PH Nursing Division Manager announced
Public Health Services is pleased to announce the selection of Debbie Chitty as the new Division Manager for Public Health Nursing (PHN). Debbie previously served as the Interim Program Manager for HCA’s Specialized Public Health Nursing Program for the past year during Sally Wurth’s absences, in addition to performing her duties as the Supervising PHN for Foster Care.

Debbie began her career with the Health Care Agency during June 1990 as a staff nurse with Disease Control and Epidemiology. She then transferred to the Foster Care Nursing Program where she was promoted to a Supervising PHN.

Debbie brings several years of nursing experience both within the County environment as well as the private sector, and has served as the past President and Secretary of the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Providers for Infection Control (APIC).

Security Risk Assessment
In June 2006, HCA’s Information Technology (IT) Program in conjunction with the Office of Compliance rolled out its first security assessment. The goal of this project was to assess all 162 of HCA’s sites to ensure HCA Information Security practices are consistent with established benchmarks and guidelines, to assess the success of security policies and procedures and to prepare HCA for emerging risks in technology. The assessments included hands-on reviews of PCs and laptops, interviews with staff and walk-through observations of workstations.

This project was completed on January 15, 2007, and a report of findings and corrective action recommendations was sent to the supervisor of each location. Managers/supervisors should use Agency IT security policies and procedures as guidelines when completing their corrective action plan. The IT Security P&Ps can be found on the Agency Administrative P&Ps website at: http://intranet.ochca.com/P&P/default5-7.asp. If recommendations included technical actions, please place a service request with the IT Help Desk at (714) 834-3128.

Overall, the outcome of the assessment was positive. HCA employees are very knowledgeable of the security policies and procedures and recognized the importance of using “best practices” such as strong passwords, deleting unfamiliar e-mail that might contain viruses, and recognizing and reporting a security incident. This exercise allowed the Information Security Assessment Team to meet users at each site, provide technical expertise to help users perform their job duties, and obtain feedback on the concerns and issues end-users are facing.

Some of the recurring issues included:
Unauthorized software loaded on PCs,
Employees’ sensitive personal information (i.e. evaluation and mileage claim forms) stored on the hard drive, and
Confidential information, including electronic protected health information (ePHI), found in older files belonging to previous users of a recycled PC still stored on the hard drive.

It has been a long year and on behalf of the Information Security Team and the Office of Compliance, we would like to thank HCA Management, as well as all supervisors and staff for assisting us in completing these assessments. We look forward to seeing you later this year for the follow-up phase of our assessments

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

Former County Health Officer named director of new department

This month, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger named Dr. Mark Horton, former Orange County Public Health Officer and HCA Deputy Agency Director for Public Health Services, as the Director of the new Department of Public Health (DPH).

Dr. Horton, who has currently been serving as the State’s Public Health Officer since 2005, will begin his new role when the DPH begins operating July of this year. As Director, Dr. Horton will implement the State’s continuing commitment to elevating public health issues, from emergency and disaster preparedness to ensuring access to health care services and promoting prevention and wellness.

The State also announced a new disaster preparedness website at www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov where visitors to the site can find tips on how to develop a disaster plan, prepare an emergency supply kit, how to talk to children about a crisis and what to do with pets and livestock. In addition to English, the website provides information in 12 languages including Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, Farsi, Hmong, Korean, Lao, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

HCA Social Workers receive recognition

The month of March is Social Worker Recognition Month and a special event to recognize the contribution made by the County’s social workers was held Thursday, March 29th at the Social Services Agency (SSA) headquarters.
Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates, a former social worker, was on hand to present a resolution from the Board of Supervisors and she offered her own first-hand perspective on the importance of social workers in local government. Accepting the resolution on behalf of their agencies were Tony Edmonds, HCA Public Health Services Family Health Division Manager, and Alisa Drakodaidis, SSA Chief Deputy Director.

