Coshocton Public Health District launches ‘Access to Care’ mini-series

The Coshocton Public Health District is launching a new community mini-series called Access to Care.

Access to care affects health at every stage of life. This mini-series explores how health care services are delivered in Coshocton County and the factors that shape access for individuals and families.

Through short features and spotlights, the series will highlight the following:

—Local health care providers and organizations.

—Preventive care and early intervention strategies.

—Why providers choose to serve Coshocton County.

—Barriers to care faced by residents.

—Community health needs and emerging challenges.

The goal is to increase awareness, share local perspectives and strengthen understanding of how access to care impacts community health.

The second featured provider of this series is Amanda Poorman MSN, CNM. She is with Coshocton Public Health Prenatal Clinic and Knox Community Hospital and specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. Her contact information is Coshocton Public Health Prenatal Clinic at 740-622-2999 and Knox at 740-326-3531.

“It is very important to me that I can provide care to women in our community that can’t always travel 35-50 minutes away for prenatal care,” Poorman said. “I grew up in Coshocton, and I enjoy taking care of pregnant women who live in my community.”

She encourages women under the age of 45 to receive the HPV vaccine, along with appropriate screens such as mammograms over the age of 40, along with cervical cancer screenings.

“Early detection is so important in effective treatment,” Poorman said.

She works hard to encourage shared decision-making and allowing time in appointments to address concerns specific to women.

“We are able to help with housing referrals, transportation needs and mental health screenings,” she said.

Poorman’s advice to residents is to trust themselves.

“Do not wait to seek care,” she said. “Ask questions and keep asking until you understand any health diagnosis you may have. You are your best health advocate. Educate yourself and ask your provider about the best resources to find more information on health topics related to your issues.”