“We’ve been through this long vaccination campaign since last January and now we have to ensure that all the people in the Butler County area have access to the vaccines and the information surrounding vaccinations.”īalster also pointed to other medical breakthroughs on the horizon, such as Merck’s new COVID pill, which has been approved by a panel from the Food and Drug Administration. “We’re still in the middle of COVID-19.” He said that newly-available vaccines and booster shots mean this winter will be a crucial season.
“That goes without saying,” said Balster. His main focus as commissioner will, of course, be the pandemic. “I think going in the reverse order gave me a unique perspective on how the system works and how we can make it work better for the communities that we’re serving,” he said. He said that one thing he’s proud of is having worked at all four levels of government, going from federal to local. “Part of what led me here is wanting to take on bigger challenges and look at some of the public health issues that we face on a larger scale.”īalster graduated from the Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and received a master’s degree in public health from Wright State University. He noted that Butler County has a larger population and more complex problems than Preble County. Logo of the Butler County Health Department “I saw the opportunity to work in a location and with an agency I have a lot of respect for and in an area I call home, so I thought it would be great,” he said. 29, replacing interim commissioner Michelle Burch, who served for four months since the retirement of Jenny Bailer.įormerly the health commissioner of Preble County, Balster said he is ready to make the transition. If you or your child is found eligible for WIC benefits, the appointment will also include nutrition education.īutler County Health Department is an equal opportunity provider.As a new variant emerged in the fight against COVID-19, a new health commissioner was appointed to lead the Butler County Health District.Įrik Balster was appointed by the County Board of Health Nov. Proof of Household Income for all people living in your home, including:Īt the appointment there will be a brief review of foods you eat, medical history and current health status to determine the medical or nutritional need.Extended hours are offered Tuesday and Thursday.įor your WIC Appointment, you will need to bring: The WIC office hours are Monday and Friday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. In Butler County you will contact the Butler County Health Department at (316) 321-3400 or (800) 940-6083 ext. Many working people are eligible for WIC and don’t realize it.Ĭall your local WIC Agency to schedule an appointment or for breastfeeding support.
WIC clients must meet WIC income guidelines and have a medical or nutritional need. Infants and children under five years old.Non-breastfeeding mothers, up to six months after baby’s birth.Breastfeeding, up to baby’s first birthday.It is a supplemental nutrition program that provides supplemental foods and nutrition education along with breastfeeding support and referrals to other area agencies to those who qualify. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children.
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