issue 06-1
issue 06-1
January, 2006
Inside this issue...
Team effort & collaboration produce results -
Page 1
February Health Observances- Page 1
MHB Award presented - Page 2
Healthy Weight Week 2006 - Page 2
Shelter Plus Care Program receives funding from HUD - Page 2
MHSA Plan okayed by MH Board and Board of Supervisors -
Page 3
PH nurses promote breastfeeding practices at hospital - Page 4
HCA hosts Regional Compliance Training
- Page 4
LMC presents 3rd Annual Team Excellence Awards - Page 5
There's still time for a flu shot
- Page 5
VTI Tips for Supervisors - Page 6
Purchasing gets new Manager - Page 6
Congratulations to the staff of HCA's Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Office on being recognized as the Gold Star recipients of January 2006. The team's collaborative efforts and contributions have resulted in success that will bring in much needed funding to provide new services and programs for Orange County individuals living with serious mental illness and emotional disturbance.
The team, under the leadership of MHSA Administrator Dorothy Hendrickson, consists of Marco Anzar, Bonnie Birnbaum, Shebuah Burke, Maria Cervantes, Don Haylock, Kate Pavich, Pierre Tran and Jonathan Yu.
The MHSA team was tasked to conduct an open, inclusive participatory public planning process for the annual expenditure of $25.5 million (during each of three fiscal years) in Community Services and Supports funding available to Orange County under the Mental Health Services Act, which was approved by voters in November 2004.
"Since this was a new program and a new office, MHSA staff needed to figure out rapidly what to do and how to do it," said Mark Refowitz, Behavioral Health Services Deputy Agency Director.
The planning process was quite complex and included many components such as community outreach meetings to inform the public about the MHSA, a series of training workshops for stakeholders and other interested parties, a 59-member steering committee to oversee the development of the plan, age-specific workgroups to make program recommendations to the steering committee, and a variety of focus and stakeholder groups to provide input into the process.
More than 4,000 attendees participated in the planning process the MHSA team conducted. The proposed plan set forth was approved by the Steering Committee at the end of September. Behavioral Health Managers and MHSA Office staff then worked together to create a written plan that comprised more than 530 pages.
When completed, the Plan was then sent out for a 30-day public comment period. The Orange County Mental Health Board (MHB) held a public hearing at the Crystal Cathedral to also gain public testimony on the Plan. The event was well-attended with more than 400 people in attendance and 40 people provided public testimony. The Plan was then unanimously approved by the MHB and Orange County Board of Supervisors in December.
The Plan is now awaiting approval from the California Department of Mental Health, with new services and programs expected to begin as early as April 2006.
"This achievement was accomplished under tight time constraints
and involved a myriad of well-coordinated processes. Staff put in long hours
and did whatever it takes to ensure a successful planning process and
written plan," said Mark Refowitz.
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
Heart Month
Kids E.N.T. (Ears, Nose, Throat) Health Month
National Children's Dental Health Month
National Wear Red Day - 3
National Burn Awareness Week - 5-11
Cardiac Rehabilitation Week - 11-18
National Donor Day - 14
National Women's Heart Day - 17
Congratulations to Anthony Delgado, Service Chief of the AB 2034 Homeless Outreach Program, on receiving an Exemplary Service Award from the Orange County Mental Health Board and a commendation from Supervisor Lou Correa.
Tony's enthusiasm for working with the homeless mentally ill population and his effectiveness in engaging clients is well respected throughout Orange County. He works closely with judges, court staff, local police and the Sheriff's Department, county and contracted mental health providers, primary health care clinics, as well as consumers and family members.
Tony is acknowledged for his effective outreach and engagement of adult homeless mentally ill individuals. He has presented the AB 2034 program at numerous local and statewide conferences, describing dramatic interventions that have resulted in homeless mentally ill persons receiving services which were previously not available.
Tony's ability to pull people together from diverse backgrounds and disciplines and work toward common goals has been a significant catalyst in accomplishing effective and innovative mental health services in Orange County.
Supervisor Lou Correa presents Tony Delgado, AB2034 Homeless Outreach Program
Service Chief with a commendation for his positive contributions to the community.
Healthy Weight Week observed nationally from January 15-21, is a time to celebrate healthy lifestyles that last a lifetime and prevent eating and weight problems.
Each year Healthy Weight Week encourages people to celebrate a healthy non-diet lifestyle and to set a New Year's resolution that promotes nutritional habits, health and wellness, and being active.
