issue 06-11
issue 06-11
November, 2006
Inside this issue..
JHS kicks off accreditation effort - Page 1
New Public Health Manager announced-
Page 1
2006 Annual Compliance Training half way there
- Page 2
BH staff receive new designations
- Page 2
Myra Kanter named Advocate of the Year
- Page 3
Refowitz receives award and designation
- Page 3
Raúl Sobero published- Page 3
CCS opens new Medical Therapy Units
- Page 4
Years of Service Awards Presented
- Page 5-7
HCA staff attend Migration and Health Forum in Guadalajara, Mexico
- Page 8
PH expands student training opportunities
- Page 8
Leadership Development Program offered to HCA employees
- Page 8
Lab staff participate in Boot Camp Challenge
- Page 9
Payroll Tips & Tidbits - Page 9
December Health Observances - Page
9
Harvest for the Holidays Food Drive begins this month
- Page 10
Spotlight on Excellence - Page 10
CMS hosts a successful Skills Fair
- Page 10
The staff of HCA Juvenile Health Services (JHS) gathered October 23rd at Juvenile Hall to kick-off their campaign to gain program accreditation from the California Medical Association's Institute for Medical Quality.
JHS Program Manager Mark McDorman welcomed staff and spoke briefly about the challenge of gaining accreditation for the program, which provides medical and dental services to children and youth in the County's six residential facilities. Words of encouragement were offered by HCA Assistant Director Dave Riley, Institutional Health Services (IMS) Division Manager Maureen Robles and Correctional Medical Services Medical Director Dr. Ernest Williams, who chairs the Institute for Medical Quality's Corrections and Detention Health Care Committee.
Accreditation for Juvenile Health programs will gain formal recognition for the quality health care services provided by JHS staff. The accreditation process involves many elements, including review of policies and procedures, a survey of facilities, and interviews with staff, all designed to ensure that a standard of care equal to that offered in the community is being provided to the program's clients. JHS hopes to complete the accreditation process in 2007.
(Far Left) HCA staff enjoyed light refreshments during the Juvenile Health Services
accreditation kick-off event held at Juvenile Hall on
October 23rd.
New Public Health Manager announced
HCA is pleased to welcome a new manager to Public Health, Amy Buch who will serve as the Division Manager for Health Promotion.
Amy Buch (right) comes to her position with 19 years of experience in health education. She began her career in 1987 with Planned Parenthood as a community educator. She then moved on to become the Director of Health Education for the AIDS Services Foundation in 1995 and most recently she was the Associate Director at the University of California, Irvine Health Education Center.
The 2006 Annual Employee Compliance Training is well underway and all employees should have received an e-mail from HCA Director Julie Poulson and Chief Compliance Officer Jeff Nagel providing details about this important training effort. The Annual Employee Compliance Training is mandatory for all HCA regular, extra-help and Contract employees.
This year the training is being conducted using the Breeze online training system from Adobe/Macromedia. This training system is for HCA employees only. Volunteers/Interns and Contractors (non-County paid) will be using a different system to record their trainings.
HCA Employees
All HCA employees should have received an e-mail notification from the Breeze system, ( HCAtrainings@yahoo.com ), to go online and register for the Compliance Training. In order to receive credit for completion of the training, you must register through the Breeze system. If you did not receive an e-mail from the Breeze system, go to the HCA Intranet for more information.
The Annual Employee Compliance Training program started on November 1, 2006 and ends on January 10, 2007. New employees starting in the month of November are required to take the New Employee Compliance Training only. All other workforce members starting before this date who have recently taken the New Employee Compliance Training must take the 2006 Annual Employee Compliance Training in addition to the New Employee Compliance Training completed before November 2006.
For more information about the training, go to http://balsam/intranet/compliance/training.asp (HCA Intranet) or www.ochealthinfo.com/training (HCA Internet).
Contractors and Volunteer/Interns
Non-County paid employees, such as Contractors and Volunteers/Interns must access the training from the HCA Internet. Make sure you complete the correct training at the correct site to get credit for completing your training.
If you would like to attend a classroom/facilitated training or for more information about the 2006 Annual Employee Compliance Training, call the Office of Compliance at (714) 568-5614.
