Welcome to the Floyd County Indiana Health Department
Current News
COVID & RSV Vaccines
We are expecting to have the updated COVID vaccine and the RSV vaccine for adults and children on October 1st. We will give an update on Facebook, and here on our website as soon as the vaccines arrive.
September 18 - 22, 2023 is Septic Smart Week!
Have you neglected your septic system? FCHD will be posting tips/ideas this week to maintain a proper, septic system. One of those tips is to have your septic tank pumped/checked every 3 to 5 years.
We are excited to partner again this year with our licensed pumpers/haulers in Floyd County. See Flyer for details on our Septic Smart Week Drawing. Must be a resident of Floyd County to enter. If selected, lid of septic tank must be exposed for licensed pumper/hauler prior to pumping.
Click here to Register for this special drawing
Thanks to: A1 Porta Potty, Estes Septic, Jecker Excavating & Septic, and Losson Excavating, Septic & Drain, Inc., Inc. for offering several, free or discounted septic tank pumpings!
Also, Losson Excavating, Septic & Drain, Inc. will be offering 10% off discounted pumping to all non-winning entries that sign up during Septic Smart Week.
September is Suicide Awareness Month
COVID-19 Guidance for School Year 2023-2024
Chemical Release - August 3rd
A multi-agency response including New Albany Fire Department, Floyd County EMA, Floyd County Health Department, New Albany Police, and EMS was made based upon a report of a chemical release at Blue Grass Chemical Specialties, LLC at approximately 2:59pm on August 3, 2023.
Upon arrival a yellow/orange plume was observed and it was determined the release was NOx (oxides of nitrogen), which is similar to the incidents that occurred in March and June of this year.
Shelter in place orders were made for surrounding areas and areas downwind of the release. All employees at Blue Grass Chemical were evacuated from the building. The release ceased at approximately 3:40pm. Shelter in place orders were removed and the all-clear was given at approximately 4:15pm.
Regulatory agencies, including IDEM have been notified, and all local agencies will remain in communication with IDEM and OSHA to ensure issues with the facilities chemical releases are handled appropriately. No injuries are known from this release at this time.
West Nile Virus identified in Floyd County - July 2023
Floyd County Health Department has been notified by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) that they have identified a sample of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Floyd County. The positive mosquito sample was collected the week of July 5, 2023 by a representative of the Floyd County Health Department during routine county-wide mosquito sampling. The location of the sample was in New Albany, IN.
Although Floyd County has had positive mosquito samples for several years, this is the first positive sample for 2023.
Most people who become infected with WNV can experience mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches before recovering fully. However, in some individuals, especially the elderly and immune compromised, WNV can cause serious illness and even death.
Residents of Floyd County should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using DEET and other repellants, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, and if possible avoid being outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Homeowners should also be aware of their property and correct common sources of mosquito breeding sites including clogged gutters, old tires, failing septic systems, abandoned/nonfunctional swimming pools, and other water containing items. Homeowners should also be diligent about maintaining overgrown grass, shrubs, and trees that can harbor mosquitoes during the day.
For more information on Floyd County’s West Nile Virus surveillance program or to file a complaint/concern about a property potentially breeding mosquitoes, please call 812-948-4726, option 2, option 1 to speak to an Environmentalist.
Pertussis Cases
The Indiana Department of Health [IDOH] is currently investigating an increased number of positive tests for Pertussis that is occurring at a single test site in Floyd County.
In 2022, there were 11 cases of pertussis in the County. This was not an unusual number of cases. For 2023 there have been 3 cases so far; none in school age children.
There is no confirmed outbreak of Pertussis at this time.
The disease is characterized by persistent, frequently paroxysmal coughing, nasal congestion, fever, fatigue, and watery eyes. Since Pertussis/Whooping cough is a vaccine preventable disease, citizens are encouraged to keep their immunizations up to date. Infections can be treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin.
T. Harris, MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Officer
FSSA Changes
As many as 500,000 Hoosiers could be impacted by upcoming eligibility changes required by federal law. Some of those affected may include individuals served by programs at IDOH. These changes are the result of the recently passed federal spending bill, which ends the pandemic-related eligibility provisions as of March 31, 2023. This means regular determinations of coverage will begin again and actions to adjust, reduce or eliminate coverage will be allowed beginning in April 2023.
