issue 07-06
June 2007
Inside this issue..
Powers recognized for EMS Week contribution - Page 1
HCA nurses honored by Board of Supervisors during week’s events
- Page 1
Nighswonger presents at National Conference - Page 2
Osborn receives award - Page 2
Chau named “Role Model” - Page 2
Biennial Women’s Health Symposium draws crowd - Page 3
Mental Health Month resolution presented - Page 4
Meeting of the Minds draws record attendance - Page 5
Completion of PathNet Project celebrated - Page 5
HCA set to participate in Orange County Fair 2007 - Page 6
2007 Pet Fair a success - Page 6
Payroll Tips - Page 6
Powers recognized for EMS Week contribution
As
the Basic Life Support Coordinator for HCA’s Emergency Medical Services Program,
Patrick Powers is responsible for the day-to-day management of Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT) licensing, ambulance inspections and licensing, and
coordination of pre-hospital continuing education providers. He additionally
serves as Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Coordinator where he assists
other agencies and organizations with successful implementation of their AED
programs and provides county regulatory oversight.
Patrick is noted for his contributions, dedication and commitment to the successful implementation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week 2007, which occurs annually during the month of May. This year from May 20-26, a series of health-related events took place including blood pressure screenings, fire safety training, child passenger safety seat inspections, and drowning prevention/water safety to name a few. The events culminated in a tailgate celebration and Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles game at Angel Stadium on June 2.
“Patrick’s excellent marketing and public relations skills
made him the ideal choice to head up this year’s annual EMS Week Committee,”
said Greg Boswell, EMS Program Manager. “With no prior experience with EMS Week,
Patrick, along with Deanne Thompson from HCA Public Information and
Communications and Holly Veale from the Director’s Office, pulled together EMS
partners, raised funds through sponsorships, planned educational activities for
pre-hospital personnel, coordinated county-wide events, and implemented
recognition ceremonies for exceptional performance in EMS.”
Patrick began his career with the Health Care Agency 14 months ago and
previously served as a paramedic in Ventura County. He attended Cal State
Fullerton where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. He also received
an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology from Santa Ana College and in Emergency
Medical Services from Mt. San Antonio College where he also earned his Paramedic
license.
“I have always enjoyed being in a position to help others,” said Patrick. “Being able to utilize my paramedic skills, knowledge and abilities to help those during some of the worst times of their lives is a rewarding experience.”
In his spare time, Patrick enjoys being at the beach playing volleyball, surfing or riding his beach cruiser. He is also looking forward to becoming part of the La Habra Heights Fire Department as a part-time paramedic and pursuing a Master’s Degree in Disaster Management at Cal State Long Beach.
HCA nurses honored by Board of Supervisors during week’s events
Nurses filled the patio at the 17th Street facility on May 9th
for the Health Care Agency’s annual Nurse Recognition event, with food,
festivities and fellowship highlighting the day’s activities.
Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Chris Norby was an early arrival, visiting many
of the educational booths set up by program areas prior to the noontime event.
Chairman Norby helped to open the event with the presentation of a Resolution
from the Board of Supervisors designating May 6-12, 2007 as Nurse Recognition
Week in Orange County. The resolution was accepted by Institutional Health
Services Division Manager Maureen Robles on behalf of all Agency nurses.
HCA Human Resources’ own Becky Robinson entertained the crowd with an a cappella version of the National Anthem, as well as an inspirational song. The musical entertainment helped to set the stage for the presentation of awards to those selected by their peers for recognition. Those who received awards are:
Behavioral Health
Helen Engelhardt, RN, Adult Outpatient Mental HealthDebbie Lent, RN, Adult
Inpatient Mental Health
Jo Ann Neighbors, RN, Narcotic Treatment Program
Myra Kanter, RN, Patient’s Rights
Sup. Chris Norby presents Board’s Resolution to Maureen Robles.
