Village officials discuss lack of local WRCHD clinic
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Union Grove officials met with staff members from the Western Racine County Health Department last week to discuss concerns about its program offerings and costs.
The village’s future relationship with WRCHD is currently in question.
Cheryl Mazmanian, director and health officer with WRCHD, met with members of the Village Board’s Administration/Finance Committee to discuss the dicey issue of money.
In December, committee members voted to recommend the Village Board secede from WRCHD, citing the cost and strain on the overall village budget.
The board subsequently took action, notifying the state Department of Health Services.
The village’s current contract with WRCHD runs through the end of 2012.
According to documents from the health department, Union Grove was billed $31,513 in 2011 – a figure that reflects a combination of factors, including population and overall usage of WRCHD services.
If Union Grove does indeed withdraw from WRCHD, village leaders would have to come up with a solution to provide the core services already covered by the agency.
So-called “Level I” services are required by state statutes. These include immunizations, inspections at commercial establishments and plans developed to respond to communicable disease outbreaks.
While the wheels are still in motion to leave WRCHD, committee members last week discussed a number of logistical issues with Mazmanian and left open the door to possibly reversing their decision to walk away.
At the meeting, committee members expressed misgivings about WRCHD’s lack of immunization clinics within Union Grove. While local residents can still receive the service through WRCHD, they have to drive to Burlington’
Mazmanian said that decision was made because of the cost associated with having a traveling clinic. In Union Grove, she said the clinics had not been well attended.
A special clinic could return to Union Grove, though Mazmanian said the village would have to pay for the additional service.
Committee member Teresa Holm expressed renewed optimism after meeting with Mazmanian.
“I do believe we need your services, and I’d like to get this relationship back on track,” Holm said. “I would like to see you have a bigger presence in the community.”
Mazmanian said there is one way WRCHD could more effectively communicate with the community at no cost.
She suggested a link to the department be placed on the village’s official website. Articles about health services also could also be featured in Village Voice, the community’s official newsletter.
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