March, 2004
LMC introduces first Team Excellence Award winners-Page 1
Ken Miller receives first Richard L. Hoech Award-Page 2
Public Health Week Calendar of Events-Page 2
Thomas F. Riley Award presented to Dane Libart-Page 3
Brown garners award for exemplary service-Page 3
Coming soon to a computer near you-Page 3
Public Health Week Scavenger Hunt -Page 4
April Health Observances-Page 4
Rising obesity rates discussed at roundtable-Page 5
Prescription Drug Seminars available - Page 5
START hosts Older Adults Workshop - Page 6
Healthy Eating, Healthy Living - Page 6
Two shine in Spotlight on Excellence awards - Page 7
Purchase your Angels tickets today! - Page 7
ACS participates in rescue training - Page 8
Behavioral Health Director Welcomed! - Page 8
Your HCA/OCEA Labor Management Committee (LMC) is pleased to introduce the winners of the first LMC Team Excellence Award! Join us in congratulating Environmental Health's Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)/Used Oil Program, whose convincing application and enthusiastic references earned top honors from the LMC as the nominated team that best exemplified the principles of Enlightened Leadership and Team Excellence in creative and collaborative action, and whose teamwork has resulted in increased service, productivity and effectiveness.
Members of the CUPA/Used Oil Program have been working together for as few as two years to as many as 10 years. Team leader Pearl Boelter and team members James Hendron, Steve Kim, Christine Larosa, and Karen McKabney work on a wide variety of projects where they have a unique opportunity to act both as regulators and educators. One of the projects highlighted in the team's application was the Dana Point Harbor Clean & Green campaign, recognized by the Clean Coastal Boating Network as a model clean-marina program and a blueprint for many clean marina-programs in Southern California. As part of this project, the team assisted the City of Dana Point with protection of water quality in the marine environment by educating boaters about the importance of minimizing hazardous waste discharges into the water.
Members of the LMC's Project Development Subcommittee sat down with the winning team and asked them to identify those qualities and characteristics that they believed made their team so effective. As one of the primary goals of the awards program, the LMC wants successful teams to share with others about what makes them successful, in order to encourage other teams to work effectively to accomplish their goals.
Team member Steve Kim believes that outsiders may initially look at their team and call them "crazy or dysfunctional." Christine Larosa added that, "we are all these different personalities and people are thinking, `"How do you guys work together?"' Steve believes that people "may get that impression at first. If you are with us day-in and day-out … you can see the exact pieces of a big puzzle. If there is a piece missing, someone adapts to be that piece to fill the picture." Pearl Boelter adds that when people "see the results … then they recognize that the team is working together." Steve added that, "It is this ability of putting aside our differences and utilizing our individual talents for the common goal, which signifies our seal as a team."
It is apparent that as the team leader, Pearl Boelter sets the tone for the group. Steve believes that the source of their team's strength is derived from the top, their team leader. Pearl has the innate ability, or perhaps even a gift, of empowering every member. All of the team members agree that Pearl's ability to give a project to one of her staff and then completely trust that person with the responsibility is a major component of their success. In addition, James Hendron believes their team leader makes the team stronger by "the lack of micromanagement. The ability to direct staff to do the project, oversee the project and be hands off." Steve added that, "Pearl clears the way so I can do my job. And I think that is the biggest blessing that a person at work can have, because I think so many people at work are frustrated because they can't actually do their work, because there are so many things bogging them down." He notes that at the end of the day he can say, "`Hey, I got it done! There is a great sense of contentment and satisfaction."
The team relies on the establishment and maintenance of strong personal relationships to help build the team's bonds. As a group, they make it a priority to get together and go out for breakfast or lunch at least once a month. Some of the Used Oil events, which sometime take place on the weekends, also allows for time to build and strengthen these bonds. "We do a lot of one-on-one with each other, and getting to know a little bit about what is going on in our lives, and that really draws us together as a unit," said Pearl. "They're not just somebody at work…there is this meaning to it. That is the glue that somehow brings it all together."
