| April 28, 2004 |
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Archives |
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TPHA Award for
District Immunization Initiatives |
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District-Wide Animal Services Summit
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Information
Technology Manager Hired |
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News Releases
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4C’s Clinic Updates |
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Membership Renewal |
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Dental Receptionists positions
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Title XX Grant |
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Retreat for 4C's providers and supervisors
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Office of Environmental Health
Services Updates |
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Trash Bash 2004 |
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Gold Ribbon Awards Ceremony |
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Environmental Crimes Unit |
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Beach Water Testing |
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Office of Community Health Programs
Updates |
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Our Robert Wood Johnson "Community Supports for
Diabetes Self-Management" |
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The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
grant |
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Senior Health Coordinator
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Tuberculosis Elimination department |
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Office of Emergency
Medical Services |
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Galveston Area Ambulance Authority
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Beach Party Weekend |
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Operational Updates |
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Public Health Preparedness
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Volunteer program for seniors to
participate in Homeland Security efforts |
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Contracts reinstated
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Renewal for a HIV Services grant
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United Way Volunteer Program
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| TPHA Award for District Immunization
Initiatives |
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The Galveston County Health
District received the "Thinking Progressively for Health Award" from the
Texas Public Health Association (TPHA) at its meeting held April 18-20th in
Houston. The award is passed each year to an agency or group that the TPHA feels
has lived up to the name of the award. TPHA decided to honor the Health District
because of aggressive strategies being taken in Galveston County to improve
immunization rates. With innovative outreach techniques implemented by the
District such as the "medical home model" of immunization delivery which
promotes the delivery of immunizations within ones medical home and encourages
clinical preventative healthcare. For more information, contact Susan
Studebaker, Director, Community Health Programs, at 409.938.2457or by email at
sstudebaker@gchd.org
<mailto:sstudebaker@gchd.org> |
| District-Wide Animal Services Summit
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On March 30, 2004, the Galveston
County Health District hosted an Animal Services Summit as a public forum in an
effort to improve public relations among our public health partners and relevant
stakeholders as outlined in the District's Strategic Health Plan. The purpose of
the forum was to outline the Health District's plans to improve existing
services within available resources and to hear community ideas and perspectives
regarding the need for short-term or long-term improvements in animal services.
There were fifty-seven (57) attendees who voiced their ideas and perspectives
regarding animal services improvements. For more information please contact
Ronnie Schultz, Director of Environmental Health Programs, at 409.938.2314 or by
email at
rschultz@gchd.org
<mailto:rschultz@gchd.org> |
| Information Technology Manager
Hired |
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Jamie Older joined the Health
District's Information Technology department on Monday, April 12, 2004 as the
new IT Manager. Jamie has a BA from Sam Houston State University and has over 17
years' of experience in the Information Technology field. Since her hire date,
Jamie has conducted an assessment of the Health District's computer system,
presented the Executive Team with a proposal and a timeframe for improvement and
received the approval from the Executive Team to move forward with the proposal.
For more information, contact Kathy Barroso, Chief Financial Officer, at
409.938.2257 or by email at
kbarroso@gchd.org
<mailto:kbarroso@gchd.org>
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News Releases and
Press Stories For more information on any news release or press story,
please contact Kurt Koopmann, Public Information Officer, at 409. 938.2211 or
email kkoopman@gchd.org |
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On March 30, 2004 the District
conducted an "Animal Services Summit" seeking input from the community on ways
to improve services provided with contracted cities. A press release (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/03AnimalSvc.htm>)
announcing the Summit and inviting the public to attend was issued March 19th.
Local newspapers received the information and printed several stories promoting
the event. The Galveston Daily (GDN) News included the information along with
comments from those in the community in a story published March 22, 2004 (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/03AnimalSvcDNews.htm>).
On the day of the Summit the Galveston Daily News also ran an editorial
commending the District for seeking input and urging the public to attend which
can be viewed at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/03AnimalSvcEditorialDNews.htm>).
