Welcome to the Floyd County Indiana Health Department
Current News
For Frequently Asked Questions, Please Contact the Health Department at:
[email protected]
MPox Vaccine Coming Soon
Pertussis Cases
The Indiana Department of Health [IDOH] is currently investigating an increased number of positive tests for Pertussis that is occurring at a single test site in Floyd County.
In 2022, there were 11 cases of pertussis in the County. This was not an unusual number of cases. For 2023 there have been 3 cases so far; none in school age children.
There is no confirmed outbreak of Pertussis at this time.
The disease is characterized by persistent, frequently paroxysmal coughing, nasal congestion, fever, fatigue, and watery eyes. Since Pertussis/Whooping cough is a vaccine preventable disease, citizens are encouraged to keep their immunizations up to date. Infections can be treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin.
T. Harris, MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Officer
FSSA Changes
As many as 500,000 Hoosiers could be impacted by upcoming eligibility changes required by federal law. Some of those affected may include individuals served by programs at IDOH. These changes are the result of the recently passed federal spending bill, which ends the pandemic-related eligibility provisions as of March 31, 2023. This means regular determinations of coverage will begin again and actions to adjust, reduce or eliminate coverage will be allowed beginning in April 2023.
Please click here for more information
Protect your Teen from Cancers Caused by HPV
Schedule an HPV vaccine appointment with the Floyd County Health Department.
Opiod Rescue Kit Locations in Floyd County
In a collaborative effort with the City of New Albany, the Floyd County Health Department led by Dr. Tom Harris, the Floyd County Health Officer, has provided the New Albany Police Department with Narcan. Narcan is an opioid antagonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. One hundred and fifty doses of Narcan have been provided to the NAPD by the Health Department. Jennifer Kramer, Public Health Nurse with the FCHD, trained officers in the use of the lifesaving drug. Efforts by the FCHD to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic also include a partnership with Our Place Drug and Alcohol Services and the placement of Opioid Rescue Boxes around Floyd County. The locations of the boxes, which are accessible to anyone, are listed below.
Mounted boxes of the medication can found in the following locations in Floyd County:
St. Marks United Church of Christ— 222 E Spring Street, New Albany- Floyd County Token Club— 506 Pearl Street, New Albany
- Pints and Union—114 East Market Street, New Albany
- The Hitching Post – 115 West Market Street, New Albany
- Nomad Church Collective— 1423 East Oak Street, New Albany
- Our Place Drug and Alcohol Education Services—400 East Spring Street, New Albany
- Floyd County Health Department—1917 Bono Road, New Albany
- Sojourn Church—2023 Ekin Avenue, New Albany
- Floyd County Public Library—180 West Spring Street, New Albany
- Indiana University Southeast – In each of Student Lodges
- Wesley Chapel UMC – 2100 Highway 150, Floyds Knobs
- St. John’s United Presbyterian - 1307 E. Elm Street, New Albany
- Southern Indiana Homeless Coalition Office – 1218 E Oak Street, New Albany
Lead Testing in Floyd County Under New State Law
The Floyd County Health Department is making local residents aware of the importance of lead testing for children following enactment of House Enrolled Act 1313, which requires all healthcare providers to offer lead testing to all children at their one- and two-year checkups, or as close as possible to those appointments. Providers also are required to offer testing to any child age 6 or younger who does not have a record of a prior blood lead test.
Parents and guardians seeking information about how to find lead testing can contact Floyd County Health Department at (812) 948-4726, call their healthcare provider or visit www.IndianaLeadFree.org for resources.
Lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, causing slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, issues with hearing and speech, impulsivity, nausea and other debilitating effects. It is more toxic to the unborn and younger children, though it can negatively impact adults as well. Early intervention, including proper nutrition and removal of sources of lead exposure, can lower lead levels in individuals.
Children who live in homes built before 1980 have a greater chance of experiencing lead poisoning. The chipping and peeling of lead paint being mixed with dust makes these older homes hazardous to children. Of the homes in Floyd County, an estimated 45% were built before 1980. Other common sources of lead are from contaminated soil, drinking water and, occasionally, children’s toys and jewelry. Children also can be exposed if an adult in the home works in an industry or has a hobby that involves lead or through items like reclaimed barn wood that could contain old paint.
Children with blood lead levels between 3.5 and 4.9 mcg/dL and their families receive education about risks and parents are advised to test siblings. Children with a confirmed level of 5 or above are enrolled in case management, and families of these children are encouraged to allow health department staff to do a home risk assessment, which includes discussing potentially leaded objects and surfaces and identifying educational, nutritional, and developmental support services that may be available to the child. The home assessment will also test surfaces to determine where lead hazards may exist and help the family determine how to best address those.
