It's Public Health Week and Carter County officials want to take that opportunity to improve their rankings state-wide.
Out of 95 counties in Tennessee, Carter County ranks 54th in overall health, 78th in health behaviors (smoking, obesity, etc.), and 82nd in morbidity (meaning chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma).
Carter County Health Department Director Caroline Hurt said the "WIC" and "TENNderCare" programs help families start their children off on the right foot.
"We can catch things early, before they become bigger problems later," Hurt said.
WIC stands for women, infants, and children. The program offers nutritional supplements to mothers and their children through the age of five -- provided the family meets income and need-based guidelines.
TENNderCare assures medical screenings for children 21 and under -- provided they are eligible for TennCare.
WIC and TENNderCare are two of many services provided by your local health department. They include dental and environmental health, immunizations, family planning, pregnancy testing, prenatal education, thyroid testing, sickle-cell screening, and sexually-transmitted disease programs.
For a complete list of services, to see if you qualify, or to set up an appointment, call one of the following East Tennessee offices:
Carter County - 423.543.2521
Greene County - 423.798.1749
Church Hill - 423.357.5341
Rogersville - 423-272-7641
Johnson County - 423-727-9731
Unicoi County - 423.743.9103
Washington County - 423.975.2200
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