Public Health
Helen Topacio, SPHN II, Family Health
Cathy Smith, NP, Family Health
Marilyn Edgar, SPHN II, Family Health
Maria Dominguez, PHN, Public Health Community Nursing
Moly Meza, PHN, Public Health Community Nursing
Karen Munoz, Program Manager, Public Health Community Nursing
Jane Hannah, Sr. PHN, Specialized Public Health Nursing
Kathleen Stockton, SPHN II, Specialized Public Health Nursing
Julie Koga, SPHN II, California Children’s Services
Pauline Bui, PHN III, California Children’s Services
Institutional Health
Sharon Schales, RN, Correctional Medical Services
Windy Yu, RN, Correctional Medical Services
Mario Manacmul, RN, Correctional Medical Services
Peggy Migaud, NP, Correctional Medical Services
Imelda Garner, LVN, Correctional Medical Services
Jessie Davis, LPT, Correctional Mental Health
Gerry DeJesus, NP, Correctional Medical Services
Nonette Chee, RN, Juvenile Hall
Helen Amposta, RN, Orangewood
Health Disaster Management
Jane Elder, RN, Emergency Medical Services
Nurses participating in the day’s events also had the opportunity to attend
morning and afternoon education seminars offering continuing education units.
Sup. Chris Norby visited booths staffed by various HCA nursing programs during the Nurse Recognition Week event held at the patio area of the 17th Street facility.
Public Health Nursing Division Manager Debbie Chitty
presented Agency Director Julie Poulson with flowers in celebration of Nurse
Recognition Week.
Nighswonger
presents at National Conference
Beverly Nighswonger, RN of HCA’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program, was recently selected to give an oral and poster presentation regarding Orange County’s Cardiovascular Receiving Center System (CRVC) at the Society of Chest Pain Centers annual conference in Nashville, TN in April.
“Beverly’s experience as a research nurse has provided her with skills and experience that she is using to improve the delivery of emergency care, especially for patients experiencing a myocardial infarction,” said Greg Boswell, EMS Program Manager.
Beverly was one of the lead authors of the abstract which presented Orange County’s CVRC system results aimed at decreasing door-to-balloon time. The abstract was one of 77 accepted by the Society for poster presentation and was notably one of four accepted for oral presentation.
(Below) Beverly Nighswonger stands in front of the poster created by HCA Desktop Publishing for her presentation at the Society of Chest Pain Centers annual conference.
Congratulations to, Animal Care Services Adoption Partner Coordinator, on receiving an award of recognition from Golden Retriever Rescue of Greater Los Angeles and the Shamrock Foundation.
Tammy was recognized for her dedication and outstanding service to the animal rescue community. Unable to attend the awards presentation recently held by the two organizations, Tammy was presented the award by a member of Golden Retriever Rescue during a visit to ACS.
Carole Cappellino from Golden Retriever Rescue presented Tammy Osborn with an award of recognition during a recent visit to Animal Care Services.
Chau named “Role Model”
Hat’s Off to Dr. Clayton Chau, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist with Behavioral Health Services on being named a “role model” by KSCI-TV channel 18, a primarily Asian language television station based in Los Angeles that serves Southern California’s culturally diverse, multilingual community.
Dr. Chau was selected to be featured as a “role model” as part of an ongoing series of profiles of individuals who are making a difference in the Southern California community. A 30-second video profile began airing on the KSCI-TV website during the month of March.
In the video, Dr. Chau related how his personal experiences have influenced him in his professional career and how mental health services can help those who have been through traumatic circumstances. He also explained that through treatment and recovery of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he is able to live life to its fullest potential.
Since the video profile, Dr. Chau has noted that several viewers have called the station inquiring about PTSD and how to obtain mental health services.
"It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's
making a great deal out of the little ones."
—Jean Webster
Biennial Women’s Health Symposium draws crowd
On April 28, more than 100 people gathered at the Sixth Biennial African American Women’s Health Symposium at Chapman University in Orange. The Orange County Cancer Detection Partnership collaborated with the African American Women’s Health Coalition to plan and host this educational event. Rhonda Folsom, Program Supervisor for the Partnership, served as the symposium’s Mistress of Ceremony. Minh-Ha Pham, PsyD, from Behavioral Health Services – Cultural Competency Program also participated on the planning committee and hosted an exhibitor booth.
