THE DISTRICT - Intranet - East Central Public Health District

East Central Health District
Straight from
from
from
THE DISTRICT
June 2009
Newsletter
Helen Smith
Editor & Illustrator
INSIDE THIS
District Programs in
Action
News 4
“Caught” Doing a Great
Job!
Have You Heard 5
Special points of interest:
• Asthma update
2—4
ECHD Photo Album 6-8
ECHD Retirees, New
Employees, Greetings
from the Director
• ECHD held a first-time CDC
Anthrax Strategic National
Stockpile (SNS) Drive-thru
Full Scale Exercise in Jenkins
County
• Food Drive — “The 128
pounds collected will provide
more than 96 meals for people
in our service area.”
5
9
Perinatal Symposium, A Call to Action
The Augusta Partnership for Children, Inc., the Maternal and Infant Program, Regional
Perinatal Center, the Enterprise Community Healthy Start, and the Public Health District
are joining efforts to sponsor a symposium, A Call to Action, for health care providers,
community leaders, and community-based organizations. The symposium will allow
everyone to come together to assess the area’s perinatal health indexes, hear about publicly
funded programs involved in perinatal health care, talk about community issues, and
identify the barriers impeding progress. The ultimate goal is the development of a plan
based on collaborative activities addressing the multifaceted problems associated with
perinatal health.
The meeting is scheduled June 25, 2009, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Glenn Hills Middle
School, 2941 Glenn Hills Drive, Augusta, GA 30906.
New County Nurse Managers for Columbia and Richmond Counties
Linda Graves, TB Coordinator for Richmond County Health Department, is
the new County Nurse Manager for Columbia County Health Department.
She has been with the Health Department for 14 years
and in the TB Clinic for the past 3 years. Congratulations, Linda!
Teresa Catlett has been hired as the new County Nurse Manager
for Richmond County Health Department. Teresa has 20 plus years
of nursing experience and was previously employed in Kentucky at
the health department. Congratulations, Teresa!
Georgia’s Public Employee Recognition Week (PERW) is held in conjunction with
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), celebrated the first Monday through Sunday in May
since 1985. It was reinstated in Georgia in 2001 in an effort to recognize the outstanding accomplishments
and commitment of state of Georgia employees. It is a time set aside each year to
honor the men and women who serve America as federal, state, and local government employees.
Throughout the nation and around the world, public employees use the week to educate
citizens about the many ways in which government serves the people and how government
services make life better for all of us. The success of Georgia government is dependent upon the
efforts of its dedicated and committed employees. To honor and recognize state employees for
their unique and diverse achievements, innovative ideas and dedicated service, various events
are held during the week.
The ECHD held many activities. The Mayor's Office proclaimed May 4-8 as PERW in Augusta
and a proclamation was presented. Some activities included: Pink Day (wore pink to
honor breast cancer survivors); Military Day (wore military clothing, hats, boots, etc. to honor
our military), Hawaiian Day (wore grass skirts, leis, colorful shirts, etc.), Western Day, Hat Day,
Red Day on Friday (to honor overseas troops), Secret Pals, Jazz by the Ocean (staff brought their
lawn chairs, sunglasses and sat near the pond, listened to jazz, sipped pina coladas (smoothies)
and mingled. There were several Hawaiian scenes (nicely decorated by staff) Live Polynesian
Dancers entertained North Leg staff. No public funds were used. A DVD has been sent to all
counties for staff to view activities during PERW.