HCA has over 200 social workers serving in a variety of settings. Each division in which social workers are employed was asked to send one representative to the event, and those representatives received a smaller version of the Board of Supervisors resolution. Representing HCA social workers and their divisions were:

Behavioral Health Services
Children & Youth Services Aida Sanchez-Nunez
Central Programs Barbara Rocha
Adult Mental Health Services Tracy Rick
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services Raquel Tellez

Public Health Services
Family Health Luiza Cole
CCS Elvie Reyes
Disease Control Al Baker
Public Health Nursing Karina Meza-Vasquez

Our thanks to all HCA social workers for their hard work and dedication on behalf of the people of Orange County!

(Above) Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates presented Family Health Division Manager Tony Edmonds and Social Services Agency Deputy Director Alisa Drakodaidis with a Social Worker Recognition Month resolution.

(Above) Public Health Social Workers pictured along with Family Health Division Manager Tony Edmonds are (left to right) Karina Meza-Vasquez (PH Nursing); Luiza Cole (Family Health); Elvie Reyes (CCS); and Al Baker (Disease Control).

(Above) Social Workers from Behavioral Health Services and Family Health Division Manager Tony Edmonds attended the Social Recognition Month event at SSA headquarters on March 29. Pictured (left to right) are Barbara Rocha (Central Programs); Aida Sanchez-Nunez (CYS); Tracy Rick (AMHS); and Raquel Tellez (ADAS).

"For better or worse, you must play your own little instrument in the orchestra of life." —Dale Carnegie

Brashear receives SOPHE Award

Hat’s Off to Barbara Brashear, Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) Supervisor on receiving the Society of Professional Health Educators (SOPHE) Health Educator of the Year Award. Barbara received recognition for her outstanding professional contributions to health education and health promotion in the community.

SOPHE is an independent, international professional association made up of a diverse membership of health education professionals and students. The Society promotes healthy behaviors, healthy communities, and healthy environments through its membership, its network of local chapters, and its numerous partnerships with other organizations. For more information about SOPHE, visit the organizations website at www.sophe.org.

PH nurses Hannah and Flinn publish article

Congratulations to public health nurses JaNellyn (Jane) Hannah and Joan Flinn of Public Health Services from HCA’s Preventive Health Care for Adults Program (PHCA) on the publishing of a co-written article in two newsletters of the American Society on Aging (ASA).

Jane and Joan co-wrote the article titled “Educating Older Adults in Preventive Healthcare Brings Positive Outcomes,” which is featured in Healthcare and Aging, winter 2006, a newsletter of the Healthcare and Aging Network; and The Older Learner, Fall 2006 – Winter 2007 of the Lifetime Education Renewal Network.

The article describes the scope of work of the PHCA program, a community based, state and county funded program that provides assessment, screenings, health education and linkage to community resources to adults age 50 years and older.

Jane has been a public health nurse for 36 years, with 27 of them serving with PHCA. She is a member of ASA, Southern California Public Health Association (SCPHA), American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, and Orange Association of Diabetes Educators. She also is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, and was presented a nursing education award by the Iota Eta chapter. Jane is adjunct faculty at Vanguard University for the RN to BSN program and will be the clinical instructor for their community health-nursing program starting next spring. In addition, Jane delivered a presentation on this article at the recent SCPHA Conference.

Joan has been a registered nurse for 25 years and has worked as a public health nurse for HCA for 6 years. In addition to her work with PHCA, she is a member of ASA and serves as ASA Faculty in Residence for the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Project.

Pictured (left to right) are Jane Hannah and Joan Flinn, Public Health Nurses with HCA’s Preventive Health Care for Adults Program.

"Maturity is the ability to live in peace with that which we cannot change." —Ann Landers

Celebrating Public Health Week 2007

In celebration of National Public Health Week from April 2-8, an event was held on April 4 at HCA’s Public Health Education Center located at 17th Street to honor the efforts and dedication of HCA public health professionals and to highlight public health programs within the Agency.