Please click here for more information
Protect your Teen from Cancers Caused by HPV
Schedule an HPV vaccine appointment with the Floyd County Health Department.
Opiod Rescue Kit Locations in Floyd County
In a collaborative effort with the City of New Albany, the Floyd County Health Department led by Dr. Tom Harris, the Floyd County Health Officer, has provided the New Albany Police Department with Narcan. Narcan is an opioid antagonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. One hundred and fifty doses of Narcan have been provided to the NAPD by the Health Department. Jennifer Kramer, Public Health Nurse with the FCHD, trained officers in the use of the lifesaving drug. Efforts by the FCHD to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic also include a partnership with Our Place Drug and Alcohol Services and the placement of Opioid Rescue Boxes around Floyd County. The locations of the boxes, which are accessible to anyone, are listed below.
Mounted boxes of the medication can found in the following locations in Floyd County:
St. Marks United Church of Christ— 222 E Spring Street, New Albany- Floyd County Token Club— 506 Pearl Street, New Albany
- Pints and Union—114 East Market Street, New Albany
- The Hitching Post – 115 West Market Street, New Albany
- Nomad Church Collective— 1423 East Oak Street, New Albany
- Our Place Drug and Alcohol Education Services—400 East Spring Street, New Albany
- Floyd County Health Department—1917 Bono Road, New Albany
- Sojourn Church—2023 Ekin Avenue, New Albany
- Floyd County Public Library—180 West Spring Street, New Albany
- Indiana University Southeast – In each of Student Lodges
- Wesley Chapel UMC – 2100 Highway 150, Floyds Knobs
- St. John’s United Presbyterian - 1307 E. Elm Street, New Albany
- Southern Indiana Homeless Coalition Office – 1218 E Oak Street, New Albany
Lead Testing in Floyd County Under New State Law
The Floyd County Health Department is making local residents aware of the importance of lead testing for children following enactment of House Enrolled Act 1313, which requires all healthcare providers to offer lead testing to all children at their one- and two-year checkups, or as close as possible to those appointments. Providers also are required to offer testing to any child age 6 or younger who does not have a record of a prior blood lead test.
Parents and guardians seeking information about how to find lead testing can contact Floyd County Health Department at (812) 948-4726, call their healthcare provider or visit www.IndianaLeadFree.org for resources.
Lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, causing slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, issues with hearing and speech, impulsivity, nausea and other debilitating effects. It is more toxic to the unborn and younger children, though it can negatively impact adults as well. Early intervention, including proper nutrition and removal of sources of lead exposure, can lower lead levels in individuals.
Children who live in homes built before 1980 have a greater chance of experiencing lead poisoning. The chipping and peeling of lead paint being mixed with dust makes these older homes hazardous to children. Of the homes in Floyd County, an estimated 45% were built before 1980. Other common sources of lead are from contaminated soil, drinking water and, occasionally, children’s toys and jewelry. Children also can be exposed if an adult in the home works in an industry or has a hobby that involves lead or through items like reclaimed barn wood that could contain old paint.
Children with blood lead levels between 3.5 and 4.9 mcg/dL and their families receive education about risks and parents are advised to test siblings. Children with a confirmed level of 5 or above are enrolled in case management, and families of these children are encouraged to allow health department staff to do a home risk assessment, which includes discussing potentially leaded objects and surfaces and identifying educational, nutritional, and developmental support services that may be available to the child. The home assessment will also test surfaces to determine where lead hazards may exist and help the family determine how to best address those.
“There is no safe level of lead, and the sooner we can identify that a child is at risk, the earlier we can take steps to improve the health outcomes for that child,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “By having parents and providers understand the importance of asking for this simple blood test, we have an opportunity to protect hundreds of Indiana children each year from the harmful effects of lead.”
Protecting Children From Lead Poisoning - Frequently Asked Questions
Find Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options & Rehab Centers in Indiana
https://www.addictions.com/rehabs/indiana/
Children's Immunization Clinic
Our department will be offering multiple Children's Immunization Clinics for routine vaccines as well as Covid-19 vaccines. Please see the images below for more information.
Click here to schedule an Appointment
All clinics will be held at the Floyd County Health Department at 1917 Bono Road, New Albany IN 47150.
Pediatric Vaccine Information
Covid-19 vaccinations are now approved for children 6 months up to 5 years. Appointment can be scheduled at the link below.
