Issue 09-05
May 2009
Inside this issue …
Curtis receives 2009 Wagner Award
Congratulations to Robert Curtis, Food Safety Coordinator for HCA’s Environmental Health (EH) Division, on receiving the 2009 Gerald A. Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award.
A new Food Safety Coordinator position within EH was created a little over a year ago to concentrate on food safety education and to assist food workers, as well as food facility operators to come into better compliance with food handling requirements and ultimately to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
As a skilled senior field inspector and with a passion for food safety, Robert was selected for this new position. He has since developed a new operator’s guide to food safety available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese which is currently being distributed to various food establishments within the County.
Robert has also developed a tailor-made food safety class for food operators and their staff to participate in. His course is designed to address the individual deficiencies located at a particular establishment for the purpose of correcting that specific deficiency. He also developed a pre and post-test to establish a baseline for food safety knowledge prior to his course, as well as to see how effective his course was in increasing food safety knowledge.
“Over the past year, we have seen a dramatic increase of food safety knowledge and improved inspection results, as well as a drop in the number of food facilities closed due to ‘imminent health hazards,’ ones recognized as Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Risk Factors,“ said Mike Haller, Food Protection Program Manager. “We can contribute these positive results to Robert’s ongoing educationally based outreach that he performs everyday here in the Food Protection Program.”
Robert also attends various community related events including career days at local colleges, fairs such as the yearly OC Fair and community town hall meetings to provide information and education regarding food safety. He also volunteers to teach food safety classes at the Second Harvest Food Bank and serves as the Radiation Monitoring Team Supervisor for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).
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.
Health Promotion Division Manager Amy Buch presented Robert Curtis of Environmental Health with the 2009 Gerald A. Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award during a Public Health Week event held at the patio area located at the 17th Street Clinic on April 8.
Nagel appointed new HCA Chief of Staff
Effective April 10, 2009, Dr. Jeffrey Nagel was appointed to a new role of HCA Chief of Staff. The appointment will continue until a permanent HCA Director is selected.
Dr. Nagel will also continue in his role as HCA Chief Compliance Officer with the support from Thea Bullock, Assistant Compliance Officer. Dr. Nagel will be responsible for coordinating assignments, managing special projects and providing senior level support in the Director’s Office.
Dr. Nagel is a licensed clinical psychologist who is a veteran HCA administrator. He began his career with the Agency in 1990 and rose through the ranks of Behavioral Health to become Program Manager of Children’s System of Care. Since 2003, Dr. Nagel has served as the HCA Chief Compliance Officer where he has developed an exemplary program that is recognized statewide. He has also played a key leadership role in a number of high visibility and complex Agency projects.
Dr. Nagel’s office is located at 405 W. 5th Street, Room 721 in Santa Ana and he can be reached at (714) 834-6254.
Public Health Week 2009 a big success!
In celebration of Public Health Week from April 6-12, several events were held during the week to highlight public health programs within the agency, as well as honor the efforts and dedication of public health professionals.
The week started with a kick-off event held at Bldg. 50 which showcased HCA’s various public health programs and services offered. Visitors to the 17th Street Clinic were able to stop by several booths to obtain information and learn more about HCA. A display was also placed at the County Hall of Administration building which depicted the various public health services offered by the agency.
On Tuesday, April 7, the Board of Supervisors presented HCA staff with a resolution declaring April 6-12, 2009 as Public Health Week in Orange County. Following the Board presentation, a World’s Biggest LiftOff event was held at the Hall of Administration outdoor quad area where Health Promotion staff led attendees on a 10-minute physical activity. Those who attended were able to get in 10 of their daily recommended physical activity minutes.
The annual Gerald A. Wagner Excellence in Health Education Award was presented to Robert Curtis of Environmental Health during a recognition event held at the 17th Street Clinic patio area on April 8. Attendees were also able to learn about and celebrate how public health services have improved the quality of life for many Orange County residents.
The week-long events culminated with a StairWell ribbon cutting ceremony held on April 9 at the 405 W. 5th Street Building in Santa Ana. Thanks to the California Endowment’s Healthy Eating Active Communities (HEAC) initiative, stairwells were transformed to encourage employee wellness. Two are located in Building 12 and one in Building 38. Modeled after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “StairWell to Better Health” project, the stairs were painted with vibrant colors. Baseboards were replaced and directional signs were also posted to show building staff and vistors where the stairs were located. Motivational prints were hung in the stairwells in Building 12 and motivational quotations were painted in the stairwell areas in Building 38.
For more information about Public Health Week 2009, visit the HCA webpage at www.ochealthinfo.com/public/phweek/index.htm or the American Public Health Association’s website at www.nphw.org.
A variety of events took place during the week of April 6-12, 2009 to celebrate Public Health Week this year. Events included a resolution presentation by the Board of Supervisors, a World’s Biggest LiftOff event and the presentation of the 2009 Gerald A. Wagner Award to name a few.