“There is no safe level of lead, and the sooner we can identify that a child is at risk, the earlier we can take steps to improve the health outcomes for that child,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “By having parents and providers understand the importance of asking for this simple blood test, we have an opportunity to protect hundreds of Indiana children each year from the harmful effects of lead.”
Protecting Children From Lead Poisoning - Frequently Asked Questions
Find Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options & Rehab Centers in Indiana
https://www.addictions.com/rehabs/indiana/
Bivalent vaccine Update
The Floyd County Health Department [FCHD] has received information from the Indiana Department of Health [IDOH] that the Moderna Bivalent vaccine is in short supply due to a delay in production nationally. IDOH reports that no additional Moderna is expected to ship before the 29th of this month.
The FCHD has less than 100 doses of Moderna bivalent vaccine remaining.
After the supply is exhausted, the FCHD will substitute Pfizer until more Moderna is available. Currently, there is no shortage of Pfizer vaccine. The Center for Disease Control [CDC] and the Federal Drug Agency [FDA] have previously approved the safety and efficacy of mixing the mRNA vaccines.
The FCHD will continue to provide Walk-in Covid Bivalent immunization weekdays from 8am to 3:30pm. There will be a drive-in clinic at Indiana University Southeast Saturday, September 24th, 2022 from 10am to 2pm. Individuals can register for the drive-in clinic online at ourshot.in.gov.
The CDC strongly recommends the Bivalent booster for everyone over 12 who has had the primary series and not received a booster within 2 months. Please help us keep the rates of Covid low in our community by keeping your Covid immunity high.
Additionally, Flu shots are now available at the FCHD and many retail providers. There is early data from the Southern Hemisphere indicating that the Influenza outbreak may be more severe than usual this winter. Both influenza and Covid vaccination are recommended by healthcare authorities
For further information, please contact the FCHD at 812-948-4726.
CDC's New Covid-19 Guidelines
The Floyd County Health Department endorses the CDC's new, Covid-19 guidelines (updated 8-11-22).
Click here to view the new CDC Guidelines
Covid BA.5 Update
Click here to view a message from the Floyd County Health Officer concerning Covid BA.5
CDC Covid-19 Tracker for Indiana - Floyd County classified as High Transmission Area
Children's Immunization Clinic
Our department will be offering multiple Children's Immunization Clinics for routine vaccines as well as Covid-19 vaccines. Please see the images below for more information.
Click here to schedule an Appointment
All clinics will be held at the Floyd County Health Department at 1917 Bono Road, New Albany IN 47150.
Pediatric Vaccine Information
Covid-19 vaccinations are now approved for children 6 months up to 5 years. Appointment can be scheduled at the link below.
Click here to schedule an appointment
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. See below for dose information based upon age and vaccine brand.
Presumptive Eligibility
The Health Department provides the service of signing pregnant women up for Presumptive Eligibility. We normally have someone available in the office on Mondays for this service and sometimes limited hours by appointment on other days throughout the week. If you need this service, please call 812-948-4726 ext. 656 to schedule an appointment.
Click on the link below for more information on presumptive eligibility
https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/files/PEPW-Flyer.pdf
Covid-19 Testing Location Moving
*Beginning on April 1st, 2022, our Covid-19 testing will be conducted at the Floyd County Health Department. We will be closing the testing site at the Floyd County 4H Fairgrounds. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Click on the button below to schedule an appointment.
PLEASE NOTE
Covid vaccine appointments may be scheduled online with Nursing Services by clicking the "schedule an appointment" button above.
Additionally, special walk-in Covid vaccine clinics are held Mondays and Thursdays, 9-12 and 1-3.
Recall Notice - Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Powder Formulas Manufactured at One Plant
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Mich., one of the company's manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.
Click here for more information on this Recall
Addiction is Real
If you or someone you know needs help please contact the Floyd County Health Department 812.948.4726
Free at Home Covid Tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Click here to get your free at home Covid-19 tests
Omicron Variant Detected in Indiana
12/20/2021
On Sunday, the Indiana Department of Health announced that the first case of the Omicron variant had been detected in Indiana. The specimen had been collected from an unvaccinated patient on the 9th of December. Before yesterday, Indiana was one of only 7 states that had not reported an Omicron case.
