The Putnam County Department of Health has several divisions, one of which is primarily made up of nurses who work to prevent the spread of communicable diseases within the county. The communicable diseases reported to local health departments include flu, tickborne illnesses, foodborne illnesses, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) like chlamydia, syphilis, and hepatitis. Specific diseases are investigated to find the source and date of exposure to prevent the disease from spreading. Like most staff at the health department, Senior Public Health Nurse Jean Ralston, RN, MSN, WHNP, fills many roles, one of which is managing communicable disease investigations. Continue reading to learn more about Jean and her work for Putnam County.

What is your favorite part of working at the health department?

The Putnam County Department of Health is here to serve our residents.  I am just one part of a department that is working towards disease identification and prevention for the whole community.  The nurses strive to make a positive impact for our residents, especially those that are most vulnerable. 

What does your day-to-day work look like?

Every day is different.  As a nurse I may be educating the public or healthcare providers about tick diseases, communicable diseases or STI’s.  I may also be working one-on-one with a patient to administer immunizations or to assist in the tuberculosis (TB) program. The variety means I am never bored, and I get to meet a lot of residents!

What do you wish the public knew about your job?

The Putnam County Health Department is here to help.  We can’t always solve problems, but we will try to assist our residents as best we can and point people in the right direction whenever possible. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Never stop learning.  New diseases are always emerging such as Zika or Covid-19.  As a nurse, it is my job to stay current with the latest information about new diseases, testing and treatments. 

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

It is important to meet people where they are.  Only then can the next step be discussed and planned. 

Understanding which communicable diseases are circulating in Putnam County helps nurses and other health department staff focus on prevention and education efforts. For example, after an increase in STI rates in the county, Jean and other nursing staff implemented a condom distribution program. They worked with urgent care sites across the county to provide free condoms to residents in more locations. This was in addition to providing free condoms and prevention education in the health department. Correct and consistent use of condoms can significantly reduce the chance of STI transmission, including HIV and Hepatitis C. Through a partnership with Open Door Brewster, Putnam County residents can receive free testing and treatment for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. To make an appointment for testing and treatment, please call Open Door Brewster at 845-279-6999 and tell them you were referred by the Putnam County Department of Health. Those looking for HIV and hepatitis C testing can contact the health department directly at 845-808-1390 to schedule an appointment.