The Executive Report is a monthly summary of key activities and
significant happenings in the Health District overall. This summary of
activities and/or happenings may involve: one of many different
public health
programs, the
Galveston Area
Ambulance Authority (GAAA), the
4C's
federally-funded community health clinics (CHC's), and/or
collaborate efforts among community health partners.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
Pisa Lewis , Executive Assistant,
at 409 938-2401, by email:plewis@gchd.org;
or Kurt Koopmann, Public Information Officer,
at 409-938-2211,
by email:kkoopman@gchd.org.
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| JULY 28, 2004 |
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Archives |
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Diseases and Disasters: Are We Ready? |
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An uninsured person’s experience
trying to access health care |
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Chief Epidemiologist
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Other News Releases and Press Stories |
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4C’s Clinic Updates |
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4C’s Board members Reappointed |
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Pharmacy statistics |
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Clinic re-engineering consultant |
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Pain Management Training |
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Texas Medical Foundation conducted an immunization site review |
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Vacant Clinic Positions |
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Medical Records Team Leader selected |
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Office of Environmental Health
Services Updates |
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Kemah Parade |
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Air Section Manager’s Meeting |
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Office of Community Health Programs Updates |
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The Senior Health Advisory Group |
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Immunization Clinics were audited by Texas Department of
Health |
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Robert Wood Johnson Community Supports for Diabetes
Self-Management project: |
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Office of Emergency Medical Services |
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"Town Hall” meeting |
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Operational Updates |
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Senior Health Improvement Awards |
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m/td>
| Weapons Collaborative |
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orientation session for eight potential
volunteers |
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VA Hospital |
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Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program was
reviewed by the TDH |
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Animal Services Interlocal Agreement |
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Boiler Purchase |
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Contracts Executed |
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TB Prevention and Control contract |
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HIV Services |
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Two TDH STD/HIV contracts |
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TDH Title XX contract |
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Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program |
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| Diseases and Disasters: Are We
Ready? |
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On July 26, 2004 brochures for the September 1st
conference, "Diseases and Disasters: Are We Ready?" were mailed out to elected
county and city officials, doctors and nurses, hospital infection control
personnel, public information officers, law enforcement, military units,
volunteers and related organizations, veterinarians, community based
organizations, faith-based institutions, and more. Keynote Speaker is Dr. Mary
desVignes-Kendrick, former City of Houston Health Authority and currently the
Deputy Director of the Center of Biosecurity and Public Health Preparedness at
UT School of Public Health. The conference will host forums in which community
partners can share information, resources, and develop shared goals to help meet
the health needs of citizens impacted by disease outbreaks and other disasters,
such as hurricanes and explosions. The conference brochure is also located on
our website at www.gchd.org. For more information, contact Brian Rutherford, Health
District Planner, at 409-938-2275 or by email: brutherford@gchd.org
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| An uninsured person’s experience trying to
access health care
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On July 14, 2004, Dr. Mark Guidry
was a panel participant on a Diversity panel hosted by Ben G. Raimer, MD, UTMB,
to discuss community perspectives regarding an uninsured person’s
experience trying to access health care. Many issues were discussed
including: (1) cost and access to pharmaceuticals, (2) increasing community-wide
knowledge about what resources are currently available, (3) prevention
initiatives (e.g., access to fitness facilities for low income), (4)
transportation barriers, (5) health education at all levels - clinical,
community, & public, (6) access to mental health & social service resources, (7)
cultural/language barriers, (8) local data on specific health disparities, and
(9) sharing information about on-going changes among various system partners. To
further explore these issues, a recommendation was made to reconvene the Joint
Board Committee on Access to care. A future meeting will be set to discuss these
and other access to care issues in Galveston County. For more information,
please contact Harlan “Mark” Guidry, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Executive Officer at
409-938-2401
or by email: mguidry@gchd.org. |
| Chief Epidemiologist |
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On July 15, 2004, Dr. Guidry and Jay Holland
interviewed qualified applicants for the position of Chief
Epidemiologist, vacated with the retirement of Chuck Chambers on June
30, 2004. The position was offered to Dana Wiltz-Beckham, D.V.M., currently the
Associate Regional Director of Surveillance for the Texas Department of Health.
