History of the Jersey County Health Department

On February 7, 1966, the Jersey County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution forming the Jersey County Health Department. The Board of Health hired Nola Kramer, RN as the first Administrator and the Health Department opened for business on July 1, 1966 in the basement of the Jersey County Courthouse. The first services offered was home health under the Medicare Act, tuberculosis nursing, health referral and counseling for the armed forces and the premature visit program for premature babies. Jersey County Health Department has been a licensed Home Health Agency since 1966.

By 1969, due to grant funds, home health services increased greatly. Home Health Aide services were added in 1970 and physical therapy services were started in 1973. Speech and occupational therapy services were added in 1980. In 1976, the Immunization Program was started for infants and school age children.

In 1980, the Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program was started which provides food supplements and nutrition education to those who are eligible.

Environmental services were added in 1981. By 1982, the Health Department obtained certification as a Local Health Department by providing all required public health programs.

The agency was instrumental in forming the Tri- County AIDS Task Force for Jersey, Calhoun & II Greene Counties in 1990.

Nola Kramer, RN, who was the first Administrator of the Jersey County Health Department from July 1, 1966 to April 30, 1992, announced her retirement.

Therese Macias, RN, B.S.N., M.S. was promoted May 1, 1992 to replace Mrs. Kramer. Mrs. Macias had been hired in 1983 as a staff nurse in Home Health and later promoted to Nursing Supervisor in 1987, and continues as the Public Health Administrator today.

The growing agency has experienced tremendous changes and challenges over the years. Today we employ 25 full-time and 10 part-time employees, as well as several contractual arrangements. Effective in 2008, JCHD became licensed in Home Nursing & Home Services as Illinois required licensure for these programs as well as the Home Health Agency License.

Presently we are governed by the Jersey County Board of Health and the Professional Advisory Committee. Board of Health members include:

Professional Advisory members include:

LOCATIONS THROUGH THE YEARS

1966 -Basement of Courthouse at 201 West Pearl, Jerseyville.

1971 -Moved to the former Drivers License Building at 301 East Jefferson, Jerseyville.

1980 -Moved to a three-story house at 213 East Spruce Street, Jerseyville.

1982 -Moved to the former hospital building on 508 West Pine Street, Jerseyville.

1986 -Moved to the former Watwood & Hevner Building at 208 South Lafayette, Jerseyville.

2001 -Moved to the former Riverbend Billiards building at 1307 State Hwy. 109, Jerseyville.

Visit the various construction phases of our newly purchased building.

updated: 10-18-2007