2004 Accomplishments and Future Plans

Press Release
April 5, 2005

La Marque  -  Yesterday, at a Commissioner’s Court workshop, Dr. Mark Guidry presented an overview of Health District accomplishments in 2004. The full 2004 progress report was approved by the United Board of Health & 4C’s Governing Board in February this year and is posted on the Health District’s website: www.gchd.org . This first annual progress report follows the adoption in early 2004 of a Galveston County Strategic Health Plan (2004-2010) which was developed after a six-month process of extensive public participation and feedback.

Among numerous accomplishments, some highlights of 2004 include: (1) increased access to care in the 4C’s Clinics; (2) improved disaster planning with other public agencies; (3) dramatic improvements to animals services which is still on-going; and (4) improved coordination of services benefiting senior citizens in the county.

In the 4C’s clinics, many operational improvements were made in 2004 and the commitment to excellent continues in 2005. A clinic redesign team, led by a consultant, is charged with making additional increases in patient satisfaction, in access to care, and in decreasing patient wait time while in the clinics. “I am very proud of these employees,” said Dr. Guidry, “who are dedicating their time and energy in looking out of the historical box by testing new models of excellence in patient care.”

The redesign team members, representing various aspects of the clinic, include: Jennifer Chaisson (mid-level provider), Marissa Gonzales (cashier), Sheila Coleman (nursing), Carla Sanchez (laboratory), Titus Venyah (physician), Renee Mc Culloch (registration), Patsy Linscomb (nursing), Margaret Johnson (patient complaint resolution), Michelle Robinson (medical records) & Fannie Cotton (appointments & coding).

For a complete report of progress in 2004 and future plans, see the organizations website. In addition to an executive summary, the detailed report outlines other accolades such as (1) the conference, "Diseases and Disasters: Are We Ready?" held at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center in League City on September 1, 2004;  (2) a detailed list of animal services improvements; and (3) a number of special projects benefiting seniors, including cooking schools, fitness classes, and flu prevention campaigns in partnership with other agencies and senior citizen centers.

These are just a few examples of many changes and improvements brought about this past year at the Galveston County Health District. “If you have not visited Health District offices or 4C’s Clinics in awhile, come by and visit us again,” said Guidry. “Sign up for our new volunteer program or help us with ideas on how to better serve senior citizens.”

Dr. Guidry said the Strategic Health Plan has been embraced by employees of the Health District and is used as a guide for all activities and services provided through the Health District. “I commend the staff for dedicated and deliberate work towards the plan and exceptional progress in just one year.”

Published in Gulf Coast  Enews 04/05/05

For More Information Contact:
Brian Rutherford
Acting Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2275
brutherford@gchd.org