This year’s speakers included PH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nancy Bowen, Chief of Public Health Operations David Souleles, and Supervisor Janet Nguyen who presented Dr. Bowen, Agency Director Julie Poulson, and PH Officer Dr. Eric Handler with a Public Health Week resolution declaring April 2-8 Public Health Week in Orange County.

Staff who attended the event enjoyed viewing various displays which showcased information highlighting this year’s theme of “Preparedness and Public Health Threats: Addressing the Unique Needs of the Nation’s Vulnerable Populations.” Information on disaster preparedness for both family and pets and various other public health-related material and items were available to event attendees.

During the celebration, managers from each program within Public Health recognized “Everyday Heroes” —individuals within their programs who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to the clients served by HCA. The 2007 Gerald A. Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award was also presented to Dr. Clayton Chau of HCA Behavioral Health Services.

Various community outreach events were also scheduled during Public Health Week at community centers, Family Resource Centers, senior centers and Farmer’s Markets, to name a few. In addition to the events, a display was showcased at the County Hall of Administration which highlighted information about HCA’s programs and services.

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit the American Public Health Association’s website at www.nphw.org or www.apha.org. HCA’s Public Health Week webpage can be found at www.ochealthinfo.com/public/phweek.

First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen presented Public Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nancy Bowen, Agency Director Julie Poulson and Public Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler with a resolution proclaiming April 2-8 as Public Health Week in Orange County.

Family Health Division Manager Tony Edmonds recognized the Buena Park Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) team as “Everyday Heroes” from within his program and read a thank you card from a grateful client for the services provided to her and her family at the clinic. Pictured (left to right) are Iris Coreas; Connie Gallegos; Gloria Chavez; Felicia Olaoshebikan, Clinic Supervisors; Nora Barajas and Caroline Cordova. Staff member Elvira Straub is not pictured.

Dr. Nancy Bowen announced the recipient of the 2007 Gerald A. Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award as Dr. Clayton Chau from Behavioral Health Services. Pictured with Dr. Bowen is Karen Hoffman, who accepted the Award on Dr. Chau’s behalf.

Lynn Einarsson, California Children’s Services Chief Therapist recognized occupational therapists as “Everyday Heroes” during the PH Week Celebration held on April 4th.

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

April is Occupational Therapy Month

In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month in April, HCA’s California Children’s Services (CCS) celebrates the efforts of the dedicated Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants who provide therapy services for a select population of disabled children with neurological or orthopedic impairments.

The role of the CCS Occupational Therapist is to provide therapeutic intervention that will facilitate greater independence for the child in the areas of daily self-care skills. These skills include feeding, dressing, bathing, grooming, and household tasks, such as light meal preparation and laundry. Educating and training the parent in use of adaptive techniques, equipment, and positioning are essential in meeting the special needs of these children.

Occupational Therapy is provided in various ways and involves good communication and collaboration with other healthcare and educational professionals with the primary focus of family centered care. Therapy services include direct treatment strategies that are selected as a means of achieving specific goals, establishing home programs, home visits to assess equipment needs, school visits, consultation, upper extremity splint fabrication, and training in adaptive devices for daily self care tasks. HCA thanks the Agency’s occupational therapists and assistants for their dedication and commitment in providing rehabilitative services to the clients we serve.
For more information about CCS, visit the program’s website at www.ochealthinfo.com/public/ccs or to learn more about Occupational Therapy Month, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association’s website at www.promoteot.org/AI-OTMonth.html.

A CCS Occupational Therapist works with a CCS patient using a pinch meter, which measures pinch strength.

"When nothing is sure, everything is possible." —Margaret Drabble

May Health Observances

Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Mental Health Month
National High Blood Pressure Education Month

National Nurses Week 6-12
National Women’s Health Week 13-19
National Employee Health and Fitness Day 16
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 18
World No Tobacco Day 31

HCA physicians honored at event

The 2007 Physician Recognition event “Enhancing Quality and Effectiveness of Health Care in Orange County,” took place on March 29th at the 405 W. 5th Street building in Santa Ana to honor the Agency’s physicians for their contributions and dedication to the health and well-being of the clients served by HCA.

