The health department does what?  I didn't know that!

Times certainly are tough with the economy tanking, banks folding, businesses closing, jobs disappearing and all this ultimately resulting in people facing financial ruin, losing their homes, jobs and health insurance. Maybe you know someone in this situation, maybe you are in this situation. For most people this is a new and scary situation and gets worse if their health declines. It is common for these people to ask “How long can I delay seeking healthcare? Where will I go for healthcare? How will I be able to pay for my healthcare?”

All too often people overly delay seeking medical care and when they finally do, they arrive very ill in the emergency room, the most expensive place to receive healthcare services. In Charlotte County there is a comprehensive primary care system that has been in place for many decades and is available to everyone in three convenient Charlotte County Health Department locations.

Most people know that the health department offers free immunizations for children, but few are aware of the other services we offer. Your health department offers both adult and child healthcare services ranging from managing diseases like sore throats, diabetes, high blood pressure, and those that are sexually transmitted. We also offer services for women’s health, family planning, HIV, and Hepatitis C. These are all offered on a sliding scale fee based upon income.

Our immunizations are available to adults at affordable rates, and for children they are free. For the family who is expecting a new addition or has young children, they may qualify for our Women’s, Infant and Children Nutrition Supplemental program. This program assists families in assuring that pregnant women, infants, and children receive adequate nutrition through nutrition counseling and supplemental foods.

The above programs have been available to the community at the Charlotte County Health Department for many years. Now more than ever, people need our services. For those who have always been able to pay for the healthcare they need, but have fallen on tough times may not even know what their health department has to offer them. Don’t assume that they know, for many this is a new experience. Please do your part as a good family member, a friend, or a neighbor and tell them what their health department has to offer. And please remember, your health department is here for you too.

We have very helpful staff waiting to hear from you. You can learn more about our services by going to www.CharlotteCHD.com , or you can call the Punta Gorda (941) 639-1181, Port Charlotte (941) 613-0950, or Englewood (941) 474-3240 clinics.