Just The - District 2 Public Health

Just The
PH
acts
An internal newsletter to engage employees,
public health districts, and partners
Division of Public Health | August September 2009 2009
What’s Inside?
2 Commissioner’s Corner
3 Governor Recognizes
Health Agencies
4 Governor’s
Commendation:
C. Paige Lightsey, RN,
District 9-1
5 Roll Up Your Sleeve
Statewide Campaign
6 Oral Fluid Testing For
Lead Poisoning
District Best Practices
7 District 3-4: Breast Cancer
8 District 6: HIV Partnership
9 District 7: Sister Judy
Jones
10 District 9-1: Tobacco Free
Schools
11 Did You Know? Facts
About Cancer in Georgia
15 We Make A Difference!
The DCH Mission is in Our Hands!
Following is the
transcript of Dr.
Rhonda M. Medows’
Address at the All
Staff Meeting on
July 29, 2009 at
the Georgia World
Congress Center in
Atlanta, Georgia,
as transcribed by
Connie F. Smith,
Department of
Community Health
(DCH) Office of
Communications,
Division of Public
Health
Dr. Rhonda Medows,
DCH Commissioner,
State Health Officer
and Acting Public Health Director
COMMISSIONER MEDOWS:
Good morning, everyone.
STAFF:
Good morning.
COMMISSIONER MEDOWS:
You know I know that Carla covered this with you already but I’ve
got to tell you that needs a little work. So we are going to practice for
about two seconds here. Good morning, everyone!
STAFF:
Good morning, Dr. Medows!
COMMISSIONER MEDOWS:
Say it like you mean it. Say it like you mean it. One more time.
STAFF:
Good morning, Dr. Medows! (laughter)
COMMISSIONER MEDOWS:
Okay. We’ve got to practice throughout the day. Okay. I know
you’ve got the spirit you just need the practice.
COMMISSIONER MEDOWS:
Welcome! Welcome to you all to the Department of Community
[Co n t i n u e d o n p a g e 12]
Georgia Public Health Nurses
Celebrate National Nurses Week
with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
Carole Jakeway, Chief Nurse for the Division
of Public Health
In May, addressing an audience
of over 140 public health nurses,
Former Acting CDC Director Rich
Besser, MD, commented on his
appreciation of nurses during
National Nurses Week (May 6–12).
From his grandmother to the nurses
that worked with him throughout
his pediatric residency, “nurses have
always played an important part in
my life,” stated Besser. “And that still
holds true today—nurses serve in
every part of this agency.”
Nurses are team builders and they
support health departments around
the country and the world with
guidelines, best practices, and good
policies. Taking time out from the
H1N1 outbreak, Besser reminded
the audience that a school nurse
uncovered the novel H1N1 flu virus
in the U.S. by initiating a call to New
York City’s Health Department. Based
on her training and recognition of a
cluster of suddenly ill students, she
knew exactly what to do. The state
health department contacted CDC,
samples were tested, and the rest (as
they say) is history.
The panel discussion program, Public
Health Tools for Nurses: Measuring
Value to Meet 21st Century Challenges,
featured CDC and ATSDR nurses in
[Co n t i n u e d o n p a g e 14]

Commissioner’s Corner
Dr. Rhonda Medows
DCH Commissioner, State Health Officer and
Acting Public Health Director
OPB Budget Instructions
As many of you are now aware, I am a major proponent of transparency and the sharing of information that directly
affects our department and staff. In my efforts to keep you informed on all pertinent matters, I would like to notify you
that DCH, along with other state agencies, has just received direction from the Governors Office of Planning and Budget
(OPB) regarding budget cuts. In OPBs budget direction, all state agencies have been instructed to prepare budget cut
scenarios for review that reflect 4, 6 and 8 percent budget reductions.
We are in the process of reviewing and evaluating this direction, and will keep you informed of how we anticipate
incorporating this adjustment into our overall budget recommendations.
July has proven to be a busy month for us all as we underwent two major departmental transitions on July 1. I would like
to extend my deepest appreciation and heart-felt thanks to each of you for all your professional support and dedication
to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Your tireless efforts and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and are
positively impacting the citizens of Georgia.
These are certainly unprecedented times, and unfortunately, other states throughout the country and the private sector
are facing similar budget challenges. During this tough economic period, let’s continue to keep each other encouraged
and uplifted as we forge ahead on our goal to ensure the best health outcomes and access to quality health care for
Georgia residents.
Please feel free to express any questions or concerns you may have and send to askdch@dch.ga.gov.
Budget Direction from the Governors Office of Planning and Budget (Memo from OPB is available at www.opb.state.
ga.us).
Why are agencies facing additional budget cuts?
The State Fiscal Year 2009 ended much worse than anticipated as the state reserves are now depleted down to $30M.
For State Fiscal Year 2010 OPB is projecting a deficit of $900M.
For State Fiscal Year 2011 OPB is projecting a deficit of $900M.
What does this mean for the DCH and its employees?
Effective, August 1, 2009, there will be administrative budget cuts of 3% for Medicaid and PeachCare For KidsTM and a
5% administrative budget reduction across all other programs including:
Public Health
Healthcare Facility Regulation
Health Access Programs, etc.
Mandatory furloughs for ALL state employees and teachers - 3 days by December 2009 (For those currently on furloughs:
maximum furlough days in a fiscal year are 12 days or 1 day/month.)
State Health Benefits Plan directed to cut $150M from its budget. More information about how SHBP will achieve its
mandated budget cut is forthcoming.
2
just the PHacts | September 2009

