety Week is celebrated every year to remind parents and other caregivers of the need to keep children of all ages properly restrained in the seat that meets their weight and height requirements.

Parents and caregivers should follow a few basic guidelines to determine which restraint system is best suited to protect their children in a vehicle:

Pike County Health Department offers a car seat education program, given by a certified passenger safety technician, the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 and 3:00 pm.  There is a $15.00 fee for the class, which includes a new car seat.  The Health Department also offers free safety seat check-ups, to make sure you are securing your children properly.  Call Jennifer Eisenhower at 573-324-2111 for more information and an appointment.
Source:  www.safekids.org and www.pikecountyhealth.org.

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World Rabies Day: Vaccination and Awareness are the Best Defense against Rabies

The world is again joining together on September 28th to raise awareness about the importance of rabies prevention and control.  Rabies is a deadly disease that kills both humans and animals and Pike County Health Department is supporting this initiative.

"When untreated, the rabies virus is almost always fatal," said Rhonda Stumbaugh, RN; Communicable Disease Nurse.  "Fortunately, rabies is 100% preventable and Pike County Health Department can help members of the community take the necessary steps to stay clear of exposure to rabies."

Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner.  Protect yourself, your pet and your community by taking animals to be vaccinated.   "Vaccination prior to possible exposure is a crucial factor in rabies prevention", said Rhonda Stumbaugh, RN; Community Health Coordinator. "When family pets, such as dogs and cats, go unvaccinated and are exposed to rabies it can threaten the lives of all family members."

Also be sure to avoid stray animals and wildlife.  If you are bitten, wash bite wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.  If your pet is bitten, consult your veterinarian immediately.  Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop rabies infection and/or prevent the disease in humans and animals.

Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to animals and humans. It kills 55,000 people each year. The disease is transmitted mainly by bite, but exposure may also occur through contamination of broken skin or mucous membranes with saliva from an infected animal. Once neurological symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal to both animals and humans.  

Led by the Alliance for Rabies Control and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and numerous other human and animal health organizations worldwide, World Rabies Day is a unique campaign that brings together hundreds of thousands of people across the world to reinforce the message that rabies is a preventable disease.

More information on World Rabies Day can be found at the official web site, www.worldrabiesday.org. For general rabies information, visit www.cdc.gov/rabies.

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Gertie ChapmanPike County Hospice Celebrates Patient’s 103rd Birthday

Pike County Hospice’s Social Worker Donna Ellison and Marketing Director Jennifer Schumacher joined Gertie Chatman and her daughter Mary Chatman to celebrate her 103rd Birthday.

Pike County Hospice delivered a dozen roses, a cake to share with the residents at the nursing home and a lemon meringue pie-requested by Gertie.

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Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice receives Incentive from Ameren Missouri

Ameren Incentive CheckLarry Shroth, Ameren Missouri and Justin Selle, Administrator, Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice.

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice participated in the Ameren Missouri’s Business Energy Efficiency Program during the construction phase of their new facility. The agency invested in energy efficient improvements to reduce operating costs.

You may see these improvements, at our Open House on Sunday, September 25th from 1p.m. to 4p.m.


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Thanks To County Commissioners

Thanks to County Commissioners for partnering with PCHD to pave our roadThe Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice would like to say Thank You to the County Commissioners for partnering with them to pave the city road in front of the new PCHD building. Without the Commissioners continued partnership with PCHD the residents of Pike County would still be walking or driving on a gravel road to get to our services.

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Becky CarrollAugust Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Becky Carroll as the August Employee of the Month.

Becky is the Hospice Administrative Assistant and has been with the agency since 1992.

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Pike County's Got Talent Entering Third Year

The Pike County Hospice Volunteers are gearing up for the third Pike County's Got Talent Showcase of Entertainment. This year's event will e held Sunday, Sept. 18 at 2 pm in the auditorium of the Bowling Green High School.  Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Pike County Health Department or at the door.