Agency Director Julie Poulson welcomed the physicians in attendance and highlighted their commitment to the health of the community. Refreshments were served and those present at the event had the opportunity to meet and greet other physicians from each agency division.

A total of 131 HCA physicians from the following services areas received commemorative certificates: 31 Public Health, 65 Behavioral Health, 32 Medical & Institutional Health and 3 from Health Disaster Management.

Agency Director Julie Poulson welcomed attendees to the annual 2007 Physician Recognition “Enhancing Quality and Effectiveness of Health Care in Orange County” event held at the 405 W. 5th Street building on March 29th.

Health Disaster Management Division Manager Terre Duensing introduced Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Medical Director Dr. Sam Stratton as he provided an overview of the services provided by EMS and Health Disaster Management.

Behavioral Health physicians received recognition from Mary Hale, Chief of Behavioral Health Operations and shared which programs they work with and how long they have been with the Agency.

Dr. Ernest Williams, Correctional Medical Services Medical Director, acknowledged three physicians who provide medical services to individuals within the Orange County Jail system.

Public Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler recognized several physicians from Public Health during the annual Physicians Recognition ceremony held on March 29th.

Family Health recognizes social workers

During a ceremony held at HCA’s 17th Street Clinic on March 22nd, Public Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler recognized Family Health Division social workers presenting them with an appreciation letter and thanking them for their contributions and dedication to the Agency’s clients and the community.

Social workers from HCA’s Adolescent Family Life and Cal Learn Programs, which provide case management services to pregnant and parenting teens, provided an informative overview of their programs and shared a video featuring the stories of three teens impacted by social workers.

Public Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler recognized HCA’s Family Health Division social workers during an event held on March 22nd. Pictured back row (left to right) are Public Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler; Family Health Division Manager Tony Edmonds; and social workers, Ricardo Valverde, Gail Dratch, Felicia Revers, David Hernandez and Gabriel Gil. Pictured front row (left to right) are Alicia Armstrong; Heather Luna; Micaela Madrigal; Luiza Cole; Vianka Inigo; Martha Dominguez; Community Programs Manager Anjou Parekh; and Social Workers Lucy Lonberrger, Alice Apodaca and Diana Robles.

For Supervisors Only!

Logging in new employees into VTI

So just how do new employees get their employee ID to log into VTI? What’s the password for a first time user? How does this work? Well, here’s the lowdown…

HCA Payroll works closely with HCA Human Resources (HR) to make sure VTI has the most current information on all employees. Every day HR enters updates into the County’s Human Resource system (AHRS). Each morning HCA Payroll synchronizes VTI with the AHRS to capture the most recent personnel data. The changes that affect VTI include new employees, separated employees, changes in status and changes in time keeping location (TK).

HCA Payroll is alerted to new employees by a VTI Access Request form that is completed by HR. The form indicates the new employee’s name and direct supervisor. From this request the new employee’s supervisor is selected and assigned. At this point the supervisor is able to view the new employee from the Review tab in VTI. The supervisor can then provide the employee ID number to the new employee and explain how VTI works. The employee can then access his/her timecard.

The password for new employees is always temp1. Each new employee is also given a “Getting Started” memo for VTI when they sign up in HR. (If you would like a copy of the memo please send a request to HCA Payroll via email.) Don’t forget to show them the OC Portal as well! So now you know how the process works! Of course there may be situations that arise that will need special handling. If you have a problem or the time card submission will be delayed always contact HCA Payroll to advise them. HCA Payroll will work with you to ensure that a time card is submitted.

If you have other questions about VTI, please contact HCA Payroll by phone at (714) 834-5744, or by email at HCAPayroll@ochca.com. We are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist you. We hope you found this article helpful. All comments and suggestions are welcome!