A story the following day in the GDN included comments from the District and
also a local animal activist noting the positive ideas shared at the summit and
can be viewed at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/03AnimalSvcAfterDNews.htm>).
Additionally a local wildlife rehabilitator submitted a Galveston Daily News
Letter to the Editor praising the District for the efforts being initiated to
improve animal services. The entire letter can be seen at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/04AnimalSvcDNewsLtr.htm>).
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On March 26, 2004 a press release
was issued announcing the 4C's Clinic appointments of Dr. Abdul-Aziz Alhassan as
4C's Medical Director and Dr. Beverly Foster as Director of 4C's Dental
Services. This release was published in the Galveston Daily News and can be read
at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/03DirectorsAppts.htm>).
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A press release was issued March
31, 2004 promoting activities planned by the District to observe National Public
Health Week. The activities promoted were the annual presentation of "Gold
Ribbon Awards" to area food establishments maintaining sanitary facilities and
the employee wellness fair at the Texas City Nessler Center. The wellness fair
was open to employees of all member cities. The release can be viewed at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/03NatHealthWk.htm>)
and was published in the Texas City Sun (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/04NatHealthWkTCSun.htm>).
The Sun also ran a follow-up story containing photos taken at the employee
wellness fair (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/04NatHealthWkTCSunAfter.htm>).
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The presentation of "Gold Ribbon
Awards" to local food service establishments received notice in the Texas City
Sun on April 7, 2004. T.J. Aulds, Managing Editor of the Sun published an
editorial very complimentary of the efforts put forth by the District's Consumer
Health Staff. This editorial can be read at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/04GldRibnEditTCSun.htm>).
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On April 21, 2004 a press release
was issued promoting the offering of free immunizations to county residents
during "National Infant Immunization Week" being observed the week of April
25th. The news release contained the locations where immunizations will be
offered and can be viewed at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/04FreeShots.htm>)
along with links to additional coverage provided by local newspapers.
Immunization efforts such as these came to the attention of the Texas Public
Health Association which recognized the District with the "Thinking
Progressively for Health" award presented at it conference recently held in
Austin. A press release was issued with information on why the District was
selected and can be seen at (<http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/04ImmAward.htm>). |
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April 26, 2004 the Galveston Daily
News published a story highlighting the efforts being made by the District to
obtain an $830,000 CAP federal grant geared towards increasing access to care in
Galveston County. United Board of Health member Ted Hanley, and Susan
Studebaker, Director of Community Health Programs were both quoted in the story
which can be found at <http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/04CapGrantDNews.htm>.
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| 4C’s Clinic Updates
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Three Governing Board members,
Thelma Logan (Chair), Brian Maxwell, and Dorothy Goodman are due for membership renewal
at the June 24, 2004 Governing Board meeting. These members will be asked if
they would like to continue on the Board. If they agree, their new term will
expire in 2007. If one or more members cannot continue services, the United
Board of Health will nominate candidate(s) to fill the vacated position(s). For
more information, please contact Gay Lane, Administrative Assistant, Health
Priorities, at 409.938.2297 or by email nglane@gchd.org. |
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Interviews for the 2
Dental Receptionists positions have been scheduled for May 7th in Texas
City Conference Room. A panel of 3 will conduct the interviews. For more
information, please contact Dr. Beverly Foster, Dental Director, at 409.949.3445
or by email bfoster@gchd.org |
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The 4C's clinic has applied for a
Title XX grant from the Texas Department of Health. Title XX provides family
planning services to women and men of reproductive age whose income is 150% or
less of the federal poverty level. The District has received funding under Title
XX for many years. This year the grant process is competitive. The grant was
submitted on April 16, 2004. For more information contact Mike Carr, 4C's
Business Manager, at 409-949-3406 or by email at
mcarr@gchd.org . |
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On May 5, 2004, a retreat for 4C's
providers and supervisors will be held at the La Marque City Hall, from 8:00
a.m. until noon. The purpose of the retreat is to get feedback from the
attendees on how to implement the Strategic Health priority on access health
care services via a reengineer process. The retreat will also enhance team
building among providers and 4C's supervisors. For more information, contact
Pisa Lewis, Executive Assistant, at 409-938-2401 or by email at
plewis@gchd.org |
| Office of Environmental
Health Services Updates |
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Trash Bash 2004
- With the help of 600 willing volunteers, eight (8) tons of trash and 56 tires
were removed from the Texas City Dike in support of the annual Trash Bash event.
