Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
More people this year than last year are preparing for the winter flu season, according to immunization statistics announced at the Kosciusko County Board of Health meeting Wednesday.
In 1998, 4,099 people visited the immunization clinic for 13,810 vaccinations. This year, 5,432 people stopped in at the clinic for a total of 17,396 vaccinations. According to the health board, that's a 25 percent increase.
Another group of statistics discussed at the health board meeting dealt with traffic accidents. The statistics came from the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving and were recently released to the health department.
Dr. William Remington, health officer, said that as of 1997, there were 2,500 automobile crashes in Kosciusko County. In comparison, Marshall County had 1,600; Whitley County had 1,000; and Steuben County had 1,600. As for fatalities, Kosciusko County had 17 and Steuben had three.
Statewide, the rate of accidents per 1,000 drivers was 0.22. Kosciusko had a rate of 0.35.
"I think there is an issue there that needs to be looked at by the county," Remington said.
The 1997 statistics are the most recent available.
Reappointed to the board for another three-year term are Dr. Wymond B. Wilson and Dr. Karen Boling.
Kosciusko County Health Administrator Bob Weaver announced that Deputy Administrator Greg Long submitted his resignation two weeks ago. Weaver said he hopes to replace Long by spring.
The health board will meet again at 7 p.m. March 8.
Board members include Boling, Dr. Dennis Woodward, Wilson, Joan Darr, Dr. John W. Jones, Dr. Thomas E. Howard and Robert W. Knudsen.