Last call for 2009 Team Excellence Award nominations
The May 22nd deadline for the 2009 Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award is fast approaching. The HCA/OCEA Labor Management Committee (LMC) is seeking nominations for the Award and encourages you to submit an application. This is an excellent opportunity to identify a team of individuals within HCA so that they receive the recognition they deserve.
The most competitive nominations are typically represented by applications that address the specific evaluation criteria and demonstrate the characteristics highlighted in the Leadership Development Program. Visit the LMC Intranet website at http://intranet.ochca.com/lmc/team for nomination forms, details about previous winners, and additional information about what makes an excellent team.
Last year’s nominations were very competitive. Teams that were nominated, but not selected in previous years, are encouraged to try again. Just be sure to revise the previously submitted application so that it is current and confirm that it contains a clear portrayal of each of the evaluation criteria.
MHSA’s Diamond Apartment Homes opens its doors
The first new construction project built in Orange County using Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) monies as part of its funding held its grand opening ceremony on April 14. Diamond Apartment Homes located in the City of Anaheim, was developed with a collaboration of funding and development partners which also included Jamboree Housing, HOMES, Inc., the Governor’s Homeless Initiative and the City of Anaheim.
The project provides 15 one-bedroom and 9 two-bedroom apartments for qualifying clients who are receiving services from the Telecare and Orange (TAO) Full Service Partnership program. This innovative project provides permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, as well as for families, in which the adult or parent has a severe and persistent mental illness.
Residents receive services both on and off site to support this step into permanent housing. There is both community space and private office space on site to accommodate group activities and individual consultation as needed. Consistent with the Mental Health Services Act philosophy, services are available 24/7 and include “whatever It takes” to ensure success in housing and the process of recovery.
Diamond Apartment Homes assists families to remain together, and individuals to rebuild their lives after having experienced extended or multiple periods of homelessness.
CAST recognized by BOS for service
Supervisor Bill Campbell presented a resolution to the Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) during the April 7 Board meeting to recognize the Team’s celebration of 20 years of service. HCA staff members pictured (in back, far right) include Holly Magana and Debbie Chitty.
Mileage claim changes are coming!
The mileage claim form is being changed as a result of the July 1 CAPS+ implementation. The change, however, will take effect before July 1. Therefore, all claims prepared on the old claim form must be received by HCA Payroll by June 9 from authorized signers. Any claims received after that must be on the new form. For example, if you are preparing a claim for October 2008, and you are submitting it June 15, the claim must on the new form. Any claims received by June 9 or earlier that were prepared on the new form will not be paid until July 10.
What are the changes? The current 3-digit ORG coding is converting to a 4-digit UNIT. Additionally, HCA Payroll is also making edits to the claim form to help you complete your claim with minimal errors.
You will be notified when the new claim forms are available for use, as well as provided with a crosswalk of ORGs to UNITS. In the meantime, to expedite reimbursement, please submit any claims as soon as possible that were prepared on the old claim form.
For questions related to mileage claim forms, or for any payroll-related question, please contact Payroll either by email at HCAPayroll@ochca.com, or by telephone at 714-834-5744 (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday).
The annual compliance survey will start in June 2009. The survey is your opportunity to tell us how the Compliance Program impacts your work. The on-line survey is anonymous, voluntary and easy to complete.
Compliance is achieved when each member of the HCA team has the information and tools to make ethical decisions and accomplish their assigned job. Feedback from HCA employees is used by the HCA Compliance Program to refocus the program and adjust our processes to meet the needs of the agency.
Your anonymous input is used to select training topics, revise processes and evaluate the communication efforts of the Compliance Program. Please take the time to complete the on-line survey when it is distributed in June.
Mental Health Awareness Art Fair and Calendar Contest set for May 21st
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Recovery Arts program is a method for persons in recovery to demonstrate their unique talents that have aided them in their personal recovery process. Currently, the Recovery Arts Program consists of several components: the Recovery Connections newsletter, Online Art Gallery and the MHSA Consumer Art Calendar.
The MHSA office published its first Consumer Art Calendar in 2009, and this year an Art Fair and a Calendar Contest will be held on May 21, 2009. The event will take place on the lawn at the Old Orange County Courthouse located at 211 West Santa Ana Blvd., in Santa Ana from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The winners of this writing and art contest will be featured in the 2010 MHSA Consumer Art Calendar. The contest is open to all persons in recovery receiving MHSA services, as well as their family members. Anyone is welcome to attend this event and experience the wide range of talent our mental health art community has to offer.
For individuals who are interested in participating in this event, applications are available by visiting the MHSA Office website at www.ochealthinfo.com/mhsa and clicking on the MHSA Recovery Arts Program link or by contacting the office at (714) 667-5620 or sending an e-mail to mhsa@ochca.com.
Safety inspections coming to HCA
As temperatures begin to rise in Orane County, there is no doubt that summer is fast approaching and with it comes hot weather and fun outdoor activities. The onset of summer also means something to the HCA Safety Program; it is time for all Department Safety Representatives (DSRs) to sharpen their faithful #2 pencils and perform their Annual Safety Inspections for their programs.
