Health Department will be at H & W fair

During this year’s Oct. 6 Health & Wellness Fair at Pullman Regional Hospital, Whitman County Health Department representatives will be in attendance to highlight resources available to Whitman County residents.

Deanna Claybaugh, LPN, and Amanda Niedosmialek, Community Health Educator with WCHD, will provide information on programs currently available at the Health Department through their Maternal Child Health Grant, WIC, Children with Special Health Care Needs program, and others.

The Whitman County Health Department has many resources available to promote healthy communities and making sure the public is aware of these resources is extremely important. Through the Woman, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program WCHD can provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support, monthly checks for healthy food, as well as health screenings and referrals. All immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can be administered through our Vaccine for Children Program. And the Children with Special Health Care Needs program assists families who have children with complex medical issues find services and care.

In addition to education about WCHD programs, Niedosmialek will provide car seat checks to ensure they are installed correctly. Car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury for infants by up to 71 percent , according to a CDC report. A 2015 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that an average of 46 percent of child safety seats were installed incorrectly. Flu shots will also be available at the Health & Wellness Fair. Claybaugh will administer immunizations to children under the age of 19 by appointment and providing education on the HPV and Tdap Vaccines.

To schedule shots or screening contact Claybaugh at the health department office in Colfax.