Whitley County Health Board re-elects chair, elects vice chair; department reports funding shifts and program updates

The Whitley County Health Board convened at 7:00 a.m. and approved its minutes before turning to leadership and departmental reports. Board members nominated and voted to re-elect Mike Mayhorder as chair and to elect Dr. Lee as vice chair; no opposition was voiced during the roll-call-style voice votes.

Dr. Burkett, speaking for the health department, said the agency recovered grant money this quarter after partners returned funds that were not spent for their original purposes. "Almost 50,000 back from [the Bowen Center]," he said, and added the free clinic returned about $70,000. The department said staff have been working to reshuffle those funds to other partner organizations.

Board members also heard personnel and program updates. Dr. Burkett announced Emily Banks joined the department in her second week with funding supported by the American Heart Association. Heather reported the department ordered 100 additional doses of Narcan and that the sheriff’s department collected 48 doses for distribution to law enforcement and schools.

Other regular reports covered maternal and child health work, car-seat safety checks and the launch of a NeighborLink volunteer repair and assistance program. Scott and other staff outlined administrative and budget concerns, noting potential impacts from state-level changes to county funding. The board adjourned at the end of the meeting after a motion to adjourn passed without recorded opposition.