The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1932-04-21
HEALTH OFFICER REPORTS
ON COSTS OF HIS OFFICE
Accomplishments During First
Six Months Since Office Was
Established Explained
HAS SAVED COUNTY $1,000

DR.. George E. Clarke, county health
officer, has submitted the following re-
port of the accomplishments of his
office since it was established about
six months ago:
The health officer reports the cost
of operating the county health de-
partment as follows:
County funds, $4,000; State funds,
$1,000. The funds derived from the
county represent only one cent in ev-
cry 500 of taxes collected. This rep
resents less than one-fftieth of cent
on the tax rate. The funds derived
from the State are collected from the
counties in the State from their vari-
Gus sources of State revenue.
During the first six months of the
Health Departments operation, 20 APP
plications for pauper pensions were
investigated. Only two of these were
recommended to receive pension.
These two pensioners are on tenn
porary status and their pensions are
to be discontinued in July. Five old
pensioners were investigated and their
pensions were discontinued or reduced
by one-half. This represents saw
ing of approximately $1,000 year to
the county.
The number of babies who die be-
fore they are year old has been re-
duced from SO per one thousand births
to sc per one thousand births through
the instruction and visits of the
nurses. Seventeen eXpectant moth
ers have been visited and advised as
to their proper care; 447 contagious
diseases have been either quarantined
or excluded from school; 1165 children
have been protected against diphthe-
ria; 442 against small pox; 220 chill
dren and adults have been protected
against typhoid; 20 active cases of
tuberculosis are under constant super
vision; 225 new born babies have been
visited before they were 2 months old
and the mothers advised as to their
care; 2400 school children have been
given a complete physical eXamina-
ton and the parents of those who had
serious defects were advised as to
their condition; SO school buildings
were inspected as to their toilet facil-
tiles and water supply; % visits have
been made to dairy farms from which
milk is retailed; 80 cases of syphilis
and 62 cases of gonorrhoea are under
treatment at the two venereal clinics.
Plans are rapidly going forward to
prevent the contamination of Deep
Creek lake through improper sewer
age disposal at the cottages and the
homes around the lake.
There are 140 active members in
nine Home Hygiene classes over the
county taking instruction in home
hygiene and care of the sick.
Nine licensed mid-wives are visited
each month, their equipment inspected
and instructed by the nurse; 12women
are taking instruction to become
licensed midwives. Ten tourist camps
over the county have been instructed
as to their sewerage disposal, water
supply, milk supply and the condition
of the cottages.
The present equipment at the health
Office and at the venereal clinics was
furnished by the State Department
of Health at no expense to the county.
The automobiles now in use by the
two nurses were purchased by the
State Department.
The levy of $4,000 represents the
entire cost to the county of maintain
ing this department for one year.