District Employees Recognized
for Service to Seniors

La Marque - At the 4C’s Governing Board meeting held on Thursday, July 29th, the Galveston County Health District recognized employees that have made significant contributions to the health of local senior citizens. The 4C’s Governing Board oversees the operations of the District’s two clinics located in Texas City and Galveston.

The 4C’s Governing Board along with the Galveston County United Board of Health both adopted a Strategic Health Plan in 2003 that will guide Health District activities over the next seven years. One of the eight priorities identified in the Health Plan includes goals to improve senior health concerns such as isolation, social needs, and access to healthcare.

Prior to the adoption of the Strategic Health Plan, the 4C’s Governing Board initiated a pilot outreach program in May of 2003 to provide health education, preventive screenings and assistance to seniors who have a need for health or social services available in the county. In addition, the board established an incentive program for employees who provide exceptional services to seniors. Employees were nominated by co-workers who considered the merit of their contributions as well as patient feedback from customer satisfaction surveys.

The pilot outreach program led to the establishment of a Senior Health Corp, a senior volunteer program partially supported with funds from the Mainland Communities United Way, and a Senior Health Advisory Council which will advise the District’s health boards on senior health needs and resources.

According to Brian Maxwell, Secretary-Treasurer of the 4C’s Governing Board, employee recognition is one of the enjoyable things that come with serving on the board. “As board members we value all employees and especially welcome the opportunity to honor those that have given extra in the effort to achieve the important health goals established in the Strategic Health Plan.”

Ten individual employees and one employee team were selected for making significant contributions to improving the health of seniors in our community. Individual employees recognized are: Jean Chipman, Case Management; Fannie Cotton, Accounting; Carmen Castro, Public Health Preparedness; Charles Kelly, Senior Outreach; Marina Urbina, 4C’s LVN; Thomas Leigh, Galveston Emergency Medical Services; Brenda Freeman, 4C’s Cashier; Dr. Richard Trifiro, 4C’s Family Physician; Terri Smith, Print Shop; and Tammy Mikes, Laboratory.

The 4C’s Galveston Medical Team was selected for recognition. Team members are: Dr. Richard Trifiro, RoseMary Maniscalco, Carol Hodges, Tonya Kane, ShuShu Clowers, Marina Urbina, Mary Jane Griggs, Florinda Suayan, Margaret Tamayo, Rochelle Boone, Tammy Mikes, and Arline Ray.

Dr. Mark Guidry, M.D., MPH, Chief Executive Officer of the Galveston County Health District says, “Employees are the most valuable part of our organization and make a difference every day in the quality of services provided to our senior neighbors and community members. This is our way of saying thank you for a job well done.”

The 4C’s Galveston Medical Team received recognition for making significant contributions to the health of senior citizens.