Everyone knows that one size doesn't fit all. So, to help jump start your New Year's resolution to health and wellness, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers the "MyPyramid Tracker" available at www.mypyramidtracker.gov to help you choose the foods and amounts that are personalized just for you.
MyPyramid Tracker is an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on your diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient and physical activity information.
The Food Calories/Energy Balance feature automatically calculates your energy balance by subtracting the energy
you expend from physical activity from your food calories/energy intake. Use of this
tool helps you better understand your energy balance status and enhances the link
between good nutrition and regular physical activity.
MyPyramid Tracker translates the principles of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other nutrition standards developed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services.
HCA's Nutrition Services Program also helped the community jump on track toward a healthy New Year by hosting several food demonstrations at local grocery stores. Individuals were able to learn about incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables into their diet and about the importance of proper nutrition for better health.
For more information about Healthy Weight Week, visit
www.healthyweight.net. The USDA's website at
www.mypyramid.gov also offers healthy dining out tips and
a sample menu for a 2000 calorie food pattern to help you on your way to a healthy
New Year. More information about HCA's Nutrition Services Program can be found by
visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/public/nutrition/.
Orange County's Housing and Community Services Department in partnership with the Health Care Agency received notification that the Office on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded approximately $3 million dollars for both new and continuing Shelter Plus Care Housing Programs.
The Shelter Plus Care Program provides permanent housing assistance paired with required and necessary services for those homeless adults struggling with mental illness, addictions, or AIDS and related diseases.
HCA has participated in this program since 1996 through the Residential Care and Housing offices, helping needy residents to have a secure place to live while stabilizing their lives. Mentally ill residents receive recovery services through HCA's Adult Mental Health Services Clinics or contracted clinics.
This vital program provides a bridge for disabled persons to permanently leave
the streets while getting the treatment they need to build healthier and more stable lives.
"Change is the process by which the future invades our lives. "—Alvin Toffler
HCA's Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) program
hosted an event on December 8 at the Crystal Cathedral where Orange County's Mental Health Board convened to vote on the approval of Orange
County's MHSA Plan and hear public comments.
The event was well-attended. A crowd of more than 400 consumers, mental health advocates, community members and local stakeholders participated in the day's activities. Many spoke of the importance of the plan's approval and the needed services and programs it would bring to the community.
Behavioral Health Services Deputy Agency Director Mark Refowitz joined several guest speakers including Rowena Gillo-Gonzalez, Pacific Clinics Divisional Director, and Helen Cameron, Homes Inc., as they discussed the benefits of the plan and how it will help to bring needed mental health services to the County.
HCA staff joined attendees and guest speakers during the Mental Health Board meeting held at the Crystal Cathedral on Dec. 8. Pictured (left to right) are Dorothy Hendrickson, MHSA Administrator; Amir Pourmand, Pacific Clinics; Rowena Gillo-Gonzalez, Pacific Clinics; and Mark Refowitz, HCA Behavioral Health Services Deputy Agency Director.
Attendees at the event had the opportunity to view a mental health documentary video on the needs of homeless mentally ill individuals and families, as well as participate in a table discussion to offer input about the MHSA process, features of the MHSA Plan and suggestions on items that should be added to the plan in the future.
After approval by the Mental Health Board, the Plan was unanimously approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors on December 13.
The California Department of Mental Health is currently reviewing the Plan. Upon their approval, new services and programs are expected to begin as early as April 2006.
Proposition 63, the Metal Health Services Act, was approved by voters in November 2004 and is expected to provide a substantial increase in funding to expand community mental health services for children and youth, adults and older adults in Orange County.
For more information about MHSA or to view a copy of the Plan, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/prop63/.
What's UP is a newsletter for employees of the County of Orange, CA, Health Care Agency.
Editors
Tricia Landquist Landquist
Howard Sutter
Anne Fialcowitz
Phone (714) 834-6644
E-mail: TLandquist@ochca.com
FAX (714) 834-7644
Pony Bldg. 38-S, 4th Floor
Three HCA Public Health Community Nurses, (PHCNs) Margie Carrigan, Maria Dominguez-Wilson and Deborah Townes, met with staff from Coastal Communities Hospital (CCH) to discuss the best way to promote breastfeeding practices among nursing staff and women delivering babies at the hospital.
