HUDSON – The Columbia County Health Department Monday began the
process of closing its Certified Home Healthcare Agency. The plan has
been approved by the State Department of Health.
The decision to shut down the agency is due to changes in the healthcare
system, said Interim County Public Health Director John Mabb.
The state has made changes that allow non-governmental home healthcare
services in the county resulting in the declining number of clients in
the county’s program. One year ago, the county client count was
up to 16; it is down to four at the present time.
The county is working with current patients provide them with the names
of the private agencies that serve the count and which one best fits their
needs.
Currently there are three home care agencies serving Columbia County –
Eddy Visiting Nursing Association, Living Resources Certified Home Health
Agency and VNA Home Health.
Mabb said the county’s mission “to ensure the availability
of services and to protect the health of our residents has not changes.”
The plan will move forward over the summer with final closure to take
place this fall.
There are currently five employees in the Certified Home Healthcare Agency
and four, and possibly all five, will be assimilated into other segments
of the health department, Mabb said.
