County Begins Search for Replacement for Health Department Director

Jackie Brown is stepping down from her position as head of the Prowers County Health & Environment Department effective August 31.  Brown is not leaving the health field, however, but has accepted a position with Southeast Behavorial Health Group. 

The Prowers County Commissioners met Thursday, July 19, with Suzette Hall, RN, BSN and Karla Work, RN, BSN to see if they would be willing to work as co-interim directors for the County Health Department until a replacement had been found for Brown.  Commissioner Gene Millbrand said some flexibility will come into play on the timetable, and suggested a three month period as a start, if both or either Hall or Work was willing to accept the position. 

Brown, who attended the meeting, said that perhaps Keith Siemsen from Southeast Land and Environment could be made a similar offer to cover his area of expertise.  Brown said this would allow someone to offer local coverage and management while the others are attending to their regular duties. 

Both Work and Hall are employed part time and their schedules would need to be altered to a full time status with appropriate compensation.  The commissioners asked if they could have a reply to their offer by next Thursday, July 26.

By Russ Baldwin