Retirement: It’s what most people are working towards. After almost 30 years of working at the Garrett County Health Department, Betty Anderson will retire November 1st.
Anderson started working at the Health Department in November of 1990 as an aid in Home Health. “In Home Health I always felt like I was making a difference,” she reminisced. “That was a very rewarding job. It was like you became a part of the client’s family.”
In 1998 she moved to Healthy Families, where she mostly did computer work. “Although I worked on the computer most of the time, I felt like it was important because it made so the other employees could work with the clients and give them a chance to better their lives.
After 10 years in Healthy Families, Anderson moved to Health Education and Outreach where she served another 11 years. Although her job title was office secretary, she was involved in all aspects of the prevention programs, helping with reports, questionnaires, surveys, posters, letters, stickers, data bases, diet consults, car seat rentals, bike helmet distribution, fitness testing, wellness competitions…the list goes on.
“I’ve enjoyed working in this office, because I enjoy what I’m doing here,” she said. “I feel like I was always learning different things about prevention, and I felt appreciated.”
Looking back, Anderson said she thinks the services at the health department have improved over the years. “When I first started here, a lot of the departments didn’t exist, including Dental, Healthy Families, Health Education and Outreach, and Adult Evaluation Review Services. The number of services has really increased.”
In retirement, Anderson hopes to be able to keep up with her housework, train her new puppy, spend more time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and help with elderly family members.
“I feel like I’ve really grown from working here,” Anderson said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and it’s kind of bittersweet for it to end. But, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family.”
Cutline: Pictured above is Betty Anderson surrounded by some of her family members at a recent retirement celebration at the Health Department. From left to right are great-granddaughters Avery and Aubrey Summerfield (in back), granddaughters Maddie Berg and Olivia Summerfield, Anderson, daughters Heather Berg and Shellie Evans, and great-granddaughter Adeline Summerfield.
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
Contact: [email protected]
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