A new program will provide those living in rural parts of the county easier access to programs designed to make them healthier.

That access will come through outreach clinics, operated by the Jackson County Health Department, and will begin this month at senior citizen centers in Brownstown, Crothersville and Medora.

The clinics are part of a department program to encourage individuals to “Do One Thing” for better health, said Lin Montgomery, the department’s public health coordinator-educator.

Department staff will be available at each center to provide education and support to individuals who are interested in learning more about healthy eating and exercise or reducing/quitting tobacco use and what vaccinations are recommended for certain age groups. Many of those programs already are available at the health department’s office in Seymour.

The outreach centers also will provide free testing for HIV and hepatitis C antibodies.

The outreach centers will be open to people of all ages, and a schedule is now available.

The first clinic will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Brownstown Senior Citizens Center, 124 S. Main St., and the second will be from 1 to 4 p.m. July 12 at the Crothersville Senior Citizens Center, 114 E. Main St.

From 1 to 4 p.m. July 19, an outreach center will be open at the Medora Senior Citizens Center at 52 W. Main St. The date for a clinic at Seymour’s center has yet to be confirmed.