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KIDS HEALTH FEST - Back to School Immunizations
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Animal Services Summit |
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Clear Lake Shores Mosquito Concerns |
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Meningococcocal Disease |
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Office of Public Information Updates
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Mammogram screenings |
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West Isle Telemedicine |
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Pool-based chlorine gas
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Interfaith Caring Ministries in League City |
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Report on sanitary conditions |
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Beach
Watch |
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Office of Community Health
Programs |
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WIC Site Moving |
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| Immunization Advisory Council |
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| DSHS Immunization Site Visit |
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HIV/STD
Program Status |
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Office of
Environmental Health Services |
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High Island Update |
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Lakeview Apartment Explosion |
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Animal Shelter Evaluation |
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4C’s Clinic Updates |
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4C’S Vacancies |
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UTMB Referrals |
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Status of Texas City Reconstruction Project |
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Office of Emergency Medical Services |
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Town Hall Meeting |
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Staffing Update |
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Expansion Status |
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Public Health Preparedness Activities |
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Public Health Preparedness Trainers Conference |
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Hurricane Preparedness Fair |
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Interoperability Planning |
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Other Executive Updates |
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Volunteers |
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Collaboration with UTMB Preventive Medicine and Community Health |
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Signed RFP’s, Contracts & Agreements |
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Contract with Russell D. Miller, MD |
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Agreement with Beverly Lewis, MD |
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| Kids
Health Fest - Back to School Immunizations
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Plans are
finalized for the annual “Back-to-School Rush” when childhood immunizations will
be provided at a Kids Health Fest
offering a kid-friendly environment to help children cope with receiving
vaccinations. The Fests are located at (1) 1207 Oak in La Marque from August 1
to August 18, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and at (2) the Galveston
Immunization Clinic at 4700 Broadway on Mondays and Wednesday from 8:30am to 4
pm. Lots of fun and give-a ways are planned for the kids. A flyer requesting
any volunteers or donations was distributed
http://www.gchd.org/councils/0706VolunteerRecruitmentKHF.doc
and a new release has been issued today
http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07BacktoSchoolShots.htm |
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Animal Services Summit |
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The third annual summit was held on July 21, 2006 at the Wayne Johnson Community
Center. Approximately 37 people attended the summit, including Commissioner
Doyle, and many other city elected officials. Information presented included:
FY 07 County budget increase to hire an additional Animal Control Officer and
fund facility upgrades, and a presentation of progress over the past year and
future goals. Commissioner Pat Doyle commended the Health District staff and
animal organizations providing assistance to the shelter. Public feedback was
obtained on: animal fostering, grant opportunities, marketing and public
education, and animal care during disasters. A summary of feedback will be
posted on the Health District’s website. A July 13th press release
announced the third annual Animal Services Summit
located at
http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07AnimalSummit.htm. The
Galveston Daily News wrote editorial
encouraging attendance:
http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07AnimalSummitDNews.htm. |
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Clear
Lake Shores Mosquito Concerns |
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A general meeting was held with Health District staff and Councilman Mike Bass
on June 11, 2006 on efforts and prevention of West Nile virus (WNV) and
integrated mosquito control. The Health District agreed to provide literature
on WNV prevention, testing of mosquitoes and public information resources to be
used to distribute to their citizens. Clear Lake Shores is exploring a plan to
spray for mosquitoes and reduce the breeding areas of mosquitoes in their
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Meningococcocal Disease |
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On June 26, 2006, Galveston County’s first case of meningococcal disease in 2006
was reported involving a
20 year old resident, recently released from incarceration. Epidemiology
Services responded with a thorough investigation and educated contacts about
appropriate control measures. Meningococcemia is a bacterial infection of the
blood that may cause fever, chills, rash, and feeling unusually tired and weak.
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| Office of Public
Information
For more information please
contact Kurt Koopmann, Public Information Officer, at
409-938-2211, email
kkoopman@gchd.org
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- Information about
mammogram screenings was submitted to the
Community Bulletin Board in the
Galveston Daily News
and can be found at
http://www.gchd.org/pages/chn/dfeet.htm.
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The new
West Isle Telemedicine
program, a partnership between the District, the city of
Jamaica Beach and the University of Texas Medical Branch,
was published June 26th in the
Galveston Daily News
located at
http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/06UTMB.htm.
- On July 5th, a
Galveston Daily
News reporter inquired about a Galveston EMS call for persons exposed
to pool-based chlorine gas at a
local hotel. General information on pool chemical safety was also given to the
reporter for the story that has not been published at this time. The District’s immunization program was mentioned in a July 17th
Galveston Daily News story on free
immunization sponsored by Interfaith Caring
Ministries in League City. Financed by a fee for service agreement,
health district staff administered the vaccines on July 20th. For
the complete story see:
http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07ICMFreeImmunization.htm.