Governor Gives Extraordinary Service
Award to Health Agencies
ATLANTA (August 6, 2009) – Governor Sonny Perdue
announced today that employees of Georgia’s health
and human services agencies have been awarded the
“Governor’s Award for Extraordinary Service to Georgians”
in recognition of their outstanding work during the
reorganization of the Department of Behavioral Health
and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human
Services, and the Georgia Department of Community Health.
“This is only the second time we have given out this
recognition and I hope it stands as a real testament to
those who worked hard for the benefit of Georgia’s most
vulnerable citizens,” said Governor Perdue. “Thanks to the
work of over 200 state employees the reorganization of
Georgia’s health and human service agencies has been
completed successfully less than five months after it began
with no disruption in services to constituents.”
The employees not only completed the transition without a
break in customer service, they also helped move thousands
of staff members physically and administratively to new
agencies and new functions and maintained support for
partner vendors without disruption, all while continuing to
do their regular jobs.
Commissioner Rhonda M. Medows, MD, FAAFP receives Extraordinary Service
Award from Governor Sonny Perdue.
“If you compare this to the corporate world, what we have
accomplished is a simultaneous divestiture, merger, startup,
and reorganization involving a company with 20,000
employees – in less than five months. That is unheard of,”
said Jim Lientz, Chief Operating Officer for the State of
Georgia.
The health and human services reorganization was initiated
by Governor Sonny Perdue and approved by the Georgia
General Assembly in its 2009 session as a way to bring
greater focus to the state’s behavioral health services and to
better align the state’s programs promoting public health.
The reorganization created a new agency called the
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental
Disabilities with 8,600 employees from the former
Department of Human Resources (DHR). At the same time,
DHR’s Division of Public Health and Office of Regulatory
Services, representing a total of 1,240 employees, were
divested and transferred to the Department of Community
Health. The remaining functions of DHR, including Family
and Children Services, Aging, and Child Support Services,
were reorganized to form the new Department of Human
Services.
Reprinted with permission from the Office of the Governor,
Office of Communications
just the PHacts | September 2009 3

Governor’s Commendation for Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes accomplishments and
actions that enhance the public image of
customer service or improve the way customer
service is provided in a way that directly benefits
the citizens, customers and/or employees of the
state of Georgia. The nominee’s performance
should reflect all five of the state's commitments
to our customers: courteous, helpful, accessible,
responsive and knowledgeable.
Carol Paige Lightsey, RH – Public Health Nurse,
Coastal Health District (9-1) - McIntosh County
Health Department was selected from among 231
nominees from 39 State agencies to receive the
Governor’s Commendation. She was recognized
on July 23, 2009 and was photographed with
Governor Sonny Perdue and other state officials.
Carol “Paige” Lightsey, RN, is the only full time
nurse at the McIntosh County Health Department,
located in rural Eulonia Georgia. She keeps the
doors of the health department open to the
people living in this remote coastal county, many
of whom are destitute. In addition to normal work
duties, she provides education and instruction
at the local high school and serves as a positive
public health role model.
Paige began her employment with public health
in May, 2004 as a county public health nurse.
Over the years, she expanded her role by learning
how to assist young children in her county with
nutrition education through WIC (Women, Infants
and Children); taught people in her community
how to control their blood pressure through
the SHAPP (Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention
Program); and assisted women with family
planning needs by providing birth control and
abstinence education.
She also works with the state to provide ageappropriate
car seats to families who cannot
afford them. These car seats are for infants and
children who weigh less than 40 pounds. If
Paige did not provide these car seats, many of
the children in McIntosh County would not be
properly restrained while riding in cars resulting
in a potentially very dangerous situation. Many
mothers and grandparents have expressed their
gratitude toward Paige and the child safety seat
program. They are thankful that their children can
be transported safely.
Pictured L to R: Joe Doyle, Katie Christopherson, Connie F. Smith, Carole Jakeway, DHR Commissioner
B.J. Walker, C. Paige Lightsey (honoree), DCH Chief of Staff, Dr. Carladenise Edwards, Betty T. Dixon, and
Malika Reed-Wilkins
McIntosh County has only two doctors and many of the citizens come to
the health department for preventive health care needs and childhood
immunizations. Everyone knows Paige and respects her knowledge of health care.
In April when a young woman needed a Women’s Health exam, she came to see
Paige. During the exam, Paige listened to her heart, lungs, took her blood pressure.
She looked into her ears and did a very thorough exam. During the exam, Lightsey
discovered a slight pulsation in the abdominal area and suspected that the client
might have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
This would have been unusual since AAAs are most often seen in males over 60
who have one or more risk factors. The larger the aneurysm, the more likely it
is to rupture. When an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures it is a true medical
emergency and can cause death if not treated immediately with surgery. Paige
completed her physical and instructed the patient to get to a doctor, preferably a
cardiologist, immediately.
A visit to a cardiologist confirmed the AAA that, left undiscovered, could have
been deadly. Soon after her visit to the McIntosh County Health Department the
young mother of two underwent major surgery to repair the AAA. She has now
fully recovered and is doing well, thanks in no small part to Paige’s attention to
detail and commitment so serving her clients in public health.
This is just one example of the work Paige does on a daily basis in one of the more
rural Georgia counties. Here presence there is invaluable and immeasurable.
Paige represents all that is best about public health and nursing in general. She is
hardworking, loved by her community, and able to provide quality care close to
home in a compassionate manner
Nominator: Betty T. Dixon, Supervisor
4
just the PHacts | September 2009

