Christa McMillian Loves Serving This Community
By SUSAN JACOBS
Christa McMillian has spent 22 years as a registered nurse with the last five years as nurse manager at the Jasper County Health Department.
Caring for others is in her DNA—it’s evident in her gentle manner. She and her husband, the 14 year pastor of Cross Roads Baptist Church in Eatonton, have five children ranging in age from nine to 21 with three in college and two in elementary school.
Christa was born and raised in Milledgeville and attended the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Prior to taking the job at the local health department in 2015, she worked in labor & delivery, home health care and oncology, which she liked the most. Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
“I loved oncology. There are good times and bad times but through the process you make friends for life,” she said. “Much like at the health department when you are there when they’re born and see them through life.”
Christa is very excited about everything that is currently happening at the health department. The list begins with the recent move from the old location at 336 East Greene Street to 825 Eatonton Street, just half a mile down the street. The move marks a new era for the health facility which was located at the former location at least five decades which shown on the building’s wear and tear.
The new building, a former long term health facility, gives the organization an fresher feel, increased space, and opportunity to expand services which the nurse manager has her sights on.
Christa noted that the health department is seeking to re-establish its’ presence in the community. She recalled that before taking the job as nurse manager that the facility had some inconsistencies that sometimes included no nurses on duty for days at a time. But those inconsistencies are behind the department she said.
Some new programs on the horizon include medical care for inmates at the Jasper County jail, a hypertension diabetes program where patients can get their labs and medicines locally, outreach programs such as mobile flu shots on location in Shady Dale, drug screenings, immunization fairs, and a car seat program which offers free car seats with free inspections and classes.
”Anything we can do we are willing to do whether it’s in the box or out of the box.”
The nurse manager is looking to expand services by offering teen services including a clinic, motivational speakers, and teen forum. Mental health services may be offered as soon as June 1 through a health department partnership with MES??
Health department fees for services work on a sliding scale basis, if not covered by insurance. Unlike a standard doctor’s office, the less you make the less you pay at the health department.
Christa invites Jasperites to utilize the services offered with some in home assessments also available where the nurses will come to you, if needed. She encourages people not to be afraid to call and inquire about any services.
“We are here for the long haul, visit us.”
