The upcoming Animal Summit to be held May 25th was the subject of a press release issued May 16th. The release as printed in the Galveston Daily News was published on May 18th, front page of the “Our County” section. Complete information can be found at <http://www.gchd.org/press/2005/05ImproveAnimalSvc.htm>.

Texas EMS Week was the subject of a press release issued on May 18th. GAAA will be hosting a Community Fair observing the week on May 21, 2005 at the Island Community Center. The information submitted to local news sources is posted at <http://www.gchd.org/press/HealthNews.htm>.

Information on the National Diabetes Day was submitted to the Galveston Daily News and has been published daily since submission in the Community Bulletin Board.

The arrival of West Nile virus season was the reason for a press release issued on May 20th. Once again the 4D’s were promoted to assist citizens in limiting the spread of WNV. The release can be found at <http://www.gchd.org/press/2005/05WNV.htm>.

Environmental Assessment - Garret Foskit and Ronnie Schultz were invited to Commissioner’s Court on Monday, May 16, 2005 to participate in the workshop discussion concerning the environmental assessment of all county owned facilities conducted by a third party consultant. The consultant was hired to review the environmental compliance of all county owned facilities and make recommendations on improving any areas of concern. As you may remember, the Health District was asked by the County Judge to assess three County Road and Bridge facilities and draft a report on environmental compliance deficiencies. The District’s report was included in the consultant’s findings report. The Health District has been asked to provide information on prioritizing the next steps of implementation.

Thunderstorm Damage Response - The recent thunderstorm that swept through Galveston County on Mother’s Day left many food establishments without power for many hours. Several of the food establishments lost power long enough for some potentially hazardous foods to become temperature stressed requiring destruction. Some stores used other cooling methods such as dry ice to prevent spoilage of their high dollar foods. The response to these outages is part of our comprehensive emergency response plan that details our actions following a storm event.

Animal Services Summit - The second annual Animal Services Summit was held on May 25, 2005, at the Wayne Johnson Community Center in La Marque. Over 35 participants attended the public forum to provide recommendations on short-term and long-term goals to continue to improve Animal Services. County Judge Yarbrough along with Commissioners Holmes, Doyle and Janek were in attendance as were mayors and members of city councils. Commissioner Holmes provided a few opening remarks followed by Dr. Guidry who announced the purpose of the forum. A presentation was provided outlining the major accomplishments realized over the past year. Following the presentation, the floor was opened to the participants. The major issues identified at the summit include: spay/neuter programs, disease-testing, vaccinations, public outreach, hours of operation, review of the fee schedule, adoption screening process, etc. The recommendations received today will be documented and posted on the GCHD website. Priority #6, Environmental Health Improvements, Goal VI states that the District will sponsor an annual forum to receive feedback on animal services.

4C’s Redesign Team - The redesign team continues to refine the new model for seeing medical patients. Recently the team ran several full day tests of their model to assess its operation. After a few weeks continued testing the team will present the model to management and propose an extended trial of the model with all medical providers. The test period is expected to start in late summer.

4C’s Medical Provider Orientation - On Monday May 23, 2005 the 4C’s Medical Staff received a half-day orientation to the Health District and 4C’s. With the large numbers of staff members who have come on board with the 4C’s this year it was felt that the orientation should include all Medical staff. It was the first time administrative and executive staff members have presented the new general orientation program to medical staff.

GAAA holds second Program Business Meeting - GAAA’s administration and field supervisors met on April 28th for a Program Business Meeting. The meeting reviewed the EMS operations during the President’s visit; purchase orders procedures, non-emergency transfers, and progress on the EMS town hall items. Most issues (like raises/pay incentives and putting the supervisor “off-line”) will need additional funding sources to make upgrades. GAAA will be exploring funding options.

Volunteers - During the month of May, twelve volunteers were recruited and assigned to various departments throughout the Health District. Four of the volunteers are here to complete an externship in the 4C’s Clinics. The Health District has become the placing agency for the SER Senior Community Service Employment Program, a training program for seniors. The Health District has placed 2 senior volunteers in the 4C’s Clinic. This new venture should increase the number of senior volunteers that we are able to assign to the District.

West Nile virus Testing - As of May 17, 2005, the Epidemiology Department is receiving blue jays and crows for West Nile virus (WNV) testing. Please direct all dead bird or WNV inquiries to Epidemiology Services at (409) 938-2322 or (409) 938-2345.

Triple “000” - Preliminary information regarding DSHS Triple “000” funding, the only flexible State and Federal funding Local Health Departments receive, indicates that the FY 06 CDC Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant funding will be eliminated and that FY 06/07 State General Revenue funding will be reduced. Estimates indicate that overall Local Health Departments Triple “000” funding for FY06 will be cut by 30% and for FY07 possible reduced even more or eliminated altogether. Final figures are not currently available, however the preliminary estimates indicate that the District’s reduction for FY06 would be in the range of $103,000 to $120,000 out of a total Triple “000” budget of $344,000. This translates into the loss of 5 to 6 FTE’s across such programs as CHN, Immunizations, Consumer Health Services and Public Health Lab. We continue to work with DSHS regarding this reduction.

On May 25, 2005 a budget revision to the Bioterrorism Preparedness grant was signed from the Texas Department of State Health Services for $132,777 in funds to purchase an emergency generator and two handheld radios. The generator, operated by natural gas, will provide electricity to the Kemmerer Building in La Marque in the event of a power outage. The two radios would provide additional Health District personnel the capacity to communicate with response partners throughout the county in the event of an emergency.