National Infant Immunization Week is being celebrated across the nation this week, April 21-28, 2007. In recognition of the importance of childhood immunizations, the Galveston County Health District and its community partners are offering free immunizations to children at all three walk in immunization clinics and two outreach sites in League City and Hitchcock.  Dr. Guidry was featured in a Daily News Guest Column stressing the importance of preventing diseases by “On Time Immunization” located at http://www.gchd.org/press/2007/0407NIIWGuestColumn.htm.  Dates, times and locations of the clinics can be found at http://www.gchd.org/chn/NIIW2007.pdf. 

On April 17^th, Dr Guidry welcomed over 300 air regulatory investigators/inspectors from around the country to a three day training at Moody Gardens in Galveston.  The event doubled the highest attendance that this training has drawn in the 10 years that it has been held.   The Environmental Protection Agency, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) hosted the event.  The training focused on technical topics relevant to industrial air regulatory inspections such as federal rule interpretation, root cause analysis, and industrial equipment familiarization.  Diana Stevens, Assistant Program Manager, was instrumental in representing GCHD in planning the excellent conference.

The Galveston County Health District observed “National Public Health Week” on April 4^th by recognizing 25 outstanding partners of businesses, organizations and individuals in the community that do an exceptional job of contributing to the public's health. A photo of some honorees is located at http://www.gchd.org/press/2007/03PartnersandFoodSvcRecognized.htm. The Health District also presented the 10^th Annual Gold Ribbon Awards to over 80 food service establishments.  County Judge Jim Yarbrough and the District’s Dr. Mark Guidry opened the night’s events.  Kurt Koopmann emceed the event and presented the awards to the food service operators doing a great job in the arena of food service.  United Board of Health member Steven Leach was in attendance and graciously joined the winners in a photo opportunity.  A special thanks to all of the staff members in Consumer Health for their dedicated work toward making this event a success.  You may view the Gold Ribbon awardees at http://www.gchd.org/ech/goldribbon07Pics.htm.

On April 30, 2007, the terms of service for seven members of the United Board of Health will expire.  A letter was sent to Commissioners Court for the extension of service terms of the six members willing to remain on the Board (John Zendt, Chair; Ben Raimer, MD, Vice-Chair; Mary Anne Holcomb, Secretary/Treasurer; Ted Hanley, Milton Howard, DDS; and Patricia Rogers, MD).  Due to the resignation of Jan Winnike, RN, a request to the Commissioners Court to nominate an individual to fill the position of a registered nurse representative and recommend to Member Cities their approval of such nomination.  The term of office for these seven members will be through April 2009.  

• Dates for upcoming mammogram screenings were submitted to the Community Bulletin Board in the Galveston Daily News with eligibility guidelines.  These sites are submitted to the newspaper on a monthly basis. Additional information on the availability of mammograms can be found on the District’s web site at www.gchd.org/pages/chn/dfeet.htm.
• A press release was issued on March 26^th outlining activities taking place during National Public Health Week.  The release with all of the information can be accessed at www.gchd.org/press/2007/03PartnersandFoodSvcRecognized.htm.  In the release public health partners being recognized for their support of District activities; and the food service establishments receiving 2007 Gold Ribbon Awards were listed. The Galveston Daily News also published all of the Gold Ribbon winners and Public Health partners in the weekly “Applause” section.  Both events took place on April 4^th and were well attended.  Photographs of the Gold Ribbon Award winners are posted on the GCHD web site www.gchd.org/ech/goldribbon07Pics.htm.
• National Public Health week was also subject on the GCHD web site at the beginning of April and during the latter part of the month National Infant Immunization Week was front and center on the site.  A complete outline of activities for the Immunization week being observed April 21-28 can be found at www.gchd.org/chn/NIIW2007.pdf. 
• A guest column compiled by Dr. Guidry promoting National Infant Immunization Week was submitted to the Galveston Daily News on April 18^th.  In the column Dr. Guidry encourages all parents to make sure children are immunized on-time.  The column can be accessed at www.gchd.org/press/2007/0407NIIWGuestColumn.htm. 
• When elevated bacteria levels are detected in area recreational waters, Beach Watch warnings are posted.  This information is also distributed to community leaders with an interest in the program.  On a daily basis these postings can be found on the GCHD web site at www.gchd.org/pollution/BeachAdvisory.htm.
• After an incident at the Texas City BP refinery, an article in the Houston Chronicle noted that staff from the Galveston County Health District along with other agencies would begin collecting samples from the event.  The article can be found at www.gchd.org/press/2007/04BPRefinery.htm.
• A forum being conducted to seek community input on water quality issues in Dickinson Bayou was the subject of an article in the Galveston Daily News on April 14^th.  Along with other environmental agencies Environmental Services Director Ronnie Schultz and PIO Kurt Koopmann contributed to the story which is posted on-line at http://www.gchd.org/press/2007/04DickinsonBayou.htm

• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO) - The annual JCAHO Periodic Performance Review was submitted electronically on April 18, 2007.  This is a required, internal review of 4C’s compliance with all the JCAHO standards that are reviewed during a full, on-site survey.  The clinic is in currently in compliance with each standard.   
• Staffing Update – The Health District is currently seeking to fill both medical and dental positions.  Health District vacancies are located at http://www.gchd.org/hr/job.htm.
• 2008 United Data System (UDS) Report - 4C’s responded to Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA) request for comments to changes in the 2008 UDS Reporting Requirements.  We indicated that these changes would have a negative impact on Federally Qualified Health Center’s (FQHC) that are not currently utilizing an Electronic Medical Records.
• Donations to 4C’s - The 4C’s received a donation from Direct Relief on 04/10/07 of various items from medications to hand sanitizers for an estimated savings of $30,549.  These items have been distributed to both clinics.
• Women’s Health Program Policy Changes Update - The 4C’s clinic was notified of policy changes to the program on qualification requirements that will be effective May 1, 2007.  Training for staff that assists clients with completing the application has been completed.  The changes to the policy will have minimal impact on staff on providing assistance.  
• UTMB Referrals - Executive staff and the Business Director met with members of the UTMB Demand Access Management Program (DAMP) office to update our referral system. The Business Director will continue to establish a relationship with the UTMB DAMP office to better service our 4C’s patients when referred to a specialist at UTMB.  In addition, the Clinic Leadership Team (CLT) has also approved a DAMP Office Referral flyer that informs patients of requirements of the DAMP Office along with contact numbers for both 4C’s and DAMP, and important information of what to expect in the referral process.
• Diabetic Patient - On April 12, 2007, 4C’s implemented a new system to track required diabetic information to meet federal reporting requirements.  Information tracked includes HbA1c, Pneumococcal Vaccine and Self-Management Goal.  

• Director of Community Health Services - On April 2, 2007, Cassandra Arceneaux, MD, MPH, became the Director of Community Health Services.  Dr. Arceneaux is being orientated to new responsibilities and introduced to key partners.  She has met with Commissioner Stephen Holmes and Dennis Harris, Director of County Parks Department to discuss continued collaboration in health fairs and health programs offered to seniors in senior citizen centers.
• Tuberculosis Surveillance –The program was reviewed by DSHS on April 9^th -13^th.  The review team acknowledged strengths/weaknesses and provided valuable feedback.  They were specifically impressed with co-location of our tuberculosis and 4C’s Clinic, making the necessary drugs, lab, and X-ray’s easily accessible to our patients.  An official report will be sent within 45 days of the review providing us an opportunity to respond to any findings.
• Immunizations- DSHS requested that we submit a contract revision to reallocate excess salary funds.  A total of $41,634 was moved from personnel and fringe benefits to equipment, supplies, and other needs including displays for presentations, advertising, and incentives for the community.   These one time funds are available because of the lag time between the start of the grant year, contract award and hiring of personnel.
• Breast and Cervical Cancer Control (BCCC) – A contract with American Cancer Society was executed for their organization to contribute $9,000 to the Health District’s breast cancer screening programs.  The DSHS BCC program allocated an additional $4,557 to the current year grant.  The BCC competitive grant application for FY 2008 was submitted on April 5^th.  Awardees will be announced by July 1, 2007.  