During May and June, it will be quite common to find your DSR peeking under desks, staring at ceilings, or checking break room appliances. Contrary to what you are thinking, they are not looking for loose change; they are identifying potential hazards in your area so that all may continue to enjoy a safe and healthy work environment.
With that said, here are a few tips you can follow in order to assist the DSR in performing one of their most important duties for the Agency and the HCA Safety Program.
Tidy up your work area—Keeping your workstation clutter free will allow your DSR to inspect your work area thoroughly and make it easier to observe critical hazards.
Cooperate during the inspection and correction process—Remember the DSR is providing a service that is required by all County Agencies, please allow them the time to inspect and answer any questions they may have about your specific work area.
Remember … safety takes teamwork, and assisting the DSR during this important time will ensure a more productive and safer area for all HCA staff.
What’s New at HCA Safety…
On April 23, the HCA Safety Program hosted the 2nd quarterly DSR meeting for 2009. Almost 100 dedicated DSRs attended this informative meeting that provided discussions and training on safety inspections, corrections, evacuation drill requirements, and the hazard communication process.
As a special treat the DSRs were provided with countywide safety updates by Craig Loyd from the CEO/Risk Management Office.
At the Quarterly meeting, the HCA Safety Program also distributed awards to all DSRs who recently became Certified Safety Representatives (CSRs). The following is a list of HCA employees that have recently become certified and have demonstrated outstanding effort and commitment to the HCA Safety Program:
Annette Banuelos Epidemiology & Assessment
Clarissa Cruikshank Epidemiology & Assessment
Tina Dean Residential Care & Housing
Ana Palma Facilities
Kenneth Pickering Mental Health Service Act
Congratulations and best of luck to our new Certified Departmental Safety Representatives!
Close to 100 HCA Department Safety Representatives (DSRs) attended the 2nd quarterly DSR meeting held on April 23, which provided discussions and training on safety inspections, corrections, evacuation drill requirements, and the hazard communication process.
Supervisor Bill Campbell presented a resolution to the Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) during the April 7 Board meeting to recognize the Team’s celebration of 20 years of service. HCA staff members pictured (in back, far right) include Holly Magana and Debbie Chitty.
Biggest Loser Challenge yields positive results
HCA’s Birth & Death Registration’s Healthier Lifestyle started with a two-month long “Biggest Loser” type challenge, which kicked off just after New Year’s Day this year. Interested participants met in early January to discuss rules for the competition. Health tips and links to informative web sites were shared throughout the challenge. Each staff member set realistic goals for a healthy weight loss between 1-2 pounds per week. By the end of the second month, each had lost between 3 and 12 pounds, and improved his or her level of fitness.
Staff reported that participating in the “Challenge” made them mindful of what they consume and how they can incorporate physical activity throughout the day. Although the Challenge has ended, the group still conducts bi-weekly weigh-ins for accountability. They also continue to gather during breaks and lunches for activities such as stair climbing in their nine-story building, power-walking in downtown Santa Ana, and strength training through core exercises in the conference room.
They have all shared successes and struggles, and motivate one other by being part of a group that shares a desire to feel and look their best. Group member Casey Cross has been Birth and Death’s toughest trainer. Casey’s colleagues agree that she talks and walks inspiration.
This group demonstrates that nutrition and fitness are not just short term “fixes,” but also can be life-long habits. Hats off to the Birth and Death Registration Unit’s Biggest Winners!
The Birth and Death Registration Healthier Lifestyle Team pictured (back row, left to right) are Eugene Corral, Karina Vasquez, and Rita Redding. Pictured (front row, left to right) are Viviana Arevalo, Casey Cross -Mendez and Marilyn Garcia. Not pictured are Adriana Bermudez and Susie Flores.
Celebrating National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightengale. This year’s theme, “Building a Healthy America,” reflects the commitment nurses make every day for their patients and the compassion and quality of care they provide for their community.
Often described as an art and science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opportunities the profession offers. Nurses work in a variety of settings including emergency rooms, school based clinics and homeless shelters to name a few. Nurses also have many roles—from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher.
For more information on National Nurses Week, visit the American Nurses Association website at www.nursingworld.org.
Home Safety Month
National Scleroderma Awareness
Month National Scoliosis Month
Vision Research Month
Sun Safety Week – 1-7
National Headache Awareness Week – 7-13
National Men’s Health Week – 15-21
National ASK Day – 21
National HIV Testing Day – 27
Quote
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
—Charles H. Spurgeon
What’s UP is a newsletter for employees of the County of
Orange, CA, Health Care Agency.
Editors
Tricia Landquist
Deanne Thompson
Anne Fialcowitz
Phone (714) 834-6644
E-mail tlandquist@ochca.com
FAX (714) 834-7644
Pony Bldg. 38-S, 4th Floor
|
HCA Home | Accessibility | Directory | Newsletters | What's Up ©2009 Orange County Health Care Agency |
