Calhoun County Health Department Receives
$90,000 Grant From The Blue Foundation For A Healthy Florida

Settlement Welcomes Director

Cash Stolen From Kinard Store

Downtown Farmers Market Is Approved

Calhoun County Health Department
Receives $90,000 Grant from
The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida

With gas prices more than $4 per gallon, accessing health services can be challenging when medical facilities are long distances away. Thanks to a $90,000 grant from The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, the philanthropic affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF), underserved and uninsured residents of rural Calhoun County won’t have to go far for basic medical services.
The grant presented Thursday at a reception in the Kinard Public Library enables the Calhoun County Health Department to open two additional health care sites in outlying areas of Calhoun County that currently lack nearby medical facilities. Funding will also expand services provided at the four health care sites currently in operation.
According to Dr. Eugene Charbonneau, director of Calhoun County Health Department, a lack of transportation hinders many individuals from seeking routine primary care. This has led to high percentages of untreated health conditions and increased risk factors for other health diseases.
Staffed with a Registered Nurse, health care sites will offer basic medical services including immunizations and blood pressure and glucose checks. In addition to medical services, the locations will provide educational information on diabetes, blood pressure, obesity and cancer awareness. Within a year, the health department plans to also establish a weekly or biweekly primary care clinic at the sites.
“These health care sites will help to alleviate some of the health disparities in Calhoun County,” said Charbonneau.
The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida is dedicated to making a constructive contribution to the health and well-being of all Floridians – especially the uninsured and underserved. This grant is one of 14, totaling more than $1 million, The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida will present this summer to nonprofit health clinics and community outreach programs across Florida.
“The Calhoun County Health Department is acutely aware of their community’s health needs,” said Susan Towler, executive director, The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida. “They recognized a problem and have created a solution. We’re proud to help make this solution a success.”
The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida awards grants during two grant cycles per year. With the completion of the 2008 summer grant cycle, The Blue Foundation will have presented 158 grants and 20 awards totaling more than $10.5 million since its founding in 2001.
The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida is a separate, philanthropic affiliate of BCBSF incorporated in the state of Florida. The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, and its parent, BCBSF, are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information on The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, please visit its Web site at www.bluefoundationfl.com.
Serving Calhoun County since 1947, The Calhoun County Health Department is dedicated to disease prevention and health protection, treatment and promotion. For more information on the Calhoun County Health Department, call 850-674-5645 or visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdCalhoun/index.html
Clinics are open on the following dates:

• Altha - 1st & 3rd Mondays
  
• Hugh Creek - 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
  
• Kinard - 2nd & 4th Mondays
• Shelton’s Corner - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
• The time at all locations is from 2 to 5 p.m.
  

Downtown Farmers Market Is Approved
By Kelli Peacock
News Editoer

It’s a go! Blountstown Main Street members have received the nod of approval from City Council members on their proposal to create a downtown farmers market.
The market is scheduled to be held the first Saturday of each month. Main Street is seeking the greenspace next to Wakulla Bank and is awaiting final approval to utilize that location as a kickoff site. Members hope the market will grow to include other areas of downtown such as Magnolia Square and even down North Pear Street toward the train park and greenway entrance.
Opening day is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. The market will feature fresh produce (vendor grown and sold), homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, and original works of art. Live entertainment will add to the festive atmosphere. Organizers are also seeking horsedrawn carriage rides and hope to eventually include strolling characters.
After running an article seeking interest last month, calls and emails have been plentiful. Everything from muscadine grapes and fresh oranges from South Florida (the grower is actually a Blountstown native) to handmade pottery and original paintings are among the items you can expect to find at the market.
Anyone who is interested in being a vendor or volunteer, please call 899-0500 or email news@thecountyrecord.net.