Download Flyer to share

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September Health Tip - National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

More than 23 million children and teenagers in the U.S. are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic.  Childhood obesity puts nearly one-third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood.  Obesity can also lead to asthma, sleep apnea and social discrimination.
Tips for parents and caregivers:

Remember that small changes every day can lead to a recipe for success!
Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Pike County Hospice Offering Bereavement Support Program

Bereavement Support is a four week program designed for individuals and families whose lives have been touched by grief and loss. The program will be led by Rev. Al Boatman. There will be time and opportunity for sharing with others who are also coping with loss.

Download the flyer for details

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Pike County Health Department Home Health & Hospice teams up with Blessing Heart & Vascular Center

On August 10th, Steven Krause, D.O., Interventional Cardiology with Blessing Heart & Vascular Center came to the Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice to provide free cardiac ultrasounds. Over 70 ultrasounds were provided to children age 13-18 to look for two rare diseases – Marfan syndrome and Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. It is important to screen for and detect these rare diseases early in young athletes in order to treat them properly.

The public was informed of the screenings in the local newspapers, radio, and contact was made to all the public school athletic directors by Rhonda Stumbaugh, RN Community Health Coordinator with Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice

Annual screenings are recommended due to growth patterns in the targeted age group. For more information on these diseases you may visit www.blessinghealthsystem.org.

Blessing Heart & Vascular Center staff with PCHD's Rhonda Stumbaugh Blessing Heart & Vascular Center performing ultrasound

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Bill CraneJuly Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Bill Crane as the July Employee of the Month.

Bill is our Custodian/Maintenance and began with the agency in June 2011.

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August Health Tip - “Food Safety”

Eating and cooking outdoors in the summer heat make the basics of food safety especially important.   To avoid unpleasant episodes of “food poisoning” or food-borne illness remember to:

Source:  Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services/www.health.mo.gov.

Look HERE for more Summer Safety Tips

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August is Back to School Safety Month

With summer ending and the start of a new school year upon us, drivers need to do their part to keep our kids safe as they walk, bike, or ride the bus to school. Whether you are taking your kids to school or driving through a school zone, you can do your part to keep kids safe. 

August is designated as Back-to-School Safety Month and we want to remind motorists to be extra careful at all times. Follow the tips below to make sure you keep children safe while going to and from school:

Reminders for drivers –

Reminders for your kids:

Source:  Safe Kids USA/www.safekids.org.

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Heather Betts with Erin Martin at Nursing HomePike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice Delivers Ice Cream to Nursing Homes

Heather Betts RN, Hospice Coordinator hands Erin Martin at Moore Pike Nursing Home a cool treat on a hot day. Heather and Donna Ellison, Medical Social Worker with Pike County Hospice delivered ice cream bars to various nursing homes in the county. Pike County Hospice educated the nursing homes on the cooling center locations in Pike County.

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Pike County Health Department Implements Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program

July 29, 2011...The Pike County Health Department is actively offering support for breastfeeding moms through the newly implemented Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program, as well as resources, information, and tools, including access to breast pumps.

Prenatal and postnatal moms who come to the Pike County Health Department WIC office are offered a listening ear, information, education and support by Brittany Dain, the Pike County Health Department’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, as well as a breastfeeding supportive staff and environment. With the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program, the Pike County Health Department’s WIC program is more adequately staffed to provide more one on one support by providing more in-depth counseling for those prenatal and postpartum women with questions and concerns about breastfeeding. Read more...

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Audit Bid

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice and the Home Care & Hospice Foundation of Pike County are seeking a two year financial and compliance audit.  The contractor must be currently licensed by and in good standing with the Missouri State Board of Accountancy.  For the full proposal contact Justin Selle, 1 Health Care Place, Bowling Green, MO 63334, sellej@lpha.mopublic.org, or by phone (573) 324-2111. All bids must be turned in by August 23rd.

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Tick Bite Prevention Basics

Missouri ticks can carry a variety of microorganisms that can cause serious or even deadly disease. While not all ticks carry these microorganisms, and not all tick bites lead to illness, learning and following simple but effective prevention measures is the best way to avoid tick bites that could lead to illness. Learn more...

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Jennifer SchumacherJune Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Jennifer Schumacher as the June Employee of the Month.

