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Issue 01-4 April 2001Document Body Page Navigation Panel April 2001Issue 01-4 April 2001
ACT provides a helping handHe's not a bail bondsman. But in some ways, Frank Boswell's job is to get people out of jail. And in doing so, he's gained the appreciation of individuals, families, law enforcement, the judicial system and mental health advocates for his efforts to help the persistently mentally ill. Frank Boswell, RN, began his career with the Health Care Agency in 1986 as a case manager in an outpatient Behavioral Health clinic. It was there that he first heard of the Alternative Community Treatment (ACT) program. "I was stationed in a clinic where the ACT coordinator also had an office. I heard him talking about the program and was very interested, so I started asking questions about ACT. When that person left the Agency, I applied for and received the position," he remembered. That was back in 1991 and Boswell has now spent ten years as the Coordi- nator and only staff person of ACT, which helps to divert individuals with mental illness from the county jail into community ser-vices. "We are very selective about the individuals chosen for diversion. We only work with those facing minor charges and they are usually people we've seen a few times and have a good feel for who they are," Boswell said. Frank receives referrals from just about anyone and everyone. "Families, the public defender, judges, and most often the jail treatment team that has con-ducted their assessment. We look at each person's needs and decide 'Is it appropriate? Is it possible? and Will they cooperate? ' We receive about 250 referrals a year and our goal is to connect people with treatment if that alternative is
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HCA employees provide cause for celebrationWe all know that someone's 25th anniversary is called their 'Silver' anniversary, but in the case of three HCA staffers recognized for 25 years of ser-vice to the County during April, their years of experience are as good as gold! Agency Director Julie Poulson presented service awards to 26 HCA employees during the Recognition event held in the Board Hearing Chambers at the Hall of Administration. Topping the list of recipients were the three staff members reaching 25 years of ser-vice: Cathy Babiak, Judith Cobb and Terry Goodwin. Cathy Babiak started with the County of Orange in 1976 after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. She has advanced through a number of positions with California Children's Ser-vices (CCS), becoming the Chief Therapist for CCS in 1990. Cathy was a County of Orange Employee more appropriate than incarceration." Many of the people selected for the pro-gram have benefited previously from treatment but have not maintained a treatment program. For the program to work, Boswell says the clients must accept their need for treatment and that moment comes at different times for each person. "Some people walk in scared because they are facing jail time and others need to experience incarceration be-fore they are ready to accept help." Since Frank is the only staff member in ACT, he relies on others within HCA and other agencies to make things work. "Nothing happens without the help of good people in many other departments and services." Frank's knowledge of the Agency's services, as well as the community, make it possible to connect clients with needed programs. Before coming to HCA, he worked as a psychiatric technician, registered nurse and on locked psychiatric units, so he brings all of that experience to his unique job. While Frank says the position requires flexibility and the ability to work with lots . . . continued on page 7 Twenty five year honorees Terry Goodwin, Cathy Babiak and Judy Cobb with HCA Director Julie Poulson. 1
2 Issue 01-4 April 2001
