Serene returns to familiar surroundings at health office
Staff reporter
Newly appointed Marion County Public Health Administrator Diedre Serene is no stranger to the county health department.
She was the county health administrator nine years ago and then left the position to become school nurse for USD 410.
Serene will continue to serve the Hillsboro school district in the mornings and work in the county health position in the afternoons and some evenings.
A reduction in some paperwork for staff members, due to computer upgrades, will allow Serene to work part-time.
Having been on the job since May 1, Serene does not anticipate any major department changes.
"One reason I agreed to take the job," said Serene, "was because the staff (members) know their positions and do their jobs well."
Some changes that have occurred on a state level are vaccinations.
"Children entering school for the first time have to have Hepatitis B and Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines in addition to the other vaccines," Serene said.
Serene said she has concerns regarding the West Nile Virus and wants to continue to educate the public about the illness.
"I have not had any cases cross my desk yet," Serene said.
Serene said she was pleased with the progress and growth of the county's child safety programs.
One county need Serene would like to address is family planning by providing annual exams and counseling on birth control options.
"The county would need to coordinate with another county that has a state grant to fund this type of program," Serene said, "or the county could try to fund it."
Serene also provides child health assessments for children and administers the Kan-Be Healthy program which promotes healthy habits in children.
Serene is a graduate of Hillsboro High School and received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Kansas School of Nursing.
She is married to Bruce and they have three children — Gavin, Mieka, and Callie. Serene and her family reside in Hillsboro.
Services offered
A variety of health services are offered by Marion County Health Department. All services are confidential and available for all Marion County residents, regardless of race, age, sex, or inability to pay.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 620-382-2550 or 800-305-8848.