The nurses met with the hospital's Bridges Coordinator Lily Morales and Patient Educator Raquel Luna where they identified the following possible contributors to low breastfeeding rates: no lactation educator/consultant on site; separation of mom and baby at birth, no rooming in; and many staff lacking education in current evidenced based breastfeeding guidelines.
The priority of the collaborative effort was to provide education and promote exclusive breastfeeding to prenatal clients and their partners who attend weekly maternity tea at the hospital. Additionally, HCA's PHCNs (who are also lactation certified educators) would be available at the hospital three times a week to provide support and assistance to women who desire to breastfeed immediately after delivery and into the postpartum period.
HCA nurses and hospital staff set-out to plan and implement the project from May to December 2005. Implementation of part one began in July 2005. Since then, 18 breastfeeding educational sessions have been provided by the PHCNs at the hospital's maternity tea programs. The hospital's Bridges Coordinator Lily Morales and Patient Educator Raquel Luna have also become certified lactation educators.
As of October 2005, 337 expectant mothers, partners and family members have received breastfeeding education. The PHCNs have assisted 317 mothers and babies after delivery and referred mothers who need additional support to HCA's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program for further breastfeeding education and support.
During this same timeframe, 131 mothers have left the hospital exclusively breastfeeding, 336 mothers are combining breastfeeding with some formula feeding and 49 are formula feeding only.
. . . continued on page 5
Margie Carrigan, Deborah Townes and Maria Dominguez-Wilson, nurses from Area V Public Health Community Nursing, collaborated with staff at Coastal Communities Hospital to provide education and promote exclusive breastfeeding to the hospital's prenatal clients and their partners.
More than 25 compliance personnel from six different counties
gathered on January 10 at Hall of Administration to attend a Compliance Training hosted
by HCA's Compliance Program.
The presentation panel included Sheryl Vacca, West Coast Practice Leader, Health Care Regulatory Practice, Deloitte and Health Care Compliance Board Member; Linda Garrett, JD of Risk Management Services; and HCA Chief Compliance Officer Jeff Nagel, Ph.D.
The full-day training provided a high-level overview of health care compliance operations - discussing the nuts and bolts of how to run a compliance program. Items discussed focused on basic structure of a compliance program, how to conduct a risk assessment, auditing and monitoring, risk management and how to measure and document the effectiveness of a compliance program.
HCA's Compliance Program received positive feedback from the
training, which was also previously held in Sacramento
with more than 60 in attendance.
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
HCA's Labor Management Committee (LMC) is pleased to present the
3rd
Annual Team Excellence Awards. This is a terrific opportunity to spotlight
groups within the Agency that exemplify leadership and team excellence
in creative and collaborative action.
Characteristics of excellent teams include clearly defined goals, valuable roles for each team member, positive and creative thinking, effective communication, overcoming obstacles and commitment to solutions.
Do you know a group or team of HCA employees that fit these characteristics? If so, fill out a nomination form by downloading a copy available on HCA's Intranet at http://balsam/intranet/lmc/team.asp. An application form, nomination criteria and further information on characteristics of excellent teams can also be found online.
The winning team chosen will be highlighted in future "What's Up" newsletter issues, be recognized at an upcoming HCA Awards Ceremony and receive award certificates.
Here are brief summaries of the past two award-winning teams:
Environmental Health's Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)/Used Oil Program-;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. The efforts of this team can best be exemplified by the following quote from one of the team members, "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."
Behavioral Health's Children and Youth Services West Region—This team demonstrated the capability to work together in developing its own plan to completely reorganize their program in the wake of large budget cuts and hiring freezes. The team was able to capitalize on each individual's greatest strengths and team members gained ownership on the newly structured program. Through this process, the team came out of this interactive and collaborative process liking their jobs more and having more confidence in performing their job duties.
Let's celebrate those effective teams that work well together to accomplish a common goal and who are role models for the Agency! For more information about the LMC and the Team Excellence Awards, visit http://balsam/intranet/lmc/team.asp.
continued from page 4
Interestingly, during August 2005, the month in which most mothers left the hospital exclusively breastfeeding, the nursery/postpartum staff had attended a staff meeting which focused on breastfeeding education. This illustrates the goal of the collaboration on the importance of not only providing education to the expectant mother and family, but also the importance of educating staff who care for mother and baby.
HCA's Public Health Community Nursing Program thanks Margie Carrigan, Maria Dominguez-Wilson and Deborah Townes for their outstanding contributions to the project and for their dedication and commitment to the community.