DCH Encourages Georgians to Roll Up Their Sleeve
Campaign to Educate All Georgians about the importance of Seasonal Flu and novel H1N1 flu prevention
ATLANTA (August 13, 2009) – Dr. Rhonda Medows,
Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community
Health (DCH) announced the launch of the Roll Up Your
Sleeve campaign. The campaign is DCH’s statewide,
grassroots educational campaign to educate Georgians
about the seasonal flu and novel influenza A (H1N1) and
encourage citizens that fall within high-risk groups to get
vaccinated.
“Reports of novel H1N1 continue to create some questions
and concerns in our communities,” said Dr. Medows. “While
the current data indicates that the severity of the illness
caused by the novel H1N1 virus is not increasing, it is
important that Georgians arm themselves with knowledge
and take action to avoid getting or spreading the seasonal
flu and novel H1N1 flu viruses.”
DCH created the Roll Up Your Sleeve campaign to highlight
the importance of Georgians within high-risk categories to
get a seasonal flu and/or novel H1N1 vaccination, discuss
how everyone can prevent the spread of the flu viruses,
and understand the steps to take if they have symptoms.
The Roll Up Your Sleeve campaign materials are currently
being rolled out to each of the 18 health districts.
“The health districts play a vital role in our communication
efforts with Georgia’s citizens,” said Dr. Medows. “We
are confident that a collaborative and unified education
campaign that is state-led and district-centric will benefit
every community.”
Campaign efforts around Roll Up Your Sleeve include:
• distribution of an educational brochure throughout
the state,
•
•
•
Photo courtesy of Pike County Health Department
public service announcements,
promotional posters providing information about vaccination
sites; and
utilization of social networking Web sites to disseminate
information.
Contact the Office of Communications Director:
Lisa Marie Shekell at (404) 657-9118.
For Roll Up Your Sleeve updates
follow us on Twitter @GADCH
(http://twitter.com/GADCH)
Reprinted from the August 13, 2009 DCH news release file.
just the PHacts | September 2009 5

ORAL FLUID TESTING AS A CLINICALLY PROVEN TOOL
TO SCREEN FOR LEAD POISONING IN CHILDREN
By Dr. Anil T. Mangla MS., Ph.D., MPH. FRIPH
Chief Lead Epidemiologist, CLPPP
Georgia Department of Community Health
Division of Public Health
Background/Objectives: There were
approximately 240,000 children with lead
poisoning in the U.S. in 2008. Lead poisoned
children are at higher risk for having
neurodevelopmental deficits and various
behavior problems.
Current screening practices are complicated
by the need to obtain blood from a young
child. Oral fluid can be used in vitro to
measure lead, but has not been tested in
a clinical setting. This study compares oral
fluid and blood lead
levels in a clinical setting.
Methods: Oral fluid samples were collected
on 500 children aged 6 months to 5 years in
a primary care clinic. Children due to have
blood lead levels drawn were eligible. Blood
lead levels were measured by a venous
blood draw, which serves as a gold standard
and oral fluid lead levels were measured
using an ICP-MS (DRC II, PerkinElmer Sciex).
Oral fluid samples from 50 children were
gathered twice to provide internal controls,
but were counted once.
Conclusion/Implication: Oral fluid appears
to be a reliable medium to use when
screening children for lead exposure. Oral
fluid lead levels > or = 5 mcg/dL should
be confirmed by a venous blood sample.
The convenience of lead screening by
measurement of oral fluid should improve
our screening success by reducing parental
refusal and eliminating inability to obtain
an adequate blood sample.
Until now the only accurate way to test
for lead poisoning was through invasive
needle or finger sticks. Recently, a safer,
less-invasive method with no trauma to
the child has been validated by laboratory
analysis. A clinical trial was designed and
Pictured L to R: Robert Geller, MD, Anil T. Mangla, MS, Ph.D and S. Lynn Gardner, MD
correlated, by Dr. Anil T. Mangla Chief
Lead Epidemiologist for the Georgia
Department of Community Health, Division
of Public Health. Dr. Anil T. Mangla MS.,
Ph.D., MPH. FRIPH is an Adjunct Professor
at the University of Georgia and is also a
Community Assistant Professor at Mercer
University School of Medicine.
A clinical trial, the first of its kind, has been
completed at Emory University Hospital,
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes
Spalding Atlanta, Georgia. This trial was
administered by Lynn Gardner, MD, an
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Emory
University and oral fluid samples were
analyzed by Robyn Hannigan Ph.D, coinventor
of GEoMed Analytical, located at
the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
All doctors and scientist involved, worked
tirelessly to see this study from beginning
to successful conclusion.
The success of the study is “a milestone for
lead testing on a universal scale” said Dr.
Mangla. Children living in inner cities are
at higher risk of being exposed to lead due
to older homes. Also unlike blood samples
which need to be refrigerated, oral fluid
swabs do not need refrigerated storage
which is a major benefit when marketed to
third world countries.
Another key breakthrough for this test is
its “green” factor. There is no medical waste
with oral fluid testing which is a major step
in eliminating medical waste and the cost
associated with it.
This test is faster, less invasive and is a far
cry from having children endure a painful
blood collection. During this study some
of the oral fluid samples were collected
from children as they slept in their mothers’
arms, encouraging parents to screen their
children for lead poisoning.
No government or corporate funds were
used to complete this study. The inventors
of this test used personal funds and a
strong desire to: Bring a green, painless,
accurate screening tool to the world.
For complete information on the Accuracy
of Lead Level Measurement Using Oral
Fluids abstract, please contact Anil
T. Mangla MS., Ph.D., MPH. FRIPH at
anmangla@dhr.state.ga.us.
6
just the PHacts | September 2009

