SERVICES

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
All fixed food service establishments are licensed annually and inspected on a routine basis. Temporary food licenses are issued for gatherings where food is prepared and served outside of a fixed food establishment in conjunction with fairs, festivals, or other short-term events. Plan reviews and pre-opening inspections are conducted for all new establishments prior to construction and for existing establishments undergoing extensive remodeling. Fees must be paid prior to review. Consultation is available by phone and on site.

ON-SITE WATER SUPPLY
Permits are issued for new and replacement water wells. Application and fee are required prior to a site visit. Sampling is done for loan evaluations, consultations, or suspected contamination. Consultation by phone or at site is done upon request. Bottles are available for water testing.

ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Permits are issued for all on-site sewage systems including repairs. After application and fee payment, soil and site evaluations are conducted prior to issuance of permits. Consultations by phone or at site are done upon request.

LOAN EVALUATIONS
Inspections of existing water supply and sewage disposal systems are conducted for real estate transactions or refinancing of private residences only. Inspections are conducted after the request form and fees are submitted. A full written report with determination of on-site system conditions is provided.

NUISANCE ABATEMENT (COMPLAINTS)
Investigations are conducted regarding complaints ranging from improper sewage disposal and insect infestations to housing defects in violation of Ionia County Sanitary Code requirements. If a serious health hazard exists, condemnation of a home may be executed by this office. Complaints must be signed and dated prior to investigation. Sources of complaints are kept confidential.

MISCELLANEOUS
Inspections and consultations are done in the following areas:
¨ Campgrounds (full-time and temporary)
¨ Mobile home parks
¨ Public swimming pools
¨ Foster care and daycare facilities

OTHER AREAS OF LIMITED INVOLVEMENT:
¨ School environments
¨ Air pollution
¨ Lead abatement
¨ Radon
¨ Agricultural labor camps
¨ Septic tank cleaners
¨ Solid waste disposal
¨ Subdivision development
¨ Sites of environmental contamination
¨ Emergency preparedness
¨ Land-use patterns

PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES

MATERNAL & INFANT SUPPORT SERVICES - (616) 527-5339
Pregnant women and babies on Medicaid are eligible for public health nursing, nutritional, and social work services regarding pregnancy-related issues. Also available are transportation assistance for appointments, childbirth classes, baby and child care, growth and development, nutrition, or assistance with parenting skills.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENING - (616) 527-5339
Technicians provide screening in schools, pre-schools, Headstart, and at monthly Health Department Clinics. Hearing and vision problems can lead to difficulties both at school and at home. Children 3 years and older can be screened. Those needing follow-up will be referred to a physician for care.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES - (616) 527-5339
Some diseases, such as measles, mumps, meningitis, giardia, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and rabies, are required to be reported to the local health department for follow-up. Our Communicable Disease nurse is available for information regarding these diseases and other illnesses, animal bites, school illness reports and immunizations, and works in conjunction with area physicians.

IMMUNIZATIONS - (616) 527-5339
Immunizations are available to eligible children at Health Department clinics throughout the County. There is a fee for children with insurance and adult vaccines.

IONIA — Health Department
175 East Adams Street
Tuesdays 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

PORTLAND — United Methodist Church
310 East Bridge Street
1st Friday of the month 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

BELDING — United Methodist Church
301 South Pleasant Street
January & February – 2nd Monday of the month
March-December – 3rd Monday of the month
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

LAKE ODESSA - Central United Methodist Church
912 Fourth Avenue
4th Wednesday of the month 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

¨ No appointments are necessary.
¨ Bring a record of past immunizations.
¨ Administration fee requested for childhood immunizations.
¨ If someone other than the parent or guardian brings a
   child under 18 years of age, a permission note is required
   from the parent/guardian.

 

TRAVEL IMMUNIZATIONS
Those who are traveling outside of the U.S. should call for a consultation and appointment to receive the necessary vaccinations for a safe and healthy trip. There is a charge for travel immunizations.

TUBERCULIN (TB) SKIN TESTS
TB skin tests are given during regular immunization clinic hours and must be read 48 to 72 hours after administration. There is a charge for TB tests.

CHILDREN’S SPECIAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES - (616) 527-5359
CSHCS provides payment for medical care beyond insurance coverage from birth to 21 years for individuals with medically-qualifying conditions under the care of participating specialists. Families in all income levels are eligible for enrollment. However, some families may be required to share the cost of care through a payment agreement.

HEALTHY KIDS & MICHILD - (616) 527-5339
Children up to 19 years of age and pregnant women may qualify for medical insurance. Both Healthy Kids and MIChild have great dental insurance for children. There is a small monthly fee for the MIChild program.

BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM
Women age 40 and over may be eligible for free mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap tests, and follow-up services if they are not insured through an HMO or Medicare, Part B. Early detection is your best protection! Call ICMH Woman to Woman Clinic at (616) 522-0714 or Healthcare for Today’s Woman at (616) 527-3250 for details and to make an appointment.

HEALTH EDUCATION - (616) 527-5341
Information is available on a variety of topics including Risk Reduction, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, smoking, diabetes, alcohol and drug abuse, community health reports and statistics, and many others.

Women Infants Children (WIC) — (616) 527-5337
A nutrition program for medically and financially eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children to age five. Through this program clients receive milk, eggs, juice, cereal, cheese, and peanut butter. Infants receive formula, cereal, and juice. Nutrition education classes are available.

LEAD SCREENING — (616) 527-5339
Children living in dwellings with a high environmental risk for lead poisoning and who are 6 months to 6 years of age can be screened through a blood test and environmental questionnaire. Those with high lead levels will be referred for further testing. There is a fee for the screening. Medicaid can be billed for this test.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD CENTERS OF WEST MICHIGAN
Confidential family planning counseling, exams, pregnancy testing, supplies, and STD testing and treatment are provided for teens and men and women of all ages. Most health insurances are accepted. Call (616) 527-3340 for appointments or questions regarding services.

CLINIC HOURS (by appointment):
Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

WALK-IN OFFICE HOURS:
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

HIV/AIDS COUNSELING & TESTING (616) 527-5341
Anonymous counseling and testing are available by appointment during regular business hours. Assistance with partner notification is also available.

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