Sikeston Standard Democrat: Local News: Health dept. wants help to continue promoting good health (12/01/10)

Jayne Dees, right, and Pat Maltbia make last minute changes to the agenda prior to a meeting called by the New Madrid County Health Department with representatives from schools, churches, organizations and businesses. The Health Department is entering its final year of a five-year grant on reducing obesity in the county and is looking for assistance in continuing the fight.
(Jill Bock, Staff)

NEW MADRID -- For the past four years, the staff at the New Madrid County Health Department has worked to make the public aware of the problems of physical inactivity and obesity. Now as grant funding for the program is nearing an end, the staff hopes to tap into the community to keep the good work going.

This week, New Madrid County Health Department Administrator Jayne Dees and other members of the Health Department met with representatives from area churches, schools, organizations and businesses to seek their support in the efforts to encourage good health among county residents.

Dr. Charles Baker, funds procurement officer for the Health Department, said the program has impacted some 4,000 county residents in the past four years.

"But we are coming to the point where we need physical and financial help to continue," he said.

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