District Programs in Action
Page 2
March was National Nutrition Month. In honor of celebrating, employees dressed like fruits and vegetables. The children in the
clinic/waiting areas really enjoyed it. "The biggest loser" contest was held.
Live Healthy CSRA
Live Healthy CSRA Coalition, Inc. serving the Augusta area recently became a Georgia Physical Activity & Nutrition (GPAN)
Chapter. GPAN is a collaboration of public, private, non-profit organizations, and businesses across Georgia whose mission is to
improve the health of all Georgians by promoting physical activity and healthy eating. GPAN Chapters are located in Atlanta, La-
Grange, Columbus, Waycross, Athens, Macon, and Augusta. The GPAN home office is located in Atlanta.
The mission of the Live Healthy CSRA Coalition, Inc. is to help the people of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) live healthier
lives by reducing the burden of chronic diseases and other illnesses. They provide educational activities and programs that promote
tobacco use prevention and cessation, eating healthy, being physically active, and undergoing routine check-ups.
Live Healthy CSRA Coalition, Inc. was formed in 2006 when the Richmond/Columbia County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition
voted to expand its’ mission to reflect the Live Healthy Georgia initiative. The Richmond/Columbia County Tobacco Use Prevention
Coalition had been in existence since the mid 1990’s and was a strong advocate in the establishment of the Columbia County
Smoke Free Air Ordinance and later the Georgia Smoke Free Air Act of 2005. The coalition is comprised of twenty organizations
creating a solid foundation and history of success.
Asthma Update
In April 2008, area physicians, representatives from the healthcare community, Richmond and Columbia counties school officials,
public health, community leaders, elected officials, non-profit organizations, parents, CMO’s, etc. met to address the state of asthma
in our health district especially in Richmond and Columbia Counties.
The purpose of the meeting was to determine how organizations currently address asthma and asthma related issues, available
resources, and gaps related to asthma service delivery. Using the information provided by participants, a five year Asthma Action
Plan with identified objectives, goals, action steps, timeline and resources for use in the community, schools and healthcare arenas
was developed and disseminated to the group.
Three workgroups (Community, School, and Healthcare) were formed and work was initiated in the communities. The following
has been accomplished:
• Richmond, Columbia, Jefferson, and McDuffie County Boards of Education passed and implemented the CDC model 100% Tobacco
Free School Policies which eliminates smoking on school properties or properties owned or leased by the Boards of Education.
Policies are effective 7 days per week—24 hours per day.
• Richmond County Board of Education passed a “No School Bus Idling” policy, which eliminates bus idling while waiting for
school to begin or end.
• 29 American Lung Association’s Asthma 101 has been taught. Among the participants were school nurses, physicians’ staff,
parents, and Public Health staff.
• CMS hired asthma nurses for Richmond County. They received 287 referrals for asthma case management and now serve a case
load of 135 clients. There were 126 who were unable to be enrolled and 13 clients enrolled and then discharged from the program.
• Initiated a pilot community healthcare work program. Fifty families, a total of 77 asthma patients received asthma education
and home environment inspections.
• A number of community asthma awareness and screening events have been provided in the community per the CSRA Asthma
Coalition.
• Two of the asthma nurses are enrolled in the Asthma Nurse Educator Program at present and plan to take the national certification
test when they have completed the course. (Sadie Stockton)

