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Salina health department continues to be split up

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By Samantha Anderson

KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

7:39 PM CST, December 5, 2012

(SALINA, Kan.)

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The Salina-Saline County Health Department's resources remain split in two locations after it was forced to leave its building over the summer.

"There were concerns with the roof support structures, part of the framework of the roof," city manager Jason Gage said.

There are now two locations at 625 E. North Street and 148 N. Oakdale in Salina. The county and the city are trying to decide if they want to repair the old building, buy a new one and just who is responsible for the existing facility.

"The city didn't have any money and the county did so be the building," County Commissioner John Reynolds said. "They entered into the agreement and the city is supposed to take care of the maintenance issues include structural maintenance."

Gage says he doesn't think the agreement was clear and the roof support structures could be the county's responsibility.

"The city looks at that and thinks maintenance is not a reconstruction situation, Gage said. "Maintenance is caring for something from the condition it is in."

Health department officials say it's important that citizens get the care they need.

"We have noticed we have probably about 20 percent less people coming to the clinic for services," Del Myers, health education supervisor said.

They believe part of the dip is because there isn't a bus stop near the building that hosts services like immunizations and family planning.

"Clients who are using public transportation have to walk three blocks," Myers said. "There aren't any sidewalks, so they have to walk in the street."

Until the city and county decide what to do, the department will have to make the best of it, as the old building remains empty.

People can go to sschd.org for a list of which building offer which services.

Salina health department's resources divided.