SERVICES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE IONIA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
CHILDREN’S SPECIAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES (CSHCS): 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.
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.
HEALTH EDUCATION: 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.
HEALTHY KIDS & MICHILD: 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.
HIV/AIDS COUNSELING & TESTING: Anonymous counseling and testing are available by appointment during regular business hours. Assistance with partner notification is also available. Call (616) 527-3340 for an appointment.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Immunizations are available to eligible children at Health Department clinics throughout the county. There is a fee for children with insurance and adult vaccines. No appointments are necessary. Bring a record of past 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. Click here for times and locations for immunizations.
LEAD SCREENING: Children living in dwellings with a high environmental risk for lead poisoning and who are 12 months to 6 years of age can be screened through 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.
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. Loan Evaluation Form click here.
MATERNAL & INFANT SUPPORT SERVICES: 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.
MISCELLANEOUS: Inspections and consultations are done in the following areas: Campgrounds (full-time and temporary), public swimming pools, adult/child foster care and daycare facilities. Other areas of limited involvement: School environments, air pollution, lead abatement, radon, septic tank cleaners, solid waste disposal, subdivision/site condominium development, sites of environmental contamination, emergency preparedness, land-use patterns.
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. Complaint Form click here.
ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL: Permits are issued for all on-site sewage systems including repairs. Application and fee are required prior to a soil and site evaluation and prior to issuance of permits. Consultations by phone or at site are done upon request. Final inspections are done to confirm permit requirements. Septic Application click here.
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 free of charge for water testing (lab fees are not included). Well Application click here.
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 SKIN TESTS (TB): 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.
WOMEN INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC): 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.
Call (616) 527-5341 for further information on the services listed above.