- Dateline NBC submitted a request for all 2005 inspection
records for two area food service establishments. The open
records request was fulfilled on July 19th. The
requestor indicated that the information will be used in a
national report on the
sanitary conditions of randomly selected chain
restaurants to be aired in the future.
- Numerous Beach Watch
advisories posted for area waters. Several citizens and one
reporter from the
Galveston Daily News have contacted the district
for more information. Information and current advisories are
located at
http://www.gchd.org/pollution/BeachAdvisory.htm.
Currently the website has received 308 hits.
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| Office of Community
Health Programs
For more information please contact Susan Studebaker, RNC,
Director of Community Health Programs at
409-938-2456, email
sstudebaker@gchd.org
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- WIC Site Moving -
The WIC office
located in the UTMB Primary Care Pavilion building will be moving to UTMB’s
University Hospital Clinic building, co-locating with OB/GYN. The move will
take place by mid-August. UTMB will provide the movers and will continue to pay
the parking for the clients and staff.
- Immunization
Advisory Council - The Immunization Advisory Council met on
July 18th. Topics included results from National Infant Immunization week,
plans for back to school immunizations campaign, report from the "Bugs, Drugs,
and Vaccine" conference, new grant opportunities, and the outcome of the DSHS
immunization site visit.
- DSHS Immunization Site Visit – On June 22, 2006, DSHS conducted a site visit of the
Immunization clinics. The Galveston and La Marque Immunization Clinics had
rates of 75% and 86%, respectively, both above the state average of 69.3%.
However, the Dickinson and Texas City sites both had rates of 67% which
represents a finding. The immunization staff was taught to run and review the
reports on a routine basis to check their progress toward meeting the state
objective. A re-evaluation of rates will reoccur in February 2007.
- HIV/STD Program Status - On July 20th, DSHS informally re-evaluated the
surveillance program of HIV/STD Services in response to the findings noted at
the previous site visit in February 2006. At the conclusion of the visit, it
was reported that the program would be removed from Type I sanctions. Written
confirm of the change in status is still pending.
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| Office of
Environmental Health Services Updates
For more
information, contact Ronnie Schultz, Director of Environmental
Health Services, at 409-938-2214 or email:
rschultz@gchd.org
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High Island Update - After several
on-site surveys and discussions with neighborhood residents, the District has
compiled information on 28 homes that are potentially connected to the
malfunctioning sewage disposal system in High Island. Funding sources are still
being sought to help with the installation of individual on-site sewage
facilities (OSSF’s) for these residences. The Audubon Society plans to seek
financial assistance from BP/AMOCO to help resolve this issue. In addition, the
District is researching with the assistance of County Grants Department and Bruce Spitzengel of Grant
works, Inc., the possibility of applying for non-border colonia area money that
may be available to fund OSSF replacements in the community – a grant
application due by December 15.
Lakeview Apartment Explosion - The Animal Shelter assisted Texas City
victims by housing animals left behind. Approximately 20 animals were removed
from the complex by Animal Control Officers, housed at the shelter until their
owners could find other housing. Staff was commended by City of Texas City
officials and recognized by a member of the public at the animal summit for
outstanding service.
Animal Shelter Evaluation - On July 6, 2006 an internal audit was performed Health
District’s Animal Shelter by Dana Wiltz-Beckham, DVM, Veterinary Consultant.
Overall the shelter was given a satisfactory
rating in compliance and meets the minimum standards set forth
by The Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 169.26 and Animal Shelters 823.003.
This rating indicates that the shelter is a
clean, modern looking, structurally sound facility; above average animal care
equipment; personnel demonstrated above average performance in shelter
management and animal care.
Recommendations for improvement consisted of back up system for the
computerized drug log records; written procedure to follow up on animal bites;
and staff responsible for record keeping should be skilled in retrieving and
interpreting the data entered.
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4C’s Clinic Updates For
more information, please contact Patrick
Butler, 4C’s Business Director at 409-949-3406
or email pbutler@gchd.org or Pam Jahnke, RN, Strategic Plan
Evaluator at 409-938-2256 or email
pjahnke@gchd.org |
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4C’S Vacancies
- Currently, the 4C’s Clinic has one midlevel vacancy.
Interviews continue and a selection should be made by the
first of August.
UTMB Referrals –In an effort to increase continued patient care with the
UTMB DAMP Referral Office (Demand Access Management
Program), Patrick Butler, 4C’s Business Director, is working
closely with Amy Townsend, UTMB DAMP Administrative Manager,
to aide the 4C’s Healthcare Providers with information that
will improve patient opportunities for specialized
healthcare.
Status of Texas City Reconstruction Project – On July 19 th
a meeting was held with Bay Architects to discuss their most
recent estimate for renovation of the Texas City clinic.