2007 Gerald A. Wagner Award presented to Chau

Congratulations to Clayton Chau, MD, a Psychiatrist with HCA’s Behavioral Health Services Division on receiving the 2007 Gerald A. Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award.

Dr. Chau is noted for his dedication and commitment to the recovery process and well-being of mental health clients, as well as creating several training programs to help educate the community and clients on the topics of cultural competence, wellness and recovery, and information about HCA’s Behavioral Health Services programs.

Recognized within the Agency and community as a “trainer,” Dr. Chau created a “Peer Empowering Peer” program which educates clients on how to implement groups with other mental health clients to help improve their clinical outcome, and an “Immersion” training, which involves a multi-day educational instruction for persons from the community to learn about HCA Behavioral Health Services and incorporates best practices, as well as visits to real clinic sites.

Success of these trainings is noted as former clients who have taken Dr. Chau’s “Peer Empowering Peer” program reported feeling empowered and enthusiastic about their own futures and their role in being able to help their peers, while some have taken on jobs with agencies to implement the program there. “Immersion” training attendees noted an increased understanding and support for Behavioral Health programs.

Dr. Chau is also recognized for his dedication in bringing community-based organizations that work with multicultural groups into larger network of service providers who serve county clients and has included such organizations in his training efforts.

The Gerald A. Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award was first established in 2000 by the Orange County Coalition for Health Educators (OCCHE), and honors Orange County professionals who have demonstrated excellence in the healthcare field. OCCHE was founded in 1997 to promote health and provide leadership in order to improve the health of the community through education, policy, collaboration and consultation.

Recent fire a reminder to be prepared

Natural and man-made disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. The recent Windy Ridge fire last month in Anaheim Hills and Orange Park acres sends a reminder to pet owners that disaster preparedness is important to the safety of those involved including pets.

Animal Care Services (ACS) suggests assembling a pet disaster kit. The following items should be placed in a portable container and stored in a convenient location for easy accessibility. The kit should include:

Enough food, water and litter for 2 weeks
No-spill food and water bowls
Sturdy leashes, collar, harnesses and pet carriers to prevent escape
Vaccination records, medication, current photo of your pet and a first aid kit
Toys, blankets and bedding
An information list regarding feeding instructions, medications, veterinarian’s name and contact information

During an emergency, ACS offers the following tips:
Take your pet with you. If it is unsafe for you, it is unsafe for your pet. Once you leave, it may be days before you will be allowed to return home. Pets left behind to fend for themselves can easily become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents.
Find a safe place. Most evacuation shelters will not accept pets, except for service animals. Make arrangements ahead of time to ensure your pet has a safe place to stay.
Remember ID tags. Your pet should always be wearing identification. Make sure that the information on the tag is current and legible. Visit your veterinarian to have your pet microchipped, a permanent form of identification.
In case you are not home. Make arrangements for a friend or neighbor to evacuate your pets and meet at a designated location. Make sure they have your work and cell phone numbers, as well as a phone number for a relative living outside of the area.

Should your pet become lost. Start with your local shelter and check websites for other organizations also involved with the rescue operation.

For more information about ACS or additional pet-related tips, call Animal Care Services at (714) 935-6848 or visit their website at www.ocpetinfo.com.

The Windy Ridge fire had burned about 20 acres with Santa Ana-like winds increasing when ACS first received the call to response and mobilize. At the time of containment, more than 2,200 acres had burned though Santiago Canyon and the areas of Anaheim Hills and Orange Park Acres.

ACS provides assistance during Windy Ridge fire

On Sunday, March 11, the Windy Ridge fire had already begun to burn more than 20 acres with increasing Santa Ana-like winds when Animal Care Services (ACS) received a call to respond. The efforts of ACS’ quick response in implementing their Emergency Operating Plan (EOP) assisted the many pet owners in the Anaheim Hills and Orange Park Acres areas when escalating fire danger forced them to evacuate.

