By Paige Nash
The Webster Parish Police Jury will begin receiving bids soon to update the Minden Health Unit and LSU AgCenter located on Homer Road in Minden. The state inspected the building about six months ago and gave the police jury a list of repairs/updates that are needed on both floors of the building.
The health unit is working by appointment only at this time and is currently screening most patients outside while they remain in their vehicles.
“All clients are encouraged and have been encouraged to make an appointment,” Regional Medical Director/Administrator, Dr. Martha Whyte said. “Most services were moved outside with the pandemic, but some of these have moved back inside already. They all will eventually return to inside the health unit.”
These changes were directed to be done due to Covid-19 and were made to all the health units in the region.
Some of the services offered at the health unit are pregnancy, STD, HIV, cancer and Covid-19 screenings. They also offer many forms of birth control and function as the local WIC clinic.
“Whether the work will cause any changes to services, I do not see why that would be necessary,” Whyte said, “but if it becomes evident a change in services has to be made, we will let our clientele know.”
The LSU AgCenter located on the bottom floor of the building provides many services to the people of Webster Parish, as well. These services include family and nutritional information and lessons to SNAP recipients, 4-H development and a variety of services in agriculture and natural resources, including water and soil sampling. They are also the sponsoring agent for the Piney Hills Master Gardeners.
“Our office, like many governmental buildings, could stand a few updates,” said Lee Faulk, Parish Chair and Area Livestock Agent. “We’re very grateful to be receiving these updates and feel that they’ll increase the professional image of our office and improve our clientele’s experience when visiting.”
The Health Unit and Agcenter are not expected to be closed while this work is being completed and will continue normal operations.