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
Congratulations to Behavioral Health Services (BHS) staff, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Division Manager Mary Hale and Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Health Assistant Shebuah Burke on receiving new designations during the month of October.
Mary Hale, Division Manager for HCA's Alcohol and Drug Abuse services was newly appointed President of the County Alcohol and Drug Program Administrators Association of California (CADPAAC). CADPAAC is an organization of county alcohol and drug program administrators dedicated to the reduction of individual and community problems related to the use of alcohol and other drugs.
As a newly appointed member of the California Mental Health Planning Council, Shebuah Burke, MHSA Community Health Assistant, is part of a group mandated by federal and state statute to advocate for children with serious emotional disturbances and adults and older adults with mental illness. The Council provides oversight and accountability for the public mental health system, advises the Administration and Legislature on priority issues and participates in statewide planning.
The California Association of Mental Health Patients' Rights Advocates presented Myra Kanter, BHN from HCA's Office of Patients' Rights Advocacy Services, with their annual Advocate of the Year Award.
Myra is noted for her dedication and commitment as an advocate who
promotes public policy furthering the rights and well-being of mental health
consumers. The organization encourages the empowerment of mental health
consumers and supports professional and ethical standards among advocates.
Mark and his team, Veronica Kelly and Rafael Canul from HCA's Cultural Competency Program, were concerned about Latino patients within the county system of care that have chronic mental illnesses and diabetes. Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can make self-care especially challenging, particularly if one only speaks Spanish and the information available to them is printed in English.
From their collaborative efforts with Latino Health Access, a program in its pilot phase is testing whether patients who receive community health worker-delivered coaching, home visits, education and support aimed at keeping appointments and taking medication have better health outcomes than similar patients who do not have the benefit of community health worker assistance.
Mark and his team received recognition during Latino Health Access's Annual Salsa Fiesta held at the Grove of Anaheim. HCA congratulates Mark and his team for their confidence in the community health worker model and for introducing it into the behavioral health system.
Mark also received a new designation as President of the California Mental
Health Directors Association, which provides leadership, expertise and support to
California's county and city mental health programs. The organization assists in building a
public mental health system that ensures the accessibility of quality, cost-effective mental
health care that is consumer and family driven, resiliency-based and culturally competent.
Hat's Off to Raúl Sobero, Health Promotion Program Manager on the publishing of his article "Tuberculosis Control in Bolivia, Chile, Columbia and Peru: Why Does Incidence Vary so Much Between Neighbors?" in the November 2006 issue of the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
Raúl collaborated with Dr. John W. Peabody, Deputy Director of the Institute of Global Health at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.
What's UP is a newsletter for employees
of the County of Orange, CA, Health Care Agency.
Editors Tricia Landquist
Howard Sutter
Anne Fialcowitz
Phone (714) 834-6644
E-mail: tlandquist@ochca.com
FAX (714) 834-7644
Pony Bldg. 38-S, 4th Floor
California Children's Services (CCS) opened two new medical therapy units (MTUs) in the city of Westminster and Costa Mesa to provide programs and services to the residents and children served by those regions.
On October 23rd, the Westminster MTU located at 7200 Trask Ave. hosted an open house and welcomed visitors from the Westminster, Huntington Beach and Ocean View School Districts, HCA staff, and community members. MTU staff provided tours allowing attendees to learn about the new facility and view available physical and occupational therapy equipment.
The Costa Mesa MTU located at 425 E. 18th Street in Costa Mesa also hosted an open house on November 9th from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and provide tours of the new facility and the opportunity to meet staff.
CCS is a statewide program of specialized medical care providing medical case management, physical and occupational therapy services and financial assistance for children with designated health conditions. For more information about CCS or to determine eligibility, call the program at (714) 347-0300 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com/public/ccs.
(Below) Pictured (left to right) are Marilyn Eldridge, CCS; Bobbie Mahler, Westminster School District (WSD) Superintendent; Mary Davis, CCS Division Manager; Dolores Rice, Principal Schmitt Elementary School; Frank Donovan, WSD Special Education Administrator; and Dr. Eric Handler, Public Health Officer.