The event of March 27 began at 8:30 am and closed at 1:00 pm with the crowds of
volunteers being provided a wonderful lunch, an appreciation gift, entertainment
and an environmental expo. Through hands-on educational tools and partnerships
among environmental, governmental and private organizations, Trash Bash
organizers provided educational opportunities promoting environmental
stewardship. The Texas City Dike Trash Bash site is one of eleven (11) sites
around the Houston-Galveston area that attracts thousands of volunteers eager to
clean up our waterways. For more information, contact Ronnie Schultz, Office of
Environmental Health Programs, at 409.938.2314 or by email at
rschultz@gchd.org |
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Gold Ribbon Awards Ceremony
- The Eighth Annual Galveston County Health District Gold Ribbon Awards Ceremony
highlighted 56 area food establishments in 13 cities throughout the District
deserving of this honor. The Honorable County Judge James Yarbrough and Dr. Mark
Guidry awarded our recipients with a framed certificate acknowledging their
accomplishments. For more information, contact Marty Entringer, at 409-938.2458
or by email at
mentringer@gchd.org |
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Environmental Crimes Unit
- At the request of the Galveston County Commissioner's Court, Mr. Garret
Foskit, Nuisance Abatement Officer, has been asked to assist the newly formed
Galveston County Environmental Crimes Unit. The new Environmental Unit will be
in a position to assist the Health District's Nuisance Abatement program in the
investigation of illegal dumping and abandoned vehicles. Garret will assist in
the training of the officers in Environmental crime investigative techniques,
sampling techniques, safety training, and evidence gathering. For more
information, contact Garret Foskit at 409.938.2311 or by email at
gfoskit@gchd.org |
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Beach Water Testing
- The Public Health Laboratory Services Division is gearing up for the upcoming
beach water-monitoring season. The laboratory analyzes all of the water samples
that are collected under the General Land Office's program entitled "Texas Beach
Watch." The Beach Watch program collects water samples year round from beaches
along Galveston Island, Bolivar Peninsula, and the Texas City Dike. The months
between May and September are considered peak beach usage periods and require
weekly sampling. In all, 46 sample stations will be monitored requiring the
weekly analysis of over 92 samples to be tested for the indicator bacteria,
Enterococcus. An increased level of the bacteria is a possible indicator that
there is a high level of fecal matter in the beach water that could lead to
illness. This information will be used to assist local officials in the posting
of beaches that do not meet the state bathing water standards. For more
information, contact Doug Simburger, Public Health Laboratory Services at
409.938.2449 or by email at
dsimburger@gchd.org |
| Office of Community
Health Programs Updates |
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Our Robert Wood Johnson
"Community Supports for Diabetes Self-Management"
has been refunded for the next 30 months. Particular strengths that were noted
by the reviewers include: the focus and progress on access to care issues,
initiation of the coach program (volunteers that are trained and take this
training to their local churches, senior centers and schools), longstanding and
strong partnerships with a variety of community groups and organizations, and
improvement of clinic processes, e.g., "goal patrol". Twenty-one (21) Health
Coaches were recruited and training has been held in Galveston, Texas City, and
Crystal Beach. Community classes are scheduled to begin in May. For more
information, please contact Susan Studebaker, Director, Community Health
Programs, at 409.938.2257 or by email at
sstudebaker@gchd.org |
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On April 16, 2004, the
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
grant was submitted to the Texas Department of Health in the amount of
$62,510. If approved, the funding will be used for mammograms, cervical cancer
screening and follow up testing. For more information, please contact Susan
Studebaker, Director, Community Health Programs, at 409.938.2257 or by email at
sstudebaker@gchd.org |
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The
Senior Health Coordinator has been participating in community activities
this month. Letters were sent to 300 Senior Corps member alerting them to the
possible scams with false Medicare drug cards, explaining the enrolment process
