Thanks to some help from the Jackson County Board, the county health department will remain open five days a week for the time being.
Earlier this year, officials with the Jackson County Health Department said they would have to close on Fridays, starting in December, because of the state budget impasse.
But, the county board's new fiscal year budget, approved this week, includes covering 50% of the health department's pension costs, totaling about $127,000. This helps fill the gap in the health department's budget caused by state funding cuts and rising expenses.
In addition, the Jackson County Health Department is making some changes in the hours of clinical services to offer more convenience and access.
All immunizations, including flu shots, are now available Monday through Friday on a walk-in basis from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The late clinic has been moved from Thursday to Tuesday, which allows immunizations to be offered until 5:30pm on Tuesdays. WIC clinic hours are also extended until 4:30pm Monday through Thursday.