Multicultural Conference well attendedStorm clouds and a forecast of heavy rains did not dampen prospects for the Agency's second annual multicultural conference "Toward an Inclusive Multicultural Agenda," held March 5 at the Irvine Hyatt Regency. The morning turned into a beautiful day and, with the cooperation of the skies above, the event was a rousing success. An estimated 600 participants from 80 different agencies and 9 different counties turned out for the event hosted by the County of Orange and Pacific Clinics. Direct consumers, their family members, and students from almost ten universities were also in attendance, helping to round out the experience. Some 25 different exhibitors, including some from as far away as the State Capitol, came out in full force to support this event. The booths represented a diverse group of agencies that address the needs of older adults, children, consumers and multicultural populations as well as providers. Specials thanks to the Platinum exhibitors including Refugio para Ninos (foster care agency), St. Joseph's Hospital System, College Health Enterprises, and B. R. I. D. G. E. S., Inc. Doug Barton, Deputy Agency Director/ Behavioral Health Services, gave a warm welcome to begin the morning pro-gram and asked folks to "enjoy and have a productive meeting". The CEO/ President for Pacific Clinics, Susan Mandel, Ph. D., followed and suggested that the conference was reflective of her "4 C's " philosophy of "Community-based, Collaborative, Cost Effective and Culturally Competent". In a humorous tone, Dr. Steve Mayberg, Director of the State Department of Mental Health, gave a "real life" example of a cross-cultural experience by sharing an encounter with the conference planning committee (e. g., Luis M. Garcia, Veronica Kelley, Rafael D. Canul) the night prior to the conference at the Hyatt Regency. He also spoke about the State Department of Mental Health's commitment to multicultural issues and the future direction of mental health with regard to is-sues of diversity. The morning opening remarks were rounded out by Supervisor Cynthia Coad and highlighted by her project in the Islands communities of El Modena and La Colonia Independencia. Plenary speakers Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola and Michael Smith kicked off the conference presenting "Linking Research with Practice and Policy: A Case Example for Reducing Mental Health Disparities in Latinos" and "Herbal Medications," respectively. Participants adjourned to the beautiful Pavilion where the festive sounds of the Mariachis set the tone for the cultural dining experience. The afternoon workshops commenced, allowing participants to choose from a variety of topics, including: African-Centered Psychology: An Inclusive Approach for all Mental Health Professionals by Dr. Marcia Moody; Treatment of Asian Pacific Islander Adolescents and their Families by Dr. Glenn Masuda; Introduction to Working with Lesbian, Gay and Bi-Sexual Clients by Dr. Christine Browning; Genealogical Phototherapy by Dr. Gerardo D. Canul; Culture and Sexuality by Dr. Michael Gonzales; and Dual Diagnosis from a Cultural Perspective: A Panel Presentation. Thanks to all the attendees, exhibitors, facilitators and presenters for helping to shape this event into a successful arena where an exchange of ideas and dialogue took place regarding the great diversity of our communities. We look forward to the Third Annual Multicultural Conference and hope to see you there!
Volunteers get the creditVolunteer recognition events during the month of April served as an opportunity to thank the hundreds of individuals who contribute to HCA programs and ser-vices, with special recognition given to four volunteers with Project Together of Behavioral Health's Children and Youth Services. CYS held its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner April 24 at the Old Orange County Courthouse with more than one hundred people in attendance. Last year 296 mentors and community ser-vices volunteers gave almost 39,000 hours of their time to Project Together. The donation of time alone is valued at $545,000! Three individuals who work with Project Together were selected for recognition at the annual Countywide Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Hall of Administration. Volunteers Sommerlee Evans and Bill Sauter along with mentor Kimberly Shreeve joined the ranks of county volunteers spotlighted for their special contributions. Also honored was David Parker, an Animal Care Services volunteer. Another Project Together mentor, Verna Grover, was selected to receive the Spirit of Volunteerism Award from the Volunteer Center of Greater Orange County during a recognition program in late March. Project Together volunteers reflect the diversity that is Orange County, ranging in age from 18 to 80 and in length of service from just a few months to more than ten years. Next time you meet an HCA volunteer from Project Together or any other service, tell them "Thanks!" for caring enough to share their time and talents with others.
