The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Christian County Public Health Department Administrator at its Tuesday meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Doctor Chad Anderson is from northern Illinois, a graduate of Illinois State University, and served in the Peace Corps in Africa.  While serving the people there, he obtained his degrees to be able to serve as a public health administrator.   

Doctor Anderson served in Boone County, Illinois before becoming the public health administrator in Christian County in January of 2023.  During his almost 2 years there, he's expanded the county's health services including West Nile virus testing, tick surveys for viruses, STD testing and treatment free of charge, and mental health services.

Doctor Anderson shared that those last 2 programs are ones county residents know the least about because they're so new.

Doctor Anderson told the Kiwanis Club the county health department still inspects restaurants, water wells, and septic systems as part of its job to maintain the county's well-being.   It also provides flu, COVID and R-S-V shots; and provides family case nutrition management thru its Womens-Infants-Children or "WIC" program.

During Tuesday's meeting, long-time Kiwanis member Dean Ray (center) was presented with the "Kiwanian of the Year" award for his many years of volunteering for club projects raising money for children and youth including the Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, Kiwanis Kids' Days, and Kiwanis Park, among others.  It's the first time the club has awarded 2 "Kiwanian of the Year" awards.   Kiwanis member Larry Kemner was also presented with the award at the Club's installation meeting September 24th.  Presenting Ray his award was Kiwanis past president Chuck Martin (left) and current president Bill Assalley (right).

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.