District Best Practices - District 3-4
Employees Participate in Breast Cancer Walk and
Exceed $2,000 Goal
Pictured L to R: Tracy Kavanaugh, Paula Barnes, Judy McElhannon, Betty Vitale, Maxine Henry, Veronica Hudson, Eileen Kaiser, Deborah Chosewood, Fulya Sinangil,
and Kelly Griffin. Team G.R.A.C.E.'s fund-raising efforts paid off big-time. The team raised $2,230, which surpassed the goal of $2,000!
Eileen Kaiser, M.Ed.
Developmental Specialist
Children 1st
Lloyd Hofer, MD, MPH
District Health Director
The Susan G. Komen Race
for the Cure takes place each
May in the midtown area of
Atlanta in and around Atlantic
Station. Donations from this
5k run/walk go toward breast
cancer research, education and
screening.
In 2007, two (2) East Metro
Health District (EMHD)
employees decided to
participate in the race,
and found it to be such a
positive experience that they
encouraged other co-workers
to participate. Two years later,
EMHD employees’ community
service is motivating others to
join the race for a cure. On May
9, 2009, thirteen (13) employees
of E.M.H.D., along with their
friends and family, raised funds
and walked to show support
for those women and men who
have won the battle against
breast cancer and to remember
those who did not. The 24
members of Team G.R.A.C.E.
(Girls/Guys Running Against
Cancer Everywhere) raised
$2,230.00, which exceeded the
team’s goal of $2,000!!!
The Atlanta race at Atlantic
Station drew a record 15,000
participants this year and raised
$1.7 million for the Susan G.
Komen Greater Atlanta Affiliate.
Seventy-five percent of all
funds raised by the Affiliate
stay in Atlanta to fund breast
health programs for women
who would not otherwise
have access to screening and
treatment.
Twenty-five percent of funds
raised support the national
Komen Foundation Award
and Research Grant Program.
Komen Atlanta has raised more
than $23.6 million since its
inception in 1991.
Team G.R.A.C.E. looks forward
to participating again next year
and hopes that other public
health employees will join them.
just the PHacts | September 2009 7

District Best Practices - District 6
Partnerships To Educate and Prevent New HIV Infections
Pictured L to R: Selina Soul, Carolyn Yancey, and Sandra Wimberly
By Sandra E. Wimberly
Health Educator, ECHD AIDS
Projects Office
District 6 (Augusta)
Ketty Gonzalez, MD
Health Director
“Know your status, get tested”
is what people see when they
enter our health department
in District 6 on National HIV
Testing Day. The banner can also
be clearly seen by pedestrians
passing by, as well as cars
passing along the street. Our
continued goal is to keep
awareness at the forefront in our
community.
The Richmond County Health
Department, in conjunction
with Jay’s Barber Shop and MCG
Outreach Team, partnered to
bring awareness, education
and testing to District 6 with
multiple events. On June 23,
2009, the health department
sponsored a press conference
with Mayor Deke Copenhaver,
Dr. Ketty Gonzalez, District
Health Director, John Milton,
owner of Jay’s Barber Shop, Ken
Bonds and David Thompson,
both with MCG Outreach, and
Teresa Catlett, County Nurse
Manager. Approximately 40
people were in attendance, to
include a representative from
Congressman John Barrow’s
Office. The focal point of
this event was to show how
leadership in Augusta, Georgia
has taken an active role in
educating our community. Both
our mayor and health director
have publicly tested for HIV to
encourage others to get tested.
The Richmond County Health
Department hosted Devin A.
Robinson, author of Raising A
Rebel on Friday, June 26, 2009
at our North Leg Complex.
His presentation focused
on changing behavior one
degree at a time. Robinson
told us, “Go against the grain,”
focus on changing behavior
which teaches people to make
healthier lifestyle choices.
On behalf of Life Beat from
New York, the music industry
also fights against AIDS.
They requested that Sandra
E. Wimberly, DCH/ECHD and
Tiffany Ramble, HIV Advocate,
do an HIV outreach at the
Anthony Hamilton concert
on Friday, June 26, 2009 at
the William Bell Auditorium.
A display was set up and
information and condoms
were given to concert goers.
A great push for testing was
encouraged. National HIV
testing day was emphasized
and testing locations were
distributed.
The big day, June 27, 2009,
National HIV Testing Day. Hats
are off to John (Jay) Milton,
Jay’s Barber Shop and Ken
Bonds, MCG Outreach Team.
For the fifth year, they have
made this their commitment.
This testing day event was held
at Jay’s Barber Shop for the
first four years, and space was
getting smaller and smaller.
This year the event was held
at the National Guard Armory.
The estimated number of
attendees is 500. Approximately
85 people were tested, with
one preliminary positive. On
board at this event were several
health related vendors, ranging
from diabetes, cancer and
AIDS Service Organizations.
There was music, food, voter
registration, and door prizes.
Representative Gloria Frazier
was in attendance. Not only did
she attend, she participated.
Selina Soul from KISS FM was
on board. She tested for HIV
and talks openly about it on her
radio show.
District 6 thanks all who
participated in the planning
and attended these events
of awareness. We especially
want to thank John and Ken
for their untiring commitment
and for taking on this task
yearly. Special thanks to our
city and our mayor. Kudos to
CSRA Media Services for their
continued support.
8
just the PHacts | September 2009