Dr. Beckham received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the School of
Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University in 1993. Prior to her current position,
she was employed as the Director of Animal Services for the Galveston County
Health District. Dr. Beckham will assume the position of Chief Epidemiologist on
August 16, 2004. For more information, please contact Harlan “Mark” Guidry,
M.D., M.P.H., Chief Executive Officer at 409-938-2401
or by email: mguidry@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 mailto:kkoopman@gchd.org
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Calls and emails continue to come in with
questions about the No Swimming Advisory that was issued by the
District on June 25, 2004. The original advisory has been lifted but other
advisories have been issued for area beaches throughout the month. Current beach
advisories can be found on the website,
www.gchd.org.
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On July 6, 2004 the District issued a press
release on the
reappointment of officers serving on the Galveston County United Board
of Health. This information was published in the
Galveston Daily News and can be read at
http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/07UBHOfficerApt.htm. |
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The Texas City Sun contacted the Public
Information Office on July 13, 2004 for information on a story they were
preparing advising citizens how to deal with the extreme heat that was forecast
for that week. Kurt Koopmann, Public Information Officer was quoted in the story
giving tips on how to beat-the-heat. This story can be viewed at
http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/07HeatAdvice.htm. On that same day the
editor of the Sun also ran an editorial that greatly utilized information
provided by the District
http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/07HeatAdviceEditTCSun.htm. |
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Dr. Mark Guidry participated in a panel
discussion on health care issues
that was part of UTMB's Diversity Week activities on July 14, 2004. He
was quoted regarding the state of the healthcare system for the uninsured in the
Galveston Daily News, which can be read at
http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?wcd=22212. |
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KHOU Channel 11 Houston contacted
the District on July 21, 2004 with questions about testing of recreational
waters in Galveston County after a case of vibrio vulnificus in a Houston
resident who participated in a fishing tournament south of Galveston County.
Kurt Koopmann was interviewed by reporter Janice Williamson in the District's
state lab while explaining the Beach Watch water-testing program
conducted by staff from the Department of Environmental Health Programs. The
print version of the televised story can be seen at
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou040721_mh_vibriogalveston.10e9536d.html. |
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On July 21, 2004 a press release was issued
promoting the Kids Health Fest that will be conducted by
members of the District's immunization team. This event will take place in La
Marque and will include many activities in addition to the vaccinations. The
press release can be viewed at
http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/07Imm.htm. The Texas City Sun did
publish a story using information contained in the release
http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/07ImmTCSun.htm. |
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A press release promoting hearing on
proposed policy changes to the On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) was
issued on July 22, 2004. The hearing will take place in the United Board of
Health Board Room in La Marque on July 28, 2004. The information can be seen at
http://www.gchd.org/press/2004/07OSSF.htm.
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4C’s Clinic Updates |
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4C’s Board members Reappointed
- The Governing Board unanimously voted at the July 1, 2004 meeting to have
current members Thelma Logan, Chair, Brian Maxwell, Secretary and Dorothy
Goodman, member to continue their board membership for another term. With
reappointment, their new expiration date will be June 2007. For more
information, contact Gay Lane at 409.938.2297
or email: nlane@gchd.org.
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Pharmacy statistics
trends for the past six months indicate activity levels increasing in all
categories at both the pharmacy in Texas City and Galveston. The average
prescription per day has increased from 415 in January 2004 to 469 per day in
June 2004. For additional information, please contact Don DePasqual, RPH,
Pharmacy Director at
409.949.3450
or email: ddepasqual@gchd.org. |
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On July 6, 2004, Dr’s Guidry, Alhassan, Mike
Carr, Kathy Barroso and Jay Holland met with Patty Purches, a clinic
re-engineering consultant to discuss costs, timelines, strategies,
issues and processes involved with re-engineering clinical activities. Plans are
to submit a completed proposal to the 4C’s Governing board for consideration.