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OC Fair planning underwayA s Director of the Health Care Agency, I am very fortunate to work with a fabulous group of professionals. In fact, I tell people with pride that HCA has the best employees! However, with an organization as large as ours, I don't have the opportunity to meet with as many of you as I would like. One of my favorite things is visiting you at work. There's very little that can substitute for seeing someone in the performance of their job and my intent as Director is to make regular visits to HCA facilities and locations an important part of my schedule. I look forward to these opportunities to just drop-by and get a better feel for the activities of each location and the individuals who make our programs and services work. I am also planning to institute a pro-gram that will allow you to come by and visit me, to discuss whatever is on your mind. Currently, I plan to set aside a couple of hours on one Friday afternoon each month to meet with you individually. I'm interested in knowing about what you are doing on the job, your ideas for improving our services and really just discussing anything that you would like to share with me. To schedule a half-hour appointment for the first open-door Friday afternoon on May 18th from 2-4 p. m., please call (714) 834-6254. While I hope to always be able to keep these appointments, emergencies do arise and we will need to have your name, program and telephone number should we need to con-tact you to reschedule our meeting. Drop-ping by to meet you and scheduling half-hour appointments will be just two of the ways we will open up the lines of communication within HCA. I look forward to this and other opportunities to not only learn from you, but also to get to know you better. Director’s Corner Director’s Corner A gain calling on the natural riches of Orange County, the theme for this year's Orange County Fair will provide the foundation for the development of the Health Care Agency's booth. This year's theme, "Twist and Shout," will celebrate citrus and sun, two of the things that have made Orange County famous. HCA's Fair Planning Committee is wasting no time preparing for the Fair scheduled for July 13-29 at the County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. The committee is already working on the theme for the Agency booth, designing the set, developing promotional items and working on strategies to meet the Agency's objectives for fair participation. Those objectives are:
HCA had overwhelming employee participation last year to staff the booth during the Fair's regular operating hours and HCA employees will again be the key to the success of the booth. Staff participation will be needed Monday through Wednesday from 12 Noon-11 p. m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a. m.-11 p. m. Everyone working at the Fair will receive free fair admission for the day they work and free parking. So mark those dates on your calendar, July 13-29, and start considering your part in this year's HCA booth at the Orange County Fair.
Childhood obesity forum draws spotlightOrange County's Children and Weight Task Force opened in April a major effort to deal with the growing problem of childhood obesity. The campaign started with a two hour forum held at Children's Hospital Orange County and featured guest speaker Joel Cohen, author of a California Legislative Bureau report en-titled "Overweight Kids-Why Should We Care? Deputy Agency Director/ Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton presented information on the growing nation-wide trend toward child-hood obesity and the reality that overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults. High-fat, high sugar diets and lack of physical activity are considered key contributors to the problem. More than 100 people, including many nurses and dietitians, attended. A highlight of the forum was the presentation of a $169,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Orange County to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and Latino Health Access to fight pediatric obesity in Santa Ana. Presenting the check were (l-r): Susan Zepeda, Healthcare Foundation of Orange County; Dr. Gwyn Parry, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian; and America Bracho, Latino Health Access.
"The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it." Alan Saporta
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4 Issue 01-4 April 2001
IT lets their fingers do the walking! By HCA Information Technology It seems like every other week there is a new acronym in the world of technology. "SMS" stands for Microsoft's management tool, "Systems Management Server", a very exciting and powerful application that runs on the network and PC's throughout the Agency. It has recently become an invaluable tool for the PC and Network support groups of Information Technology, making possible the distribution of critical software patches and updates, retrireview of detailed inventory information, and most importantly, the troubleshooting of PC problems through the network, all by remote control! As of a few weeks ago, the HCA Helpdesk implemented the use of SMS as part of an overall Helpdesk enhancement and redesign. It is currently being used for some of our more routine tasks such as assisting with the management of user's e-mail, correction of limited file errors and MIS errors, and solving printing problems. There are, however, numerous other applications for use of SMS, which will allow us to further automate our services to the user community. SMS is especially useful for Helpdesk calls that are urgent, or when the problems exist at any of HCA's re-mote locations in the County. This is when SMS eliminates the time and distance barrier by providing immediate assistance. We like to call it the "next best thing to being there." Customers who have had the opportunity to witness the power of SMS firsthand are amazed that their mouse and desktop take on a life of their own, as we assume control of your PC. Some folks invite their co-workers over to see the show. Accessing a users PC for problem diagnoses and trouble-shooting purposes will always be done with the user's full knowledge and per-mission. When a session starts there will be an audible tone to let you know that an IT technician has taken control of your system. As we continue the use of SMS, the Information Technology Helpdesk will need your assistance. Before the technician can troubleshoot problems with your PC, we will need your help in collecting some basic information such as your name, verification of your work location and PC serial number (usually found on the top of the outer case). Depending on workload volumes at the time you call, the Helpdesk personnel will either help you right away, or assign your call to a service technician, who, if not immediately available, will have to complete your call when they return from the field (unfortunately, not everything can be fixed by SMS). Mass updates and agency-wide rollouts such as virus fixes, application patches, and bug fixes can be done with far less effort through the power of SMS. It is also expected to increase IT's problem solving efficiency and cut response time considerably, helping IT deliver better maintenance services and enabling rollout application updates without disruption to the user.
