I am Courtney Holcomb-Bennett.

I have been the Sanitarian at Clay County Health Department for almost three years. I am originally from Clay County and graduated from Clay County High School in 2010. I went on to attend Glenville State College, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Environmental Science, as well as, an Associate’s Degree in Business. I have completed the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health’s 300-hour Sanitarian Training course, with both class time and on-the-job training. I enjoy working at the health department because I like being a part of the county that I grew up in.

As the county Sanitarian, I am responsible for issuing water well permits, individual septic permits, collecting water samples for bacteriological testing, and issuing permits for/ inspecting the county food establishments. I also teach the monthly food handler’s class at the health department. Last year, we partnered with State Food Safety and made the food handler’s class available online 24/7. This is a more convenient way to obtain your food handler’s card if you normally work during the health department’s hours or cannot make it to one of the monthly classes offered.

Environmental health is vital for the overall health of the population because it plays a major role in disease control and prevention. Some environmental factors that contribute to the quality of our health include: air and water quality, food safety, and sewage disposal. By having proper environmental health controls in place, we can help improve our quality of life.

You can call Clay County Health Department to see what environmental health services we offer. If you need something we do not offer, we can direct you to the division that may be of assistance to you.