Dr. Guffey, DOH regional health officer, to serve GCPHD

POMEROY–The Garfield County Public Health District approved several resolutions, discussed the health officer position, and discussed GCPHD programs at their meeting on Dec. 16.

Dr. Daniel Kaminsky, who has served as Garfield County's health officer for several years, attended his last meeting with the GCPHD. Dr. Kaminsky extended great appreciation for the opportunity to serve and wished the department well in future endeavors. Garfield County will receive health officer services from Dr. Megan Guffey, DOH regional health officer.

GCPHD approved resolution 2024-34, establishing the 2025 budget with an increase in the reserve to reflect funds carried over from 2024. They also approved resolution 2024-35, a consolidated contract with the Washington State Department of Health that consolidates funding for all of the DOH contracts. It is a three-year contract, valid from 2025-2027. At present there is no funds connected with the contract; the funding is expected to be included in the first contract amendment in January 2025.

In addition, the GCPHD approved resolution 2024-36, a monthly service agreement for $49.50 a year with Fishers Inc. for maintenance of the panic button in the public health office at Pomeroy Elementary School; resolution 2024-37, approving a contract for web-posting with Propaganda Creative LLC for $59 per month; and resolution 2024-38, updating the food specialist and SNAP-Ed director position by increasing position hours to 20 per week and 1,040 per year.

The GCPHD discussed some of the programs that they will be having in 2025. Second Harvest will be coming every month next year and the Health District is planning two bike rodeos that will feature traffic safety and road rules lessons.