Warren County Health Services has a new director for the beginning of its second century!
Patricia Belden has been appointed Warren County’s Director of Health Services, replacing the recently retired Ginelle Jones. Belden worked as Deputy Director of Health Services under Jones for the past two years, after a promotion from assistant director.
She said she was excited to lead the 48-person department, which includes Home Care, WIC, Childhood Early Intervention and Committee on Preschool Special Education as well as programs that focus on communicable diseases, immunizations, rabies, lead exposure, Health Education, tuberculosis and more.
A resident of Queensbury, Belden said she will work to build on the progress she and Jones have made to help recover after the COVID-19 pandemic while dealing with significant budget headwinds.
Belden has worked for Warren County Health Services since June 1990, first as a registered nurse in the Home Health Care program, then working her way to nurse supervisor, assistant director and deputy director. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Plattsburgh and a master’s degree in public health from SUNY Albany.
“I’ve been able to work in all of our programs over the years, and that has been very beneficial,” she said. “We have a strong team who are dedicated to the community and who do great work.”
She said maximizing resources, cross training of staff and focusing on programs to help seniors and confront chronic disease are among what she sees as agency priorities going forward. New programs targeting vaping and assisting families with child seat safety have proven to be particularly beneficial.
“We try to educate and prevent disease, and that costs less in the long run,” she said.
In addition to appointment by the Warren County Board of Supervisors, Belden’s appointment has been approved by the NY State Department of Health, as required by NY State law.
Ginelle Jones said her decision to retire in early Aprilwas made easier knowing that Belden would succeed her.
“Pat will do a great job. She is dedicated to Warren County Health Services and I know this will be a seamless transition for the department,” Jones said.
Health Services celebrated its 100th anniversary last fall.