For the United Board of Health, five current members (Scott Bentley, Dr. John Konikowski, Steve Leach, Walter Treybig, III and Dr. Bernard Milstein) have been approved by member governments to serve an additional membership term through April 2008.   Member governments appointed a new member, Donald Cleary, DVM, as its veterinarian representative for 2 years.   Officers for the period of April 2006 – April 2007 will remain unchanged with John Zendt as Chair, Dr. Ben Raimer as Vice Chair, and Mary Anne Holcomb as Secretary-Treasurer.   For the 4C’s Governing Board, Brian Maxwell resigns after 5 years of service, with the last 2 years serving as chair.   Dr. Jamal Islam, ex-official (non-voting) member representing UTMB resigned.   The United Board of Health will consider a new nomination for the Governing Board position and Dr. Barbara Thompson will consider a replacement for the UTMB representative ex-official position. For more information, please contact Harlan “Mark” Guidry, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, at (409) 938-2401 or email mguidry@gchd.org.

The Galveston County Health District, on behalf of the Medic One EMS System of Galveston County, is seeking a Medical Director for its collaborative, multi-jurisdictional EMS system in Galveston County.   The Medical Director, under a professional services contract with the Health District, will fulfill Texas EMS requirements for medical direction of first responder, non-emergency transfers, and 911 prehospital care provided to residents in unincorporated areas of Galveston County, the City of Galveston and Galveston Island, Texas City, La Marque, Dickinson, Hitchcock, Tiki Island, Bayou Vista and Jamaica Beach.  The deadline for receipt of a letter of interest and a resume is Monday, September 11, 2006 at 5:00 pm.   Top candidates will be contacted for an interview with the Medic One Advisory Committee established by inter-local agreement.   Requested information may be submitted via fax or email, by the established deadline, to Dr. Guidry at 409-938-2243 (fax) or mguidry@gchd.org  (email).   For more information, please contact Harlan “Mark” Guidry, MD, MPH, Interim Medical Director, at (409) 938-2401 or email mguidry@gchd.org.  

United Board of Health member, Mary Anne Holcomb, and Public Health Planner, Brian Rutherford, presented Engaging the Community in Public Health at the National Association of Local Boards of Health Conferencein San Antonio.  The presentation, prepared primarily by Dr. Mark Guidry, focused on the District’s efforts to engage the community in planning processes. The conference focused on best practices from health departments around the United States.  The presentation given by the Galveston County Health District described the strategies district leaders have used to get input and feedback from various stakeholders and the general public through advisory committees, public summits, and collaborations with partners.  The presenters showed how other health departments can use this feedback to improve the effectiveness and support of public health programs.  A conference press release is posted at http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/08GCHDPresentsAtNatConf.htm. For more information, please contact Harlan “Mark” Guidry, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, at (409) 938-2401 or email mguidry@gchd.org.

Dr. Cassandra Arceneaux is completing a three month rotation at the health district as part of her residency requirements.  Dr. Arceneaux will be an active participant in public health activities and is current assisting in administrative initiatives as well as researching teen births and prenatal utilization patterns in the 4C’s clinics.   Dr. Arceneaux is expected to be with the Health District until the end of October 2006.  For more information, please contact Harlan “Mark” Guidry, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, at (409) 938-2401 or email mguidry@gchd.org.

• A July 26^th press release on the 2006 Kids Health Fest for back-to-school immunizations was issued and can be found at http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07BacktoSchoolShots.htm.  The Galveston Daily News published a story at http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07HealthFestDN.htm.
• The Beaumont Enterprise contacted the Health District on July 26^th regarding Beach Watch advisories and inquiry about Vibrio infections.  Epidemiology confirmed there had been no reported cases of Vibrio infections at the time of the call.  The resulting story can be found at http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07GalvestonBchs.htm.
• Other inquiries about Beach Watch advisories include:  A CBS affiliate KHOU interview which can be found at http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou060727_cd_beachbacteria10.2c985a.html; and a Galveston Daily News story at http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/07BacteriaDNews.htm. 
• Houston’s Fox 26 News visited the district on August 14^th to capture on film children receiving immunizations at the Kids Health Fest.  Two families agreed to be filmed for the segment that would air on the channel’s Suburban News feature. 
• A reporter from the Galveston Daily News contacted the Public Information Office on August 14^th for information about the Animal Summit held on July 21, 2006.  The story was published on August 23^rd http://www.gchd.org/press/2006/08AnimalSummitDNews.htm.

