issue 08-06
June 2008
Inside this issue …
Seeing life from both sides of the fence
Commencement exercises during the month of May are a special time for graduates and their families, marking a passage to a new chapter in the graduate’s life. But few graduates have come as far as Robin Keeble, a Program Supervisor with the Health Care Agency’s Risk Reduction, Education and Community Health Program (REACH), and the recipient of this month’s Gold Star recognition for service to the Agency and the community.
While some graduates are introduced to their future employer at a career fair or perhaps through an internship, Robin’s introduction to the Health Care Agency came in a much different fashion. It was in October 1995 when Robin was first introduced to the Health Care Agency at La Palma Park, not as a student intern but as a homeless individual in need of the Agency’s services. And that introduction made an impression on Robin that continues to change her life today in ways that just 12 years ago she could not have imagined. “I was homeless, living in a park. I had no self esteem or self respect, but the members of the outreach team made such a difference,” Robin remembered. “They cared about me having something to eat and a safe place to sleep. They treated me like a human being and saw me as a part of the community even when I didn’t.”
Robin Keeble is pictured during the hooding ceremony
at Cal State Fullerton, where she received her Master’s
in Public Health.
What also made a difference was the persistence of the HCA outreach workers. “They came back and checked on me and followed up when they said they would.” Part of that concern centered on Robin and her HIV status, because she learned that month that she was HIV positive. But Robin was determined that she would not become her disease. “I really liked what they did and I wanted to help out.” After a year in residential substance abuse treatment, Robin’s life had gained the stability she needed to begin volunteering with the Health Care Agency, something she did for almost two years before being hired as a REACH community worker in 1998. She has also worked as a community health assistant and a mental health specialist with HCA while pursuing her education. First came an Associate’s Degree in 2002, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services in 2005. This year, Robin proudly received her Master’s in Public Health from Cal State Fullerton, which also named her Human Services Alumnus of the Year in 2007.
Robin admits that pursuing her college education while working full-time has been challenging, but her support system has made it possible for her to achieve what at one time she thought was impossible. “I have felt so supported by the people I work with, my family and my friends. When things became challenging, my support system helped me get through.”
Mary Hale, Chief of Behavioral Health Operations, says Robin has a unique ability to connect with the program’s clients because she has been there herself. “Robin is compassionate, exceptionally bright and resourceful. She is more passionate and dedicated to helping the homeless population and those who are addicted than anyone I have ever worked with. Robin recognizes that the road to recovery is different for everyone. She unconditionally accepts people where they are and helps them.” Robin’s educational achievements and her work with the Health Care Agency also set her apart. “What she has done is amazing,” Mrs. Hale stated. “She is an outstanding role model for her coworkers and every individual she comes into contact with. Few people ‘walk the walk’ all of the time – Robin does.”
Outside of work, Robin’s commitment shows through her participation on the Inmate Family Council at the California Institution for Women in Chino, where she recently attended a graduation ceremony for those receiving their GED’s. She also serves as the prisoner advocate on the University of California, Irvine Institutional Review Board and participates in the OC Reentry Partnership. And while it might be easy to focus on the past, Robin is focused on the future, which may include seeking a Doctorate degree in criminology, sociology or public health. As she thinks about where she has been, Robin is able to sum it up simply and succinctly – “It’s a great life.”
Back Bay Science Center in the spotlight
The long awaited opening of the Back Bay Science Center on Shellmaker Island in Newport Beach was celebrated May 30th with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by more than 100 people.
The $8 million facility provides a permanent home for the Health Care Agency’s Public Health Water Quality Laboratory, which has been located for several years in temporary trailers. Other organizations calling the Science Center home are the California Department of Fish and Game, which conducts research and teaching programs at the site, as well as the University of California, Irvine and the City of Newport Beach.
Douglas Moore, PhD, Director of the Public Health Laboratory, was among those who spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony, touting the protection of the public’s health through the science of water quality testing and research. The lab has conducted numerous research projects and will continue to look at the causes of pollution, as well as improved testing methods that may more accurately reflect the risk to the public’s health.
