SPECIAL GUEST – U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., at left, speaks with Hancock County Health Administrator Jackie Huff during Friday morning’s open house at the health department’s new office. -- Craig Howell

The health department held an open house at the new building, located at 850 North Chester St., in New Cumberland, welcoming representatives of the local medical community, friends and public officials, including U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

The new building replaces the health department’s offices behind the Hancock County Courthouse, where it had operated since 1941.

Jackie Huff, the health department’s administrator, said the idea of building new offices has been on the minds of county health officials for many years.

“There’s probably been three or four plans we’ve gotten through the years,” she said, noting when the COVID-19 pandemic hit West Virginia, and various funding opportunities became available, officials decided to move forward.

NEW SPACE – The Hancock County Health Department recently opened its new offices at 850 North Chester St., in New Cumberland. -- Craig Howell

Earlier this year, Capito secured $183,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to put toward the project, with the senator noting her staff is always in contact with area officials to discuss their needs and ways to help local residents.

“We have constant communication with Hancock County officials,” Capito said. “We are continually working with them.”

Capito said everyone, from the public to healthcare officials and elected representatives learned a great deal during the COVID pandemic about ways to better provide services for the people, and the new health departments will be critical in meeting the needs of Hancock County residents.

“This will provide great healthcare for Hancock County,” Capito said.

Huff explained the new offices provide easier access to residents seeking services from the health department.

“It’s all one level, and accessible to the public,” Huff noted.

In addition to the typical office spaces, the office features a drive-through garage area which will allow for a dedicated space for laboratory testing.

The health department has offered COVID screenings and vaccinations as a result of the pandemic, often holding events in local parks or larger venues to provide adequate spacing. The drive-through space will allow the same services on site.

Huff said, eventually, other services, such as full lab draws, will be added to their current offerings which include blood pressure checks, breast and cervical cancer screening, HIV testing, sexually transmitted disease testing, tuberculosis testing, family planning, diabetes risk tests, immunization clinics and provider education.

“It will be kind of a one-stop facility,” Huff said.

For information on the health department, and its services, go online to https://www.hancockcountyhealthdepartment.com, or call (304) 564-3343.