District Best Practices - District 7
Sister Judy Jones Receives
Employee of the Year!
Disabilities Day Columbus 2009
Employee of the Year
Sister Judy Jones
Mayor Jim Wetherington and the Mayor’s Committee for Persons
with Disabilities honored Sister Judy Jones as Employee of the
Year on Thursday, May 21, 2009.
For 18 years, Sister Judy Jones served as a beacon of hope for
people living with HIV/AIDS, helping to provide the best care
possible and never turning anyone away who was in need. Sister
Jones received a plaque inscribed with words that best describe
this honor: “Her unwavering service makes our community a
better place to live and work.”
Mayor Jim Wetherington, the 67 th Mayor of Columbus, presents
Sister Judy Jones with a plaque as Employee of the Year.
The District Clinical Services staff would like to say
congratulations and thanks to Sister Judy for her kindness, her
dedication, and her hard work.
“Having you as employee with the West Central Health District
has definitely enriched the lives of us all. Thanks Sister Judy, we
love you!”
Sister Judy Jones expresses gratitude and thanks to the people of
Columbus.
District Best Practices - District 7 -- Sister Judy Jones Receives Employee of the Year! Sister Judy Jones (center) is congratulated on her honor by (L to R) Veronica E.
McBride, RN, Antonio Lawrence, and Jeremy Hobbs.
just the PHacts | September 2009 9

District Best Practices - District 9-1
McIntosh County School District - Tobacco Free Schools
By Kenneth Ray, MPH
Program Manager
Georgia Tobacco Use
Prevention Program.
As of July 16, 2009,
the McIntosh County
School District joined
the growing list of school
districts by adopting
the 100% Tobacco Free
Schools model policy.
Congratulations and a
BIG THANK YOU to
the McIntosh County
School Board: Mr.
Harold Webster,
Chairman; Mr. Joe
Maulden,Vice Chair; Mr.
Dwight Jordan, Member;
Mr. Ronnie Young,
Member; Ms. Bonnie
Caldwell, Member; and
Dr. William A. Hunter-
Superintendent. Also a
Big Thank You to Marsha
Pierce and Christina
Gibson of the Savannah
Health District for their
leadership.
THANK YOU to the McIntosh County School Board: As of July 16, 2009, the McIntosh County
School District has a 100% Tobacco Free School model policy.
Pictured L to R: Ms. Cassandra Noble, Principal, Todd-Grant Elementary School; Mrs. Carolyn
Smith, Principal, Oak Grove Intermediate School; Mr. Merwan Massa, Principal McIntosh
Middle School; Mr. Larry Day, Principal McIntosh Academy; and Dr. Diane J. Richardson, Deputy
Superintendent McIntosh County Schools
48. McIntosh County Schools
All school districts are eligible to receive signage, training in Alternative To Suspension, Not On Tobacco school-based youth
prevention and cessation interventions, and Asthma Case Management planning for schools conducted by the American
Lung Association. In addition, earned media campaigns are to be developed to educate the public about the new policy in
preparation for the current and upcoming school year. Continue to promote and disseminate Quit Line and Ga. Smokefree
Air materials throughout these schools districts. Youth and adults will be ready to quit due to your efforts.
DPH’s new baseline is 48 out of 181 and counting! Approximately 855,934 youth are protected by a policy that eliminates
exposure to the dangers of secondhand smoke. Thank you all for your support in reducing teen tobacco use in Georgia!
The McIntosh County School District has been added to the following list of school districts that have exhibited
leadership in eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke and reducing teen tobacco use in Georgia: (not in order of policy
adoption)
1. Liberty County Schools
2. Marietta City Schools
3. Muscogee County Schools
4. Hancock County Schools
5. Douglas County Schools
6. Charlton County Schools
7. McDuffie County Schools
8. Effingham County Schools
9. Worth County Schools
10. Glynn County Schools
11. Carroll County Schools
12. Lamar County Schools
13. Meriwether County Schools
14. Atlanta City Schools
15. City of Decatur Schools
16. Clayton County Schools
17. Bleckley County Schools
18. Gwinnett County Schools
19. Washington County Schools
20. Laurens County Schools
21. Clay County Schools
22. Brantley County Schools
23. Long County Schools
24. Troup County Schools
25. Cobb County Schools
26. Trion City Schools
27. Dougherty County Schools
28. Valdosta City Schools
29. Griffin-Spaulding Schools
30. Richmond County Schools
31. Taylor County Schools
32. Columbia County Schools
33. DeKalb County Schools
34. Rome City Schools
35. Fulton County Schools
36. Floyd County Schools
37. Baldwin County Schools
38. Wayne County Schools
39. Jefferson County Schools
40. Rockdale County Schools
41. Wheeler County Schools
42. Calhoun City Schools
43. Ware County Schools
44. Dublin City Schools
45. Hart County Schools
46. Dawson County Schools
47. Chattooga County Schools
10
just the PHacts | September 2009