Major funding for the center was provided by a settlement from the 1990 American Trader tanker oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach. Additional funding was provided by some of the key partners, such as the City of Newport Beach, as well as environmental organizations including the California Coastal Conservancy, the Miocean Foundation and the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends. The public had an opportunity to tour the Science Center during an Open House held on May 31. .
 |
 |
| Dr. Douglas Moore (second from left) and Mario Mainero (second from right), Chief of Staff for Supervisor John M. W. Moorlach, represented the County of Orange in the Back Bay Science Center Ribbon Cutting ceremony. | The Back Bay Science Center graces the shores of Newport Bay on Shellmaker Island and provides a scenic location for education and research programs. |
 |
 |
| HCA Director Julie Poulson joins with other Agency and County staff for a photo opportunity inside the new Water Quality Laboratory at the Back Bay Science Center. |
Dr. Douglas Moore is interviewed by Susan Valot of KPCC Radio about the Water Quality Laboratory’s research efforts. |
The Office of Compliance is pleased to announce that Linda Le is our new HCA HIPAA Coordinator. Linda joined the HCA Compliance Team about four years ago from the District Attorney’s Office. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology/Database Management and previously worked with elected officials, community leaders, and victims of domestic and sexual assault.
Most recently, she tackled the duties of the Compliance Analyst. If you had a question about Compliance training, sanction screening, or HIPAA, Linda helped you out. Linda is always ready to help anyone in HCA with a compliance or HIPAA question. She recently became a Certified HIPAA Professional after completing training and a national exam. Linda Le will be your contact for questions, concerns and advice on HIPAA requirements such as Privacy, Security, Transactions and Code Sets, etc. Her contact information is:
Linda Le, HCA HIPAA Coordinator, Bldg. 38-T
405 W. 5th Street, Room 676
Santa Ana
(714) 834-4082
lile@ochca.com
The whole compliance team including Jeff Nagel, Chief Compliance Officer and Thea Bullock, Assistant Compliance Officer, are available to answer any compliance-related questions. Stop by, call us, or send us an e-mail at officeofcompliance@ochca.com.
The Office of Compliance is recruiting for the position of Compliance Analyst, who will be responsible for coordinating Compliance Training, preparing reports, auditing and monitoring sanction screening procedures, documenting compliance findings and corrective actions, and providing assistance with compliance questions or concerns. Interested parties should look for the announcement on NEO GOV.
Have you ever come back from your vacation and forgotten your password? Tried typing in your password too many times and locked yourself out of your own PC?
These are just a couple of scenarios that are presented to the Service Desk every day. HCA Information Technology will be making it possible for customers to reset their password with the new Password Management Solution. “The Password Management Solution is a great tool that will allow our customers the ability to reset their password based on a series of questions, states Jimmy Castellanos, Service Desk Supervisor. “
Customers will no longer have to call or wait for a live person to assist with a password reset when trying to log into their computer. We look forward to bringing this new technology to HCA.” Customers using online banking websites might already be familiar with this technology. The Password Management Solution is scheduled for implementation later this year.
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Hemochromatosis Awareness Month
International Group B Strep Awareness Month
UV Safety Month
National Youth Sports Week 7-11
National Therapeutic Recreation Week 13-19
Quote
The secret of joy in work is contained in one word—excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.
—Pearl Buck
Health Care Agency staff joined with partners from the Network for a Healthy California–Orange County Region in a special May 28th event at a Santa Ana supermarket to drink a “Toast to Health” and show that better nutrition begins with better food choices while shopping.
The Fruit and Veggie Fest acknowledged the Network’s countywide efforts to help low-income families become Champions for Change through nutrition education activities in schools, worksites, markets and community events. Dr. Nancy Bowen, Public Health Chief Medical Officer, was one of those participating in the ceremonial toast, using orange juice in acknowledgement of the local efforts. “By working together, we’ve been able to reinforce to shoppers the importance of making healthy changes in a fun and memorable way,” said Dr. Bowen. “We’re here to show people how they can make better nutrition-related decisions every time they shop, prepare and cook meals at home. These changes will help create a healthier community and a healthier Orange County.”
Participating in the Toast to Health Ceremony were (l-r) Teresa Vazquez,
Public Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nancy Bowen, Dr. Antonio Carbayo,
and Rita Roman.
In Orange County, over 30% of low-income children younger than 19 years old are overweight or obese, according to the 2006 OC childhood obesity statistics. “Parents need to take charge of their children’s health,” said Teresa Vazquez, Network for a Healthy California “Champion Mom.” “Too many of our kids are becoming overweight and are getting diabetes and other problems.”