(Below) Staff from the CCS Westminster MTU offered tours to open house attendees and explained the services and programs they provide for clients.
HCA employees were recognized for their dedicated years of service and outstanding contributions to the Agency during the Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony held at the Hall of Administration on October 26th. The following is a listing of service awards presented:
5 Years of Service - 49
10 Years of Service - 18
15 Years of Service - 18
20 Years of Service - 9
25 Years of Service - 3
30 Years of Service - 1
35 Years of Service - 1
35 Years
Juliette Poulson, received her 35 year pin and certificate from Bill Mahoney, Orange County Deputy CEO of Government and Public Services.
25 Years
15 Years
Steve Sharp
from Environmental Health's Hazardous Waste Program celebrated 15 years of
service with HCA and was presented with a certificate and pin from Environmental
Health Director Steven Wong and Regulatory Health Services Deputy Agency
Director Mike Spurgeon.
5 Years
Above, left to right) Attendees at the event included Nuria Ciofalo, Ph.D., California Endowment; Joe Vargas, HCA Health Promotion; Sara Park, HCA Behavioral Health; Frank Hernandez, HCA Health Promotion; Ilda Oropeza, American Cancer Society; and Sharon Bishop, State of California.
To coincide with the 6th Annual Bi-National Health Week, the Mexican Ministry of Health invited several health professionals throughout the U.S. to attend the Bi-National Public Policy Forum on Migration and Health held in Guadalajara, Jalisco from October 8-10.
A total of 12 California attendees representing seven county agencies including HCA staff members Joe Vargas and Frank Hernandez from Health Promotion and Sara Park from Behavioral Health participated in the forum.
Forum attendees participated in plenary and panel
sessions delivered from both U.S. and Mexican health
representatives on topics such as international coverage models,
health services for migrants, behavioral health, chronic
diseases, health of vulnerable migrant groups, infectious diseases
HIV/TB/STD's and migrant health service networks.
(Left) A banner welcomed attendees from throughout the U.S. to the Mexican Ministry of Health's 6th Annual Bi-National Health Week held in Guadalajara, Jalisco from October 8-10.
HCA Public Health Services is adding a rotational opportunity for pediatric residents from Children's Hospital of Orange County to its growing list of educational and training opportunities for students in health professions.
The pediatric rotation has been developed under the leadership of Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler and will allow the residents to spend two full days gaining first-hand knowledge of the Public Health services offered by HCA. Among the options available to pediatric residents are participating in health promotion activities, observing treatment of California Children's Services clients, and job shadowing staff from HCA Environmental Health while inspecting restaurants and other facilities.
"This rotation will give pediatric residents a chance to learn about the many ways they can protect their patients and advocate for them through public policy," said Dr. Handler. "It will also give them a tangible experience with a few of the many services the Health Care Agency provides to the people of Orange County."
Many Public Health Services programs offer similar learning experiences for students in other fields. Public Health Nursing provided opportunities for 146 graduate and undergraduate nursing students last year, with students coming from many programs including Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, UCI and UCLA. California Children's Services provides learning opportunities for nurses, physicians in residency and physical therapy and occupational therapy students, who come from across the country to participate in an internship offered through CCS.
In recognition of the need to help prepare the next generation of employees for future leadership throughout
our organization, the Health Care Agency is excited
to present HCA's new Leadership Development Program. This
program will offer continual skills development to help us survive
competitive pressure and fundamental changes in today's business
environment. Committed to ensuring that HCA's future leadership
needs are met, this program offers opportunities for development at all
employee levels. Slated to roll out in January 2007, look for more
details in the next issue of the "What's
Up" newsletter.
(Below) On October 7th, staff from HCA's Public Health Laboratory (PHL) / Water Quality Department participated in the Marine Corps Boot Camp Challenge 3 mile obstacle course in San Diego as a "team building" exercise. Pictured (left to right, back row) are Donna Ferguson (PHL), Melissa Nakahara (PHL), Phillip Tam (PHL) and Allen Medina (PHL). Pictured (left to right, front row) are Ray Mahallati (PHL), Ted Von Bitner (Resource Development and Management Department), Marty Getrich (PHL) and Joe Young (LA County Public Works).
