KINGWOOD — The Preston County Health Department is researching the possibility of building a new health department facility.
At the commission’s Tuesday meeting, PCHD Director V.J. Davis told commissioners his department is researching grant possibilities to fund the facility. He said if built, the building would house the health department and possibly other entities.
“If there was ever a time to find funding, it’s now,” Davis said. “Before we get into the project plan, we wanted to ask the commission to consider a donation of land for the project — somewhere in the hospital or E911 area.”
Davis told commissioners he believes it will be easier to get grant funding if the project is shovel-ready.
Commission President Don Smith said he didn’t think donating the ground would be a problem. He said the commission has properties in the areas Davis indicated that have utilities ready for hook up going to them.
County Administrator Kathy Mace said parcels of land in the area indicated have already been mapped out.
“I’d like to share that information with the health department,” she said to the commission. “He (Davis) could look at the parcels in the master plan. It would be a partnership between the health department and the county.”
PCHD Board President Jim Fields said he believes building the facility will be a win-win for everyone involved.
During his COVID update, Davis said the health department is reporting 1 to 3 COVID cases per day. He said requests for vaccination have also dropped off, and the PCHD is turning its attention to educating the public about the virus.
“We’re still offering vaccinations for anyone who wants them,” he said. “We did a clinic at Cathedral State Park and assisted in one at Coopers Rock.”
Davis said the PCHD did 924 vaccinations during the clinics held at the civic center. He said that number included first and second shots.
“We’re ready to do booster shots if necessary,” he said.
Commissioner Samantha Stone extended a “thank you” to the staff of the PCHD. She said there was not enough thanks for all Davis and his staff has done.
Fields said he would like to thank the commission for its help in making Monday’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedication a success.
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