If you receive a postcard in the mail from Granville Vance Public Health in the next little bit, Lisa Harrison surely would appreciate it if you agree to help out with a project that is currently underway in the two-county area.
Harrison, GVPH director, said the health department is conducting its community assessment to solicit information from residents about what is foremost on their minds with regard to health issues.
She told John C. Rose on Town Talk Wednesday that the health district is going to be sending out postcards to about 4,000 individuals – chosen at random – to complete an online survey that will be used to complete the community health assessment.
In addition, there will be two focus groups held next week – one at Gang Free Inc, 940 County Home Rd., Henderson on Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a second at Oxford United Methodist Church, 105 W. McClanahan St., Oxford on Nov. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For the past several years, the health department has focused on mental health, substance abuse, youth well-being and access to health care services. Results from the current community assessment will help inform the direction for county health professionals to take over the next several years. Harrison said she wants the public to say “what we should spend our time and money on in the next three years.”
As health director, she is attuned to the programs offered and services needed in Vance and Granville counties.
But Harrison also currently serves as president of the board of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), which has taken her to conferences and meetings across the country.
She recently testified before Congress about the national shortage of health care workers and a possible loan repayment program to improve the situation.
“It was a really nice opportunity to brag on our workforce,” Harrison said. Those health care workers who have been “working at the tip of the spear” during the COVID-19 pandemic need to have advocates like Harrison representing them on the national level.
The hearing lasted about 4 ½ hours, but she said it seemed like there was bipartisan support for the loan repayment program.
The front-line workers battling COVID-19 aren’t much different from soldiers defending the country and keeping it safe. “I appreciate that there was some discussion…to protect Americans,” she added.
As for the staff at the health department, Harrison has nothing but glowing comments to share. “It’s always an honor and a privilege to talk about (them),” she said. They are dedicated to this community and so “it’s easy for me to tell that story.” The health department locations in Henderson and Oxford have extended clinic hours to make it easier for people to come after work and school to get vaccinated.
“Now’s the time” to get vaccinated, Harrison said. “We don’t want any more variants…(and) certainly we don’t want any more deaths. A vaccine is the best way to protect everybody.”