The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-03-01

berculosis control. maternal and
child health activities can be i'm.
proved when increased budget al.
lowances are made.
The survey notes that New
Hanover county is among the pub.
lie health leaders in possessing a
growing health education program
and in planning activities in men
tai hygiene.
1T is further noted that while
we have had a dramatic increase
in population. the total death rate
for this area has not increased,
but on the other hand has decreas-
ed appreciably.
I'VE quote this statement from
the survey: Health in this area
appears excellent and it would
seem that fair value is being re
ceived for money spent in the
public health program There is
an old saying that the the proof
Of the. pudding is in the eating
thereof which is exemplified al
this time by the findings Of this
survey; namely, that there has
been no water borne or milk borne
outbreak of disease or any type of
epidemics in this area during the
past five years.
Commentary on the survey fur
nished by the Health body to the
Council follows
ITO The Hon. W. Ronald Lane
mayor of the City Of Wilmington
"Wilrninton, North Carolina
Dear Sir:
eve are herewith handing you a
survey prepared by the office Of the
U, S. Public Service, District No.
y, which survey was made at the
request Of the Mayor of Whining
ton and the Health Officer OF the
Consolidated Board of Health OF
rJew Hanover County. and the City
of Wilmington, North Carolina.
This survey, which has been
thoroughly analzyed and studied by
the local Board, is Of a most con-
structive type. The imperfections
of our present set up are pointed
out and achievements for the
betterment of health conditions are
commended. 1t bears out the con-
tention that all public bodies should
be examined from time to time by
experts in the varying activities OF
| its organization.
sit is the intention OF the local
Board to put as many of these sug-
gestions and changes into effect
as soon as practicable in order that
1.-The minor defects in the pattern
of the present program, referred to
in the survey, may be corrected
and the operation OF the various
departments be enlarged all OF
which will assure more complete
health protection for this area"
Many of the suggestions unfor-
tunately connot be put into effect
at this time as they call for the
employment Of trained personnel
which personnel is unobtainable
at this time due to war man power
shortage, which condition has ex-
listed for the past three years. Our
financial budget, as presently set
up, would also prevent the Board
from expanding its program &C
cording to all of the recommended
tons referred to.
This survey gives brief history
Of the County, its government set
up, property valuation, etc. 1t also
takes up the problem of population
and its growth, noting a $3.50 in
crease in 1913.
1.-The survey notes the physician
shortage, nurse shortage, increased
cost of living and low peace time
level salaries.
Financial support Of the health
unit is at the approximate rate OF
ST. 90 per capita and compares fav-
orally in amount with similar fig
ures for the average health de-
partment in the country. This area
is both urbanized and industralized
and has, in addition, an extra load
thrown upon it by large transient
throngs of persons seeking vaca-
tons, all of which is an extra load
of responsibility on the health de-
partment.
1.-THE survey notes the deficient
number of employed personnel with
particular reference to their duties.
For example, the Health Officer,
A. H. Elliot, who has been with the
health department since 1922, in ad-
dition to caring for the administra-
tive duties, serves as County ply
stefan, acts as Coroner's physician
and appears in court on insane
hearings, conducts clinics and per-
forms post mortem examinations.
The survey advises that two or
three physicians be employed so
the Health Officer can devote most
OF his time to administrative duties.
This personnel will be employed
when available.
1--WE agree with most of the
findings Of the survey with respect
to the following activities and, as
soon as practicable, many of these
recommendations will be put into
effect. These activities are: nur-
sing, health education, which COM
prises communicable disease con-
troll, dental care, tuberculosis con-
troll, syphilis and gonorrhea con-
troll, maternal health, infant health,
pre-school health, school health.
Mosquito, other insect and rode:-.t
control is recommended to be ade-
olJately covered