The Fruit and Veggie Fest started with employees of the grocery store learning about worksite wellness, followed by in-store food demonstrations and taste tests, an “Ask the Dietitian” session, and a physical activity demonstration and finished with fun and games for all.
Are you always on the go? No time to eat right? Does a balanced meal mean keeping the Styrofoam container from falling off your lap? The human body handles stress better with a healthy diet, so it is even more important to make healthy food choices when you are trying to keep up with a hectic schedule.
The truth is a lack of time is one reason many people give up on healthy eating choices. While you hustle through your day, you’re probably not thinking about making your next meal a healthy one. Sometimes a fast-serve restaurant or drive-through dining is the only option for a meal-on-the-run. But eating on the go doesn’t mean health has to go out the window.
The American Dietetic Association notes many fast/casual restaurants are making it easier for customers to keep their health in mind when they are on the run. Numerous quick-serve restaurants are offering smaller portion sizes and making nutritional information readily available. The American Dietetic Association website, www.eatright.org, suggests that you look for menus and vending machines that display a special symbol or logo on food items with lower fat, salt or sugar content.
Here are some more suggestions to help make healthy food choices when you’re on the run:
Choose grilled, baked or steamed items. They are lower in fat and salt than fried foods. They also bring out all the flavor of the food.
Order soft corn tortilla tacos and burritos; add salsa and leave out the cheese.
Give your pizza a protein and flavor boost with chicken and lots of veggies.
Choose skim milk rather than a soda or milk shake.
Don’t be Afraid to ask for a Special Order
Ask for your main dishes or veggies without a sauce.
Ask for your salad with the dressing on the side and then dip the tines of your fork in the dressing instead of pouring the dressing over the salad. You will probably use less and still get all of the flavor.
Most restaurants will be happy to substitute more veggies for fries.
Ask for omelets made with egg whites or egg substitute rather than the whole egg.
Portion Control
You don’t have to clean your plate in a restaurant. Offer to split an order with a friend.
Order the kid’s portion or a regular size. Super-sized items are often more than you need.
Pile up on dark green leafy vegetables at the salad bar.
Smoking in media targeted by TUPP
Unveilings are nothing new for Hollywood, unless the unveiling is for artwork that is designed to educate the public about the impact that smoking in movies has on our youth. During May and June, the Health Care Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) unveiled six winners in the “Tobacco and Hollywood” student art competition, with the winning designs featured on bus shelters around Orange County.
The winning cartoons were selected from more than 100 entries in the competition that offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community through the development of their artwork. The artworks selected to appear on bus shelters were submitted by:
Faith Dela Cruz from Buena Park High School
Melissa Markowitz from Huntington Beach High School
Kayla Enos from Orange County High School for the Arts
Lilia Vega from Orange County High School for the Arts
Diane Negrete and Rocio Martinez from Sonora High School, and
Kristen Lee from Sonora High School
 |
 |
 |
| Faith Dela Cruz, Buena Park High School, and her bus panel ad in the City of Buena Park on the corner of Knott Ave. and Orangethorpe Ave. |
Kristen Lee, Sonora High School, points out her bus panel in the City of
La Habra on the corner of Harbor Blvd. and Lambert Rd. |
Diane Negrete (left) and Rocio Martinez (right), Sonora High School, display their bus panel in the City of La Habra on the corner of La Habra Blvd. and Palm St. |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has repeatedly cited exposure to tobacco use in media as a major factor in youth smoking. Youth who see smoking on television and other media are more likely to start smoking than youth who are not exposed to smoking in media.
HCA nurses thanked for making a difference
The Health Care Agency’s annual Nurse Recognition Event was held May 8th at the Santa Ana Police Department Community Room and followed the theme “Making a Difference Every Day.” A selection of foods and refreshments were provided to those in attendance, including a large contingent from Institutional Health Services who were able to attend because of the proximity of the event to the Central Jail Complex.