Orange County's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) held an inaugural event in their offices at 405 W. 5th Street on Monday, February 23rd to showcase the dedication of the Richard L. Hoech perpetual award and honor its first recipient, EMS Assistant Medical Director and Orange County Fire Authority Medical Director, Ken Miller, MD, PhD.
Dr. Miller is a well-recognized individual noted for his commitment to EMS and for being an active member of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. He is recognized for his strong commitment to education, teaching EMS personnel how to handle life's daily emergencies, providing various training opportunities and actively participating as a member of several committees. He is further noted for his active involvement in all aspects of EMS and for the assistance he has provided in educating hospital physicians during the anthrax scare.
Dr. Miller has responded to many of the major medical disasters in recent years, traveling to Oklahoma City after the bombing there in 1993, and to New York City following the September 11, 2001 disaster at the World Trade Center where he spent 21 days consulting on specific disaster responses.
The Richard L. Hoech Award honors the spirit and memory of the late Dr. Richard "Dick" Hoech, an emergency physician who cared deeply about the Orange County EMS community and its practitioners. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate Dr. Hoech's zeal and commitment to the field of emergency medical services.
Dr. Miller first began his medical career at UCI Medical Center where served as an emergency medicine intern and resident and where he first met Dr. Hoech. Dr. Miller looked up to Dr. Hoech as a mentor and enjoyed his personality and incredible dedication to the field of EMS. In several ways, Dr. Miller's career has paralleled Dr. Hoech's footsteps.
Presentation of Gerald Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award
Each Year, as part of Public Health Week, the Orange County Coalition for Health Education honors a health care professional in Orange County who demonstrates exceptional commitment to health education. For more information on the Award, contact Frank Hernandez at (714) 796-8022 or by e-mail at fhernandez@ochca.com.
Public Health Week Board of Supervisors Resolution - Tuesday, March 30
The Orange County Board of Supervisors will present a resolution during the scheduled Board meeting on Tuesday, March 30 to declare April 5 to April 11 Public Health Week in Orange County. Visit the Board of Supervisors meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Hall of Administration located at 10 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana.
Mini Health Fair - Monday, April 5
In celebration of Public Health Week, a mini health fair promoting several of the Health Care Agency's outreach and educational programs will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Agency's 17th Street Clinic located at 1725 W. 17th Street in Santa Ana. For more information on the health fair, contact Juanita Rios at (714) 834-6607 or by e-mail at jrios@ochca.com
Public Health Week Scavenger Hunt _ Entries Due Friday, April 9
Join in celebrating Public Health Week by completing the `virtual scavenger hunt' included in this month's issue of What's Up on page 4. Visit the Agency's website to locate all the answers, and submit your answers online at www.ochealthinfo.com/public/phweek/hunt.htm. Five participants who answer all of the questions correctly will be randomly selected to receive fun prizes!
Hats off to Dane Libart, Family Advocate for Behavioral Health's Adult Mental Health Program on receiving the Orange County Mental Health Association's Thomas F. Riley Award, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions and dedication to mental health in Orange County.
Dane received his award in the professional category, which was presented to him during the 10th Annual Thomas F. Riley Mental Health Community Service Award Presentation Luncheon held at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort on February 26th.
Dane is recognized for his devotion to helping those within the community in need of information, resources and service. He strives to assist families and loved ones in crisis with attention and dedication, and is seen as a rare individual who gives of himself freely and extensively in a caring and sensitive way.
Congratulations to Stephen Brown, RN, BSN, MHN of Adult Mental Health Services on receiving the Orange County Mental Health Board's quarterly "Exemplary Service Award," which recognizes staff who demonstrate a personal commitment to quality and serve as an example to others.
