By Fred Guarino
Fred.guarino@lowndessignal.com

The Alabama Department of Public Health is seeking survey input from organizations, agencies, businesses, programs and individuals in Lowndes County to identify relevant health issues to be considered for statewide and local health assessment.

Jackie R. Holliday, area administrator for Public Health Area Seven, which includes Lowndes County, appeared before the Lowndes County Commission Monday to encourage public participation in the survey that can be taken online at http://bit.ly/1cqyvEr.

According to information provided by Holliday, names are not requested from participants, and the deadline to respond has been extended from Jan. 15 to Jan.30.

While he said paper versions of the survey are available at the Lowndes County Health Department, he said it is easier
to calculate the responses electronically.

Holliday said, “The request is for citizens to rank the health concerns one being the most important to 10 being the lesser important.”

He said, “We want to make sure we get good response from all of our counties in West Central Alabama because we want to make sure that the voice is heard from rural Alabama.”

The survey includes variety of health concerns among which low birth weight, teen pregnancy, prenatal care, cancer and available dental services are among those listed to be ranked.

Questions include race, current profession/interest and highest level of education.

Holiday said from the results community meetings will be held to discuss results statewide and countywide and share a strategic plan for the future to address the issues.

Stacy Adams, team leader said in a press released shared by Holliday, “By better understanding the health concerns and needs of the state, identifying partners that we can work with, and focusing our efforts, we can effectively improve the health status of Alabamians.”

According to information provided by Holliday, the health assessment will position the Alabama Health Department to apply for accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, which will advance the quality and performance of the agency.

The PHAB is jointly funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

County Engineer David Butts reported to the commission that next week he would inspect all the bridges he can from the ground.

He said the contractor is ready to begin work on Lowndes County Roads 2 and 13 and is just waiting on the weather.

Under the consent agenda, the commission:
•Approved $135,000 to finance four vehicles for the sheriff’s department through First Citizens Bank.
•Approved a cooperative agreement with the Emergency Management Agency.
•Approve the minutes of November and December commission meetings.
•An appropriation to the Collirene Fire Department for $175.
•Approved payment of invoices.
•Approved a discretionary fund appropriation from County Commissioner Carnell McAlpine to the town of Gordonville for $2,000 for the renovation of town hall.
•Approved an appropriation to the CAP Program through District Judge Adrian D. Johnson for $15,000 from the juvenile fund for a chemical addiction program for youth.
•Approved an appropriation to New Hope Adult Day care for $1,500.
• Approved insurance for county buildings for this fiscal year.

The commission learned that the value of a Title III van (not being used by county) is $3,550 wholesale. However, the commission tabled action on disposal of the van.