Knox County Health Commissioner Zachary Green informed the Mount Vernon City Council that the Health Department aims to initiate its capital campaign for expansion on West Vine Street by 2026. The department is currently seeking additional space for behavioral health services.
"We are actively seeking additional behavioral health space to provide mental health and substance use disorder counseling," Green said during the city council meeting, as captured in the meeting video. He mentioned that they initially considered a property on Coshocton Avenue but have paused those plans due to another opportunity.
According to Green, the Health Department is utilizing a second location at 206 South Mulberry, previously the Moore family practice. This building's proximity to West Vine Street could accommodate 10 behavioral health counselors and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, potentially enhancing service continuity with existing resources nearby.
Green noted that capital projects are neither easy nor affordable. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that staff continue maintaining operations and ensuring access to care as they progress with their expansion plans.
The federal Health Resources and Services Administration recently visited the department's federally qualified health center, as part of a triennial review process to ensure compliance with policies such as HIPAA. Green reported receiving confirmation of their 100% compliance last week. Additionally, two weeks ago, the local agency began efforts for national reaccreditation and will present before the public health accrediting board at November's end.
Green also discussed current low levels of influenza, COVID-19, and norovirus in local wastewater. He encouraged vaccination against influenza, noting it takes two weeks for full efficacy. "We want to make sure that just because you got your influenza shot yesterday doesn't mean you are protected to the highest level," he said. The department has secured 1,800 doses of influenza vaccine and allocated $200,000 for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. For those needing Moderna vaccines, arrangements will be made with local and state partners.
