Dr. William Hablitzel stands in front of Adams County Job and Family Services, now shared with as the new location for the Adams County Health Department. *(Photo by Sherry Larson)
Adams County Health Department all moved in to new site
By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
“We’re here!” said Dr. William Hablitzel of the recent relocation of the Adams County Health Department to 460 Rice Drive. The Department moved in the first week of May and is finally settling into its new digs.
But the move has caused some confusion. The Health Department is housed in the same building as Job and Family Services, whose address is 482 Rice Drive. The same building with different addresses has led some people to wander and wonder where the Health Department is.
Dr. Hablitzel noted that the move was a long time coming and said, “We’ve needed more space for years, and this opportunity became available.”
Given the state agencies involved and the nature of the records, Hablitzel explained the need to keep everything highly secure. A 40-foot wall was constructed, with a separate entrance for JFS and the Health Department.
“The big thing is that we need people to know we are here,” stressed Hablitzel. The Health Department is a little off the beaten path, and the separate addresses have added to the confusion. “We’re already experiencing some consequences,” he said, highlighting the importance of community awareness and the need for signage in the front of the building to direct people to the correct destination.
“Same faces,” clarified Hablitzel, adding that the new building will enable them to return more services under one roof.
For more information or directions to the Adams County Health Department’s new location, call (937) 544-5547.