A number of ACS staff responded from their regular duties that day, as well as staff who were called from home. They quickly assembled an ACS Command Post at the Orange County Fire Authority’s Incident Command Center located in Irvine Park and patrolled neighborhoods that had been evacuated, impounding animals when needed and monitoring the safety of others that were sheltered in place.

Equestrian Trails, Inc., also partnered with ACS in responding to the incident by providing 12 trucks and trailers to prearranged staging areas in case of the need to transport and rescue horses and other large animals in the area.

Staff at the Animal Care Center in Orange also played a big part in the fire response by working double shifts to answer the calls coming in regarding animals, as well as veterinarian and kennel staff working into the evening hours for the preparation and intake of any evacuated animals.

By the time the fire was 80% contained the following day and evacuations had been lifted, the ACS Command Post was released to close down. In all, ACS had rescued three dogs from a resident’s backyard and housed one cat overnight at the request of an evacuating citizen who dropped the cat off at the Care Center.

A special “Thanks” to all ACS staff that assisted in the response and implementation of the EOP during the Windy Ridge fire. Your contribution and efforts provided great support to the evacuated residents and pets of the area, as well as other agencies and cities responding to the incident.

ACS Sergeant Scott Evans prepares walkie-talkies inside the ACS Incident Command Post trailer for use during the Windy Ridge fire incident.

ACS Chief of Field Services Donna Perez and Chief of Special Services Tami Rosales assisted in assembling an Incident Command Post at Irvine Regional Park during the Windy Ridge fire on March 11th.

ACS staff respond on March 11th to provide assistance to evacuated residents and pets. Pictured (left to right) are Chief of Field Services Donna Perez; Animal Control Officer Trainee (ACOT) Kelliann Dykstra, ACOT Chris Craig and ACOT Juan Orozco.

Sandra Fair’s 30-year retirement party

An event was held on March 13th at the Orange County Pavilion in Santa Ana to recognize Sandra Fair on her recent retirement from the Agency after 30 years of dedicated service with the County.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Behavioral Health Services Medical Director Dr. Alan Edwards led the festivities announcing several events including a presentation of an Orange County Board of Supervisors Resolution by Agency Director Julie Poulson, recollections from staff, as well as a lively performance by Bambi and the Silver Foxes to name a few.

Event attendees also enjoyed viewing a video reflecting on Sandra’s 30-year career which showcased messages and sentiments from several HCA managers and a vocal performance of the song “For Good” from the musical Wicked by Becky Robinson of HCA Human Resources.

Sandra joined “Bambi and the Silver Foxes” on stage during their live performance. Pictured along with Sandra are (left to right) Thea Bullock, Teri Schultz, David Thiessen, Becky Robinson, Lisa Bauer and Christine Caudill.

Agency Director Julie Poulson presented Sandra Fair with an Orange County Board of Supervisors Resolution highlighting her 30 years service and dedication to the County and Health Care Agency during her retirement event on March 13th.

Newly appointed Chief of Behavioral Health Operations, Mary Hale presented Sandra with a plaque during the ceremony.

Dr. Alan Edwards, Behavioral Health Services Medical Director served as the Master of Ceremonies during Sandra Fair’s retirement celebration held at the Orange County Pavilion’s Vault in Santa Ana.

PH Week quiz winners named

Congratulations to this year’s Public Health Week quiz winners! In March’s issue of What’s Up, we included a true-false quiz focusing on this year’s theme of “Preparedness and Public Health Threats: Addressing the Unique Needs of the Nation’s Vulnerable Populations.” Staff who participated tested their knowledge about various disaster preparedness and public health facts and submitted their answers online.

Three lucky winners were randomly selected among a handful who answered all questions correctly. Thank you to all staff who participated in this year’s quiz.

The following winners are:
Kathleen Collins
Sandi Gomez
Lisa Specht

"Real integrity stays in place whether the test is adversity or prosperity." —Charles Swindoll

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