If you haven't received a flu shot yet, there's still time to be inoculated for added protection. The flu season typically runs during the months of October to March, so individuals can still benefit from receiving the vaccine this month.
HCA Employee Health Services continues to offer the flu vaccine for County employees at a cost of $11 per dose, or free to those in high-risk categories including health care workers with direct patient contact.
Flu shot clinic hours are Monday thru Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. and are held at Employee Health Services located at the 405 W. 5th Street building on the 6th floor. Please call (714) 834-5974 for more information.
Individuals who are over 60 years of age or who have chronic
medical conditions including pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease or
immune-suppressed conditions, may obtain a free flu shot through the Public
Health Immunization program while supplies last. Health care workers who
provide direct hands-on patient care are also eligible to receive the free vaccine.
For additional information, call HCA's Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448.
VTI Tips for Supervisors
VTI has many useful features for supervisors, including returning timecards for corrections. Situations often arise where a time card has already been approved and submitted to HCA Payroll but now needs to be changed.
HCA Payroll has a window of time where the time card can be returned to the supervisor for correction and resubmission. This allows for the accurate coding of time sheets and eliminates the need for payroll adjustments.
From non-payday week Thursday to non-payday Friday morning, timecards may be requested back by supervisors. The supervisor can send an e-mail to the HCA Payroll address asking for a time card to be returned. Once the card has been returned, it will be displayed under the supervisor's Review tab.
The supervisor may make the corrections or return the timecard to the employee to make the corrections. Two things that are important to remember: (1) the timecard will always be returned to the employee's supervisor—not to the employee, and (2) the time card must be corrected and returned to Payroll promptly to meet the strict guidelines for uploading the timecards. No memo adjustment form is needed.
As a supervisor you also have access to using the "Review" tab feature, which is used to review and approve employees' time sheets, as well as run a variety of reports and view prior period time sheets. The Review tab is also where you will first see when your new employee has been added to VTI.
When Human Resources submits the VTI Access request form to HCA Payroll, they include the new employee's direct supervisor. From this form the payroll staff will select the supervisor, and the employee's name will be displayed in the list of staff under the supervisor's Review tab. Next to the employee's name will be the Employee ID number used to log into the VTI system.
Remember that for new employees the password is always "temp1" in lower case. Also for new employees it is important to go to the Admin tab and enter the employee's phone number and e-mail address. In some cases the e-mail address hasn't been set. Once the employee's e-mail has been established, the employee must go back to the Admin tab to update the e-mail field by entering the assigned e-mail address. The e-mail address should be identical to the one assigned in Outlook under "Properties." If this step is ignored, the "Remind Me" button feature will not work if the employee forgets their password. From the Review tab, the supervisor can also select "Reports" from the list of options on the left-hand side of the screen. This option will allow you to run a report by employee and by pay code.
Let's say a staff member asks, "Have I used my cashable hours yet this year?" Instead of reviewing all their time cards or calling Payroll, you can run a report by pay code, choosing ALAN1 , ALAN2 and ALAN4 as appropriate and selecting a time period. When you run the report you will get back a listing by employee of the hours used for that paycode during the time period selected. Another example would be if you are preparing a review and want to know how much unplanned annual leave someone has used. You can run the report for ALUP by employee for a specific time period. As you can see, VTI has many features that benefit the supervisor. We hope you will take some time to explore the different reports available and see how they can be of use to you.
If you find this article useful or have suggestions for future articles, please send your comments to HCAPAYROLL@ochca.com.
HCA welcomes Melva Gipson to her new position as
Purchasing Manger. Melva joins HCA from CEO
Purchasing and brings more than 20 years of
experience and a broad range of knowledge and expertise to
her new position.
Melva began her County career in 1984. Prior to joining HCA, she formerly served as Purchasing Operations Manager where she managed day-to-day operations for CEO Purchasing.
She brings a wealth of purchasing experience to her new position including preparing requests for proposals (RFP's), creating and maintaining master price agreements and departmental price agreements, and assisting departments with their scope of work and/or sole source justification, to name a few.
In her new position, Melva will serve as an
Administrative Manger II in HCA Central Operations. Her responsibilities
include supervisory and managerial oversight of
Procurement, Petty Cash/Mailroom/Asset Control and Warehouse
Operations, as well as managing the Purchasing Quality Assurance
and Compliance function.
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