Facts About Cancer In Georgia
DID YOU KNOW?
By Rana Bayakly, MPH
Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry
Data Source: Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry and
the Georgia Vital Records
Cancer Incidence in Georgia
39,080 Georgians will be newly diagnosed with cancer
in 2009. An average of 108 new cancer patients will be
diagnosed every day.
The annual age-adjusted cancer incidence rate in Georgia
is 566 per 100,000 among men and 392 per 100,000 among
females.
men are 1.44 more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than women in Georgia.
Overall, Blacks (475/100,000) are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than Whites (469/100,000) in Georgia.
Black men (639/100,000) have the highest age-adjusted cancer incidence rate when compared to White men
(562/100,000), White women (405.6/100,000), and Black women (374.2/100,000) in Georgia.
Top Five Leading Causes of Cancer Incidence in Georgia are:
Men:
Women:
Prostate (162/100,000), Breast (118.5/100,000),
Lung (101.7/100,000), Lung (53.2/100,000),
Colorectal (58.7/100,000), Colorectal (42.3/100,000),
Bladder (32.7/100,000), Uterus (17.2/100,000),
Melanoma (26.8/100,000) Melanoma (15.8/100,000)
Cancer Death in Georgia
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Georgia.
15,000 Georgians will die of cancer in 2009. An avearge of 41 cancer death each day.
Men are 1.58 times more likely to die of cancer than women in Georgia .
Overall, blacks are 1.19 times more likely to die of cancer than whites
Black men (303/100,000) have the highest age-adjusted cancer death rate when compared to White men
(232.5/100,000), Black women (169.5/100,000), and White women (150/100,000) in Georgia.
Top Five Leading Causes of Cancer Death in Georgia are:
Men:
Women:
Lung (83/100,000),
Lung (39/100,000),
Prostate (29.5/100,000), Breast (24/100,000),
Colorectal (22/100,000), Colorectal (15/100,000),
Pancreas (12/100,000), Pancreas (9/100,000),
Leukemia (9/100,000) Ovarian (8.6/100,000)
just the PHacts | September 2009 11

[Co n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1] DCH Mission is in Our Hands - Commissioner Medows’ Remarks
Health. To those of you who’ve been with me this long road since December
2005 and before then and those who are joining us July 1, welcome home. I
mean that sincerely.
I need to thank the transition team who worked hard on pulling us all
together. But I also need to thank each and every one of you who put the
extra work, the long hours, and did so in the most creative ways despite a
leaner and more stringent budget as we move forward. I also need to thank
you for staying focused on the true mission, focused on the goals of this
Department. And that is at the end of the day, how do our policy, programs,
operations, and everyday job – how do we impact the individual person who
is dependent on us, on our services, our programs, and our expertise. Thank
you for remaining focused. And thank you for understanding that there is
only one customer and that customer despite what you want to call them –
the public, the patient, the customer, the beneficiary, or the member. That is
the customer. There is no other that comes before that customer.
While the work of the transition team brought us to July 1, we have many
challenges as well as many adventures before us. I will need your continued
efforts in order for us to reach our true potential, in order for us to serve in an
exceptional way and to deliver the services that we know our communities
need. I will also need for you to work together in a cooperative and a
collaborative manner. And understand that it is your expertise combined
that it is the most exceptional and most outstanding opportunity that we have
to actually achieve the success in improving people’s health outcomes and
health status overall.
We have the unique opportunity. We have the unique opportunity that is
outlined in the DCH mission statement. How many of you received your
DCH mission statement when you came in? The little scroll did you read
it? It’s really important that when we give you a piece of paper (laughter)
that you read it. That you understand it and that you put your heart and soul
behind the mission. Missions are not accomplished by simply allowing
things to passively occur. You must actively, proactively and with much
passion pursue the success of the mission itself. The mission statement
is encompassed at this time with a very simple message: We cannot
achieve the mission without you. The mission is in your hands.
I know that we face some challenges. I know that we face some barriers.
But I also know that there‘re individuals in this room who are so incredibly
smart, have so much experience, have so much integrity, and have so much
compassion for the people that they serve. That we will find collectively a
way to achieve the mission as outlined on that piece of paper. The mission
statement reads:
1.
2
That we will provide access to quality affordable health care
whether its through Medicaid, SCHIP or the State Employee
Health Plan, whether it’s through the state’s health access program,
when we send funds, directed from the General Assembly, to fully
qualified health centers, rural health clinics, safety net facilities
affordable quality health care.
Responsible health planning and responsible use of health care
resources. Health planning cannot occur without information
regarding the actual population that you’re trying to serve.
That information will come to us and with us through our new
partnership with Public Health. You cannot address health
planning unless you know the population that you serve. Public
Health has the tools and expertise and the drive to help us
achieve effective health planning going forward. Health Facility
Regulation will help us as well in that endeavor to address
appropriate health planning as well as the use of health care
3
resources. That means not only that resources be present but that
they provide safe, effective, and quality care regardless of which
facility is being provided. There should be a standard and that
standard should be upheld. Again, the customer again is the actual
patient, resident, member, member of the public or beneficiary.
The third mission, the third bullet in our mission is actually
to encourage healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes.
This stems across each and everyone of the programs that we
run. Every program or division whether it is Medicaid, State
Employee Health Plan, Public Health, Emergency Preparedness,
Health Information Technology. It does not matter. Across all
the programs that is the goal; otherwise, there is no reason for us
to be here if we cannot improve the health and well being of the
individual citizens of Georgia and that health outcomes of the
whole population as a whole.
So folks, I’m here to tell you that last bullet is inherent in every program and
is a part of each of your job descriptions.
I know you know how serious we are about this and I know you understand
how important it is for us to achieve this, particularly now when other safety
nets are not as strong.
We represent the health and health care safety net for the State of Georgia.
We cannot fail. Failure is not an option. We will survive, succeed and strive
to continually improve.
You know the transition team did a fantastic job, but now you are all part
of the transformation team going forward. So be prepared to provide your
input, provide your expertise to put your shoulder to the wheel and to help
us push forward. We will be able to move the wheel. Move the rock up
the hill, over the hill, and into the next valley and on and on together, not
independently, not siloed and not with separate agendas. It has to be done
together in a collaborative manner.
Over these next few hours, you are going to learn from each other, hear from
each other, and get an introduction to new people and new programs that
perhaps you didn’t know a lot about before today. Please make the effort to
make those connections. To recognize the individual worth and value that
each of theses individual people who are now your new team mates will be
brining to the table. Understand that our mission can only be accomplished
again together as a team. Each of us must take ownership of and have pride
in the work that we do. We own this. We own the responsibility. We are
accountable. We will find away. We again have a unique opportunity to
impact in a positive way the lives and health of all the citizens of Georgia and
all residents of this state as well. It will not be easy.
I told someone a day ago that there is no “E” in D-C-H. Easy must be
another department. (laughter) I’ve not seen it since I’ve been here. But
you know, sometimes the difficult may take a little bit and the impossible
may take a little bit longer, but we will achieve it. I am confident; we will
accomplish great things together. But I have to emphasize again that we
must do this together.
Thank you! Enjoy yourselves. Listen. Learn. Connect. Communicate. Be
part of the team and we will achieve great things! Thank you!
[Applause]
12
just the PHacts | September 2009

