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Blue Ridge Health Services to expand at 161. Walker St.

 

POLK COUNTY – Several divisions of the Health and Human Services Agency moved into a new site, located at 2881 NC Hwy. 108 E. in Columbus in mid-February. 

The agency will vacate its previous location of 161 Walker St. in Columbus.

The Health and Human Services Agency is responsible for many aspects of population health success including environmental health services, Women Infant and Children (WIC) services, vital records, emergency preparedness, health education, communicable disease and senior services. 

“Together these services promote and protect healthy lifestyles, good health outcomes, and ultimately aid in improving the quality of life for residents, guests and employees.” said Haley Suskauer, Population Health Manager and Executive Director of Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition.

The branches moving into the new building include portions of the public health division, transportation division and administrative team members. 

NC Forestry Service’s Polk County office is also relocating from Tryon to the new location. The Forestry Service should complete its move towards the end of spring and Public Transportation should complete its move mid-April.

Services that have already moved to the new site include the management team for Public Health, Communicable Disease Reporting, WIC Services, and Vital Records.

“This will allow for more mental and behavioral health services provided by Blue Ridge Health Services to be expanded into the vacated space at 161 Walker St.,” stated Suskauer. “We have seen a drastic increase in the need of mental and behavioral health services for our community and this transition will aid with supporting our community’s needs.”