THOMASVILLE — A Thomas County man is concerned about the reception he and his wife received Friday at the Thomas County Health Department.

Frank Hunter said he and his wife arrived at the Smith Avenue agency during the noon hour Friday to obtain a couple of birth certificates.

“A lady was standing outside the health department and said they were closed,” Hunter told the Times-Enterprise Monday.

Hunter said the woman explained that it was “a special day,” with a retirement party under way.

Hunter and his spouse went to the nearby Thomas County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) to inquire about the birth certificates. The couple explained that the health department was closed. A DFACS employee who called the health department also was told the agency was closed.

Hunter said the woman at the health department door told his wife she could not obtain the birth certificates Friday.

“She told her she would have to come back Monday,” Hunter said.

He and his wife, who live near Ochlocknee, returned to the health department Monday morning to obtain the birth certificates.

“We were closed for other services,” said Carolyn Simmons, health department director. “ ... We did allow persons in to have birth certificates done.”

The department was having a retirement reception for an employee, Simmons explained.

She said the local health department receives clearance from the district health agency in Albany to have receptions for employees.

However, she added, the office is to remain open, phones are to be answered, and employees are to be available.

“I’m continuing to do an investigation into this,” Simmons said. “At this point, nobody has come forward to me.”



Health Department Statement



“On October 30 at lunch time, a retirement party for an employee was held in a private area in the Thomas County Health Department. During the event, staff members continued to perform their duties and meet the needs of the public seeking services such as copies of vital records.

“However, if the event caused inconvenience to any member of the community, I sincerely apologize. The staff of the Thomas County Health Department works hard to meet the needs of the community. I encourage anyone with concerns about the health department to contact me at 229-226-4241 to give me an opportunity to address those concerns.

“The mission of the Thomas County Health Department is to prevent disease, injury, and disability; promote health and well-being and provide for disasters.”



Carolyn Simmons,

Thomas County Health Department director



Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.