The Person County Health Department's Child Health Clinic Program provides well child care and limited sick care to all children under 21 years of age who receive Medicaid, NC Health Choice, private insurance and self-pay based on a sliding fee scale. A Duke Pediatric Resident, enhanced-role registered nurse and a clerical support staff the clinic.
The focus of the Child Health Clinic Program continues to be health maintenance. Prevention of illness, early detection and referral, and anticipatory guidance are incorporated into each visit, following state recommendations for the Child Health Program. To accomplish the goal of health maintenance, the child health staff works closely with the Health Check staff, WIC, Child Service Coordination, and the Maternal Outreach Worker.
In addition to clinic responsibilities, the child health staff is very active within the community by serving on the Head Start Policy Council, the Head Start Health Services Advisory Committee, the Person County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) Board, Child Fatality Prevention Team, and the Local Interagency Coordinating Council, and assisting with Immunization Tracking. The Child Health Program Coordinator also provides support and supervision to the Health Check/Health Choice Program coordinator and serves as Community Services nurse, and the Lead Program nurse. These programs are highlighted in other sections.
In 2001-2002, 307 children were served in the Child Health Clinic. Of the services provided, 158 received well child screenings, 122 receive treatment visits, and 82 newborns received a home visit assessment.
In June 2003, the Child Health Program stared a Dental Varnishing clinic two days a week. Children on Medicaid from the “first teeth erupted” until the 3rd birthday are eligible. Each visit includes parent education, oral assessment, and fluoride varnish application.
Consistent or Recurring Issues/ Problems in children:
- Increase in the number of children identified with asthma/RAD (reactive airway Disease.)
- Increase in the number of children identified as obese.
Suggested Solutions:
- Collaborate with the health department family planning clinic and Health Check coordinator to increase the teens receiving routine well child checkups.
- Intensive one-on-one asthma education to increase the knowledge of the disease process as well as per use of medications to reduce asthma flares.
Future Program Goals:
- Will continue to collaborate with the family planning clinic to expand clinic hours.
- Plan to offer an asthma education program when funds can be acquired.
- Would like to add staff to expand the Dental Varnish clinic to 41/2 days a week, and offer the service to non-Medicaid children on a sliding fee scale.