For Immediate Release:
March 14, 2008

Contact:
Mary Kay Hager
Office Of Public Information
(573) 751-6062

Health Officials Bring State Government Up Close and Personal to Carthage

Carthage--Missourians will have up close and personal access to state government as the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) participates in Gov. Matt Blunt’s Capital for a Day initiative.  With this initiative, Gov. Blunt, his Cabinet and officials from state departments bring the Capital to cities other than Jefferson City, and answer questions directly from the people in an effort to make state government more accessible and responsive. 

Carthage is the fourth city to receive the governor’s honorary Capital for a Day designation.

“There is no better experience for a public employee than to meet with the public and to see firsthand how the programs and services offered by the department can improve people’s lives,” said Harold Kirbey, deputy director of the Division of Community and Public Health.

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to answer questions and provide more information about the services we offer,” added Brenda Campbell, director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services.

Together, the DHSS officials can answer a wide range of questions.  For example:

• An adult child might take advantage of Capital for a Day by asking how assisted living works in Missouri, and if this care option is more appropriate for a loved one than a nursing home;
• What can every person do to reduce the impact of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes on themselves, their family and community;
• What is radon, and how can our homes and schools be checked for exposure;
• Children in childcare facilities need access to good, nutritious foods.  How can the department help these facilities provide those foods; or
• Why are immunizations important to the health of our children, and what does every parent need to know about them.

For information on additional topics, residents are encouraged to check out the department’s web site at www.dhss.mo.gov.