Stephen is currently a Behavioral Health Nurse for the AB2034 Homeless Mentally Ill program and has since been regarded as the "go-to" man for resources in the community because of his ability to develop reciprocal relationships with other community providers.
In his position, Stephen works with a number of Police Departments including Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Anaheim and the Sheriff's Department, and has been praised for his ability to work with and develop relationships with AB2034 consumers, who at times are the most difficult to engage, but need the most help.
Stephen embodies the AB2034 philosophy of, "We will leave no one behind," and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to problem solving, advocacy, or lobbying for the medical and psychiatric needs of the AB2034 community in Orange County. Stephen is currently a graduate candidate at UCI and is also working toward a certification in Family Practice.
LMC
continued from page 1
Humor and the ability to not take each other too seriously are also key ingredients of the mix. Christine says that the team members "all have fun, are energetic and all have passion for what they do." While they confront difficulties and personality conflicts head on, they do it with respect for each other. They can find humor in almost any situation, don't take things too seriously, and let things go. Their team motto is, quite simply, "Get over it, and move on."
In the next issue of "What's Up", we will continue our interview with the winners of the first Team Excellence Award and get their insights on what they feel could help their team perform even better in the future, what things have limited their team's effectiveness, and what advice they would give to other teams struggling with working as an effective team.
Keep an eye out for the next Team Excellence nomination period which will be announced soon. The HCA/OCEA LMC encourages all successful teams to apply for this coveted award. For more information regarding the Team Excellence Award and how you can nominate a team (maybe your team!), visit the HCA Intranet online at http://balsam/intranet/lmc/team.asp.
This Spring, HCA's Office of
Compliance will conduct an
anonymous survey to gather feedback about certain elements of
the Compliance Program. Using the Zoomerang computer-based survey
system, HCA employees will be able to complete the survey in just a few minutes.
The information obtained will be used to help the Agency direct its efforts on
Compliance Program areas that may require additional focus. The brief survey will
assess staff knowledge about the Compliance Program, as well as determine
employee preferences regarding future training efforts. More information
about
the survey will be e-mailed to HCA staff in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
The HCA Compliance Program offers a confidential telephone hotline to voice your concerns about any situation that may conflict with Compliance Program principles. You may call the hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: (866) 260-5636
To celebrate Public Health Week, join us on a `virtual scavenger hunt' to learn more about the Health Care Agency's programs and services. Visit the Agency's website at www.ochealthinfo.com to find all answers to the questions
listed below. Please submit your completed quiz online by visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/public/phweek/hunt.htm by Friday, April 9th. Five lucky participants who answer all the questions correctly will be randomly selected to win fun prizes. Happy hunting!
1. Who do I call if I think I got sick from food purchased in an Orange County restaurant?
a) HCA Nutrition Services
b) HCA Environmental Health
c) The local Police Department
d) Office of Quality Management
2. When does the Orange County Animal Care Center provide low-cost rabies vaccinations for pets?
a) Every day
b) Every Wednesday
c) The first Tuesday of every month
d) Never
3. Under the Preventive Health Care for the Aging (PHCA) Program, ALL individuals 55 and older are eligible for no cost services provided by Public Health Nurses at countywide senior sites.
a) True
b) False
4. What can the Environmental Health Division do about mold in my home? (choose all correct responses)
a) Provide an information packet about mold.
b) Send an inspector out to test for mold.
c) Take tenant complaints regarding leaks, dampness,
faulty weatherproofing, and deterioration of the structure.
d) None of the above
e) All of the above
5. What is the price of a certified copy of a birth certificate?
a) $18
b) $13
c) $25
d) Free
6. Institutional Health Services / Correctional Medical Services (CMS) provides medical services to all adult inmates in the County's five correctional facilities.
