New Year, New Changes at the HD!

Speaking of new things, have you seen our new logo?

It illustrates our new motto of "Your Environment. Your Community. Your Health." The overlapping pieces show the interaction between those three components.

We're also transitioning to a new name-- Granville Vance Public Health. To learn more about our roles & responsibilities, read this excerpt from the National Association of County & City Health Officials.

"What Does the Local Health Department Do in Your Community?

Your local health department (LHD) –you may know it as your local “health department” or “public health department”—is a leader in improving the health and well-being of your community....

* Protects you from health threats, the everyday and the exceptional.... Your LHD makes sure the tap water you drink, the restaurant food you eat and the air you breathe are all safe. It’s ready to respond to any health emergency—be it bioterrorism, SARS, West Nile Virus or an environmental hazard....

* Educates you and your neighbors about health issues. Your LHD gives you information that allows you to make healthy decisions every day, like exercising more, eating right, quitting smoking or simply washing your hands to keep from spreading illness.... through public forums in your community, public service announcements in the media, programs in schools, health education in homes and clinics, and detailed Web sites. During a public health emergency, your LHD provides important alerts and warnings to protect your health.

* Provides healthy solutions for everyone. Your LHD offers the preventive care you need to avoid chronic disease and to help maintain your health. It provides flu shots for the elderly and helps mothers obtain prenatal care that gives their babies a healthy start. Your LHD also helps provide children with regular check-ups, immunizations, and good nutrition to help them grow and learn.

* Advances community health.  Your LHD plays a vital role in developing new policies and standards that address existing and emerging challenges to your community’s health while enforcing a range of laws intended to keep you safe...."