Posted: 2/6/07
Determining countyís needs is priority of nursing director
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
As the new public health nursing director, one of Deb Rockís first responsibilities will be to assist in an assessment of the what the public health needs are in the county, and then develop a plan to meet those needs. She is looking forward to the challenge.
Rock is familiar with the Houston County Public Health Department, having been a home care nurse with the department from 1995 to 2003. Following her work in the county, she was involved in a mental health initiative with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center.
Rock is a native of Spring Grove and now lives in La Crescent. She attended Winona State University for nursing.
"It helps to know the culture of rural counties and small towns," she said.
Rock said her home care experience will be helpful for her as nursing director, because although home care is just one aspect of public health, it is very important because the county is the only home care provider available to county residents. Private health care providers no longer offer the services because offering the service is not cost-effective.
In addition, the public health department coordinates health education efforts, a dental program, the Women, Infants and Children program, flu clinics, long term care consulting, and family health. The department also works with other agencies on disaster preparedness.
The county public health department employs 13 nurses, two health educators, 15 home health aides, one dietician and five support staff.
"The staff is experienced and they know their jobs so well," said Rock. "They are wonderful, and I am so pleased to work with them all."
Rock said she is pleased to be back with the agency. "Every day is so busy," she said. "This is a challenging position and I am learning a lot."
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com