in the real Medicare drug cards in May and listing the pharmacy companies who
now offer free discount drug cards. For more information, please contact Charles
Kelly, Senior Outreach Coordinator, at 409.938.2293 or by email at ckelly@gchd.org |
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Staff from the
Tuberculosis Elimination department toured the Beaumont Health
Department' s TB Clinic in an effort to explore different models of providing
Chest Clinic services. The goal is to strengthen the public health focus of the
TB program by changing clinic sites, lab handling, pharmacy, registration, and
assessing the potential of billing Medicaid. For more information, please
contact Susan Studebaker, Director of Community Health Programs at 409.938-2457
or by email at sstudebaker@gchd.org |
| Office of Emergency
Medical Services |
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Galveston Area Ambulance
Authority
completed March with 807 emergency medical calls and 240 non-emergency
transports. This March was the third busiest month of March in the history of
GAAA. GAAA remains 300 emergency calls above last year at the same time. |
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Beach Party Weekend's
"mass gathering" response went as planned. GAAA used Bike Team Response and one
Tactical EMS Unit to negotiate the traffic problems and keep response times near
normal. Saturday was the busiest day of the three with 64 calls (this is about
15 calls above the average). Sunday was so calm that the specialty EMS teams
were shut down early. The smaller crowd kept emergency calls below the usual for
Beach Party. There were no fatalities or critical injuries. For more
information, please contact Greg Kunkel, Chief of Operations at
gkunkel@gchd.org, or
at 409.621-3141 |
| Operational Updates
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During the month of April,
Public Health Preparedness staff had met with various partners across the
county (i.e. Friendswood ISD officials, representative from Mainland Medical
Center, Shriner's Hospital, UTMB, etc.) to discuss topics such as having a
facility as a dispensing site for Strategic National Stockpile to coordinating
the newly formed Galveston County Medical Response Collaborative. Staff had also
attended Forensic Epidemiology training, provided an overview of the Health
District preparedness actives and served on a BioWatch panel at the Texas Public
Health Association Conference held in Houston. For more information, contact
Brian Rutherford, Public Health Planner, at 409.938.2275 or by email at
brutherford@gchd.org. |
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On April 23rd, in coordination with
the Senior Health coordinator, the Health District applied for a Federal grant
to establish a volunteer program for seniors to participate in Homeland Security efforts.
For more information, contact Brian Rutherford, Public Health Planner, at (409)
938-2275 or by email at
brutherford@gchd.org |
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Contracts with several vendors and providers were reinstated this month: Gulf
Coast Center for patient transportation; DePasqual Inc for pharmacy services;
and provider contracts with all the part-time Dentist and two "Ready Providers".
For more information, please contact Jay Holland, Chief Operating Officer, at
409-938-2401 or by email at
jholland@gchd.org , or Pam Jahnke, Strategic Health Evaluator, at
409.938.2256. or by email at
pjahnke@gchd.org |
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A renewal for a HIV
Services grant in the amount of $101,000 was submitted to TDH. A subcontract,
under a TDH HOPWA grant, was signed with ACCT to provide HIV/AIDS income
eligible clients with their rent and utilities until there is no longer a need
or they secure other housing and for emergency assistance that is short term to
help prevent homelessness. For more information please contact Anne McMorris,
HIV Administration, at at 409.763.2532 or by email at
amcmoriss@gchd.org |
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Budget for
the United Way Volunteer Program has been approved by the United Board of
Health. A contract has been initiated with former employee, Shirley Carr, RN,
who retired in early 2004. Shirley Carr will serve as the Volunteer Coordinator
on a part time basis. Gay Lane will serve as the Administrative Assistant in the
Office of Volunteer Coordination and assist with other health care priorities
while Pisa Lewis has assumed the position of Executive Assistant. For more
information, contact Harlan "Mark" Guidry, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Executive
Officer, at 409-938-2401 or by email at
mguidry@gchd.org |
