That funding changed due to the pandemic, but usually MCHD is funded through multiple means. MCHD's funding comes from various sources, which has included, since 2002, federal funds allocated specifically for better preparing public health to respond to bioterrorism events, natural occurring disasters, new and emerging infectious diseases and disease outbreaks. The dollars and grants we have received have been to respond to COVID right now, we have missed an opportunity for building up infrastructure for dealing with public health going forward. "We didn't, however, receive any of the American Recovery Plan dollars. We have also received dollars for mass vaccination efforts, which have been extended, and as far as contact tracing, we're trying to provide that. "Eventually that kind of funding will go away as we continue to advance more people through the vaccination process and the disease becomes more contained. We started out with 30, we have about 12 now, and those folks will continue to work until we get to a point where COVID-19 is much smaller," Corona said. "We received funding specific to the COVID-19 response from the state health department, which involved funding for contact tracing that helped pay for additional contact tracers. The department has also been helped throughout the pandemic by additional funding which has allowed it to deal with the problems arising due to the coronavirus. Corona said the department tries very hard to continue with its core programs while dealing with the pandemic. I anticipate having contact tracers for the next 6-12 months, anticipate trying to make vaccinations available for the next however long, I hate to put a time on it."Īs the pandemic could continue to dwindle, however, MCHD could refocus on the essential functions it is charged with, which include health promotion, food safety and dealing with other communicable diseases that might impact the community. "We’re providing preventative methods like contact tracing. "The disease has gone down, the cases have gone down, we’re hopeful we’ll continue to see that situation become an endemic situation instead of a pandemic - that we'll see COVID-19 exist as other communicable diseases do," Corona said. "We're in it for the long haul and however the response dictates, we'll respond."Ĭorona said MCHD currently does not have demobilization plans, although they'll continue to work on them. My hope is we get a large enough percentage of the population vaccinated, we believe that's the best preventative method," Corona said. "We will continue to have a presence, vaccination will still be available for some time. 1.Īs the pandemic looks to be waning, the Madison County Public Health department remains tasked with responding to the pandemic, Toni Corona, the director of public health with the Madison County Health Department, said. The county was at just 46% vaccinated on Sept. That number is 87.Madison County has a vaccination rate of 63.4% with at least one dose and 49.1% have been fully vaccinated in the county. For general coronavirus information, the ISDH hotline is open 24 hours a day. We will continue to evaluate the situation as this virus continues to spreadĪcross the United States and take additional protective measures as necessary.įor coronavirus updates in Madison County, please check the Madison County Health Department Facebook page. Many of the interactions you can have with Madison County officials and departments can occur through the website or over the phone.Īll members of the public are encouraged to access government services through remote means until further notice.Įarlier today, Madison County announced the first patient who has a presumptive positive test result for COVID-19. These measures are being implemented immediately and will be in place until further notice. You will be required to show proof of your appointment to security personnel before being allowed into the building. Those having business with any Madison County Health Department must call ahead and receive an appointment before they will be allowed into the buildings. Open only to those having a scheduled appointment. In response to the national COVID-19 health emergency and accordance with the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Governor Holcomb, the Madison County Government Center (16 E 9th St, Anderson) and Madison County Annex (206 E. Madison County Government and Annex Facilities – Open for Appointment Only
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