a) True
b) False
7. Which of the following choices is NOT one of the three Divisions of Behavioral Health Services?
a) Adult Mental Health Services
b) Children and Youth Mental Health Services
c) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
d) Public Health Services
8. The Health Care Agency provides free immunizations for all children under age 18.
a) True
b) False
9. Who do I call to report an apparent violation of the Smoke-free Workplace law?
a) HCA/Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP)
b) HCA/Environmental Health
c) The local Police Department
d) Office of Quality Management
10. Breastfeeding women up to twelve months may be eligible for WIC services.
a) True
b) False
11. The Breast Cancer Early Detection Program (BCEDP) provides free mammograms to women ____ years of age and older meeting certain income requirements.
a) 30
b) 35
c) 40
d) 45
12. The Health Care Agency provides free anonymous HIV testing.
a) True
b) False
Alcohol Awareness Month
Cancer Control Month
National Occupational Therapy Month
National STD Awareness Month
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Alcohol-Free Weekend 4
National Public Health Week 5-11
National Health Information Privacy and Security Week 11-17
World Health Day 7
National Alcohol Screening Day 8
National Volunteer Week 18-24
What's UP is a newsletter for employees of the County of Orange, CA, Health Care Agency.
Editors Tricia Landquist
Howard Sutter
Anne Fialcowitz
Your Input
Phone (714) 834-6644
E-mail TLandquist@ochca.com
FAX (714) 834-7644
Pony Bldg. 38-S, 4th Floor
The California Elected Women's Association for Education and Research (CEWAER) hosted Healthy
Weight Roundtables at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on February
12th and invited County Health Officer, Dr. Mark Horton to present and discuss the facts on
rising obesity.
During his presentation, Dr. Horton explained that some causes of the increase in overweight and obesity rates affecting more than half of California's adults include nutritional factors, the level of physical activity, individual choices, social, economic, and cultural factors. Susan Foerster, Chief of the Cancer Prevention & Nutrition section of the State Department of Health Services also presented her findings on the rising rates of obesity.
The Roundtable event drew a group of state legislative staff, school boards and county representatives who were able to discuss and develop policy recommendations that will help address the rising obesity rates and related chronic disease in California's population.
The Nursing Education Advisory Council (NEAC) is looking for new members and invites all HCA nurses and health educators to join an innovative group of individuals who actively participate in planning timely and meaningful in-service programs for the Agency.
The Council was created many years ago by nurse volunteers as an attempt to organize 5 or 6 local professional development in-services so that costly registration and travel expenses would not be necessary. The group was also created so that nurses in public health would have an interesting and pertinent selection of programs to attend for the 30 contact hours required for relicensure.
Members solicit topics and/or speaker ideas from colleagues and co-workers and take turns coordinating a selected topic. As coordinator, they participate in all facets of implementing the event including arranging speakers, reserving rooms, applying for Continuing Education Units, designing and distributing flyers, handling sign-ins and distributing attendee certificates.
Once on the Council, individuals enjoy serving in the group and remain members for years. Recent retirements have thinned the NEAC ranks, with Susan Sullivan from Public Health Nursing recently taking over as chairperson when long-time member Beryl Koenig retired last year. Multiyear member Beverly Riddell, who has served on the Council since 1994, will soon be retiring as well.
"Nurses and health educators from all programs should consider joining the Council as we are fortunate to have an administration that supports nursing and allows on-duty planning and implementation of these in-services," said Susan Sullivan. "It allows us to plan convenient and meaningful continuing education for our license renewal as well as gives us the opportunity to meet folks from other service areas."
This new seminar for 2004 is designed for individuals wishing to learn about the recently enacted Medicare legislation and how it may affect them. Attendees will receive information on topics including:
Save the date for Friday, April 23rd to attend the 7th Annual Removing the Stigma Substance Abuse Workshop: "A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach to Substance Abuse among Older Adults," at the Irvine Civic Center Auditorium located at One Civic Center Plaza in Irvine from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
It is currently estimated that between 18,000 and 60,000 older adults in Orange County are alcoholics or at risk of becoming alcoholics. Alcohol also plays a significant role in hospital admissions, psychiatric hospitalizations and avoidable deaths.
