In the community, Local government

Malheur County Health Department sets open house for a peek at what it does

ONTARIO – A new, multicolored mural will greet residents when they walk into the Malheur County Health Department Wednesday, July 27, to participate in the agency’s open house celebration.
The mural is just one of several new features at the health department, and Director Sarah Poe said she hopes area residents take advantage of the event to learn more about the people and programs the department offers. The open house runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“We want to really connect with the community,” said Poe.
The new mural by local artist Erin Dentinger displays “an aspect of our area and the people we serve,” said Poe.
Recent renovation work to the health department building will also be evident, said Poe. A new classroom will be available for use by area agencies.
Poe said nearly all of the health department staff will be on hand during the open house.
“We’ve invited community partners and we hope that organizations and businesses will come down or people who have never been to the health department or those who had a great experience with a program,” said Poe.
Poe said the open house will also show the agency’s behind-the-scenes work.
“We have people working fulltime to protect the health of the community that people are not aware of. We have a brand-new FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) trailer that is like a field hospital,” said Poe.

News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected]

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