Preparedness
WEDCO is Prepared
Since the anthrax attacks in the United States in 2001, progress has been made to prepare government medical communities, the media, volunteer groups and first responders.
WEDCO District Health Department is prepared to deal with a crisis of a catastrophic nature, whether that is a dangerous infectious disease, a widespread power outage or a terrorist attack. Our team includes a Preparedness Coordinator, regional epidemiologist and a Regional Preparedness Coordinator.
The Preparedness Team at the WEDCO District Health Department works in cooperation with local emergency response agencies and the State Department for Public Health to develop plans and procedures to prevent and limit health effects resulting from catastrophic events. Our team includes a planning coordinator, regional epidemiologist and a regional training coordinator.
Planning
The health department maintains plans and procedures necessary to conduct its essential functions under any potential circumstance.
Creates and maintains plans.
Coordinates with community partners.
Designs and conducts exercises.
Maintains a volunteer workforce through MRC and K-Helps
Epidemiology
The epidemiologist monitors incidence of infectious disease and works to prevent outbreaks.
Receives reports of infectious disease cases.
Collects data from local health providers.
Advises health providers, schools and individuals on ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Facilitates the use of state laboratory resources.
Provides informational resources to community health partners.
Training
The Regional Training Coordinator develops and coordinates training that enhances area response readiness to public health emergencies.
Develops and Facilitates training programs.
Ensures health department personnel are prepared to respond to local, regional and statewide public health emergencies. Participates in establishing and monitoring workforce development plans. Collaborates in the development and performance of exercises.
Environmental Services
Food Program
Our Food Program oversees the inspection and regulation of food establishments, provides food safety education, and enforces state and federal food codes.
Certified inspectors conduct routine inspections and work closely with businesses to ensure compliance with the Kentucky Food Code and FDA Food Code 2013.
Animal Bites & Rabies
Rabies is a serious disease that is caused by a virus. Each year, it kills more than 50,000 people and millions of animals around the world. Animals that are not mammals such as birds, snakes, and fish do not get rabies.
Nuisance Complaint
Nuisance complaints must be made in person at the local health department during the Environmental Office hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-9:30am. The Record of Complaint and Investigation form must be completed.
Private Water Samples
Private water is not regulated by the EPA, so it is up to the owner to make sure they are using safe drinking water from a private source. For more information: Private Drinking Water Wells | US EPA
Preparedness
The Preparedness Team at the WEDCO District Health Department works in cooperation with local emergency response agencies and the State Department for Public Health to develop plans and procedures.
Swimming Pools
Hotel & Motels
Hotels and motels are inspected once per year. If the hotel or motel has a swimming pool then the swimming pool is inspected 2 times a year.