HCA's Substance Abuse Resource Team (START) along with the American Society on Aging, the National Council on Alcohol/Drug Dependency, and the City of Irvine will host this informative workshop to address these potentially life-threatening problems that can negatively affect the quality of life among older adults misusing or inappropriately combining alcohol with other substances and medications.
An experienced multidisciplinary clinical team will introduce participants to a successful model of treatment and practical approaches to issues of substance abuse among homebound older adults.
The START program is a collaborative effort between the Orange County Behavioral Health Older Adult Services (OAS), Public Health's Preventive Health Care for the Aging (PHCA), the Alcohol & Drug Education & Prevention Team (ADEPT) and numerous community and senior center based programs. Working with these partners, START integrates prevention, intervention and rehabilitation services to older adults living independently in the community.
For more information about the START program, the upcoming workshop or to be added to the mailing list, contact Roseanne Kotzer at (714) 972-3738 or by e-mail at rkotzer@ochca.com. Workshop registration fees are $35 before April 16.
Healthy eating helps you get the most out of life and a healthy lifestyle is the key to looking good, feeling great and being your best at work and play. During the month of March, participate in healthy eating and healthy living by celebrating the American Dietetic Association's (ADA) National Nutrition Month® and on April 1st, mark your calendars for April Foods Day, a nutrition campaign designed by the American Cancer Society (ACS)!
The similar theme of both campaigns created by ADA and ACS are designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and activity habits. April Foods Day also encourages everyone to eat 5 fruits and vegetables each day and to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
The ADA further recommends a well-balanced approach to nutrition and offers the following on-the-go healthy eating tips to help you get through the month.
Healthy Eating on the Run: A Month of Tips
1. Take time to look over the menu and make a careful selection.
2. Choose fried foods only rarely—go for grilled, broiled, or steamed foods more often.
3. Order the regular or kid-size portion. Mega-sized servings are probably more than you need.
4. Make milk or a low-fat shake your beverage for an extra calcium boost.
5. Try a side salad instead of fries.
6. Split your order. Share fries or an extra large sandwich with a friend.
7. Boost the nutrients in all kinds of sandwiches by adding tomato, peppers and other vegetables.
8. In place of fries or fried onion rings, order corn on the cob, green beans, baked beans or rice.
9. A baked potato offers more fiber and fewer calories than fries; just go easy on the sour cream and butter.
10. At the deli or sub shop, choose lean beef, ham, turkey or chicken on whole grain bread.
11. For a lighter meal, order an appetizer for your entrée.
12. Go easy on condiments, special sauces and dressings on sandwiches and salads. Ask for mustard, ketchup, salsa or low-fat spreads and dressings.
13. Enjoy ethnic foods such as Chinese stir-fry, vegetable stuffed pita or Mexican burrito. Go easy on the sour cream, cheese and guacamole.
14. At the salad bar, pile on the dark leafy greens, carrots, peppers and other fresh vegetables. Lighten up on the mayonnaise-based salads and high fat toppings.
15. Restaurant portions too large? Take home half the main course for another meal.
16. Order salad with dressing on the side so you can control how much is added.
17. Eat your lower-calorie food first. Soup or salad is a good choice.
18. Pass up all-you-can-eat specials, buffets and unlimited salad bars if you tend to eat too much.
19. If you do choose the buffet, fill up on salad and vegetables first. Take no more than two trips and use the small plate, which holds less food.
Jason Lacasama currently chairs the Orange County Multi-Ethnic Task Force and is known to his colleagues as a quiet leader who is well recognized for his commitment to cultural issues and his initiative in making a positive change in the community.
