MONROE, MI — A seven-month, $2.4 million renovation project has begun at the Monroe County Health Department, 2353 South Custer Road in Monroe.
All health department services will continue to be available during construction, including Dr. Tuka Sada’s Monroe Pediatric Dental Care, which just opened inside the building and is accepting new patients.
“Preparation for the construction began on July 9, with construction expected to begin July 14,” said Jamie Dean, health officer/director of the Monroe County Health Department.
Work will be done on several spaces inside the building and on building systems.
“The focus of the project is to enhance code compliance, improve staff and occupant safety and increase service delivery efficiencies,” Dean said. “The scope of the work includes upgrades to building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.), updates in clinical spaces, renovation of the lobby and public restrooms and updates to building interiors and staff work areas.”
The general contractor for the project is Corrigan Construction, based in Brighton.
“We are also contracted with (Monroe’s) Kohler Architecture,” Dean said.
Funding for the project came in part from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant.
“The funding strengthens public health and enables jurisdictions to meet their specific needs related to health, safety and security. This grant opportunity lets health departments across the country invest in the people, services and systems that can address their communities’ most pressing needs,” Dean said. “The remainder of the project is being funded by the Monroe County Public Health Fund.”
The Public Health Fund is providing $1.75 million of the project.
“The public health fund is a special revenue fund within the county general fund. It is restricted funds set aside to pay for the operations of the health department,” Dean said.
This is the Monroe County Health Department’s first major renovation in years.
“I believe the county acquired this property in 1990, and part of the building was renovated into space for the health department. No significant changes have occurred to the health department portion of the building since that time,” Dean said.
During construction, the main entrance and lobby of the building will be completely closed off, but other side entrances will be available. Signs have been posted in and around the building to help direct people to services.
“We will continue to provide the vital services the public relies on and appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as we get through these next several months of our building renovation” Dean said.
For more information about the construction project or Monroe County Health Department’s services, call 734-240-7800.
“The Monroe County Health Department protects the public through health promotion, disease prevention and preservation of the environment. Local public health information and updates are available at healthymonroecounty.com and on social media (@MCHDMichigan),” the health department said in a news relese.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler atswisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: $2.4M renovation begins at Monroe Co. Health Department. Dental clinic also opens.
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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