District Programs in Action (continued)
Page 3
Teen Pregnancy Prevention—The East Central Public Health District is addressing the issue of teen
pregnancy prevention with a district approach. On May 6, 2009, the Youth Development Coordination Program
hosted “Taking a 2009 Look at Teen Pregnancy Prevention Efforts within the
ECHD”. This event brought together elected officials, professionals, faith-based
community, and parents from our 13 counties to become aware of the latest information
on teen pregnancy and prevention efforts. Dr. Gonzalez and the Georgia
Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention presented to over 75 attendees. A
teen panel was also available to give their input on these issues.
From this day, the attendees gave input on what would improve teen pregnancy rates. This information
was developed into a 3 year work plan to reduce teen pregnancy rates in our district. The work plan has
been divided into 5 work groups that are already hard to improve teen pregnancy rates in our district. (Mary Stacy)
After Action Review— Upon request from the Medical College of Georgia, Region “G” Coordinating Hospital of the Georgia
Hospital Association and the East Central Health District invited local area hospitals within and around the ECHD for an after action
review and planning meeting in response to the H1N1 episode this spring. Twelve area hospitals attended the meeting: Medical
College of Georgia, University Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Trinity Hospital, VA Medical Center, Aiken Regional Medical Center,
Burke Medical Center, McDuffie Regional Medical Center,
Jefferson Hospital, Emanuel Medical Center, Screven County
Hospital, and Wills Memorial Hospital. In attendance from
local Public Health: the District Health Director, the Office of
Bio-terrorism and Emergency Preparedness, the Medical
Reserve Corp, the Office of Epidemiology and Planning,
ECHD EMS, and the Richmond and Columbia County
Health Department County Nurse Managers. Dr. J. Patrick
O’Neal of the Georgia Division of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness facilitated the meeting. The meeting adjourned with all of
the attending hospitals agreeing to participate in a Pandemic Influenza Task Force. (Jerry Harden)
Tornado—April 10, 2009, was considered by some weather officials to be the worst storm to hit Augusta and surrounding
areas in more than a decade. The storm produced two tornadoes. The “Cherry Hill” subdivision, located on Barton Chapel
Road, was severely damaged from an F2 tornado. In response to the disaster, the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) set
up a Disaster Recovery Center at the Bernie Ward Community Center to assist families whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
The Richmond County Health Department (RCHD) responded to the disaster. The RCHD and the Office of Emergency
Preparedness assisted with writing emergency prescriptions, registering clients, referrals, and assisting EMA with assessing
property damage. (Larry Walker)
Jenkins County is Ready!
On Saturday, May 30, 2009, the ECHD held a first-time CDC Anthrax Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Drive-thru Full Scale
Exercise in Jenkins County. The full scale exercise was conducted at the Jenkins County High School parking lot. Canopies distributed
last year for the purpose of “drive-thru” dispensing were used. The Jenkins County dispensing location allowed for three-lanes
of traffic. The 72-hour goal of 179/hour was the minimum allowable dispensing rate. The CDC is shifting to a 48-hour goal to take
into account the delay time from identification of a SNS event to the time the dispensing site is set-up, staffed, medications received
and ready to open. That 48-hour goal is about 270/hour. Upon conclusion of the drive-thru exercise, the County reached a peak of
908/hour with and average of 776/hour!
Pam Drake did a GREAT job organizing the efforts of the Jenkins County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, Public Health staff,
and the local county government officials! She set the bar high for next year’s drive-thru exercise! (Jerry Harden)

District Programs in Action (continued)
Head Start Testing for Lead
Page 4
The East Central Health District recently tested 398 children throughout the district for blood lead. The district would like to thank
Virginia Bradshaw, the Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) volunteers, Burke, Jefferson, Emanuel, Jenkins, McDuffie, and Lincoln
counties, and all employees that assisted at the Frank M. Rumph, MD Richmond County Health Department (FMR,MD-RCHD),
who worked diligently to collect blood lead samples from children at several Head Start centers. We are grateful for the Head Start
staff that assisted us during this effort. Many children suffer each year from lead poisoning. The only way to know if a child has
been exposed to lead is to have him tested with a blood lead test. Exposure to lead can result in behavioral problems and learning
difficulties. This is especially true for children younger than 6 years of age. We encourage parents and health care professional to
make sure children that are at-risk for lead poisoning be tested for blood lead. (Johnny Wasson)
Renovations
The Frank M. Rumph, MD Richmond County Health Department began renovations on January 19, 2009. The facility
had received no major renovations since the original construction in 1999. Since that time, programs have evolved and
the demand for services have increased. As a result, there was a need to modify the layout to improve clinic flow and
registration efficiency. Our goals include making the visit more customer friendly for our clients and making more
efficient use of the clinicians’ time.
Renovations include:
♦ 2 new check-in carrels to register clients—2 new billing carrels located closer to the clinical areas.
♦ A new billing office — A call center to receive and respond to informational calls and schedule
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appointments for Child Adolescent Health, Women's Health and the General Medical & I. D. Clinic.
Incorporating space at the reception desk into the body of the records area. The receptionist is now in the
same area of space with the registration clerks, which allows them to work more efficiently as a team.
The renovations have now been completed and all signs of a construction site have disappeared. We're well on our
way! (Debra Warwell)
NEWS
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♦ A Youth Health Fair was held at the Augusta Deliverance Family Life Center, 2101 Kennedy Drive on April 25.
Their goal was to raise community awareness about healthy lifestyles.
April 6—10, 2009, the FMR, MD-RCHD celebrated National Public Health Week. Mayor Copenhaver
proclaimed that week National Public Health Week and presented a proclamation. A symposium
was held on teen pregnancy and was sponsored by the Adolescent Health Department. There were
over 40 participants from the community, community leaders, board of education, and faith-based
organizations in attendance.
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Friday, March 6, DHR celebrated and honored National Employee Appreciation Day by having a
"Rep Your Team" Day. Football, basketball, hockey and baseball teams were represented by wearing
a jersey, uniform, hat or other paraphernalia. (see more photos in the ECHD photo album)
Coming to Augusta July 11, 2009, author Tina A. Brown, Crooked Road Straight— The awakening of AIDS Activist Linda
Jordan, a lady whose life was in turmoil, filled with drugs, childhood abuse, to include living with AIDS. Linda became the
voice of hope for families dealing with HIV and AIDS. She is a messenger for all ages and there are many lessons to be learned
from her life story. Linda accepted the hand that life dealt her and recognized she could move through the hurt and live.
Tina A. Brown says, “Linda’s story is about living with AIDS. This story affirmed my reasons for becoming a journalist
23 years ago. I choose this profession to tell stories about the people in our society who are largely ignored by the general
public. Here is a story about choosing life despite the odds.”
Join Tina A. Brown at Beulah Grove Resource Center, Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. A must have book that
can be purchased at Hamilton’s Book Store, or call (800) 888-4741 to buy this compelling work of art. For more
information, call Sandra E. Wimberly at 706 667-4342. Event sponsors are Richmond County Health Department, Beulah
Grove Resource Center and RHEMA.
The Golden Harvest Food Bank thanks North Leg for their food donation:
“Thank you so much for conducting a food drive in the Richmond County Health Department. The support we
receive from the community is very important in our mission to fight hunger in this area.
Golden Harvest Food Bank works with close to 422 feeding programs in 30 counties, in Georgia and South Carolina.
The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen, which is run directly by us, serves an average of 250 lunches, 7 days a week, 365 days
a year. We couldn’t accomplish nearly that much without the support of everyone at the Health Department. The 128
pounds collected will provide more than 96 meals for people in our service area!
Thanks again for your devoted time and effort. We sincerely hope you will continue this as an annual Food Drive for
us. If you would like to get some information about volunteering at Golden Harvest, or have any suggestions that might
help us in coordinating other food drives, please let me know. We’ll be glad to set up collection barrels wherever people
will let us!
(Sincerely, Carrie Jones, Events/Food Drive Coordinator)”

