Jefferson County Health Department will be hosting a community information meeting

MT. VERNON — The Jefferson County Health Department will be hosting a community information meeting to discuss services and disaster preparedness. “The first half of the meeting, we will do several presentations on the services we provide,” said Jefferson County Health Department Director Mark Stevens. “People will be able to ask questions and we will help them with our services. The second half of the meeting will be on disaster preparedness.” Being prepared in the event of a disaster has hit home for many in the wake of the tornado in Harrisburg, and Stevens was in Harrisburg Friday to help with recovery efforts. “Seeing this in Harrisburg, it just emphasizes how important it is to be prepared,” Stevens said.

“During our meeting, we will talk about how important it is to have individual disaster plans and will have kits for people. I will also show people what happens when they are not prepared, through pictures I’ve taken here and information from what’s happened.” Stevens said other agencies will also be available to answer questions and present information on being prepared. “The important thing we already know is our community will come together when a disaster strikes,” Stevens said. “We need to know who volunteers will be and what type of services and skills they provide. If they volunteer early, we can have them organized in advance of a disaster, and we can even provide training for them.” The community meeting will be held 6 to 8 p.m. March 12 at the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building at Veterans Park.

Display tables with presentations and information on health department services will be highlighted and other agencies will also be giving out emergency care handouts. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact the Jefferson County Health Department at 244-7134 or visit www.jeffcohealth.blogspot.com.  Full Story