Morning keynote speaker Antronette “Toni” Yancey, MD, MPH, from UCLA School of Public Health discussed the disparities in African American health and strategies for “Mobilizing Communities to Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living.” Attendees were surprised by United States maps which illustrated the drastic increase in obesity among adults from 1985 to 2005. They also gained new insight into the physical environmental factors that influence obesity rates. Probably the most influential component of Dr. Yancey’s presentation was the culturally appropriate physical activity demonstration. Attendees will always remember how they enjoyed moving to African music and how they can incorporate this type of activity into their daily lives.
Dr. Yancey motivated the participants to become healthier individuals and a healthier community. Participants commented, “Dr. Yancey was fabulous! Her presentation was down to earth, succinct, and entertaining!”
Adult workshop topics included Women and HIV, Alternative and Holistic Medicine, Uterine Fibroid Embolization, Ovarian, Colon, and Prostate Cancer, and Cancer Legal Issues. In addition to a youth workshop about Healthy Body Image and Nutrition, Mary Fabela, Health Education Associate with the Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Team (ADEPT), taught young ladies the dangerous truth about alcohol and drugs.
Many attendees said, “This is the best symposium ever!” and look forward to attending the next educational event for the African American community.
For more information about the African American Women’s Health Coalition, please contact Rhonda Folsom from HCA’s Health Promotion Division at (714) 834-7635 or rfolsom@ochca.com.
Mary Fabella from the ADEPT Program addresses attendees at the Sixth Biennial African American Women’s Health Symposium which took place on April 28 at Chapman University in Orange.
(Below) During the Health Symposium, attendees enjoyed participating in Dr. Yancey’s physical fitness demonstration.
Pictured (left to right) are Sybella Patten, Dr. Toni Yancey and Rhonda Folsom.
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
Mental Health Month resolution presented
Each year during the month of May, Mental Health Month is celebrated nationally to raise awareness of mental health issues. To commemorate the occasion locally, Supervisor Janet Nguyen presented a resolution to the Orange County Mental Health Board on May 23, which declared the month of May as Mental Health Month in Orange County. Pictured (back row, left to right) are Randy Beckx, Kathy Nickerson, Mikyong Kim-Goh, Theresa Boyd, Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Kymberli Kercher-Smith, Erica Phoa, Robert Reid and Harvey Grody. Pictured (seated, left to right) are Rachel Pedraza and Cecile Dillon.
"Habits are shorthand of behavior."
— Julie Henderson
National Group B Strep Awareness Month
UV Safety Month
National Youth Sports Week 10-14
Meeting of the Minds draws record attendance
The 13th annual Meeting of the Minds Mental Health Conference held at the Disneyland Hotel on May 15 drew a record crowd of approximately 600 individuals this year, which included mental health professionals, community agency staff, consumers, family members and local law enforcement to name a few.
The conference featured a showcase of community resource
booths from various community organizations including the Orange County chapter
of the National Alliance for the Mental Ill (NAMI), Violence Prevention
Coalition of Orange County and HCA’s Office of Patients’ Rights and the Mental
Health Services Act. Several staff from Behavioral Health Services also served
as presenters and panel members during several conference workshops.
Participating again this year, the Orange County Stigma Elimination Task Force
hosted a booth at the event to distribute information and held a stigma related
workshop titled “How Could This Happen,” which featured several Task Force
members who served on the discussion panel.
Conference attendees also enjoyed a keynote presentation from Tom Wooten, the best-selling author of the “Bipolar Advantage” where he shared his experiences living with the condition and provided a new perspective on recovery.
Meeting of the Minds is hosted each year by the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Orange County and aims to bring together the full spectrum of the mental health community to raise awareness, learn skills, reduce stigma, share information and resources, strengthen existing relationships and develop new alliances.
For more information about the conference, contact MHA at (714) 547-7559 or visit www.mhaoc.org.
Frank Hernandez from Health Promotion greets visitors who stopped by the Orange County Stigma Elimination Task Force booth to pick-up educational material and spin the wheel to answer questions relating to mental illness and stigma.
Completion of PathNet Project celebrated
A job well done was celebrated May 17 when many of those involved in the development and implementation of the PathNet Laboratory Information System gathered on the patio at 17th Street for a Hawaiian themed “Aloha” party.