May Health Observances
World Asthma Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 3 National Nurses Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 6 National Mental Health Counseling Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 7-13 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week . . . . . . . . . . . May 20-26 National Senior Health and Fitness Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 30 World No Tobacco Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 31
continued from page 1 Gold Star of different types of people, he also says it requires a certain firmness. "Sometimes you have to be rigid enough to know when to say no," stated Boswell. That is often necessary when someone tries to refer an individual who would not be appropriate for the program. The toughest part of Frank's job is "seeing people return when a lot of people have done all they can to help." However, the job has its rewarding moments. "Sometimes months or years later, I hear about someone who is doing well that we have placed and who has stayed in treatment for an extended period of time. Last year, I volunteered to work at the Orange County Fair and had some-one shout out my name from the crowd. It was someone I had helped to place and who was making progress." Sometimes success is a little harder to measure. "It may be a person who was on the road to committing more serious crimes. If we can stop them and get them redirected, we've been successful." Once someone has been placed by ACT, follow-up is a key to giving the individual the greatest chance for success. "I do follow-up with clients for up to one year. There are often others involved in that follow- up program. "Sometimes treatment is part of the terms of probation, so I work with the Probation Department and the client." In fact, Frank is the first to say that his success as an advocate depends on all of the other people involved in the process, from those making the referral to those involved in the treatment programs. His work has not gone unnoticed. Frank Madrigal, Division Manager for HCA's Institutional Health Services, said "Throughout the years, Frank Boswell has been very effective in quietly getting in-mates out of jail and getting them to agree to treatment and housing in the community. He is very much appreciated and respected by the branches of the legal/ judicial system and community behavioral health providers." For his efforts, Frank Boswell has received the "Friends of NAMI-OC" Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. That award recognized him for "his ongoing support and work with the severe and persistently mentally ill who enter the criminal justice system." Ten years of working with individuals that even Frank describes as "a pretty tough group" might be enough for most people. But Frank says he still finds his job to be "very interesting and I feel very lucky about that." 4
5 Issue 01-4 April 2001 HCA Labor Management Committee completes another successful yearIt's hard to believe that it's been two years, and the HCA Labor Management Committee (LMC) is going strong and working hard. On February 14, the LMC had a ceremony celebrating its accomplishments and honoring the past and present members. Accomplishments
Workplace Issue Highlight: Resources for CYS PsychologistsThe LMC has established a new working group that is successfully addressing a workplace issue submitted by a CYS clinician. The issue involves the replacement of toys such as markers, games and clay used in play therapy, and the purchase of psychological testing materials. As a result of meetings between CYS representatives and Behavioral Health Administration, these activities are being accomplished:
HCA Labor Management Committee completes another successful year
Join the LMC as a Possible PIP Goal!Please come and join the fun and receive the satisfaction of helping your fellow HCA staff members by joining the LMC. Some of the members have used their active participation in the LMC and the associated sub-committee projects as their SMART PIP goal (with supervisor approval). Joining the LMC is an excel-lent way to meet HCA staff from other Divisions and to learn how each group serves the citizens of Orange County. We are especially on the look out for Public Health and HCA/ Administration staff to complete representation on the LMC. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming an LMC member, please contact Allan Dietz at 714-667-3658 or your OCEA representative.
