Public health department sets up shop in courthouse

Patricia “Trish” Loughlin is actively setting up the Carter County Public Health office in the basement of the courthouse since being hired by the county as the public health nurse at the end of January.

Loughlin, who resides in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, has been working as a nurse for the same employer for twenty-nine years, the last 27 at Spearfish Regional Hospital. Her background, she says, has mostly been in acute care, the emergency room, the intensive care unit and medical-surgical nursing. She is looking forward to getting out in the public and doing visits as part of her new job as the Carter County Public Health Nurse.

Since Loughlin will continue to work her three, 12-hour shifts in Spearfish and is currently the only employee in the public health department, the office does not have a posted schedule or hours yet. Currently, calls to the office (406-775-6332) are being forwarded to her cell phone if she isn’t there.

The county is currently advertising for a program supervisor in its public health department and once the position has been filled, someone will be in the office from Monday through Thursday during regular hours.

Currently, the main focus of the public health department is scheduling and administering COVID vaccinations. Anyone interested in getting the vaccine can call the Carter County Public Health Department. It is very important to schedule the vaccination as each vial has ten doses. Once they’re opened, they must be used within six hours or they will have to be disposed of. The schedule will be set up so that appointments can be staggered, allowing enough time for the shot to be given and for Loughlin to answer questions and educate about the vaccine and discuss what to expect after receiving it.

There is no cost to receive the vaccination from the public health department. After the first shot is given, individuals will be given a card to carry showing proof of vaccination and a schedule showing when the second shot will be given.

While the COVID virus has been and continues to be a major focus of the public health department, Loughlin hopes to offer more programs in the future. Ideally, the department will schedule two days each week to provide maternal and child healthcare programs, tobacco use programs, child seat safety programs, immunizations and more in the near future.

Last week, Loughlin traveled to Baker to assist their public health department in giving COVID vaccinations since they administered some vaccines for Carter County residents while the department was down. She is looking forward to receiving some administrative help soon to assist with her busy schedule and is excited to help the residents of Carter County.

“I’m doing this for the people,” she said. “And so far, the people have been great.”

For questions about Carter County Public Health Department, Call Trish at 406-775-6332. The department can also be reached at ccpublichealth42@gmail.com. Soon, a schedule will be on the Carter County website at cartercountymontana.squarespace.com.