IT Conducts Statewide Workshop to Address IT Infrastructure

 

Perry Sims, Chief Information Officer

When the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia was felt in parts of Georgia, public health employees turned to technology - computers, websites, smart phones and electronic devices - to get the latest updates and news.  IT was essential to connect with the sources that could provide the most accurate and fastest information.  IT helps you in every facet of your job in public health whether you are tracking an earth quake 500 miles away, vendor issues, surveillance data, or sending a single email to provide safety information to over 6, 500 employees in all 159 counties in Georgia.

 

Transition Team Recognized by Governor, Legislators and Commissioner
      

On Wednesday, August 24, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) transition team and about one hundred people gathered in the Rotunda at the Capitol to receive recognition from Governor Nathan Deal and legislators for a smooth transition from the Department of Community Health (DCH). Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, the first Commissioner for DPH, opened the ceremony applauding the efforts of every staff member who continued working attentively on public health issues amidst the transition. Even with challenges, which included tornadoes in north Georgia and an outbreak of tuberculosis in the state, DPH staff members carried out the duties of their positions with efficiency and diligence.


 

PHWEEK Introduces Georgia Board of Public Health Members  

Governor Nathan Deal has appointed all nine members of the first Georgia Board of Public Health. PHWEEK is pleased to introduce them to all of you and the entire DPH family!
 
Donald W. Venn, II,
(Colonel Retired) M. Ed
Venn is a retired colonel who retired as the Chief of Staff of the Georgia Army National Guard in 2005. He served as deputy director of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security from 2006 to 2008. He currently serves as assistant adjutant general of operations for the Georgia Department of Defense. Venn received a Master's in Education in 1976 from Armstrong State College. He and his wife, Carole, have two sons and three grandchildren and reside in Kennesaw.


 

Georgia Faces Obesity Epidemic

Chad Neilsen, MPH, Epidemiologist

Georgia is serious about addressing childhood obesity which is an epidemic and public health crisis.  Today, Georgia has the second highest obesity rate in the nation.  This is unacceptable to public health leaders and community partners.

According to the 2010 Georgia Data Summary, 28,000 (24 percent) third grade children are obese.  Another 43,000 (15 percent) middle school students are obese including 55,000 (12 percent) high school students are obese.


 

Asthmatic Child's Life Saved         

In Dawson County, a Special Education class was enjoying a party outside. As the temperature increased and the children became more active, one of the students had an asthma attack. The child had trouble breathing and collapsed. 911 was called, and the school nurse performed an emergency evaluation, administered emergency rescue medications, and stabilized the child before the paramedics arrived, essentially saving the student's life.

"This would not have been possible without the vital partnership that was established when District 2 Public Health Director Dr. David Westfall provided school nurses with guidelines for treating students with asthma and anaphylaxis," said Jeannie Edwards, Dawson County's Lead School Nurse.

 

Troup County Nurse Named "State School Nurse of the Year"   

Her work in caring for students individually and her efforts in implementing health strategies at Hogansville and Hollis Hand elementary schools have earned Cindi Walston the honor of being named the Georgia School Nurse of the Year.

She was surprised by the honor at the Georgia Association of School Nurses in Peachtree City in late July. Colleagues had earlier selected Walton for county-wide school nurse of the year.

 

18th Annual Immunize Georgia Conference: Providing Information Education           

Every year, the Georgia Department of Public Health presents the Immunize Georgia Conference, a daylong event tailored for members of the medical community in both the public and private sectors.  Beyond simply "networking," the Immunize Georgia Conference plays a key role in educating immunization service providers throughout the state on the current best practices and immunization recommendations. 

Healthcare providers understand the importance vaccination plays in protecting patients, themselves and those around from vaccine-preventable diseases.  The opportunity to learn scientific and programmatic information is essential for safe and competent immunization practices.