• Immunization Services – Kids Fest Back-to-School immunization clinics were held August 1 through 18, 2006.  A total of 2957 immunizations were given to 1059 children at the Galveston and La Marque clinic sites, compared to 3,108 immunizations to 1,141 people during the same event, August 1-19, 2005 (one day longer).  
• Interfaith Caring Ministries Immunization Collaborative - Also during the 2006 Kids Fest, 75 TB skin tests were administered.  On July 20, the Immunization and Community Health Nurses gave 210 immunizations to children at Interfaith Caring Ministries in League City, funded by the Space Center Rotary.  GCHD staff will return on August 31^st and September 21 (if necessary) to continue services until 400 immunizations have been provided. 
• Senior Health Initiatives - 117 people participated in the Walk Across Texas and 77 were recognized in the final celebration event on August 8, 2006.  The Senior Health Services Coordinator and representatives from other community health services manned a booth at the Information and Referral Fair at Walter Hall Park on July 27^th where 60 people participated.  Additionally, the Senior Health Services Coordinator attended the Senior Summer Camp on August 25, which drew 200 vendors and over 600 senior citizens.  Finally, presentations at the senior citizen centers continued with 78 people attending presentations during the past month.

• Animal Services Advisory Committee – The quarterly meeting of the Animal Services Advisory committee was held on August 16, 2006.  The committee reviewed feedback from the Animal Summit; approved a new animal fostering procedure allowing registered individuals to foster two animals above the current animal in addition to the four animals allowed under the current Galveston County Animal Control Rules; heard an update on the progress of sterilizing adopted animals at the low cost spay/neuter clinic operated by the Animal Alliance; and approved the proposed animal services operating budget.  Lastly, the committee reviewed the upcoming reappointments to the Galveston County Animal Services Committee that are due by September 30, 2006. 
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility - Currently, the residents of Galveston County have no low cost options to properly dispose of household hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, solvents, etc.).  A committee is seeking support and funding from Galveston County, Harris County and all of the cities that make up Galveston County and Southern Harris County.  The first order of business is to locate a parcel of land available for the construction of a collection facility. The committee addressed the Galveston County Commissioner’s Court on August 30, 2006 to discuss the need to site a collection facility in Galveston County or southern Harris that would serve the population of both.  The court will be asked to provide a letter of support and to assist in locating a parcel of land for the construction.  The committee is also currently seeking funding to offset the costs of construction (estimates $300,000 to 2 million) and to assist in the cost of operating the facility.  

• 4C’s Medical and Dental Providers – Meghan Tullis, Physician Assistant, will start on October 2^nd and will rotate between Texas City and Galveston clinics.  On September 18^th, Saardia Johnson, DDS, will join the 4C’s Dental clinic.  Dr. Johnson will see adult and children patients to aid the Health Districts efforts to increase dental care to Galveston County residents. 
• New 4C’S Clinic Hours – The Governing Board has approved new 4C’s Clinic Hours.    The Texas City Clinic will provide late clinic hours on Monday & Wednesday from 8 am to 8 pm; Galveston Clinic will provide late clinic hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm.  News releases and colorful flyers are being developed in an effort to aid in this transition for our patients. The new late clinic hours will be implemented September 5, 2006.
• New Insurance Vendor - 4C’s clinics are now accepting Amerigroup Insurance and on September 1st, the clinics will accept Molina Healthcare Insurance. 
•  4C’s Employees Recognized - Audrey Lacour, MD and Erica Almanzar, Medical Assistant, are being recognized for being such a great team and seeing as many patients as they can and providing good healthcare.   Many more 4C's patients can receive healthcare because of their collective team efforts.  Jennifer Chaisson, PA, was selected for Outstanding Customer Services based on customer surveys in the 2^nd quarter this year.  

