Staff at the Peach County Health Department in Fort Valley say they really need some renovations, but they say paying for those repairs could be problem, and they're asking Peach County Commissioners for extra support.
Built in 1982, the Peach County Health Department treats nearly 3,200 patients each year. “We're working with what we have,” said Morris Hutchenson, Director of Special Projects with the North Central Health Center. “This is an exam room that we're standing in, but unfortunately, we're unable to use it because of all the issues.”
With loose tiles, heating and air problems, and leaky roof, Hutchenson says the building itself needs special care. “It's desperately needed and we're doing it to primarily to benefit the patients that we see on a daily basis.”
Small exam rooms make it hard for family visits and nurses. “It's not conducive to a very good workflow, but we're doing what we can,” said Bertha Ashley, County Nurse Manager. But over the last two years, finding the money to pay for new features is a challenge. “The Community Development Block Grant under the Department of Community Affairs has a lot of very stringent requirements, and it is judged and scored by a variety of factors,” said Hutchenson.
To improve their application this year, Peach County Commissioners invested $100,000 in the project. “They want to know that the local government has 'buy-in,' and the more 'buy-in' that the local government has, the more likely you are to be awarded,” said Hutchenson.
Hutchenson says the application is due in a few weeks. If the health department is approved for the grant, he hopes to complete the renovations in 2019.