Health Department
Macon County Health Department
601 Highway 52 Bypass East
P.O. Box 26
Lafayette, TN 37083
Phone: (615) 666-2142
The Macon County Health Department has a wide variety of services available. Many services are available to the general public, and fees are based on the person's ability to pay. No one will be denied service because of an inability to pay.
Some services are available only to low-income families, and certain eligibility requirements must be met.
For individuals with health insurance, the Health Department can bill the insurance company for services provided.
All services are by appointment. Please call (615) 666-2142 to schedule an appointment or to ask questions about available services.
General Services
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Vouchers to buy nutritious foods (such as cheese, milk and cereals)
are issued to women who are pregnant of breast feeding and to children under
five years of age who are at risk for poor growth. Recipients must meet certain
income guidelines.
Child Health
We are able to perform well-child checkups, physical exams, screening
tests and immunizations (shots). The Health Department strongly recommends
regular checkups and makes referrals for medical/dental services to make sure
all children are as healthy as possible.
Immunizations (Shots) for Children
We provide childhood immunizations against polio, diphtheria,
whooping cough, tetanus (lockjaw), measles, mumps, rubella (German Measles),
meningitis, hepatitis B, and chicken pox.
Immunizations (Shots) for Adults
Adults may receive flu shots, pneumonia immunizations, tetanus
boosters and diphtheria boosters.
Primary Care
A nurse practitioner is available to diagnose and treat minor
illnesses. She can also provide diagnostic testing such as pap smears and blood
pressure checks. The nurse practitioner can write prescriptions and order
tests such as x-rays at the local hospital.
Physical Exams
Physical Exams are available for both children and adults. These
could be regular, annual exams, pre-employment screening, yearly physicals as
required by law for certain occupations, etc.
Family Planning
Physical exams for women who are pregnant or think they might be are
available. Patients may request counseling about birth control and the different
methods that are available. The Health Department will recommend/prescribe
contraceptives. This is a confidential service; parental permission is not
required.
STD Control
The Health Department provides confidential counseling, testing,
treatment, referral and partner/spouse notification for sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). Confidential testing and counseling for HIV/AIDS is also
available.
Services for Teens
Teenagers have special needs, and the Health Department can help.
Assistance is available with things such as: birth control, pregnancy testing,
sexually transmitted diseases, etc. All information is confidential.
Parental consent is not required. Teens from rich families, middle-income
families and poor families are welcome.
TB Control
Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services are provided for patients
with tuberculosis (TB) and their contacts. Skin testing is available. Medication
is also available.
Nutrition
A nutritionist is on staff to teach individuals and groups about
proper nutrition. This service is especially helpful for WIC recipients, people
with diabetes, people with heart disease, etc. The nutritionist is
available on Tuesdays.
Dental Care
A dentist is available twice a week (Monday and Thursday) to provide
dental screenings and treatment to TennCare children ages 0 to 21. For the most
part, services to adults are limited to dental emergencies when the person does
not have access to services elsewhere.
Children’s Special Services (CSS)
The CSS program assists with medial treatment for children up to age
21 who have special medical needs and the family is financially unable to
provide the necessary care. This program may also include speech and vision
care.
Tennessee Home Visiting Program
Prenatal Care
Pregnancy testing, eligibility screening for TennCare and referral
for prenatal care are available.
Help Us Grow (HUG)
Home visits are made by a public health nurse to families whose
infants are at risk for medical or developmental problems. Teen mothers and
their infants are given highest priority.
Families First
When the Department of Human Services is planning to terminate
benefits to a family, they will notify the Health Department. The Health
Department will make a home visit to insure the health and safety of the family
is not in jeopardy.
Child Health and Development (CHAD)
CHAD is a sister program to HUG. Emphasis is placed on children at
risk for developmental delay. CHAD is more intensive and long-term than the HUG
program.
Vital Records
Birth Certificates
Certified copies of birth certificates may be obtained at the Health
Department from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This service is
available to persons born in Tennessee in 1949 or later.
Death Certificates
Certified copies of death certificates may be obtained at the Health Department from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information is only available for people who died in Macon County during the last three years.
Vital Records Collection
The Health Department collects birth and death information and sends
this information to the State of Tennessee, Office of Vital Records.
Health Education
Health Education Services
A health educator is available to provide educational services to individuals,
schools and community groups upon request.
Environmental Services
Septic Tanks
A Health Department inspector will test ("perk") a proposed home site to
determine if a septic tank is allowed, and if so, where it should be located and
what size it needs to be.
Ground Water
The Health Department is responsible for ground water issues such as testing
well water. They are also responsible for making recommendations
concerning sewer installations and problems.
Restaurant Inspections
A Health Department inspector regularly conducts inspections of
restaurants, hotels, motels, public swimming pools, child care facilities,
tattoo parlors, camps and schools.
Rabies Control
A Health Department inspector is responsible for planning and
promoting the rabies vaccination clinic. He/she also investigates animal bites.
Infectious Disease Control
Infectious Diseases
The Health Department collects and provides information on diseases in the
community, investigates serious diseases and monitors outbreaks (meningitis,
e-coli, etc). The goal is to keep the community safe through early detection and
control of the disease.
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What information should I bring with me on my first visit to the Macon County Health Department? In general this is what you'll need: Proof of your identity (driver's license, etc). Proof of income (your check stub or last year's tax return). Note: this is usually not necessary for teenagers seeking help. Proof of residency (a power bill, phone bill, etc.) Note: this is usually not necessary for teenagers seeking help. If you a bringing in a child, proof of the child's identity. If you have health insurance, your insurance card. |
For more information on State Health programs, please visit
the
State of Tennessee Department of Health
web site.