• Loss of EMS Medical Director –The Health District mourns the loss of Russell K. Miller, Jr. MD, FACEP.  Dr. Miller served as the Medical Director for 22 years.  He was recognized as a leader in Emergency Pre-Hospital patient care.  Dr. Miller was responsible for the implementation of many novel and new patient procedures in his field of expertise. 
• Donations in Dr. Miller’s Memory – In honor of Dr. Miller, the Health District received $455.00 towards GAAA’s budget from the following:  Dr. Mike Malloy, Dr. Karen Shattuck, Dr. Ja'Neice Harris, Dr. Corinne Ragouilliaux, Elizabeth (Irene) Taylor, Ms. Margaret Allen, Annette & Jeff Homer, Dr. & Mrs. John McKenna, and Christus Healthcare.
• EMS Staffing Update – There are currently 33 vacant positions in the Emergency Medical Services area; however, we currently have four applicants who have drug test results pending, 1 applicant scheduled to test, 2 applicants who we have contacted to schedule testing, and 6 who we are trying to contact to schedule testing.  In addition to standard recruiting efforts, EMS representatives will recruit heavily at the annual Texas EMS conference to be held in November 2006.
• Advanced EMS Training Offered to Local Responders – GAAA, in cooperation with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. Air Med services, has collaborated to provide advanced training opportunities to local EMS responders.  In July, a lecture presentation was made on care and treatment of burn injuries, and in August, responders were able to attend the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course at no charge.  These programs were attended by members of GAAA, and local EMS providers as well as First Responders from throughout Galveston County. 
• Galveston County Medic One Update – On August 22, 2006 the Medic One EMS Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended the 2007 Transfer operation budget to the Galveston County United Board of Health.  The Medic One cooperative group was created by agreement of the Cities of Texas City, La Marque, Dickinson and the Galveston County Health District.  Under this agreement the District provides Medical Direction, Protocols, Quality Assurance and training to EMS staff working for the four groups. 

• Health Alert Network (HAN) - On August 16, 2006, a HAN advisory was distributed to medical professionals on West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pools collected in north Galveston County. The advisory requested for medical professionals to consider WNV and other arboviral infections in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with sudden febrile illness accompanied by neurologic symptoms.  The HAN also consisted of the diagnostic testing of arboviral infections.  The Health District has not received any reports of Galveston County residents diagnosed with WNV infections for 2006.
• Vibrio Case - The Health District has reported the first case of Vibrio infection in a Galveston County resident on August 29, 2006.  Vibrio infection is caused by bacteria that normally live in salt water. People who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to seawater may become infected.  Vibrio infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea, fever, chills, and blistering of skin lesions. In the years 2004 and 2005, Galveston County received 2 cases of Vibrio infection per year.
• Collaboration with UTMB and GCHD - A Memorandum of Understanding with UTMB and GCHD on GIS mapping of sexually transmitted diseases in Galveston County was executed on July 21, 2006.  The maps generated from this initiative have been shared with each party and will be used to identify health disparities and assist in disease control and public education.
• Regional Epidemiology/Bioterrorism Meeting - Epidemiology Services attended the meeting on August 25, 2006.  The meeting is a forum for epidemiologist and public health preparedness staff to exchange information regarding epidemiology and bioterrorism activities.  

