August 5, 2010
Health Department Update
One of the unfortunate things that happened during the budget process was the elimination of the Public Health Coordinator position in the Health Department. This position was partially grant funded and the grant was scheduled to end in August. The loss of this position would potentially impact Colchester’s ability to deal with certain health issues and public safety incidents.
I’m very happy to report that the grant was unexpectedly renewed for another year. This will allow Colchester to continue to provide this service on a part time basis at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
The Public Health Coordinator maintains the public health emergency response plan, volunteer recruitment and training, and coordinates efforts with other towns and regions. The coordinator is also a member of the local emergency planning council. What many people may not realize is that after a fire or other public safety incident, the health department must ensure that established health and safety standards are met.
One of the constant threats the community faces is pandemic flu and other communicable diseases. The coordinator works with area medical offices and towns to prepare for any major outbreak of disease so the town is able to care for the sick, coordinate medical assistance, and provide any other services necessary. Additionally, the coordinator distributes the latest information on health safety and regularly speaks with community groups.
Aside from the retention of this service, the Health Department and the Health District Task Force have been working hard to evaluate what Colchester’s options are for getting into a regional health district. A health district will have a different cost structure and different services than our current independent health department, so the issue must be examined closely.
One of the steps in the evaluation process is to survey businesses and developers that have experiences with the Colchester Health Department or nearby health districts. This survey has been posted on the town website and can be obtained in the First Selectman’s office. Please consider taking some time to fill out this survey if you have interacted with one of these districts so we can get a sense of how well they serve their community.
Probate Court
One of the things many residents may be unaware of in Colchester is our probate court. Right in town hall, you have access to the court which is currently shared with Lebanon under Judge Jodi Thomas. Although we will be transitioning to a six town court next year, we will still have a satellite office here in town hall for at least two days a week.
Among the many services Judge Thomas and her court provides include administration of estates, conservatorships, and family matters. Judge Thomas and her staff have always been very helpful to Colchester and those that need her services. Please feel free to contact her office with any questions or needs.
- Gregg Schuster
First Selectman
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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