Need to change your withholdings? Changing banks? Want to save more money in 2007? Is it time to start that deferred comp plan? Want to contribute more to your deferred comp plan? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Q. How can I change my withholding deductions?
A. To change your withholding deductions, you can access the W-4
form on the HCA Intranet under Forms/Payroll. Print the form, complete it, and
send it to Central Payroll, Building 12.
Q. How do I change banks for
direct deposit?
A. Send an e-mail to HCAPAYROLL@ochca.com
requesting an EFT form. Payroll will forward you
the form via e-mail. Print out the form,
follow the instructions, and pony the
completed form to Central Payroll, Building 12.
Q. I want to have part of my pay check deposited to a savings
account. How do I set that up?
A. Check with the financial
institution that is receiving your direct
deposit. They can set up an automatic transfer
for you.
Q. I want to start contributing to
a deferred comp plan, or I want to
change the amount I currently contribute to my deferred comp plan. How do I do that?
A. Access the County of Orange Intranet. Under
Your Benefits, click on Defined Contribution Plan
(457) and follow the instructions.
If you find this article has been useful or have suggestions for future
topics, please send your comments to HCAPAYROLL@ochca.com.
World AIDS Day 1
National Aplastic Anemia Awareness Week 1-7
National Hand Washing Awareness Week 3-9
During the month of November, the County of Orange in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of Orange County and Second Harvest Food Bank are hoping to collect thousands of pounds of food to feed the poor and destitute throughout the county.
Last year, County of Orange employees contributed more than 10 tons of food that provided over 41,000 meals to the hungry. This year, employees will help to provide food to over 400 charitable organizations that reach the hungry including homeless shelters, soup kitchens, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, homes for abused children, and many other emergency assistance organizations.
Several food drop-off sites are conveniently located throughout a number of HCA's facilities and buildings. The food drive runs from November 1-30. For more information, please contact Amber Hannigan in HCA Volunteer Services at (714) 834-4144 or by e-mail at ahannigan@ochca.com.
HCA Food Drive Drop-Off Sites
· Administration - 405 W. 5th St., Santa Ana
· Environmental Health - 1241 Dyer Rd., Santa Ana
· Animal Care Services - 561 The City Drive, Orange
· Public Health Clinic - 1725 W. 17th St., Santa Ana
· CYS North - 377 E. Chapman Ave., Ste. 110, Placentia
· CYS South - 21632 Wesley Dr., Laguna Beach
· ADAS Costa Mesa - 3115 Redhill, Costa Mesa
· ADAS Santa Ana - 1200 N. Main St., Santa Ana
· Drug Court - 1200 N. Main St., Santa Ana
· CYS East - 1200 N. Main St., Santa Ana
· ADAS Fullerton - 211 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton
· ADAS Aliso Viejo - 5 Mareblu, Aliso Viejo
· ADAS Westminster - 14140 Beach Blvd., Ste. 200, Westminster
Behavioral Health's Cultural Competency Program named Thelma Suzuki as the recipient of the October 2006 Spotlight on Excellence Award. Thelma currently serves as a clinician at the Aliso Viejo clinic for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services.
According to her colleagues, she is a person of respect, dignity and
integrity and is committed to the quality of services delivered to a wide range of
clients in Orange County. Thelma is also dedicated to the supervision of clinical
interns, giving 100 percent to help educate and train the County's future work
force, particularly with regards to the diverse populations within the community.
Correctional Medical Services (CMS) held it's first "Skills Fair" during the month of October. Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses were required to attend the fair and demonstrate their skills at the various stations.
Cervical collar application, emergency medication administration and automatic external defibrillator (AED) were among the skills stations featured at the fair. These stations allowed the nurses the opportunity to get hands-on practice with the equipment and strengthen their skills. The nurses were also able to fulfill their mandatory annual training requirements in bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis control and respirator fit testing.
Along with CMS supervising, senior and staff nurses, staff from HCA Emergency Medical Services and Santa Ana Fire Department served as educators and evaluators at the various skills stations. The knowledge and expertise of the evaluators helped to make the CMS Skills Fair a success.
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