• Staff Retention Initiatives – Executive staff are exploring the fiscal feasibility of implementing merit bonuses for exceptional performance, cost of living increases, market increases, and other productivity incentives by October 1, 2006.    Executive officials will make a determination and implement feasible initiatives on or about October 1^st.
• Volunteers - During the month of August, ten volunteers were recruited and placed in various departments throughout the District.  The Volunteer Coordinator attended several meetings including the Walk Across Texas Recognition Event which was held to congratulate the 77 senior Walk Across Texas Participants. The goal of this program was to increase physical activity among seniors. Walk Across Texas was sponsored by Galveston County Health District’s Senior Health Advisory Group, Texas Cooperative Extension –Galveston County and Galveston County Parks and senior Services. 
• Urban Area Security Initiative - The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a project through the Department of Homeland Security to provide funding to metropolitan areas to detect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters, whether natural or manmade. The Public Health Planner met with emergency planners from Houston, Harris County, and Fort Bend County to put together a proposal which was approved to use a portion of these dollars to fund a patient tracking system to use in a mass casualty or evacuation event. This system will provide a way to track patients from the initial incident to the hospital so all patients will be accounted for and can be re-united with family members.
• Galveston County Emergency Response Collaborative - The Galveston County Emergency Response Collaborative (GCERC) met on August 8^th. Irma Ortiz, Director of the Galveston Office of the Red Cross, spoke to the group about shelter and hurricane planning going on locally and statewide. The group also discussed how HAM radio operators and other technologies are being used to enhance communications during an emergency, and upcoming training and exercise opportunities.
• Galveston County Medical Reserve Corps - The Galveston County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) met on August 8^th. Two counselors from the Gulf Coast Center spoke at the meeting about their work on a special project to provide counseling to Katrina victims. They discussed how a catastrophic event can affect individuals and what local resources are available to assist them.  

• Core Disaster Life Support Training - The Public Health Preparedness program hosted a Core Disaster Life Support Class on August 16^th. The 4 hour class provides instruction on the recognition and response to a wide range of hazards. Instructors from UTMB provided the training. Participants included staff from the Health District, UTMB, the Medical Reserve Corps, and the Department of State Health Services.
• Incident Command System Training. On Aug 24th and 25^th the Health District hosted an incident command system (ICS-200) course required for all workers with  a “direct” role in response to an emergency. The two day training was taught by instructors from the Texas Forestry Service and attended by staff from the Health District, Mainland Medical Hospital, UTMB, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Medical Reserve Corps, and Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services. The course taught participants how response to an emergency event should be structured to insure efficiency, proper span of control and accountability.
• Senior Center Presentation - On August 3^rd, the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Coordinator gave a presentation on public health preparedness to seniors at the Senior Center in Bacliff. Topics covered included the importance of having an emergency kit and an evacuation plan, the use of “211” to register your name if you need assistance to evacuate, and the role and purpose of the Medical Reserve Corps.
• Kemah City Council Presentation - The Public Health Planner provided a presentation to the Kemah City Council on August 24^th. The Planner informed the council about public health preparedness activities, the Medical Reserve Corps and how Kemah leaders and citizens can play a role in helping their city respond to a public health emergency.

• Public Health Preparedness Extension budget was signed on August 10, 2006. The extension included an increase of $41,954 for Pandemic Influenza funding. New budget is now $408,985.
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice contract was signed on August 11, 2006. This contract states the Health District will provide death certificates of deceased parolees for a fee of $21.000. Total amount of contract shall not exceed $420.00.
• Vital Statistics contract with Department of State Health Services was signed on July 27, 2006. With this contract, the Health District has access to DSHS On-line Database to locate data and issue certifications of vital records.
• Linebarger, Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP agreement was signed on August 24, 2006. This agreement is for collection services of delinquent Emergency Medical Services accounts.
• TCEQ Renewal contract for the Health District to operate and maintain whole air samplers in the Galveston area for $76,000 was signed on June 26, 2006
• City of Jamaica Beach Village contract was signed on August 28, 2006 for monitoring of water pollution in the amount of $742.95. 
• DSHS awarded the WIC program $55,000 to renovate and make their Texas City and Dickinson offices more child-friendly.
• RWJ Vote and Vaccinate Project contract was signed on August 18, 2006. This grant provides funding of $8,000 to implement a one-day flu vaccine campaign in conjunction with 3 polling sites throughout the County.