CAUGHT! Doing a GREAT Job! Page 5
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The District Office received a phone call from a client that stated people are always calling to complain, but she would like to
give a compliment. She stated: “I am tearful of the dentist. I was having problems and needed dental care. Alice Bozeman, Patricia
Andrews, and Dr. Blake Collins did a wonderful job. They made me feel relaxed.”
“REP YOUR TEAM” in honor of Employee Appreciation Day was March 6, 2009. There were college, high school, and
professional teams represented from everywhere. Thank you ECHD for all that you do. You are appreciated! Dr. G
I wish that all clinics in our 13-county region could be as fortunate as having a “ Bobbie Jones”
on staff. It is not one day, but everyday that she is Caught Doing a Great Job! I am certain that
Jefferson County Health Department would agree. Ms. Jones is a true example to all who work
with her—she is the epiphany of hard work and dedication, displaying such a compassionate
persona, connecting with both children and adults. Her humorous nature eases the most
difficult situations. She is very well-respected with co-workers and is a favorite among staff.
Bobbie works nonstop assisting others, regardless of what her schedule entails. I am so
fortunate to have her on our team, but most blessed to call her my friend. Thanks, Bobbie Jean
for being our role model! (Gina Richardson)
Sandra Quarterman turned in the first full "Dimes Make a Difference" water bottle!!! Many thanks to Sandra and the WIC staff
at the Laney Walker facility for such a great job for Relay for Life!!! One water bottle holds 1000 dimes so that is $100 for the
American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Thanks again to Sandra for a job well done! (Susan Edmunds)
“Great Job” and thanks to everyone who supported our cake/ice cream fundraiser for March of Dimes. We raised $124 for Relay
for Life. Thanks also to those who donated cakes, brownies, etc. and Marc Hyman and Mike Allison for the ice cream!! (Kathy
Smith)
The Child Health staff went out of their way to make Public Employee Recognition Week a success with the baseball theme. The
staff worked together and played together that week in a true spirit of teamwork. They work hard everyday to make the lives of
the children we serve better. (Melba McNorrill, RN)
Positive recognition goes to the Richmond County Communicable Disease Staff (CDS), Craig Bobbit, Myra Howard, Terry
Myers, Lynda Thomas, and Natale Wojciechowski. Thanks for the great service, suggestions and your “service with a smile”
attitude. You provide top-notch service and efficiency to make sure all General Medical Clinic clients are properly counseled,
coached, and properly treated. That’s why you got “CAUGHT DOING A GREAT JOB”! (Raul Velazquez)
Congratulations to Lynda Thomas, "Caught Doing a Great Job" multiple times this month. First, at a recent Rape Crisis training,
one of the volunteers stated: “I truly enjoyed your presentation, it is the best that I have attended. It was highly informative and I can see
the young people being captivated by your presentation. Excellent job Mrs. Thomas".
• Linda also met Twyla, from the State office, at the HIV planning meeting where training reports are sent and she
stated: You're Lynda Thomas; I love you Mrs. Thomas because you send your training report in on time and have every
thing in order. I just love you Mrs. Thomas and gave her a big hug!!
• She received the following email: Thanks, Linda for helping out. We appreciate all you do for us! Your life will not go
unnoticed, because I will notice it. : >) Dinah Gunn, Volunteer Coordinator, Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services
Once again Lynda Thomas, I would like to say you have been "Caught Doing a Great Job". Keep up the good work with both
internal and external customers. (Raul Velazquez)
I would like to recognize two employees at RCHD- South Augusta Branch who truly does a "Great Job." They are always willing
to go the extra mile for clients and staff and never cease to have a smile for all they come in contact with. Not only do both, Tina
Bradburn and Cheryl Ludlow, perform their assigned duties in an exemplary fashion, they never hesitate to assist staff
whenever needed, and always exhibit that "can do" attitude. It seems no task is too big, too hard or too small. We know we can
count on them to get the job done. It is employees like these who enable us to do our jobs. We are grateful and proud to have
them part of our team. (Rosemary Beard)
Thank you to all staff that supported and participated in our 2009 Public Employee Recognition Week (PERW). Everyone had a
blast and displayed true teamwork. Thank you North Leg staff for supporting and donating to our food drive for the Golden
Harvest Food Bank during PERW. (Helen Smith)
Have You Heard
Kathy Smith won a $50 gift card for taking a health assessment in the 2009 GA's Nuts About Health Wellness Campaign.
Deborah Freeman, Taliaferro Co. Health Department, entered a New Year's Resolution survey contest. Atlanta drew her
name and was the WINNER of a gift card!
June 27 is National HIV Testing Day.