Jennifer is the Administrative Assistant/Marketing Director.

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Kim Reid

May Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Kim Reid as the May Employee of the Month.

Kim is the Public Health Assistant and has been with the agency since 2003.

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Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice Opening Doors to the Future

On Friday, June 3rd, the Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice offices will be closed for moving day. The Home Health, Hospice & Public Health nurses will still see their patients as scheduled. The doors to the new location will be open for regular office hours 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 6th. Our new address will be 1 Health Care Place (behind Wal-Mart). An open house will be held at a later date. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at (573) 324-2111.

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Health Department Participates in Early Childhood Asthma Initiative

The Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice are pleased to announce participation in the Early Childhood Asthma Initiative (ECAI) sponsored by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Southeast Missouri State University.

The program provides educational consultation by trained asthma educators to parents and caregivers of young children with asthma in the home and daycare setting.  Environmental air quality assessments are also available to licensed daycare providers.  These services are available at no cost and can help give parents and caregivers the tools they need for successful asthma care and control.

Read the full article.... 

Jennifer EisenhowerApril Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Jennifer Eisenhower as the April Employee of the Month.

Jennifer is the WIC Coordinator and has been with the agency since 2003.

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Justin Selle with Pike Co. CommissionersCounty Commissioners Tour New Building Construction Site

The County Commissioners toured the new facility of the Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice to show their continued support of the agency’s endeavors.  Pictured left to right: Justin Selle, Curt Mitchell, Dan Miller and Roy Sisson. 

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Justin Selle and Courtney HuntNurses Scholarship Awarded to Courtney Hunt

The Home Care & Hospice Foundation of Pike County awards Courtney Hunt the Nurses Scholarship of $1000 for the 2011-2012 school year. Courtney plans on attending Hannibal-LaGrange College to pursue a career in nursing. The Nurses Scholarship is based on involvement in school activities, involvement in community activities, grade point/ACT/class rank, character, financial need and essay.

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Pike County Hospice Attends Hospice Day at the Capitol

Bethany Billings and Donna Ellison at the CapitolBethany Billings and Donna Ellison attended Hospice Day at the Capitol on March 30th.  The day consisted of talking with legislators about their support for funding Hospice and a luncheon. 

Hospice is an essential component of the health care system.  There is no substitute for the compassionate, comforting care hospice professionals and volunteers provide.

Read the full article

Glen Hampton Receives Special Recognition Award

Glenn Hampton with AwardGlen Hampton, Environmental Public Health Specialist with Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice, recently received a Special Recognition Award from the Missouri Milk, Food, & Environmental Health Association.

His plaque states: "We honor him for the years of service to the field of public health. A leader, mentor and counselor to many and a friend of the Missouri Milk, Food, and Environmental Health Association."



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Bethany BillingsMarch Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Bethany Billings as the March Employee of the Month. 

Bethany is a RN Case Manager and has been with the agency since 2010.

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Pike County Health Department Offers Safe Sitter® Training

Safe Sitter logoPike County Health Department joins hundreds of cities across the country that offer Safe Sitter® babysitting training classes. The medically accurate program teaches 11- to 13-year-old girls and boys how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children.

The first Safe Sitter® trainings will be held on May 7th and May 14th from 9 am – 4 pm. Other training dates will be available throughout the summer. Participants must attend both sessions to complete the course. The deadline for registration is April 29th, 2011.  Read more about the training and registration

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Carol McMorrisFebruary Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Carol McMorris as the February Employee of the Month.

Carol is the Finance Director and has been with the agency since 1992.



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Jeannie McMorrisJanuary Employee of the Month

Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce Jeannie McMorris as the January Employee of the Month. 

Jeannie is the Quality Improvement Coordinator and has been with the agency since 1998.

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2010 Year in Review

2010 has been a busy and exciting year for Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice.  The agency was busy with the 18 programs that are offered to all residents in Pike County.  Along with taking care of patients, a new facility that will house all programs is being constructed.  Groundbreaking took place on October 27th.  Construction continues on through the winter months.  Pictures of the construction process can be found on our Construction Update page or on Facebook. Read the full article

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