THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Thomas County Health Department has switched telephone services, resulting in all calls being routed to the main number: 229-226-4241.

“As of now, please call the Thomas County Health Department at our main number for all services, including specialty clinics,” said Thomas County Health Department Nurse Manager Carolyn Simmons. ”There are no longer direct lines to any programs.”

This includes lines to the following services: Child Health, Adult Health, Women’s Health, Nutrition Services/WIC, Immunizations, Environmental Health and Restaurant Inspections.

The new system was chosen because it is more cost-effective and efficient, Simmons explained.

Carolyn Maschke, Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator for the Southwest Health District said even though the former system was not the latest generation in technology, it was quite expensive.

Maschke said the new system is an improved automated phone system which will save substantial money district-wide, not just in Thomas County. The Southwest Health District, is a 14-county public health district serving over 300,000 citizens.

The new phone system will also cover any potential for calls to be lost or dropped. Simmons said a voice menu will allow callers to pick the department they want and perform activities such as leaving messages.

With many health departments being short staffed, when employees were out of the office attending conferences, etc., there was a chance a call may be missed.

“Now, even if someone is not there, the Health Department will not miss an opportunity to respond to or take action on all calls that come in,” said Maschke.

Simmons said the fax line (229-226-5144) and emergency number (888-430-4590) are not affected by the change.