The Richmond County Health Department is trying to bring more health information on-line so consumers can find what they need to know with a mouse click.

The new Web site will be an extension with the county site but is being hosted through Map Nimbus by Geographic Technologies Group. The new site will be www. richmondnc.com/health.

“I think that the residents will be pleased with the information that is being displayed,” said Dr. Tommy Jarrell, health director.

The site displays the information on food services and lodging in the Richmond County area.

“We would get a lot of calls regarding the sanitation grades and the site will be able to answer the questions,” Jarrell said.

The original website (http://puvblichealth.southernregionalahec.org) will still display health statistics as they come in.

“It is just a matter of time before all the information can be on one platform,” said Jimmy Quick, information technology director.

The moveable map is able to display multiple pieces of information at one time. Clicking on numbered and lettered balloons will give property names and locations.

“If anyone has used the Internet mapping system it should seem familiar,” Quick said.

Not only does the site display food services and lodging, it also has crime data from Moore County and state sex offender information.

“The first step was making people aware of the information that would be of interest to them,” Quick said. “The information has geographical components and that is of interest to some.”

According to Jarrell, the information will be updated weekly or automatically.

“Before, we weren’t able to update it as fast,” Jarrell said. “Now if someone wants to know a restaurant grade before they step out to eat they can view it on the site.”

Recent Golden “A” Awards recognized 63 establishments in Richmond County that have shown long-term attention toward sanitation.

“That is our largest number to date,” Jarrell said.

The total number of grade “A’s” that were received by restaurants were 99.7 percent and only one business received a “B.”

“It’s pretty easy to use and we will be able to monitor that statistics as well,” Quick said.

If anyone has questions on the site there is an question mark on the bottom left hand side that can display instructions and also a video.

“This information has always been public and now it is more accessible,” Jarrell said.

For more information on the RCHD you may contact them at (910) 997-8300.

Staff Writer Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19, or by e-mail at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com.