ECHD Photo Album
Page 6
Rep Your Team
National Employee Appreciation Day

ECHD Photo Album—South Augusta (continued)

ECHD Photo Album (continued)
Page 8

1916 North Leg Road
Augusta, GA 30909-4437
Phone: 706-667-4250
Fax: 706-667-4365
E-mail: kmgonzalez@dhr.state.ga.us
Protect, Promote,
Provide
ECHD Retirees
Rose Nunnally 1-1-09
June Collins 3-1-09
Debbie Anderson 3-1-09
Phyllis Roland 5-1-09
New ECHD Employees!
Tonya Hiers
Teresa Catlett
Jessica Howard
Pamela Wheatley
Yvonne Williams
Detra Wilson
Michelle Donohoe
We’re On the Web!
www.ecphd.com
July
UV Safety Month
Firework Safety Month
August
National Immunization Awareness Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
September
Fruits and Veggies — More Matters Month
National Infant Mortality Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
World Heart Day (30)
October
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Halloween Safety Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
Healthy Lung Month
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
National Child Health Day (5)
Greetings!
Another fiscal year gone! This year, we faced many challenges and worked hard to meet the needs of our communities. We prevailed
in the midst of budget cuts, Mitchell and McCormick, and the H1N1 virus. As we close this year, let us celebrate all the accomplishments
and reflect on the people we served.
As we transition into the Department of Community Health and new leadership, let’s celebrate the past, renew our commitment
to Public Health and the communities we serve, and embrace change. There is much to do to improve the well-being of individuals
in our counties! We can not get side tracked.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said “All labor that reflects humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking
excellence”. Our work touches lives of many. It is important work. Focus on excellence and keep an open mind to change.
Dr. Gonzalez