Health department has new employees, sets sight to defeat flu

RBC I The Rio Blanco County Department of Public Health and Environment (RBCDPHE) has a new employee in Alexsis Silva.
Silva was born in Utah and raised in the Rangely area. She is engaged to Walker Smuts and has a 4-month-old daughter, Aerie Smuts. Silva attended the University of Colorado in Boulder for a semester, studying molecular cell developmental biology. She is now studying nursing at Colorado Mesa University. Silva accepted the position of staff assistant in August.
Familiar faces can still be seen at the Department of Public Health and Environment, including public health nurses Holli Schopp and Ashley Garcia; Jeremy Simmons, the environmental health officer; staff assistant Jan Keller; Mary Dillon, the WIC educator; and department director Colleen Zufelt. Programs that can be found at RBCDPHE include WIC (Women, Infants and Children); family planning program; immunizations for those who qualify; and environmental services.
RBCDPHE has been busy updating and organizing with the assistance of a United Way grant.
The Meeker office was able to purchase new equipment, along with new office supplies and paint to update the office.
Rangely was also able to update supplies and reorganize the office as well.
“By updating and purchasing new equipment, we are able to provide new and improved services to the residents of Rio Blanco County,” Garcia said. “Services include, blood glucose, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry), cholesterol and hemoglobin screening, throat cultures, pregnancy tests, temperature, ear and eye checks, height and weight measurements, urinalysis and flu shots for all age groups
“Prices will vary on these services from low cost to free,” Garcia said.
Garcia said it is also the right time of year now to begin thinking of flu season.
She said the county’s flu shipments are beginning to trickle in as the RBCDPHE gets stocked up for this year’s flu clinics.
“Our flu vaccines will be available for all ages,” she said. “Keep an eye out for upcoming flu clinic dates. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for any one of our services or come down to meet and visit with the new employee or just catch up with the other employees of RBCDPHE.”
For appointments call the Meeker office at 878-9520 or the Rangely office 878-9525.