Seventy Years ago, World War II was escalating overseas and Camp Bowie was expanding the population of Brown County beyond Brownwood’s limited resources. The United States Government and the State of Texas responded to the public health problems of the sudden increase in population by creating the Brownwood-Brown County Health Department in February, 1941.
With a federal grant, the unit began operation immediately to control rats, venereal diseases, dairies, and meat processors to protect the community’s health. A building called the “Health Center” at 100 Melwood was completed in 1943. The City of Brownwood and Brown County jointly purchased the building in 1947.
In 1991 health department programs were relinquished by the state to local control and staff moved to the 510 E. Lee location. This building is the location of the General Sanitation, and Nuisance complaints, Immunization Clinic, Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Adult Health Clinic, TB clinic, WIC program and Public Health Preparedness program.
Seventy years later, our country finds itself involved in another overseas war. Brown county is not faced with problems of overpopulation, yet the public health needs of our community are substantially the same. The Health Department continues to enforce public health laws and regulations, offer public health services, provide education for public health emergency preparedness, nutritional programs for WIC clients, immunize Brown County and keep public establishments clean and safe for the whole county.
On the occasion of its seventieth anniversary, the Health Department will continue working to educate the public about its services and functions. In observance of this anniversary the Health Department will be holding an open house on February 28th, 2011 from 2pm-4pm at 510 E. Lee.
Also in celebration of The Brownwood-Brown County Health Department’s birthday many of its departments will be kicking off some exciting yearlong events to help protect and educate our community.
Immunizations:
There will be a birthday party every 2nd Tuesday of the month for our two month old babies. We will be giving the needed vaccinations as well as teaching parents the proper infant care and vaccination responsibility.
WIC
Nutritional Cooking Classes: This class will be given once a month to teach low fat and health choices for your family.
Walking With WIC: Every Thursday morning at 10:00, there is a group that will walk a designated area for group inspiration to exercise.
Mother Friendly Worksite: This is a campaign to promote a friendly work environment for breast feeding mothers. For more information contact Brandy Mobley at 646-1514
Environmental Sanitation: Starting in February the health department will be offering food handler classes to be conducted all year long. Please contact Paul Coghlan, Sanitation Inspector at 646-0554.
Emergency Preparedness
Evacuation Assistance Registry: The registry was recently formed for those in our community with special needs, disabilities and transportation issues. You can sign up by calling 211.