As the creator of a useful guide, "Substance Abuse: Guiding Principles, Commitment, Communication, Honesty and Trust," Raymond Perez is acknowledged for his sensitivity in caring for the unique needs of the Hispanic minors and families he treats. He is further acknowledged for his increased cultural awareness and is looked upon as a role model to some of the young clients he works with.
continued from page 6
20. Try a smoothie made with juice, fruit and yogurt for a light lunch or snack.
21. For dessert, choose fresh fruit or a container of fruit chunks if available. Or, share a dessert with a friend.
22. Load up your pizza with vegetable toppings. If you add meat, make it lean ham, Canadian bacon, chicken or shrimp.
23. Look for a sandwich wrap in a soft tortilla. Fillings such as rice mixed with seafood, chicken or grilled vegetables are usually low in fat.
24. For the fastest breakfast of all, go with dry cereal and milk. Make the cereal whole-grain or bran and you'll get fiber along with B vitamins and complex carbohydrates.
25. Build a better breakfast sandwich - replace the bacon or sausage with Canadian bacon or ham and order your sandwich on an English muffin, bagel or bun.
26. Instead of doughnuts, order an English muffin, bagel or a plain soft baked pretzel. Lightly spread the cream cheese or margarine - or just use jam or jelly.
27. Refrigerate take-out or leftovers if the food won't be eaten right away. Toss foods kept at room temperature for more than two hours.
28. Be size wise about muffins, bagels, croissants and biscuits. A jumbo muffin has twice the fat grams and calories as the regular size.
29. Look for yogurt and fruit for a quick on the run breakfast to start your day.
30. Tuck portable, nonperishable foods in your purse, briefcase or backpack for on-the-go snacking. For example, crackers and peanut butter, small boxes of cereal, dried fruit, pretzels, or plain popcorn.
31. Fresh fruit is already packaged to go. Try a variety of seasonal fruits.
For more information on nutrition, visit the American Dietetic Association online at www.eatright.org. The website also contains more tips on leading healthy lifestyles including recipes, nutrition tips and fact sheets.
NEAC
continued from page 5
NEAC meetings are currently held on the second Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m. at HCA's 17th Street Clinic located at 1725 W. 17th Street. For more information about NEAC or to sign-up and become a member, contact Susan Sullivan, NEAC Chair at (714) 834-8309 or by e-mail at ssullivan@ochca.com.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week from May 16-24 is just around the corner. Don't forget to pick up your Anaheim Angels tickets for a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium on Saturday, May 22 at 7 p.m.
Prior to the game, a tailgate celebration featuring live entertainment, free food (hot dogs and hamburgers) and informational booths will be held in the stadium parking lot. In addition, ambulances, fire engines and police cars will be on display.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to have a great time together. County employees and the general public are encouraged to attend.
Field level tickets are available at a reduced cost of $15 each and can be purchased by contacting HCA Emergency Medical Services at (714) 834-3500.
Join us at Angel Stadium for fun, food, entertainment, and valuable
information!
In response to an equestrian accident that occurred near Irvine Park this past January, Orange County Animal Care Services (ACS), along with Fire and Sheriff's agencies were invited to participate in a Large Animal Rescue training course in the city of Felton, CA.
The training course, organized by Connie Moore, the owner who unfortunately lost her horse in the January accident, teaches various authorities about working together with private horse owners to rescue large animals, while ensuring the safety of rescuers.
The two-day class presented by Santa Cruz County's Felton Volunteer Fire Department, which specializes in large animal rescues, featured a life size model horse and an overturned horse trailer to simulate highway rescues. The training also involved reenacting the incident that occurred with Connie's horse. After its rider slid and fell off, Cocoa the horse panicked and ran up a steep slope, slipped and landed upside down in a V-shaped gully below.
Along with learning how to use the necessary equipment to perform these types of rescues, attendees also learned how to understand the behavior of horses and best ways to approach the animal while in distress.
With several equestrian communities throughout the County, especially in
Orange, ACS officers already participate in a 12-week training course, which
involves large animal rescue training, in addition to the training offered by
the Felton Fire Department.
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