Debbie Chitty, RN, Division Manager for Public Health Nursing, led off the program and introduced other speakers including Agency Director Julie Poulson, RN, MN, and Sheryl Curl, RN, MFT of Correctional Mental Health Services. A special guest was Mario Mainero, Chief of Staff for Second District Supervisor John M. W. Moorlach, who presented the Nurse Recognition Week resolution signed by the Board of Supervisors. Presentations focused on the wide variety of settings in which Agency nurses practice, as well as the types of issues and challenges they face in caring for our clients. Examples of nursing excellence recognized the many accomplishments of the Agency’s nurses. Numerous HCA Manager and Administrative staff attended the recognition event to show their appreciation for the contributions of all of the Agency’s nurses.
Public Health Nursing Division Manager Debbie Chitty, RN,
accepts the Nurse Recognition Week resolution from Mario
Mainero, Chief of Staff for Second District Supervisor John M.
W. Moorlach.
Emergency Medical Services Week – May 19-25, 2008
Your Life is Our Mission
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is a national observance that brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.” The Health Care Agency’s Emergency Medical Services team, in collaboration with the Orange County fire departments, ambulance companies, law enforcement agencies, hospitals and community organizations, celebrated EMS Week through outreach and education activities throughout the month of May.
More than twenty individual EMS Week activities were scheduled, including CPR certification classes; free blood pressure screenings; drunken driving awareness programs at local high schools; free child safety seat installation checks; and beach, boating and fire safety events.The focus of EMS Week activities is education and prevention, and most events were free and open to the public.
The official kick-off event for EMS Week 2008 was EMS Appreciation Day at Irvine Regional Park on Sunday, May 18th, cosponsored by the Health Care Agency and OC Parks. EMS Appreciation Day featured free parking for the day at Irvine Regional Park, live music, emergency vehicle displays, interactive emergency radio demonstrations, a magic show, games and activities, and free refreshments. This event was organized and staffed by volunteers from the Health Care Agency and our EMS system partners, and was attended by hundreds of Orange County residents.
The highlight of EMS Week was the presentation of the EMS Awards on Wednesday, May 21st, held at UCI Medical Center. The EMS Awards recognize the contributions of EMS providers who demonstrate exceptional performance, compassion, teamwork, courage, leadership and vision, while fulfilling a critical need in the delivery of health care to our community. The awards ceremony was followed by a luncheon reception sponsored by UCI Medical Center.
Thanks to the EMS Team and our EMS System providers for organizing another year of successful community outreach, education and prevention activities in support of EMS Week.
A Sheriff’s Explorer volunteer
watches an attendee get a “Royal
Flush” in the dunk tank at EMS
Appreciation Day in Irvine Regional
Park.
HCA volunteer wins Presidential Award
Regina Brian, a psychology intern working in the Behavioral Health Children and Youth Services East Region, has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her hours of service.
The certificate and gold pin were recently presented to Regina by HCA Volunteer Services. Since beginning her internship in October 2006, Regina has completed 1,503 hours of service and is still volunteering her time. The gold level award is presented for serving 500 or more hours over a twelve month period.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President’s Volunteer Service Award as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
HCA staff participate in 2008 AIDS Walk
On May 10th 2008, over 8,000 people joined at Angel Stadium of Anaheim to participate in the 22nd annual Orange County AIDS Walk. Staff from the Health Care Agency’s (HCA) HIV Planning and Coordination unit, which administers federal and state funds for the provision of HIV services in Orange County, along with staff from HCA’s Contract Development and Management unit and the HCA Special Diseases Clinic, formed the “Walk with CARE” team and joined numerous other organizations, agencies, and private teams in a combined effort to raise funds and to provide support to the growing HIV/AIDS community in Orange County.
The 5K walk, one of the largest local events to raise funds for HIV/AIDS in Orange County, raised over $700,000 that will be distributed to local community based organizations to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The walk kicked off with a drill from local ROTC cadets and ended with a lap around the field at Angel Stadium. The walk was followed by a resource fair, which included live music and entertainment, and concluded with a pie-eating contest.
As of December 2007, an estimated 3,662 Orange County residents were living with AIDS and an additional 2,912 are estimated to be living with HIV. Between 2006 and 2007, the number of people living with AIDS in the County increased by 4.6%.
Due to the continual increase of local HIV/AIDS prevalence and potential cuts to publicly-funded HIV programs, fund raising is becoming increasingly critical to maintaining needed services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County.
To learn more about the Orange County AIDS Walk, please visit www.aidswalk.org/oc.
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
