Public Health Nursing

The Jackson County Health Department has been in the business of pubic health since 1958, and we would like to introduce you to our free services available to the community.   

Blood Pressure

Walk ins are welcomed every Monday morning from 8-12 and Wednesday from 8 to 3:30 .  

Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening

A free breast & cervical cancer screening program for WV women from the ages of 25 to 64. Women must meet income guidelines, have no health insurance or have health insurance that does not cover screenings.   Services offered by appointment. Program covers:

• Mammograms (ages 50 – 64)

•  Pap test

•  Pelvic exams

• Breast exams  

Family Planning Program

A free confidential physical exam by a clinician for any female and/or male requesting birth control.  Various birth control methods are offered such as pills, condoms, shot, patch, sterilization, etc.  Abstinence information and education is provided.  Services offered by appointment.  The program covers:

• Birth control method

•  Pregnancy test

•  Breast exam

•  Testicular exam

• Sterilization (female or male)

•  STD testing

• Abstinence education

• Health education and counseling 

Food Handlers Permit

Persons who are employed as a food handler must attend a food conference and have a tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray every three years. Persons who volunteer in the food service must also attend a food conference every three years. Food conferences are offered monthly in Ripley and Ravenswood for a fee of $5.00.  

Health Education and Promotion

Provided to individuals and agencies/groups on most health subjects upon request. Educational booklets and pamphlets are available free of charge on certain health topics.   

Childhood Immunizations

Immunizations are an effective way to prevent certain diseases. Free immunizations are offered every Wednesday from 8 to 3:30 . Vaccines are available to children from the birth through age 18. No appointment is necessary. Shot record needed to provide immunizations. Immunizations are also offered periodically at the Ravenswood Community Building the first Friday of the month when advertised. Vaccines available include:

• Hepatitis B

•  Measles

• Mumps

• Rubella

• Tetanus

• Diphtheria

• Pertussis

• Chicken Pox

• Polio

• HIB

• Pneumococcal

• Flu (when available)  

• Menactra

• Rotovirus

• Hepatitis A

• Gardasil

Adult Maintenance Immunizations

Weekly Vitamin B12 and Testosterone injections can be given free of charge only if accompanied with a order from your provider and the medication.  These immunizations are given every Wednesday from 8 to 3:30  

Pregnancy Test

Free urine pregnancy test are offered every Monday from 8 to 12 and Wednesday 8 to 3:30 . No appointment necessary.  Proof of pregnancy for DHHR, prenatal vitamins and referrals provided with every positive pregnancy test.  

Right From the Start Program

A registered nurse works with pregnant women and infants to ensure they are getting the health care needed.  Mileage reimbursement is provided for medical appointments. This is a Medicaid eligible program.  

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Free confidential testing is offered by appointment.  Treatment for certain diseases is available for client and partner. The following tests are offered:

•  HIV

• Syphilis

• Gonorrhea

• Chlamydia  

Tuberculin Skin Testing

Free skin testing is offered every Monday from 8 to 12. Skin testing is required for food handlers and some agency employment. Chest x-ray and diagnostic clinic is held periodically for persons who have been medically referred.  

Court Ordered Paternity Testing

DNA Paternity testing is scheduled monthly by DHHR Child Support office. We are the collection site only.  

Urine Drug Screening

Urine drug testing through contractual basis with agencies in the county.