Martin County Health Department is experiencing a funding problem. They used to have a person to fill genealogical requests and mail copies to researchers. However, the county was only willing to pay for one person to work only 5 hours per week. The person who held this position was forced to find another position with more hours. The county has no plans to replace this position.

The lady with whom I spoke at the Martin County Health Department feels that the "powers that be" aren't aware of how important it is to have someone to fill the requests for records that come in. She said they receive more than 10 requests per day and isn't sure when or even if they can get to them. She suggested that people who are concerned about this situation call the County Health Officer at 812-636-7300 (Dr. Sutton) or the County Auditor at 812-247-3731 (Mr. Jones). When you call, let them know that you've requested copies of some documents at the MCHD and they don't know when/or if these will be filled due to lack of personnel. Please let them know how important it is to have someone available to fill our requests for records.