Click here to schedule an appointment
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. See below for dose information based upon age and vaccine brand.
Presumptive Eligibility
The Health Department provides the service of signing pregnant women up for Presumptive Eligibility. We normally have someone available in the office on Mondays for this service and sometimes limited hours by appointment on other days throughout the week. If you need this service, please call 812-948-4726 ext. 656 to schedule an appointment.
Click on the link below for more information on presumptive eligibility
https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/files/PEPW-Flyer.pdf
Covid-19 Testing Location Moving
*Beginning on April 1st, 2022, our Covid-19 testing will be conducted at the Floyd County Health Department. We will be closing the testing site at the Floyd County 4H Fairgrounds. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Click on the button below to schedule an appointment.
PLEASE NOTE
Covid vaccine appointments may be scheduled online with Nursing Services by clicking the "schedule an appointment" button above.
Additionally, special walk-in Covid vaccine clinics are held Mondays and Thursdays, 9-12 and 1-3.
Addiction is Real
If you or someone you know needs help please contact the Floyd County Health Department 812.948.4726
Be Well Crisis Helpline provides mental health counseling to 25,000 callers
Free service launched to support Hoosier mental health during pandemic will continue into 2023
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration today announced that its Be Well Crisis Helpline has surpassed 25,000 calls, a milestone in its ongoing efforts to provide Hoosiers with free, confidential mental health counseling and resources.
The support line is available through Indiana 211 and enables Indiana residents to speak with trained, compassionate counselors 24/7. Approximately 59% of callers have received a referral for additional mental health or substance use services or requested additional crisis counseling. FSSA also announced that federal funding will allow the agency to operate the Be Well Crisis Helpline through at least March of 2023.
“FSSA is proud of the important and continuing role our crisis counselors have played to connect with Hoosiers and provide them with the resources they need to support their mental health,” said Dan Rusyniak, M.D., FSSA secretary. “We remain committed to providing free, confidential and easy access to this resource for Hoosiers in any time of need.”
FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction initially launched the Be Well Crisis Helpline in July 2020 in response to the increased stress, anxiety and isolation Hoosiers were experiencing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the helpline’s inception, counselors have invested more than 5,823 hours helping Hoosiers manage their mental health. Individuals who call the crisis helpline seek support for several distress reactions including anxiety or fearfulness, issues with sleep, isolation, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, fatigue and sadness.
There continues to be a growing need for the Be Well Crisis Helpline as the number of calls received reached an all-time high of 2,228 in October 2021. Counselors have reported that not only is the call volume increasing, so is the critical nature of the calls. The most prevalent issues Hoosiers are experiencing recently include depression, anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, and loneliness.
“As Hoosiers continue to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other stressors brought on by everyday life, it’s clear that resources such as the Be Well Crisis Helpline are still needed to support the overall well-being of individuals statewide,” said Kelsi Linville, DMHA’s director of crisis services.
Indiana residents can speak with a trained mental health counselor by dialing 2-1-1 or the toll-free number, 866-211-9966, entering their ZIP code and selecting the option for the Be Well Crisis Helpline. In addition, Be Well Indiana’s website contains supplemental resources including blog posts and videos offering tips for maintaining mental health as well as self-screening tools. For more information, please visit BeWellIndiana.org.
To view a promotional spot about the Be Well Crisis Helpline, watch the video below.
Covid-19 Information Resources
8/3/2020
Beware that there is a lot of misleading and incorrect information being circulated by podcast and Facebook. We want people to have good data, so we are listing these sources that are highly respected by the medical field.
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/
Floyd County Mass Notification System
In the event that the county needs to disseminate information to Floyd County Residents regarding Covid-19, we would like to alert Floyd County Residents to sign up for the Floyd County Mass Notification System.
The Mass Notification System is an Emergency Alert System that will alert the residents of Floyd County on weather, imminent threats to health and safety as well as informational notifications that affect your locations or work environments.
Click here to register for the Floyd County Mass Notification System
Thank you for visiting the updated website for the Floyd County Health Department. Please see the Health Department menu for more information.
FindTreatment.gov: Home (https://findtreatment.gov/)
Find state-licensed treatment near you for addiction and substance use disorder.
Search for treatment (https://findtreatment.gov/results)
Treatment options (https://findtreatment.gov/content/treatment-options)
Paying for treatment (https://findtreatment.gov/content/paying-for-treatment)