Reengineering is a redesign process being considered as a capable method of
making dramatic improvement to clinic flow and access to healthcare. For
additional information please contact W. Jay Holland,III, Chief Operating
Officer at
409-938-2401
or e-mail: jholland@gchd.org. |
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Pain Management Training
- The 4C’s Medical Care Team received training on Pain Management during their
meeting on July 14, 2004. Guishan Doulatran, MD from the UTMB anesthesiology
department spoke to the providers about the experiences of UTMB physicians
managing chronic pain in their patients. For more information, contact
Abdul-Aziz Alhassan, MD, 4C’s Medical Director at
409.949.3406 or by e-mail: aalhassan@gchd.org
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On July 9, 2004 the
Texas Medical Foundation conducted an immunization site review
at the 4 C's Clinic for the Texas Vaccine for Children Program. The Texas City
and Galveston Clinics both had a compliance score of 86% for two-year-olds
having Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Polio
immunizations. This is above the state average and is a 1% increase over the
score at the last audit. The scores for vaccine compliance have been increasing
in the clinics every year since 1996. We will receive a written report with
recommendations in four to six weeks. For more information, contact Pam Jahnke,
Strategic Health Evaluator by e-mail at pjahnke@gchd.org or call
409.938.2256 |
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Vacant Clinic Positions
- Tonya Kane, NP, resigned effective July 21, 2004, to accept a position near
her residence in Houston. The vacant mid-level position has been posted on the
District's internet site, distributed to contacts in the community by email, and
listed with Texas Practice Sites. The posting can be found at
http://www.gchd.org/pages/human_resources/pa_np.htm. A Dental position is also
posted given the resignation of Dr. Bao Hoang on August 11, 2004. The posting
can be found at http://www.gchd.org/pages/human_resources/dentist.htm. For more
information about the midlevel position, contact Abdul-Aziz Alhassan, MD, 4C’s
Medical Director at
409.949.3406 or by e-mail: aalhassan@gchd.org. For more
information about the dental vacancy, contact Beverly Foster, DDS, Dental
Director at 409.949.3445
or by e-mail: bfoster@gchd.org |
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Medical Records Team Leader
selected. Sue Rhodes has been selected as the Team Leader for the Medical
Records department. Sue Rhodes has been employed with the district for over 32
years. Under the supervision of the 4C’s Business Manager, the Team Leader is
responsible for providing medical records support for all 4C’s clinical
operations including coordinating department operations. Sue assumed the new
position effective July 15, 2004. For more information, contact Mike Carr, 4C’s
Business Manager at 409.949.3406
or by e-mail: mcarr@gchd.org
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Office of Environmental Health Services Updates |
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Kemah Parade
- The Office of Environmental Health Services represented the Health District in
the annual Fourth of July Parade held at the City of Kemah on July 3, 2004.
Several employees and their families enjoyed passing out candy to the crowd of
onlookers while showing a Health District presence and raising awareness.
Special thanks go out to Paula Pagan and family, Renee Boles and family, Carrie
Thomas, and Ronnie Schultz’s family for assisting the District in this event.
For additional information, contact Ronnie Schultz, Director of Environmental
Health Programs at 409.938.2314 or by e-mail: rschultz@gchd.org |
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Air Section Manager’s Meeting -
Ronnie Schultz attended the quarterly meeting of the Air Section Manager’s at
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin. Purpose of the meeting
was to discuss current issues and possible resolutions, identify upcoming air
related concerns in the State of Texas and to discuss the upcoming fiscal year
work plan. Galveston County’s work plan for fiscal year 2005 includes citizen
complaint response, inspections at selected facilities including gasoline
stations, review of air permits, and enforcement activities. For additional
information, contact Ronnie Schultz, Director of Environmental Health Programs
at 409.938.2314
or by e-mail: rschultz@gchd.org. |
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Office of Community Health Programs Updates |
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The Senior Health Advisory Group
held its first meeting on June 29, 2004. The group developed a mission
statement: “Provide a Link for Galveston County Senior Citizens to Health and
Social Services.” The group identified previously performed surveys and
community assessments and discussed some specific previously identified needs of
seniors, including medications, diabetes test strips, transportation, etc. They
made suggestions regarding continuing a community needs assessment of senior
citizens which would ensure that as many seniors, their families, and caregivers
as possible would be surveyed (including community forums, e-mails). Next steps
include the development of advisory group guidelines; collection and review of
available data, and determining what other sources of information should be
included in a comprehensive community assessment. For more information, please
contact Susan Studebaker, Director of Community Health Programs at
409.938.2457
or by email: sstudebaker@gchd.org |
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On July 20 and 21, the
Immunization Clinics were audited by Texas Department of Health
and received a very good evaluation. Immunization rates continue to improve and
were higher than last year. Immunization rates for 4-3-1-3-3 (4 doses of DTaP, 3
doses of polio, 1 dose of measles, mumps, and rubella, 3 doses of Hepatitis B,
and 3 doses of HIB) were 80% or higher at two (2) sites, 75% are one site, and
68% at the fourth site. There were no missed opportunities noted at three (3) of
the clinic sites and the missed opportunity rate at the other site was only 2%.
