The new director of the Vilas County Public Health department is Laurel Dreger who replaces Gina Egan after she retired.
Dreger has over 20 years expereince in public health issues and will now oversee a staff of seven and a budget of over $600,000.
One of her primary goals in her new position is to make better connections with county communities “because we are here to serve our communities,” she said, and extended an invitation for the public to come to her office in the courthouse in Eagle River “to share their concerns and ideas.” Dreger indicated her department is currently in their third year of a five year Community Health Improvement Plan working on the top Vilas County health priorities which are chronic disease, mental health, and alcohol and other drug abuse. “We have work plans and do coalition work around these priorities to try to improve the community's health around these issues,” she said.
Along with the health plan, the public health office does immunization programs in schools and summer camps, administers Badger Care and child dental programs that do sealants and floride washes in four counties adding “we do not have any measles cases in Vilas County.”
Her office also issues health certificates to those businesses and residences that rent to visitors, prepare and serve food to the public, and will “red tag” buildings that don't meet health code.
Persons and groups interested in providing input into public health care can contact their office at 715- 479-3656 or 1-866-845-2726. They are located on the first floor of the new courthouse addition in Eagle River.