The PathNet project started in May 2006, and a year later, the Public Health Laboratory’s outdated system has been replaced with a modern information system that has resulted in faster reporting of lab test results, fewer chances for data entry errors, better reporting capabilities and linking of the laboratory with clinics and other departments for improved patient data sharing. The first HCA clinic site went live on PathNet on January 31, and over the next two weeks the rest of Public Health was brought on-line.
The May 17 celebration was an opportunity to recognize the Public Health Laboratory “build team” that helped to develop and test the system, as well as train the Agency’s PathNet users. Also recognized was the Public Health Super Users group that was vital to the successful implementation.
HCA Assistant Director Dave Riley addressed attendees at the Hawaiian theme “Aloha” gathering on May 17 to celebrate the completion of the PathNet Laboratory Information System.
HCA
set to participate in Orange County Fair 2007
The annual Orange County Fair is making its way back into town from July 13 to August 5 with this year’s theme of “Cowabunga —the Year of Herefords, Surfers & Sand.” HCA’s Health Promotion Program will once again be part of the festivities and host an educational and informational booth inside the Fair’s Orange County building from July 18-25.
When visiting the Fair, be sure to stop by HCA’s booth along with other Orange County agency booths to pick-up some informational items and material.
This year’s Fair will be closed on Mondays (July 16, 23 and 30) and will again feature an abundance of food, contests, exhibits, carnival rides and entertainment.
Visit www.ocfair.com for more information about the fair’s happenings including a daily schedule of events, special promotional days, hours of operation & ticket pricing, as well as the Pacific Amphitheater summer concert series lineup.
2007 Pet Fair a success
A long line of visitors started gathering well before the 10 a.m. start time for this year’s Orange County Animal Care Services Pet Fair, and those who turned out were not disappointed by the annual event.
The Pet Fair has become an important opportunity for Animal Care Services (ACS) to connect with the community and boost pet adoption programs. White canopies lined the ACS parking lot and provided shelter for booths offering fair-goers information on animal organizations, pet products and services. ACS staffed several booths following the safari theme, offering information on responsible pet ownership, disaster preparation recommendations and even a few booths featuring fun activities such as identifying animal tracks, puppet making and ink animal tattoos.
While the weather was cloudy, the smiles of those participating in the Pet Fair provided a warm greeting for all in attendance and helped ACS showcase the many loving animals available for adoption through the Animal Care Center in Orange.
Office Specialist Suzette May and Senior Office Supervisor Terry Dimon prepare for visitors with ACS Director Jennifer Phillips’ Great Dane “Squirt.”
Field Lieutenant Kerrie Morgan from Animal Care Services greets booth visitors during the Pet Fair held at the Animal Care facility on May 19.
Ever looked at your balances and wondered, “What do I do with 17 minutes? Will I get that paid out someday?”
Well, here are some answers. To use your Annual Leave balance (Sick Leave and Vacation for Tier I employees), time must be recorded in 15-minute increments on your timecard. This convention is governed by applicable memoranda of understanding (MOU) that state time is to be used “to the nearest quarter hour.”
The most common correction HCA Payroll makes to timecards involves this 15-minute rule. So if your Annual Leave balance is 17 minutes, you can record only 15 minutes on your timecard. Upon separation of employment from the County, the entire balance of your Annual Leave will be taken into consideration when calculating how much will be paid out to you according to the provisions of the MOU for your particular representation unit.
OK, what about comp (compensatory) or PIP balances? Regular hours, comp time, overtime, and PIP time may all be recorded on your timecard to the minute. Overtime, when not paid out during the same pay period worked, is recorded in your comp balance where you can accumulate up to a maximum of 80 hours. Any time in excess of 80 hours will be automatically paid. Upon separation, the entire comp balance will be paid to you. Currently, PIP time cannot be paid out when earned and it will not be paid out when you separate from the County. Your PIP balance rolls over if not used within a year.
Curious about what else your MOU covers? Look it up online at the County’s intranet site (http://ocintranet.ocgov.com) under Employee Labor Resources and Employee Publications. There you will find a link to MOUs Online.
We hope you have found this article useful. All comments and suggestions are welcome! HCA Payroll can be reached at (714) 834-5744, M-F from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and by email at HCAPayroll@ochca.com.
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
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