For more information, please contact Susan Studebaker, Director of Community
Health Programs at 409.938.2457
or by email: sstudebaker@gchd.org |
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Robert Wood Johnson Community Supports
for Diabetes Self-Management project: Five people will graduate from our first
community diabetes classes on July 27. The class was held in the Bacliff
Community Center and met for ten weeks. On August 11, "Diabetes Day" will be
celebrated during National Community Health Center Week. Morning activities
target persons with diabetes who receive their health care at the 4 C’s Clinic
and afternoon activities will be provided to increase community awareness about
healthy lifestyle, especially with regard to prevention and control of diabetes.
For more information, please call Susan Studebaker, Director of Community Health
Programs at 409.938.2456
or by email: sstudebaker@gchd.org
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Office of Emergency Medical Services |
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On July 7, 2004, a
“Town Hall” meeting was held with GAAA. The purpose of this meeting was
to do an overview of District/GAAA operations and to give the employees an
opportunity for input. Three priority themes emerged from the discussion: 1.
Management 2. Job training and 3. Pay. Executive managers have begun to address
these issues by conducting salary survey, providing supervisor training and
review of operational procedures. For additional information please contact Greg
Kunkel, Chief of GAAA Operations at 409.621.3141 or by
email:gkunkel@gchd.org or Kathrine Hall, Human Resources Director at
409.938.2230
or by email: khall@gchd.org. |
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Operational Updates |
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Senior Health Improvement Awards
- Ten individuals and one team has been selected for helping to improve the
health of seniors as an incentive set by the 4C’s Governing Board in 2003. The
winners are: Jean Chipman, Case Management; Fannie Cotton, Accounting; Carmen
Castro, Public Health Preparedness; Charles Kelly, Senior Outreach, Marina
Urbina, Medical; Thomas Leigh, EMS; Brenda Freeman, Cashier; Dr. Trifiro,
Medical; Terri Smith, Print Shop; Tammy Mikes, Laboratory; and the Galveston
Medical Team. The winners will be recognized at the board meeting on Thursday,
July 29, 2004. For more information, please contact Kathrine Hall, Human
Resources Director at 409.938.2230
or by email: khall@gchd.org. |
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Public Health Preparedness staff attended the
Weapons of Mass Destruction Workshop conducted at the Clear Creek
Independent School District (ISD) on July 6, 2004. The workshop presented an
overview of preparedness concepts to school officials, members of law
enforcement, emergency managers and local elected leaders of Galveston and
Harris counties. Clear Creek ISD is also part of Harris county jurisdiction. For
more information, contact Brian Rutherford, Health District Planner, at
409-938-2275 or by email: brutherford@gchd.org. |
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The Galveston County Medical
Collaborative (GCMRC) met on July 15, 2004 in the La Marque Auditorium.
The group discussed how to handle the homeless and mentally ill during an
emergency, where to call to request emergency medical resources if the Strategic
National Stockpile is dispatched to Galveston, and discussed collaborating on a
news release to familiarize citizens regarding GCMRC activities. For more
information, contact Brian Rutherford, Health District Planner, at
409-938-2275 or by email: brutherford@gchd.org. |
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The Office of Volunteer
Coordination has oriented three Senior Nurses to the program this
month. These nurses will be assisting with special events and community
outreach. During the month of July, three community volunteers were also
oriented to assist at the Animal Shelter. The youth workers from the WorkSource
will be staying past July 23 as their time has been extended for three extra
weeks. For more information, contact Shirley Carr, Senior Volunteer Coordinator,
at
409.938.2297
or by email: scarr@gchd.org. |
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On July 15, 2004, Public Health
Preparedness staff provided
an orientation session for eight potential volunteers
of preparedness activities. Of these volunteers, one included our Governing
Board member, Tony Juarez. Volunteers that attend this orientation will assist
if a disease outbreak or other disasters should occur in the county. For more
information, contact Brian Rutherford, Health District Planner, at 409-938-2275
or by email: brutherford@gchd.org. |
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On July 22, 2004, the VA
Hospital in Houston put out a Request for Proposal for the operation of
a primary care clinic in Galveston County. Jay Holland and Pam Jahnke reviewed
this proposal and recommended to the Clinic Leadership Team that the 4C’s not
submit a proposal. This recommendation was based on several issues including the
number of projected clients/visits, the requirement to provide mental health
services, the fact that the contract is a capitation rate not a fee for service,
the stringent quality assurance requirements that impact the capitation rate,
the access requirements, the apparent need to set up a separate clinic apart
from the current 4C’s clinic, etc. For additional information please contact W.
