Area News

Henderson County Health Department Reports Strong 2025 Performance

The Henderson County Health Department has shared its latest operational summary, demonstrating continued commitment to public health services across the county. 

Financial Overview

The department maintained a healthy financial position with Total Revenue of $1,137,538. This was generated from State & Federal Grants ($343,208), Fees, Contracts & Other Reimbursements ($35,338), In Home Services ($645,624), Tax Levy ($18,193), Donations ($81,430), and Miscellaneous sources ($13,745).

Total Expenditures amounted to $1,034,084, covering Personal Services ($777,343), Purchased Services/Maintenance/Utilities ($169,069), Supplies ($42,970), Travel/Training ($31,210), Capital Expenditure ($6,780), and Miscellaneous Expenses ($6,712).

The department closed the year with a Net Income of $103,454, reflecting efficient management of resources while delivering essential services to Henderson County residents.

Key Program Highlights: 

Environmental Health

The department’s Food Sanitation Program continued its critical work inspecting food service operators and educating consumers to reduce foodborne illness risks. 

Inspections covered Class I (30), Class II (15), and Class III (8) establishments, along with private sewage, private water supplies, and complaints. Efforts also included mosquito surveillance for West Nile virus and Lyme disease prevention, with educational materials distributed to the public.

Senior Services

Senior Center programs in Gladstone offered a variety of social and wellness activities, including walking, exercise equipment use, books, puzzles, and special events. 

The Transportation Program provided vital links for seniors to medical appointments and shopping via a wheelchair-accessible van. 

Home health services and private pay homemaker support delivered thousands of hours of assistance with daily living activities.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition

The WIC program served pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 with nutritious food packages, nutritional assessments, and education. The report noted strong participation and the issuance of specialized formulas when needed.

Maternal & Child Health and Home Health Services

Home health visits totaled nearly 2,842 (including 1,966 Medicare and 876 non-Medicare), supporting patients in their homes rather than institutional settings. 

Hospice services provided compassionate end-of-life care with 89 CNA visits, 127 skilled nurse visits, and 272 total visits. Maternal and child health initiatives focused on high-risk pregnancies, parenting education, domestic violence support, and immunizations.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

The department actively participated in the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), receiving a $10,000 grant to train volunteers and purchase supplies for the Henderson County Community Pantry. Training addressed jurisdictional hazards such as severe weather, chemical leaks, and vehicular incidents, with special attention to vulnerable populations including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Communicable Diseases and Prevention

The report tracked various reported cases, including Lyme disease (2), Salmonella (3), and others. Influenza vaccination efforts resulted in 149 flu shots administered. Lead poisoning prevention and response activities included 34 blood tests. Breast cancer education reached thousands, with the department estimating it will reach 80% women ages 12–90.

Looking Ahead

With a focus on program sustainability, resource stewardship, and community engagement, the Henderson County Health Department is well-positioned to build on its 2025 successes. 

The 5-year plan aims to strengthen reserves while continuing high-quality services in environmental health, senior care, maternal/child health, and emergency preparedness. The full report underscores the department’s commitment to making Henderson County a healthier, safer, and more connected community for all residents.