Article Photos

EAST LIVERPOOL - As unemployment rates increase throughout the county and families suddenly face a future without health insurance coverage, local health districts are being pressed into service like never before.

For East Liverpool City Health Nurse Jelayne Dray, it's all about preserving the health of local residents, and she can often offer services like immunization shots at no cost.

"We are getting more and more people coming in who are uninsured," Dray said. "Families are turning to us to help with immunizations. We may be a little busy, but that's what we're here for."

For infants 2 months of age and all the way to adults, immunizations are available at Dray's office in City Hall. Dray said she can also provide vaccines for school-age children and those students preparing for college entry needing the Meningococcal vaccine.

"Even if you are insured, sometimes the coverage may not pay for the immunization of a child, and we can do that for no charge," Dray said.

For those individuals who are insured, uninsured, enrolled in Medicaid or who have health insurance that does not pay for vaccines, they can also receive the vaccine at the East Liverpool Health Department.

The local health department does not just limit services to East Liverpool residents. Dray said patients come from all the surrounding communities. She even recently had a patient from the Kensington area.

Other services provided by the health department include free blood pressure screening and health education sessions through referrals.

Dray said she is limited by what can be done at the health department because a doctor is not on site, but she often refers patients to a doctor or specialist if warranted.

The pace in Dray's office will quicken as first-time kindergarten students need a series of vaccines before starting school in the fall. She is also concerned with and will help guard against adolescents falling through the cracks when it comes to getting a tetanus booster or protection against meningitis.

Right now, Emily Hayden, a medical assistant student at the Ohio Valley College of Technology, is helping at the department.

"Appointments are encouraged, however walk-ins are welcomed," Dray said.

Dray is at her East Liverpool City Hall office 12:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.

The department can be reached at 330-385-5123.