Knox County has reported a slight decline in influenza cases, according to Health Commissioner Zach Green. This trend marks the end of the influenza season, as discussed during the Knox County Board of Commissioners' meeting on March 6.
"Hopefully we can really see those cases diminish as we enter lovely spring that we're all waiting for," Green said during the meeting, which was recorded and posted on YouTube.
The meeting video indicated that the county experienced an "uproar" of influenza cases through February. Additionally, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19 cases are also beginning to decline. Green noted that throughout the pandemic, RSV and influenza were somewhat neglected. He emphasized the importance of wastewater as a tool for tracking these health issues but mentioned that they currently have only 2.5 years of data when a five-year set is needed.
Green highlighted a gap within Knox Public Health in identifying individuals who can provide group counseling in the community. He mentioned that their patient care navigator assists individuals with Medicaid and Medicare sign-ups and collaborates with the Community Health Access Project (CHAP HUB) from Richland County on community health worker components. Some families with pregnant mothers needing additional resources are connected to community resources. A federal grant has been sought to onboard more community health workers familiar with local residents and capable of providing transportation opportunities, aiming to break barriers in seeking care.
Plans for another panel discussion on emotional health this year were also mentioned by Green during the meeting video. He said that everyone struggles with emotional health, noting that trauma is an inevitable part of life. Last year's panel discussion saw approximately 50 community members attending a session lasting over two hours. Due to mental health stigma, Knox Public Health plans to introduce portable behavioral health services. A licensed independent social worker will be hired to work within schools, develop caseloads, and meet students in stable environments. An acute telemedicine program is also being developed so children can connect with providers immediately without requiring parents or guardians to leave work.
Green explained that the next phase would involve opening up community membership in these programs at Mount Vernon High School. Knox Public Health intends to collaborate with school superintendents, behavioral health committees, and other agencies. "Can we connect our kids with their therapist at school trying to create some type of foundation for them," he said.