The estimate exceeds budgeted funds by approximately
$800,000. Staff instructed Bay Architects to complete
drafting plans through the construction documents. If and
when the additional funds necessary to complete are secured,
then Bay Architects will be instructed to complete the
bidding process.
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Office of Emergency Medical Services:
For more information, please contact Michael E. Carr, JD,
Director of Emergency Medical Services, Galveston Area Ambulance Authority
at 409-765-2512 or email mcarr@gchd.org |
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Town Hall
Meeting – On July 19, 2006, Health District
Executives held a “Town Hall” meeting with Galveston Area
Ambulance Authority (GAAA) staff members. During the
meeting, executives educated the GAAA staff on operational
and management issues confronting the District, as well as
the history of GAAA and Galveston EMS. The meeting
concluded with a problem solving and brainstorming session
that resulted in a priority list of issues and an agreement
to meet with staff again within the next six months to
review progress on the issues. Top issues included: 1.
mandatory overtime; 2. pay increase; 3. review the amount of
dollars wasted on overtime; 4. new employees for the first 6
months should work on the transfer truck; and 5. purchase
and maintain equipment on trucks.
Staffing Update –
Recently though staff analysis, the District has identified
12 additional positions needed to adequately staff each
station in the county. With the addition of these 12
positions, there are currently 33 vacant positions.
Extensive changes to the screening process have streamlined
it so that the process is generally completed in two weeks’
time depending on the availability of the applicant. We are
working on alternative pay options in order to better
recruit employees for the Galveston and Mainland transfer
services. We have also advertised in local newspapers
around the State of Texas in addition to informing colleges
who offer EMS trainings and certifications of our open
positions. We currently have four applicants who are in the
process of testing, two applicants who we have been
contacted to schedule testing, and four who we are trying to
contact to schedule testing.
Expansion Status –
Mainland operations continue as planned. 911 operations
in West Galveston County and the Bayshore are providing high
quality pre-hospital care to the residents of those areas.
Transfer operations continue to increase as staff members
are recruited, hired and trained. The majority of the needs
for non-emergency transfers are being met in a timely
manner. This is expected to improve as staffing levels
increase to the original planned and budgeted levels.
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Public Health Preparedness:
For additional information, contact the Public Health Planner,Brian Rutherford at 409-938-2475
or email brutherford@gchd.org |
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Public Health Preparedness Trainers Conference
- The conference, held on June 27th and 28th,
focused on training in the event of a public health
emergency, provided an opportunity for trainers to learn
about available resources, and shared best practices.
Hurricane Preparedness Fair
- The Lowe's Home Improvement store in Texas City hosted
a hurricane preparedness fair on July 15th. Health District
staff members participated in the event along with Red Cross,
Boy Scouts, National Weather Service, City of La
Marque, Texas City and others. Attendees to the fair
received information about Health District services in
general, how they can better prepare for emergencies, and
the opportunities for service in the Medical Reserve Corps
which has on-going meetings to learn about the role of public
health in disasters.
Interoperability Planning
- The Health District SNS Coordinator participated in a
workgroup on July 24th to discuss how to establish radio
interoperability among public health agencies responding to
a public health emergency involving deployment of the SNS.
The group met with a contractor who has already been working
with H-GAC member counties to assess the ability of
jurisdictions across county lines to communicate with one
another. The workgroup will coordinate the purchase of
compatible equipment and conduct training to enhance
communications among public health agencies.
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Other
Executive Updates: For additional
information on any of these topics, contact the Health District’s Executive
Assistant at 409-938-2401 or
email plewis@gchd.org |
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Volunteers -
During the month of July the Volunteer Office recruited 5
volunteers. Shirley Carr attended a shelter management
workshop presented by the American Red Cross on July 6 and
the Family Consumer Science meeting at Wayne
Johnson Senior Center on July 11th. The purpose
of the meeting was to evaluate the senior outreach
educational program on adult skin care. An update of Walk
Across Texas (a project of the Senior Health Advisory
Council) was given by Marilyn Simmons.
Collaboration with UTMB
Preventive Medicine and Community Health - The
Health District is working to collaborate with MPH students
in Preventive Medicine and Community Health at UTMB.
Following the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),
students will obtain 48 contact hours of public health
practice experience and develop increase awareness of the
issues faced in public health. |
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Signed RFP’s, Contracts & Agreements
For more information, please contact Kathy
Barroso, Chief Financial Officer, at (409) 938-2258 or email
kbarroso@gchd.org |
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Contract with Russell D.
Miller, MD was signed on June 7, 2006 as the
Medical Director for Galveston Area Ambulance Authority.
Agreement
with Beverly Lewis, MD
was signed on July 6, 2006 for Surgical/Biopsy Services for
Breast Cancer Diagnostic Procedures.
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