• Trash Bash 2007 – Unfortunately, the 2007 Trash Bash event was cancelled due to inclement weather.  Over 50 volunteers showed up the day of the event and waited for over an hour to see if the weather would cooperate allowing the environmental event to move forward.  This year’s environmental project once again centered on the cleaning of the Texas City Dike.  Following the cleanup, volunteers were going to be treated to lunch, provided an appreciation gift and treated to the first ever Trash Bash Olympics. All of the food for the event was donated to area shelters.  Planning for Trash Bash 2008 will begin in the fall.
• Galveston Optimist – Ronnie Schultz was the guest speaker at the April 11^th meeting of the Galveston Optimist Club.  During the lunch meeting, Ronnie spoke about the recent chemical emergencies that have occurred in the Texas City area and the response and responsibilities of the Health District during these events. 
• Animal Shelter Donations – The Joe Vickery Animal Shelter has been the recipient of several generous donations from a local veterinarian, several pet supply companies and our own Friends of the Joe Vickery Galveston County Animal Shelter. Dr. Baylor located in San Leon has donated $1,000 in free services to the treatment of sick or injured shelter animals, testing and vaccinations.  The Bayer Drug Company has donated DVD’s for adopters of dogs or cats to explain proper care and treatment of their newly adopted pet. The Banfield Pet Hospital System donated 5 new portable universal microchip scanners that will be used in the field and in the shelter.  Besides providing much needed volunteers on a daily basis at the shelter, the Friends of the Shelter has contracted with IDEXX laboratory to provide heartworm testing for our shelter animals.  In addition, the Friends will be providing much needed vaccinations for our adoptable pets.      

• Staffing Update – There are currently 33 vacant full time positions in the EMS area.  We are awaiting drug test results on 3 applicants.  7 applicants are scheduled for testing and 7 applicants have been notified to come in for testing.
• Hurricane Preparedness – Galveston EMS staff are actively involved in the City of Galveston planning activities for hurricane season (June – November).  These efforts include planning for evacuation of bed bound persons from their homes, medical care for emergency response personnel and coordination with UTMB for potential evacuation of the hospital facilities.  Also the role of EMS staff in the City Emergency Operations Center is being reviewed.  Planning activities will culminate in the Citywide Hurricane Preparedness meeting at the beginning of Hurricane Season.
• Beach Party Weekend – Beach Party Weekend was April 20-22, 2007.  The crowds were much smaller than last year.  While traffic did increase, there were no significant problems for crews responding to emergencies.  In anticipation, GAAA did add two paramedic first responders one on the east end of the island, the other on the west end. There was a minor increase in the number of traffic accidents and injured persons on Saturday.
• Targeted Training of Staff – Targeted training will begin on April 25, 2007.  GAAA staff will participate in targeted training sessions in conjunction with monthly staff meetings.  The training will cover best practices and new procedures in EMS based on areas identified by the Quality Improvement program.  The program is designed to be participatory in nature, and is intended to provide Continuing Education credits as well as “state of the art” information.  

• The American Cancer Society approved a grant of $9,000 to supplement GCHD funds supporting breast cancer screening activities in Galveston County.  The grant will be in effect for a period April 20, 2007 through August 20, 2007 and was dispersed in one payment on April 20, 2007.
• Mainland Radiology Association, PA contract was signed by the COO on April 12, 2007.  The Radiologist will interpret 4C’s x-rays and provide a written record to the clinic.  The cost will be $12 for each x-ray film interpreted.
• Contract with the Managing Pharmacist for the 4C’s Clinics, Don DePasqual, R.Ph., d/b/a DePasqual Enterprises was renewed by the COO on April 12, 2007.  This contract expires on June 30, 2007.  Payment of services will remain the same as previous contract at the rate of $24,771 per month and shall not exceed $74,313 during the 3-month period.
• Galveston Housing Authority WIC lease agreement for the period of April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2012 was signed by the COO on April 20, 2007.  The base rent charge was increased $.10 per square foot and the additional rent charge was increased by $.05 per square foot.  GHA noted the increase was necessary to meet the high cost of maintenance and utilities.
• Gamma Waste Systems service agreement was signed by the COO on April 3, 2007.  This medical waste disposal agreement is for three years with an automatic renewal for another period if not cancelled.   Removal of the first box is $28 and $13.50 for each additional box.  There was a three dollar increase in the rate charged for removing additional boxes.
• Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program grant received approval from DSHS for a budget amendment.  The COO signed the amendment on April 4, 2007.  The additional funding of $4,557 is for the current grant period of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Now, the total budget is $60,057.
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 4C's grant was awarded in the amount of $1,609,268.  This grant provides funding for the operations of two primary care medical and dental clinics that serve the uninsured and underinsured residents of Galveston County.  The budget period is April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008. 
• Henry Schein, Matrx,EMS USA, and Zoll were all three awarded the bid for the EMS medical supplies and equipment. The prices vary.The COO approved the award on April 10, 2007.
• Memorandum of Understanding with Friendswood Independent School District was signed by the COO on April 13, 2007.  The agreement renews the procedures for the use of IDS facilities as possible distribution sites for the Strategic National Stockpile or other public health emergencies.