“ I am grateful for my problems. As each of them was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those yet to come. I grew on difficulties”. . . . J.C. Penney 5
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MCAH honors clinical excellenceThe 2001 Betsy White Nursing Award for excellence in Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program Clinical Services has been presented to Cathy Smith, RN, CPNP. Interim MCAH Program Manager Tony Edmonds presented the award to Cathy in front of a huge gathering at a recent MCAH All-Staff meeting. Deputy Agency Director/ Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton also presented her with the famous gold star. In giving the honor, Edmonds said "the award is presented each year to a clinic nurse, nominated by their peers and excelling in leader-ship, community service and professional organization participation. The Betsy White Award itself honors the legacy of a former clinic supervising public health nurse. Betsy was a much loved supervisor, committed to her work and the lives of those she touched during her 27½ year career, whether they be client, staff or friend." Cathy Smith has been a Nurse Practitioner in the Child Health Clinics for 15 years. Edmonds praised Cathy saying, "her service to her clients, just like Betsy's, is legendary. She has received many moving letters of appreciation from them. She goes the extra mile referring clients to needed resources and has even been known to visit a child at home. She is a team player, always helping others who work with her. Cathy is well known as the 'lady who fights baby bottle tooth decay'. It is said that sometimes parents leave the bottle in the waiting room so she won't see it or they happily report on a return trip that the baby has stopped using the bottle. Cathy is a mentor and a teacher. She has done orientations for Field Nurses, physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners. She is always learning herself, even reading all her journals from cover to cover and then passing her knowledge onto others. She has been a willing participant on committees, process action teams and the Child Health Task Force to make our clinics a better place for staff and client." At home Cathy volunteers at church and school, provides meals and food for the poor, works on housing for the disadvantaged in Mexico and is very active in Girl Scouts. She is also active in NAPNAP, the national Nurse Practitioner association. Congratulations Cathy Smith — a most deserving honor!
Coming to a computer screen near you The debut of HCA's long-awaited Intranet is reminiscent of a song composed by comedian Steve Allen: "This Could Be The Start Of Something Big." The Intranet became available to HCA computer users on Monday, April 2nd , offering easy navigation and access to many important features. A key feature of the HCA Intranet is a monthly calendar of local and national health events and observances, which will be updated as new information is submitted. Other Intranet options will take you to sites for the Compliance Program, the Custodian of Records, Human Resources, Information Technology and Professional Development and Training. There is also an on-line library of Human Resources forms that can be printed for your use. If you find yourself using the Intranet frequently, you can even make it your homepage! As the HCA Intranet grows, its con-tent will be shaped to meet the needs of Agency staff. That's one reason why a "Feedback" form will be added to allow HCA employees to share their ideas for new Intranet features.
Welcoming our new Director Smiles were in abundance as HCA staffers gathered March 28 for an “All-Star Salute” to Julie Poulson following her appointment to the position of Agency Director. Among the presentations following the theme “A League of Her Own” were a softball signed by members of the Executive Team and a framed copy of the invitation to the event. 6
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Anniversary continued from page 1 of the Month in 1993. Judy Cobb began her county career with the Sheriff's Department, later working for the Superior Court before coming to HCA in 1988. She started as a Contract Administrator and worked in Public Health Program Support before returning to Contract Development and Management in 1995. Judy now serves as Senior Contract Administrator for Medical and Institutional Services with additional responsibility for HCA Purchasing. Terry Goodwin actually started working for the Orange County Health Department in 1972 as a Public Health Field Nurse. She has served in a number of roles, including Clinic Manager in the Family Planning Clinics. While raising her family, Terry continued in this part-time role for 17 years. She is currently the Perinatal Care Guidance Coordinator for the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program (MCAH).
