Washington County Commissioners unanimously voted to apply for a Community Development Block Grant on behalf of the Washington County Health Department at their Thursday, September 9 meeting.
County Administrator Dustin Peebles explained during the meeting that the application is to expand the local health department to allow for drive-thru COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. In addition, the grant would fund an expansion of the facility to include more examination rooms and to increase the parking lot area.
During the Tuesday, September 7 workshop, Morris Hutcheson, who serves as the Director of Project Development of the North Central Health District, discussed the grant with the Commissioners via telephone. Hutcheson explained that the grant is for $1 million; it will require a 10 percent match. He noted that if awarded, this will not have any impact on other Community Development Block Grant opportunities in the future.
After discussing the need for the expansion, Commissioner Edward Burten moved that the County apply for the Community Development Block Grant on behalf of the health department; Commissioner Doug Watkins seconded, and the vote carried unanimously.
Chairman Horace Daniel commended the Washington County Health Department for their work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You all do a wonderful job,” said Chairman Daniel.
Commissioner Doug Watkins also commended the staff at the Washington County Health Department; he noted that the COVID-19 vaccination process has been very well organized.
The Washington County Health Department currently offers the COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Health Department is located at 201 Morningside Drive in Sandersville. No appointment is necessary to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.