[Co n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 12] DCH Mission is in Our Hands - All Staff Meeting Highlights
“We cannot achieve the mission without you.” DCH Department
Management Team and Dr. Lawton Davis, District Health Director, Dist. 5-1.
Over 1,000 DCH staff attended All Staff Meeting at the Georgia World
Congress Center.
DCH staff in the Office of Inspector General demonstrate the function of
their office in skit presentation at the All Staff Meeting.
DCH Staff listen to presentations during All Staff Meeting.
Dr. Lawton Davis, District Health Director for District 5-1 portrayed Johnny
Carson's Carnac the Magnificent at the DCH All Staff Meeting. Dr. David N.
Harvey District Health Director, District 5-2 and Dr. Ketty Gonzalez, District
Health Director, District 6, share a few laughs.
Ellen Hester's keynote inspired DCH staff to fulfill our mission. She said,
"When we ignite the passion and when we influence the people, we will
become a premiere Department of Community Health.”
During Ellen Hester's keynote presentation, Doug Colburn (front), Director
of Healthcare Facility Regulation, and Robert Finlayson (back), Office
of Inspector General, demonstrated the importance of DCH teamwork
strategy.
The DCH Mission Is In Our Hands was featured in presentations by (L to R)
Commissioner Rhonda M. Medows, MD, FAAFP, Ellen Hester (keynote speaker),
and Carladenise Edwards, Ph.D, Chief of Staff.
just the PHacts | September 2009 13

