North Central Health District

Hancock County Health Department Returns to Renovated Building

Posted July 30, 2019 by Michael Hokanson

Hancock County Health Department will return to its location at 516 Boland St. in Sparta now that renovations to the building have been completed.

The health department has been providing services out of a temporary location during the remodeling process. During the relocation into the updated facility, health department services will be unavailable Aug. 12 – 14. All services will resume Thursday, Aug. 15.

The 33-year-old health department building received a variety of upgrades beginning in November, 2018. Renovations include double-paned insulated and tinted windows, an improved roof and gutters, an updated exterior, landscaping and parking lot repairs. Inside the building, clients and community partners will encounter a refurbished reception area, renovated exam rooms, an expanded conference and training room, along with new furnishings and new flooring throughout the health department. In addition to cosmetic updates, the interior of the health department will be decorated with photography of local families and locations, celebrating Hancock County.

“Hancock County’s healthcare needs are changing, and we have to change with them to continue to provide effective services in our county,” said Shirley Tucker, Nurse Manager of Hancock County Health Department. “The updates to our building create a better environment for our clients, a nicer workspace for our staff, and an improved meeting place for our partners throughout the community.”

In addition to updating the structure and layout of the building, the renovations offer new opportunities for the health department to provide expanded services. A teaching kitchen in the updated building allows health educators to host healthy cooking and nutrition events. Updates also include a telemedicine room when clients can speak with healthcare providers across Georgia while remaining in Hancock County.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to improve how our clients receive care,” said Morris Hutcheson, “Thanks to the county commissioners and the Department of Community Affairs, we’re able to provide Hancock County with the best public health services available in a updated, modern medical environment.”

Funding for the renovation project came from the combined resources of a Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community Development Block Grant, a U.S. Department of Agriculture WIC Infrastructure Grant and investment from the Hancock County Board of Commissioners.

Hancock County Health Department will celebrate the refurbished building with a grand re-opening ceremony at a later date. Health department services will continue to be provided at the temporary facility until Monday, Aug. 12. After services resume on Aug. 15, Hancock County Health Department will operate out of its 516 Boland St. location. To learn more about health department services, call 706-444-6616 or visit NCHD52.org/Services.