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"We’re on-line!"You can check out the latest issues of the Health Care Agency’s newsletters by using this URL: http://www.ochealthinfo.com/newslett.htm We will keep current issues on line for a year. Let us know how you like the convenience!
HIPAA compliance efforts expandIf you've been around health care or HCA for any length of time, you've probably heard the word 'HIPAA' before. However, hearing about HIPAA and understanding it are two different things. HIPAA stands for the Health Insur-ance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, a major Federal initiative that will affect all health care providers, including HCA. Because of its far-reaching implications for HCA, a workgroup with representation from many HCA service areas has been formed under the direction of Herb Rosenzweig and his staff. The group, which began meeting this month, will help coordinate the Agency's response to HIPAA. Many in healthcare see the task as an intimidating one, as HIPAA has been touted as the most sweeping change in the health care industry since Medicare 35 years ago. The first task for the group will be a comprehensive inventory of related agency functions, especially those that involve computer based transactions and electronic medical records. A gap analysis will be performed in conjunction with Information Technology to determine needed actions. HIPAA consists of seven main standards, which the Federal government in-tended to simplify health care administrative procedures. The standards deal with areas including electronic transactions, patient privacy and security and will be phased in over a number of years. HCA's effort will also focus on the capability of contract providers to meet HIPAA requirements for electronic transactions, since information is shared between the Agency and contractors. The Agency's efforts to meet HIPAA requirements will also mean additional staff training in the coming months and years. Making sure HCA staff receives the necessary training well before any dead-lines for implementation and ensuring that we are ready on an individual level for changes in operating procedure related to HIPAA will be important. If you have questions about HIPAA or the Agency's efforts to meet HIPAA requirements, you can con-tact Herb Rosenzweig's office by e-mail at HRosenzweig@ochca.com.
What’s UP is a newsletter for employees of the County of Orange, CA, Health Care Agency. Editors . . . . . . . Howard Sutter, Pat Markley, Anne Fialcowitz Your InputPhone . (714) 834-5109 Fax . . . (714) 834-7644 E-mail . HSutter@ochca.com Pony . . Bldg. 38-S, 4th Floor
Cultural Competency presented the March “Spotlight On Excellence” Award to Carole Mintzer, a Staff Analyst in HCA’s Office of Quality Management. Carole’s assignments include the Children’s System of Care and she was recognized for her work with people from diverse backgrounds. On hand for the presentation were (l-r): Doug Barton, Deputy Agency Director/Behavioral Health; Veronica Kelley, Cultural Competency; Carole Mintzer; Rafael Canul, Cultural Competency; and Davine Abbott, Planning and Professional Development Manager, Office of Quality Management. The February 2001 recipient of the “Spotlight On Excellence” award from HCA’s Behavioral Health Cultural Competency Program was Alec Esparza, a Project Specialist for the Orange County Department of Education Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) Program. Pictured with Esparza is Vickie Walker of the Department of Education’s PAL program.
Animal Care Services gets ready for visitors O range County Animal Care Services (ACS) will join in the American Humane Society's celebration of Be Kind To Animals Week by hosting its annual Pet Faire on Saturday, May 12 at the Animal Care Center in Orange. Last year's event was the most successful ever, with ACS placing 65 home-less dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, turtles and even a few wayward ducks into new homes. The Faire is one of the best opportunities for ACS to reach the public, with as many as five thousand people attending this one-day celebration in re-cent years. This year's Pet Faire will feature animal lovers of all kinds, breed rescue groups, wildlife exhibitors, and over 30 vendors of animal products exhibiting their goods and services. Make plans to visit the Animal Care Center on Saturday May 12 between 10 a. m. and 3 p. m. for this year's Pet Faire. The Care Center is located at 561 The City Drive South in Orange, just off the Garden Grove (22) Freeway. 8 Page Navigation Panel
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