Early studies suggest that the Omicron strain spreads faster and easier than the Delta variant. The State Health Commissioner, Dr. Kris Box, has voiced concerns that the new strain could "increase the burden on our already stressed healthcare system."
The Center for Disease Control reports that the current Covid-19 vaccines are expected to continue prevention of severe illness, hospitalization and death in people infected with the Omicron variant.
Dr. Tom Harris, MD, Floyd County Health Officer, joins Dr. Box and CDC officials in recommending vaccination for all eligible Hoosiers 5 years and older. Booster immunization is also indicated for those over 16 years old with 6 months or more since the primary series of vaccinations with Moderna or Pfizer: or 2 months or more after Johnson and Johnson vaccination. Booster dosing appears to be very helpful in protecting against the new strain. Becoming fully vaccinated is critically important for the medically vulnerable and their
caretaers. The 20 to 40 year old age group may be especially vulnerable to the Omicron variant due to their low Covid vaccination rate.
The familiar Covid-19 mitigation measures are also helpful for the Omicron variant. Hoosiers are strongly recommended to wear a well-fitted mas indoors, test after the onset of symptoms or after a close contact exposure, stay home if sic, wash hands or use sanitizer frequently, and avoid crowded indoor venues.
For a list of vaccination sites see www.ourshot.in.gov. For further information please contact the Floyd County Health Department at 812-948-4726.
Be Well Crisis Helpline provides mental health counseling to 25,000 callers
Free service launched to support Hoosier mental health during pandemic will continue into 2023
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration today announced that its Be Well Crisis Helpline has surpassed 25,000 calls, a milestone in its ongoing efforts to provide Hoosiers with free, confidential mental health counseling and resources.
The support line is available through Indiana 211 and enables Indiana residents to speak with trained, compassionate counselors 24/7. Approximately 59% of callers have received a referral for additional mental health or substance use services or requested additional crisis counseling. FSSA also announced that federal funding will allow the agency to operate the Be Well Crisis Helpline through at least March of 2023.
“FSSA is proud of the important and continuing role our crisis counselors have played to connect with Hoosiers and provide them with the resources they need to support their mental health,” said Dan Rusyniak, M.D., FSSA secretary. “We remain committed to providing free, confidential and easy access to this resource for Hoosiers in any time of need.”
FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction initially launched the Be Well Crisis Helpline in July 2020 in response to the increased stress, anxiety and isolation Hoosiers were experiencing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the helpline’s inception, counselors have invested more than 5,823 hours helping Hoosiers manage their mental health. Individuals who call the crisis helpline seek support for several distress reactions including anxiety or fearfulness, issues with sleep, isolation, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, fatigue and sadness.
There continues to be a growing need for the Be Well Crisis Helpline as the number of calls received reached an all-time high of 2,228 in October 2021. Counselors have reported that not only is the call volume increasing, so is the critical nature of the calls. The most prevalent issues Hoosiers are experiencing recently include depression, anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, and loneliness.
“As Hoosiers continue to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other stressors brought on by everyday life, it’s clear that resources such as the Be Well Crisis Helpline are still needed to support the overall well-being of individuals statewide,” said Kelsi Linville, DMHA’s director of crisis services.
Indiana residents can speak with a trained mental health counselor by dialing 2-1-1 or the toll-free number, 866-211-9966, entering their ZIP code and selecting the option for the Be Well Crisis Helpline. In addition, Be Well Indiana’s website contains supplemental resources including blog posts and videos offering tips for maintaining mental health as well as self-screening tools. For more information, please visit BeWellIndiana.org.
To view a promotional spot about the Be Well Crisis Helpline, watch the video below.
Indoor Mask Recommendation
8-20-2021
Due to continuing increases in infections related to the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, the Floyd County Health Department [FCHD] and the Floyd County Health Officer Dr. Tom Harris are strongly encouraging all Floyd County residents to wear a mask indoors in public places for the next month.
Floyd County has seen a marked rise in COVID-19 disease in the last 6 weeks. Currently, our local index is 13.95%, up from 8.29% just a month ago. The incidence per 100,000 population has accelerated to 337, a level not seen since last winter. Over 95% of new cases are the more virulent and infective Delta variant. We have been continued in ORANGE status this week by the Indiana Department of Health; only the RED category is higher. The Center for Disease Control rating for our community is similar. [Floyd county spent much of the early summer in the lower YELLOW category.] Additionally, the FCHD has encountered more people seeking COVID PCR and Antigen tests than earlier this year, in conjunction with reports from Primary Care Providers detailing more COVID related office visits.
