Along with the merger of probate courts, the growth of regional health districts has been the most successful regional initiative seen in these parts over the past two decades. They have expanded the role of public health service from the minimal — conducting food establishment inspections and signing off on sanitation systems — to the comprehensive. These health districts are far better prepared than their small-town predecessors to respond to health emergencies or epidemics. They evaluate health issues confronting their district towns — such as sexually transmitted disease and the opioid crisis — and they offer preventive services such as screenings, flu shots, fall prevention guidelines and smoke cessation programs.

In the land of steady habits, change often comes slowly. Some smaller towns have been reluctant to join, preferring the known — their local part-time inspectors, sanitarians and a director/doctor — to the advantages of linking services with surrounding communities.

Finally, the transition to regional health districts is almost complete.

North Stonington was the most recent town to make the change when it joined the Ledge Light Health District last year. That left Preston, the only town in the region not aligned with a regional health district.

That could be about to change. It should. The Board of Selectmen is contemplating joining the Uncas Health District, which provides public health services to 10 towns in northern New London County. The selectmen will continue that discussion when they meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

First Selectman Robert Congdon has noted it might be slightly more expensive — the membership fees to the district perhaps a couple of thousand dollars more than the cost of the current part-time crew. But availability of services will improve, along with the expanded programs referenced earlier in this editorial.

It should also be noted that Preston is on the threshold of dramatic growth. The Mohegan tribe — the owner and operator of the Mohegan Sun Casino across the Thames River from Preston — is committed to the redevelopment of the former Norwich Hospital campus in Preston. The tribe plans a $400 million to $600 million entertainment, recreational, sports and residential complex. Tiny Preston will change and would benefit from the services of a robust regional health district.

It is time for Preston to join the 21st century and join the Uncas Health District.

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.