Bedford County Health Department
W. Bryant Woosley Health Care Memorial
140 Dover Street
Shelbyville, TN 37160
931-684-3426
FAX 931-684-5860
Normal Business Hours: Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. CST
Tennessee’s 1999 Health Department of the Year
Pamela Browning, R.N.
Nursing Supervisor
Brent Shelton
Environmental Supervisor
Valerie Clanton
Public Health Office Supervisor
Debbie Broadway
Public Health County Director
Debbie.Broadway@state.tn.us
Tennessee Department of Health
www.state.tn.us/health
The mission of the Bedford County Health Department is to protect and promote the health of the community. Unlike the personal health care system, which focuses on individuals, the Bedford County Health Department focuses on the health of the country’s entire population. Every day, Bedford County citizens, as well as millions of other Tennesseans, are protected by public health measures—many of them invisible--in our community.
Healthy Families – Healthy Communities
Guide to Services
The health department provides a variety of basic health services.
We hope you will take advantage of these services.
Child Health
Healthy children are a priority at the health department. Well child check-ups include physical exams, immunizations and screening tests to assure normal development.
Prenatal
Pregnancy testing, full service prenatal program, presumptive eligibility screening for TennCare, and referrals are available
Breastfeeding Support
Trained counselors are available to assist breastfeeding mothers with all aspects of breastfeeding. There is a private breastfeeding area for those who would prefer to have a quiet place to nurse.
Immunizations (Shots)
Immunizations against polio, diphtheria,
whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox),
haemophilus, pneumonia, and Hepatitis B are provided for children. Influenza
(flu) and pneumonia shots, as well as diphtheria-tetanus boosters, are
available for adults. 
Nutrition
A nutritionist is available to teach proper nutrition for everyday living. Registered dietitians are available to counsel individuals with specific dietary needs such as diabetes, hypertension and weight management. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Nutrition Program provides nutritious supplemental foods and nutrition education for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, their infants, and children up to age five.
Infectious Disease Control
Necessary and timely information is provided to patients, their families, and health care providers about serious communicable diseases. The department collects and provides information on diseases in the community; investigates and monitors outbreaks; and keeps the community safe through investigation, early detection and early treatment of persons who have been exposed to these diseases.
Family Planning
Patients receive a complete physical exam, appropriate lab tests, information about birth control methods and the contraceptive method of their choice. Many infections and other reproductive health problems can be treated.
Children’s Special Services
This service assists with medical treatment for children to age 21, when they have special medical needs and the family is financially unable to provide necessary care.
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Primary Care
The Medical staff is available for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, as well as providing diagnostic testing such as blood pressure screening and Pap smears. Special health counseling is provided as needed.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Control
The health department provides confidential counseling, testing, treatment, referral and partner notification for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Home Visiting
Public health nurses make home visits to families whose children may be at risk for medical or developmental problems. This follow-up may begin during the prenatal period. Teen mothers and their infants are a high priority.
Women’s Health
A women’s health exam including a Pap test and a breast exam for women who are not enrolled in the family planning program is available. Women who have low incomes, are uninsured and at risk for breast cancer may quality for free mammograms and other diagnostic services.
Tuberculosis Control
Diagnosis, treatment, medication, and follow-up services for patients and their contacts are provided.
TennCare Applications
This services has been moved to the Department of Human Services as of July 1, 2002
Health Promotion
Program Coordinators work with community organizations, schools, hospitals, health department clients, law enforcement, and businesses to promote healthy behaviors.
Vital Records
Birth and death information is collected and sent to the State’s Office of Vital Records. Copies of death certificates are issued upon request. Certified copies of birth certificates for persons born in Tennessee in 1949 or later may be requested through the health department.
General Environmental Health
Specialists inspect food service establishments, hotels, public swimming pools, bed and breakfast establishments, childcare facilities, tattoo parlors, organized camps, and schools. They train the owners and workers to comply with state laws concerning health and safety. The staff also plans and promotes the rabies vaccination clinics and investigates animal bites.
Secure-A-Kid Child Safety Seat Program
A NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) certified child passenger safety technician is available for individual consultations with anyone interested in having their child safety seat checked or needing help with installation. A complete check for correct installation and recalls is provided along with important information about child weight and height recommendations for certain types of car seats.
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