[Co n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1]
Georgia Public Health Nurses Celebrate National Nurses Week with the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
collaboration with Georgia’s Division of Public
Health nurses. Other distinguished speakers
included S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, MBA, Former
Acting Director, Georgia Division of Public
Health; and Stephanie B.C. Bailey, MD, MSHSA,
Chief of Public Health Practice, CDC. Patricia
Drehobl, RN, MPH, OWCD, moderated the panel
discussion.
Photo 2
Photo 4
Gloria V. Chen, RN, MBA, EdD, Public Health
Nursing and Clinical Coordinator, DeKalb
County Board of Health; and Patricia B. Brannen,
RN, MSN, Public Health Nursing and Clinical
Coordinator, Southeast Heath District (Waycross,
Georgia), addressed many of the dire challenges
affecting public health nurses today. Among
the existing and complex problems: an aging
workforce, loss of nursing faculty, growing
refugee population, low salaries, and state
funding cuts.
Two of CDC’s over 170 public health nurses,
Theresa Sipe, RN, MPH, PhD, from NCHM, and
Susan E. Dietz, RN, MS, from OWCD, discussed
areas where CDC is responding to the dire
challenges affecting today’s public health nurses.
Sipe spoke about science-based evidence
programs available in the Guide to Community
Preventive Services with more than 200
interventions.
Photo 1
Dietz summarized how the Office of Workforce
and Career Development looks at the national
picture and finds avenues where CDC can
promote, support, train, and enhance the public
health workforce. After all, nurses make up the
largest group of workers within public health.
In a remarkable video, Dietz offered a tribute to
public health nurses from Florence Nightingale
and Clara Barton to today’s public health nurses
on the front line nationwide and around the
world.
Carole Jakeway, Chief Nurse, and Meshell
McCloud, Assistant Chief Nurse for the Division
of Public Health, recognized the following
individuals who were nominated for Excellence
Awards in Public Health:
• Carol Hadley, Public Health State Office
Program Director, Office of Strategy and
Systems Development, Strategic Planning
and Partnerships Unit
• Sandra Metcalf, Health Check Program
Consultant, Office of Birth Outcomes
• The recipient of the Award for Excellence in
State Office Nursing for 2009 went to Carol
Hadley.
District Nursing Excellence Award
Nominees:
• Debra Adams, District Nursing and Clinical
Director, South Health District, Valdosta
• Eileen Albritton, District Nursing and Clinical
Director, West Central Health District,
Columbus
• Pam Blackwell, Director of Emergency
Preparedness and Response, Cobb and
Douglas Health District
• Gayle Brannon, District Public Health Nursing
and Clinical Coordinator, Northwest Public
Health District, Rome
• Dr. Gloria Chen, Clinical Nursing Services
Manager, DeKalb District
• Helen Ellis, PHN, Epidemiology Division, East
Metro Health District
• Cheryl Freeman, Nursing Supervisor, Fulton
Health District
• Brenda Greene, Program Manager, Southwest
Health District
• Angie Hanes, District Director of Nursing and
Clinical Services, North Health District
• Wendy LeVan, Women’s Health Coordinator,
LaGrange Health District
• Cynthia Marrs, PHN II, Fulton Health District
• Jan Massey, Evans County Nurse Manager,
Southeast Health District
• Dorothy Rhodes, Communicable Disease
Specialist, Cobb/Douglas Health District
• Jan Smith, District Child and School Health
Director, Cobb/Douglas Health District
The recipient of the Award for Excellence in
District Nursing for 2009 went to Debra Adams.
Photo 3
Photo 5
Photo 1: Pat Drehobl, RN, MPH, Associate Director
for Program Planning and Development, Office of
Workforce and Career Development, CDC; Carole
Jakeway, RN, MPH, Chief Nurse, Acting Director,
Field Operations, Division of Public Health; Meshell
McCloud, RN, APRN, WHNP-BC, Assistant Chief Nurse,
Office of Nursing, Division of Public Health; Susan
E. Dietz, BSN, MS, Special Projects Advisor, Office of
Workforce and Career Development.
Photo 2: Audience at Nurses Week presentation
at CDC: Forefront and center going to the right:
DPH/Office of Pharmacy staff, Donelle Humphrey-
Franklin, RPh, MBA, Assistant Pharmacy Director;
Cynthia Wynn, Business Operations Specialist; Anasa
Johnson, PharmD, MBA, Pharmacy Disaster Response
Coordinator.
Photo 3: S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, MBA, Former Acting
Director, Georgia Division of Public Health; Stephanie
B.C. Bailey, MD, MSHSA, Chief of Public Health Practice,
CDC ; and Former Acting CDC Director Rich Besser, MD
Photo 4: Gloria V. Chen, RN, MBA, EdD, Public Health
Nursing and Clinical Coordinator, DeKalb County Board
of Health, receives a Certificate of Recognition from
Meshell McCloud, RN, APRN, WHNP-BC, Assistant Chief
Nurse, Office of Nursing, Division of Public Health,
along with Debra Adams, RN, APRN , District Nursing
and Clinical Director for the South Health District 8-1;
and Patti Duckworth, RN, DNP, District Director of
Nursing Services, Cobb/Douglas Health District.
Photo 5: Meshell McCloud, RN, APRN, WHNP-BC,
Assistant Chief Nurse, Office of Nursing, Division
of Public Health presenting the District Nursing
Excellence Award to Debra Adams, RN, APRN , District
Nursing and Clinical Director for the South Health
State Office Nursing Award
District 8-1 during Nurses Recognition Week 2009 at
CDC.
Nominees:
• Janet English, Public Health State Office
Nurse Consultant for the Breast and Cervical
Cancer Unit, Office of Essential Preventive
14Clinical just the Services PHacts | September 2009
just the PHacts | September 2009 14

Just the PHacts
Published by the
Division of Public Health
The DCH Mission is in Our Hands
Dr. Rhonda Medows
DCH Commissioner
State Health Officer and
Acting Public Health Director
ACCESS
RESPONSIBLE
HEALTHY
Connie F. Smith, Managing Editor
Internal Communications, Manager
Jimmy Clanton, Jr., Layout/Design
Graphic Designer
Access
to affordable,
quality health
care in our
communities
Responsible
health planning
and use of
health care
resources
Healthy
behaviors and
improved
health
outcomes
Send articles/ideas by the 15th of each
month. Send artwork in jpeg format.
Attn: Connie F. Smith
Email cfsmith@dhr.state.ga.us
Georgia Department
of Community Health
Division of Public Health
2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 15-223
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 657- 6326
http://health.state.ga.us
I want you all to know
how much I appreciate
your hard work,
dedication, commitments
and accomplishments.
Jianglan Z. White,MD,
MPH
Evaluation & Reporting
Section, Epidemiology,
Evaluation & Health
Information
We Make A
Difference!
Evaluation & Reporting Section, Epidemiology, Evaluation & Health Information | Front Row
(Pictured L to R): William MClure , Stat Analyst; Valerie Jones, Program Evaluator; Shonette Evelyn,
Program Associate; Lyto Marcius, Stat Analyst; and Jianglan White, Acting Director, Evaluation &
Reporting Section. | Back Row (Pictured L to R): Michael Armstrong, Program Evaluator; Angelette
Mealing, Stat Analyst; Kia Powell-Threets, Data Manager; Jackie Conner, Stat Analyst; Kimberly
Kirkpatrick, Stat Analyst; Melanie Durley, Program Evaluator; and Donna Ellis, Program Associate
If you would like
to show your
team in action
and making a
difference, send
a team photo
to cfsmith@dhr.
state.ga.us for
the newsletter.
Please send
photo in jpeg
format. Please
describe in 2 - 3
sentences how
you make a
difference in DPH.
just the PHacts | September 2009 15