The mask recommendation does not apply to outdoor events or venues. Masks may be removed while eating or drinking in public areas. This recommendation does not change school related mask requirements. We continue to support in-school mask requirements.
The FCHD continues to advise all eligible residents to get a vaccination for COVID, not only to protect themselves and their families but to help flatten the sharper curve of community disease caused by the Delta variant. Floyd County has 50.1% of the population fully vaccinated with 54.2% receiving at least 1 dose. 13.7% of our population is currently excluded from immunization due to age under 12. Over 76,000 doses have been given to Floyd County residents since the vaccination program started. The FCHD started giving the third or Booster dose to immunocompromised patients on Monday the 16th. We will also increase vaccine hours to meet the demands of the national Booster program estimated to begin September 20th. This will serve the new recommendation for a third dose 8 months after the completion of the primary series.
This announcement is in agreement with Center for Disease Control updates. It is not a requirement or mandate, and therefore is exempt from County Commissioner interference or voting under SEA 5 related statutes. However, if COVID disease continues to spread in our community despite mitigation measures our next step will be to request formal political approval of a county wide mask mandate to protect the health and safety of our residents. For additional information please contact 812-948-4726.
Thomas M. Harris, MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Officer
FCHD Policy for COVID Booster Immunizations, Effective 16 August 2021
According to the CDC, people who are eligible for a third dose are:
- People in active cancer treatment; those who have received organ transplants and are taking immunosuppressive therapy;
- People who have received CAR-T cell or blood stem cell transplants;
- People who suffer from moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as those with DiGeorge or Wiskott-Aldrich syndromes);
- People with advanced, untreated, or unknown status HIV infection;
- People taking 20 milligrams or more of prednisone or similar corticosteroid every day, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, severely immunosuppressive cancer chemotherapeutic agents, TNF blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.
Patients should receive a third dose no earlier than 28 days from the completion of the second dose in the series. The patient should, whenever possible, receive the same brand of vaccine, at the standard dose. The Booster policy includes ages 12 and up.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is not included in the Booster regimen at this time; neither second dose efficacy or timing have been fully studied. People requesting Booster injections that previously received the J & J immunization will need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
We will start giving Booster doses on 16 August 2021 for walk-in patients, and we will schedule them for the Tuesday clinic and accept them at Pop-ups.
CDC estimates about 3% of the population fits the above criteria; this would suggest a need to provide about 2300 additional vaccine doses to the citizens of Floyd County. We will continue to encourage everyone eligible to get the primary series of COVID immunizations, especially due to the Delta variant.
The CDC and the FDA have not issued guidelines for a general public Booster program, and currently routine use of Booster doses in this population is not recommended. If this policy changes our local procedures will be modified as well.
Thomas M. Harris, MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Officer
14 August 2021
Floyd County Health Department Executive Order Number 3-2021 Modified
08/06/21
After working with the Floyd County Commissioners, and with regard to the new SEA 5 statute, Executive Order 03 is modified.
The Floyd County Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Harris, MD is continuing to very strongly recommend that school agencies require the use of masks for in-school indoor education for grades K to 6. Masks are very strongly recommended for grades 7 to 12.
With this modification, each school system will be able to decide its course of action. The school systems will then report their decisions to the Health Department. The Floyd County Health Department stands ready to provide assistance and information in this process. The Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Indiana State Department of Health all strongly support the use of masks for every in-classroom student.
The Delta Variant remains a significant threat to our community. It is 225% more infectious and has 1000 times the viral load of the original COVID-19 strain. At this time vaccine are not approved for children under 12 years old. Research also shows that the elementary age group clearly benefits from in-classroom instruction. Therefore, the public health response for this critical age depends on aggressive masking and mitigation measures to continue the best education modality for them.
This modification is also in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 21-19(4), issued 29 July 2021.
Thomas M. Harris, MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Officer
812-948-4726
Covid-19 Information Resources
8/3/2020
Beware that there is a lot of misleading and incorrect information being circulated by podcast and Facebook. We want people to have good data, so we are listing these sources that are highly respected by the medical field.
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/
Floyd County Mass Notification System
In the event that the county needs to disseminate information to Floyd County Residents regarding Covid-19, we would like to alert Floyd County Residents to sign up for the Floyd County Mass Notification System.
The Mass Notification System is an Emergency Alert System that will alert the residents of Floyd County on weather, imminent threats to health and safety as well as informational notifications that affect your locations or work environments.
Click here to register for the Floyd County Mass Notification System
Thank you for visiting the updated website for the Floyd County Health Department. Please see the Health Department menu for more information.
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