Nursing

Tuberculosis Testing (PPD)

Please contact (812) 883-5603 ext. 1 to schedule an appointment

Available by Appointment on Monday-Wednesday 8:00am-11:30am and 1:00pm-3:30pm

The Washington County Health Department provides testing for schools as well as for the workplace. The Mantoux skin test (as known as PPD) is a small injection under the skin placed on the forearm. This test requires the person to return 48-72 hours to have the arm examined. Because of this delay, most TB skin tests are placed on Monday-Wednesday and then checked on Thursday or Friday.  An appointment is necessary.  The cost of the test of $10.00. Please bring cash.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be in any part of your body and is contagious to others. Health care providers, state, and local health departments in Indiana work closely together to control TB by ensuring that all people with TB infection or TB disease obtain evaluation and any treatment they need. Washington County Health Department TB services include:

• Surveillance and investigation
• Free TB medication and directly observed medication administration
• Case management
• Contact investigation if needed
• Public Health laboratory services

Contact the nurse at 812 883-5603 ext. 1 for an appointment and assistance with nicotine replacement therapy

Washington County Health Department would like to advise that on July 1, 2012, nearly all public places in the state, including restaurants and workplaces, will be smoke-free.  This change comes as the result of Indiana's first-ever statewide smoke-free air law, House Enrolled Act 1149.  Hoosiers will now be able to enjoy smoke-free air and reduce their risk of developing chronic cardiac and respiratory diseases and the other health problems associated with breathing secondhand smoke.  Although there are exemptions to the law, details can be found at www.in.gov/health/tpc.

Washington County Health Department now provides assistance for those wanting to quit smoking. A small amount of paperwork is required along with watching a 25-minute video. Assistance with nicotine replacement therapy is available (Patches, Gum, and Chantix).

Human head lice are called pediculosis. It is not obtained from dogs or cats but from one person to another by direct contact (hugs) or sharing personal items such as hats, combs, and pillows. The Washington County Health Department provides, free of charge, a shampoo that is non-toxic and not a pesticide. It is safe to use for all ages including pregnant women. One kit contains a nit comb, 2 shower caps, and one bottle of shampoo. One bottle of shampoo will treat 4-6 people. Come to the health department Monday - Friday 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm and ask for the shampoo. If used correctly, it really works!! (For more info on pediculosis).

Please contact (812) 883-5603 ext. 1 to schedule an appointment

Available by Appointment on Monday-Friday 8:00pm-11:30am and 1:00pm-3:30pm

The Washington County Health Department investigates reports of elevated childhood lead levels. Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) 410, Chapter 29 outlines the regulations set by the Indiana State Department of Health. Lead ingestion is hazardous for children, potentially causing behavioral problems, developmental delays, hearing loss, and internal organ damage. Children living in homes constructed before 1978 face a heightened risk of lead exposure.

Childhood lead exposure/poisoning is a common environmental issue. Lead exposure is PREVENTABLE. Parents can protect their child from lead poisoning.  The first step is to identify risk factors.

Children beginning at 12 months of age should be screened for lead risk annually and tested appropriately.  The Washington County Health Department offers a finger-stick test.

A communicable disease is considered an illness that can be transmitted from person to person. Communicable disease surveillance and control involves the investigation of cases, their contacts. follow up and education. All information is confidential. The Health Department is responsible for reporting and following up on all state-defined reportable diseases. Education of the patient, family, schools, and community is available.

The Washington County Health Department has a registered nurse that connects schools with resources and support for student health and wellness.  Provides health information and education to the schools and families on topics such as communicable diseases, safe sleep, and tobacco cessation.  Assists with dental, vision, and hearing screenings and supports immunization clinics.  Provides support with school emergency prepareness by supplying Stop the Bleed and first aid kits, emergency medications, and AED's.  Connects schools with community agencies for support, and reports to the Indiana Department of Health on activites and initiatives.  Ensures that wellness and communicable disease policies are implemented and updated.

Effective emergency preparedness and response are crucial for minimizing the impact of crises. Comprehensive plans enable communities to reduce the damage from natural and man-made disasters. Preparedness involves training emergency personnel, educating the public, and facilitating rapid mobilization during emergencies, thereby mitigating casualties and destruction. A coordinated response ensures timely aid to those in need, upholding public safety and swiftly restoring normalcy. Furthermore, preparedness builds community resilience, helping them recover more quickly and withstand future emergencies. This collective effort highlights the importance of cooperation among governments, organizations, and citizens to protect lives, infrastructure, and overall well-being.

Disasters can have devastating effects, impacting countless lives and causing severe damage to individuals and property. These events leave lasting impacts on communities. When disaster strikes, local authorities and relief organizations will strive to assist, but you must also be prepared to look after yourself. Emergency responders may not be able to reach you immediately or may need to focus on other areas. It is essential to know how to respond to various regional emergencies, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme weather, floods, or attacks. You should be self-sufficient for at least three days, with necessary supplies for shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation.

The Washington County Health Department is seeking volunteers who want to assist our public health and healthcare systems during an event or disaster.  Interested volunteers may register at www.serv-in.org. Although healthcare volunteers are encouraged to register, a background in healthcare is not required to become a volunteer.

SERV-IN Registration Steps:
1) Visit the SERV-IN website, www.SERV-IN.org.

2) Click on "Register Now".

3) Complete the online application. Your status will be "pending" until you are accepted in the Washington County Health Department volunteer group.

4) New volunteers may be contacted to determine interests and match you with a role. Call-down drills are conducted biannually to confirm accuracy of contact information.