Commissioner: Your Thoughts Matter               

As we push forward in our mission to protect the lives of all Georgia's people, you've likely noticed we're making many changes, both programmatically and administratively. Many of these enhancements to our level of service have come from amazing ideas and suggestions submitted by staff from across the state. I'd like to hear more.

In an effort to increase communication across the state, virtual and traditional suggestion boxes are now available:

For staff working within the 2 Peachtree Street Tower, locked suggestion boxes have been mounted in each break room on Public Health floors. Soon, more boxes will be installed at other key state facilities.

 

Reorganizing for Success  

For the first time since 1972, we are now part of the new Georgia Department (not Division) of Public Health and have our own Commissioner with a seat on Governor Deal's cabinet. Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Commissioner and State Health Officer, has assembled a great team to reorganize and refocus our public health efforts. She has already signaled that DPH's district communications, preparation for accreditation, and managing public health "like a business" are major priorities. Dr. Fitzgerald is highly committed to making public health the best in Georgia.

While I am not one to dwell on either the negative or the past, we are going through some difficult times. At the end of June 2011, we saw several valued programs and staff reduced due to severe budget cuts. We are not alone in this challenge.  During the past four years, the average U.S. local health department has been forced to reduce its staff by over 25 percent. So what does the future hold for us now? Should we circle the wagons and wait for the difficult economy and other challenges to surround and defeat us? I think not.

 

Partnership Fosters Preparedness in Fulton County

Lynn Meadows, RN, MS, Coordinator, Student Health Services for Fulton County Schools

Fulton County Schools (FCS) and Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness (FCDHW) have a collegial working relationship and a strong partnership. They work on several health initiatives that support the schools and the community at large. Their partnership pays off for students, teachers and the extended families.  

"The turning point occurred about nine years ago," recalled Lynne Meadows, RN, MS, Coordinator for Student Health Services for Fulton County Schools. "Our district was one of ten schools from across the country to attend the National Urban School Health Leadership Institute, sponsored by the American Cancer Society," said Meadows.  Meadows and the Director of Nursing, Juliet Cooper, RN, attended the leadership training and solidified the relationship between the two entities. "We were determined to forge a strong partnership to meet the health needs of students and staff."


 

School Nurse Helps Kindergartner Get Immunized             

Laura Wood is a school nurse at Rincon Elementary School in Effingham County in the Coastal Health District.  Wood is no stranger to talking to parents about the importance of immunizations. She knows that every kindergartener must have a current immunization record on file and that the health department assesses each student's immunization on file. Wood also knows that the hygiene and infection control practices for young students leave a lot to be desired.

So when school was about to start and one of Laura's co-workers and acquaintances confessed that she had not gotten her five-year-old daughter the vaccinations she needed, Laura had to act fast.

"As the school nurse, I usually remind parents about how important immunizations are to the entire family, specifically children," Wood said. "But I often hear from parents that they do not have the heart to take their children to the health department to get their shots."

 

Let's Move! survey results are in !!!  Beyonce's "Let's Move!" or Not?


Beyonce's "Let's Move!" video is making some public health staff get involved in health and wellness at the worksite.  Not everyone is ready to jump on the bandwagon but a few of you responded to our "Let's Move!" flash-mobs survey.  PHWEEK asked you whether you would participate in the "Let's Move!" flash-mobs throughout public health to address healthy lifestyles and obesity in Georgia. We received 128 responses from around the state.  The results are in favor of planning Let's Move! flash-mobs to showcase public health employees.  

Here is how you voted:
85.9%  Yes
14.1%  No

Stay tuned for more information.  In the meantime, keep moving, eat healthy, and stay active to address obesity in Georgia!  Thank you for your participation.