Jay Holland, III, Chief Operating Officer at 409-938-2401
or by email: jholland@gchd.org. |
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On July 13-16, 2004, the
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program was reviewed by the TDH. TDH
staff stated that both Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) did a good job
with regard to field investigations (finding and working with clients); one TDH
Regional employee even wrote a letter of recommendation for a member of the DIS
staff. They also noted that correct data entry approached 100%. TDH staff did,
however, recommend additional cross training and mentoring of staff as well as
auditing of performance indicators by the Program Manager. The Program Manager
was encouraged to implement performance improvement plans if required levels of
performance were not consistently met by the DIS. STD Program staff will
continue to work toward the improvement of the program as a whole. For more
information, please contact Susan Studebaker, Director of Community Health
Programs at
409.938.2457
or by email: sstudebaker@gchd.org.
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Animal Services Interlocal
Agreement - Jay Holland and Ronnie Schultz met with County Legal to
discuss changes to the Animal Services Interlocal Agreement. A Task Force
assembled by the District provided valuable input for potential changes to this
agreement, such as membership to a revamped Animal Services Advisory Committee,
objectives and goals for the Advisory Committee, the need for low cost spay and
neuter programs, the review of operations and operational budgets, and the need
to increase our collaborations. The draft Interlocal Agreement will be presented
to the Task Force for review and revisions and then presented to the Galveston
County United Board of Health for approval. Following the Board’s approval, the
agreement will be sent to the cities for their comments. For additional
information, contact Ronnie Schultz, Director of Environmental Health Programs
at 409.938.2314
or by email:rschultz@gchd.org.
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Boiler Purchase - A
new boiler to be used in the Public Health Laboratory has been ordered to
replace the current boiler. The current boiler is old and very unreliable. The
lab uses the steam produced by the boiler to sterilize water testing media,
laboratory equipment and clinic equipment in the laboratory’s autoclave. The
cost of the boiler including installation is being wholly funded by a grant from
the Texas General Land Office. For additional information, contact Ronnie
Schultz, Director of Environmental Health Programs at
409.938.2314 or by email:rschultz@gchd.org |
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On July 8, 2004, the District signed
TDH TB Prevention and Control
contract for 9/1/04 to 8/31/05 for $64,351. This amount is the same as previous
year. Provides for basic TB prevention & control services and expanded outreach
to individuals who have TB or are at high risk. For more details contact Susan
Studebaker, Director of Community Health Programs at 409.938.2457
or by email: sstudebaker@gchd.org |
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On July 8, 2004, the District signed
TDH contracts for HIV Services
period 9/1/04 to 8/31/05 in the amount of $101,261 to ensure the delivery of
outpatient health and support services to meet the needs of individuals and
their families with HIV. For additional information please contact Anne
McMorris, HIV Administration at
409.765.2532 or by email:amcmorris@gchd.org |
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On July 8, 2004, the District signed
two TDH STD/HIV
contacts. STD/HIV in the amount of $6,311 to conduct programs to control and
prevent the spread of STD’s, including HIV; and HIV Surveillance in the amount
of $36,063 to conduct active surveillance and reporting activities for HIV/HIVS.
For additional information on these two programs please contact Jim Hilton,
STD/HIV Program Manager at
409.765.2528 or by email: jhilton@gchd.org. |
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On July 9, 2004, the District signed
TDH Title XX
contract for $143,612 to provide family planning services to Title XX eligible
individuals. The funding for 9/1/04 to 8/31/05 is $4,061 less than previous
year. For more details contact Susan Studebaker, Director of Community Health
Programs at 409.938.2457
or by email:sstudebaker@gchd.org. |
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On July 20, 2004, the District
signed TDH Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program contract
for the purpose of mammograms and follow up diagnostic testing to women meeting
program eligibility. This contact starting on 7/1/04 to 6/30/05 is for $55,000
and is an increase of $12,000 from last year. For more details contact Susan
Studebaker, Director of Community Health Programs at
409.938.2457
or by email: sstudebaker@gchd.org. |
