What’s
Up
NEWSLETTER
Director’s Message Dear OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Team,
AUGUST 2022
Peer-to-Peer
Rebeka Sanchez “I absolutely love working for the Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) and volunteering for the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness campaigns (in
I sat down with Jaime Puerta and
May and September respectively). I take every opportunity to talk to anyone
Perla Mendoza from Stop the
who asks about the work that I do.” Spend any amount of time with Peer-to-
VOID (Victims of Illicit Drugs) for
Peer recipient Rebeka Sanchez, Health Program Specialist, OSP, and you'll see
a Your Health Matters OC talk
her passion for the work she does. “I explain that “whole health begins with
show about fentanyl, which you
mental health,” and stigma is our biggest barrier. So in our work, we normalize
can watch here. Their personal
as much as possible the conversations around mental illness/wellness in order
stories of losing a child to unin-
that more people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking
tentional fentanyl poisoning are
help when they need it. Suicide prevention is not necessarily about convincing
heart breaking. What’s worse is
someone not to die, but it is giving them a reason for living--giving them hope.”
that their stories are not unique. While pharmaceutical fentanyl
Rebeka recognized her desire to
is approved for treating severe
bring hope to people's lives when
pain, the most recent cases of
she was a pre-med student plan-
fentanyl-related harm, overdose,
ning to go into cancer research.
and death in the US are linked
While earning undergrad degrees
to illegally made fentanyl sold
in Kinesiology and Health Science
through illegal drug markets,
at San Francisco State University,
including on social media plat-
and a Master’s in Public Health and
forms. It is often mixed with
Community Health, she became
heroin and/or cocaine as a
involved in several outreach
. . . continued on page 2
programs. In one program Rebeka worked with women and young girls to address violence, exploita-
FEATURED ARTICLES
tion and substance use; in another program she researched and made
The OC Navigator....................4
recommendations on policies for
Transgender Latinx Community Forum..................5
at-risk and homeless populations;
Ensuring Health Equity.........12
in another program she did street outreach for sexually transmitted . . . continued on page 3
Director’s Message continued from page 1
combination product—with or without the user’s knowl-
youth, the only safe medications are ones that come
edge—to increase its euphoric effects. Mr. Puerta lost
from licensed and accredited medical professionals.
his son Daniel to fentanyl poisoning on April 6, 2020.
The HCA also encourages medical providers and fami-
He said, “Most people believe you will not lose a child
lies to carry Narcan in their first aid kits. For informa-
because you don’t have anyone who uses drugs in your
tion on how to access Narcan for your clinic or for a list
family…but fentanyl is deceiving children. They think
of local substance disorder treatment providers, visit
they are buying pharmaceutical grade pills such as
OC Navigator. By the way, OC Navigator is one of our
Xanex or Vicodin when they are actually pills made of
newest tools for serving the people of Orange County.
binder and fentanyl.”
You can learn more about OC Navigator on page 4.
The HCA’s 2022 Drug and Alcohol Deaths Among Youths
Stay Well,
And Young Adults Report illustrates a stark percentage trend of fentanyl involvement in opioid-related overdose deaths among youth and young adults, showing that fentanyl has moved from being found in less than a third of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2017, to being involved in nearly all opioid-related overdose deaths (98%) in 2021. Dr. Clayton Chau Until 2019, fentanyl was nonexistent among overdose
MD, PhD, MASL
deaths in youth under 18 years of age. In 2021, youth in
HCA Director
the 10–17-year age group saw a rise in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths from 0 deaths to 19 deaths in 2021, and even 1 death occurring in 2020 for the under 10 age group. Young adults experienced a 550% increase in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths from 2017 (n=12) to 2021 (n=78). The overall rate for fentanyl-involved overdose deaths rose 8.5-fold within the 5-year timeframe from 1.1 per 100,000 persons to 9.4 per 100,000 persons. In response to these horrific trends, the County of Orange (County) increased access to Narcan, a nasal spray version of the medication naloxone, which is a prescription medication that reverses the effects of an overdose from opioid substances. All County-contracted Narcotic Treatment/Opioid Treatment Program sites have Narcan available to clients with opioid use disorders, and all County behavioral health clinics have Narcan onsite, in case someone overdoses at a clinic. The HCA encourages you to remind patients, especially
2
What’s Up Newsletter
Peer-to-Peer
continued from page 1
disease prevention by providing culturally competent and
Her pets are popular with the neighborhood kids, whom
multilingual prevention education services. “These experi-
Rebeka enjoys helping with their homework or by playing
ences are where I recognized large scale needs assess-
educational games with, “there’s always lots of laughter
ment, and these are where my love for research and
which I enjoy the most.” Basically she just seems to
program planning began. Because of these, my life focus
enjoy being busy. “I spend my down time playing the
shifted to public health, with an emphasis in prevention
piano, going to garage sales and upcycling, cooking,
and early intervention, and I had a desire to one day
baking, sewing, upholstering, crafting and event plan-
work for a health care agency.”
ning for a wedding or party, and puttering in the garden—tending to my vegetables and flowers. There
That day came when she moved from the Bay Area and
is never a moment where the sewing machine, glue
joined the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) in 2006. “I am
gun or paint brush are put away. Even after church on
most proud of working with a team that is passionate
Sundays, it’s BBQ time.”
about serving the community and helping others. Our team is small but mighty and we all have a ‘can-do’ atti-
Still, she has plans for her career. “I consider myself a
tude.” When she’s not at work, Rebeka is, well, working
lifelong learner and my next goal is to pursue a Doctorate
on something whether it’s a pet, neighbors, hobby or her
in Population Health Science.” Her education already
own learning. She has a rescued piglet (Daisy), two rescued
includes being able to speak in Ukrainian, Russian and
Cane-Corso dogs (Cavallier and Gitana), a small puppy
Spanish, all of which she learned growing up. “My grand-
(Wiggles, breed unknown), a 31-year-old macaw (Matisse),
parents emigrated from Ukraine to Paraguay before
a rescued pineapple conure (Canela), rescued lovebird
World War II. My parents came from Paraguay to San
(Cielo), rescued bunny (Maybelline), and a number of cats,
Francisco, where I was born. I didn’t learn English until I
indoors and outdoors, and all rescues (Peaches, Cream,
started school because we spoke Ukrainian and Spanish
Manchitas, Messi, Milo, Tiger and Leo). “Needless to say,
at home.” (Russian came from a piano teacher.) Rebeka is
I will take in and provide a loving home to any animal in
the first in her family to earn a higher education, thanks to
need. And, yes the food bill is high but I wouldn’t have it
her parents’ support. “I’m so grateful for them and twice a
any other way,” Rebeka laughs.
month I travel to visit them at their home in the Bay Area.”
Cavallier and Gitana
Canela
Matisse
ine
Daisy
Maybell
Peaches & Cream
Wiggles AUGUST 2022
3
Introducing the OC Navigator Contributor: Aimara Freeman, Public Information Officer
Orange County (OC) boasts hundreds of public and pri-
The HCA invites you to visit OC Navigator.org and to
vate agencies and community groups that are dedicated
inform others of this incredible new tool. Resources
to serving others. Locating a trusted resource aligned
displayed on the OC Navigator website were carefully
with the unique needs of patients can be difficult, even
designed and organized in a welcoming and easy to
more so for the person experiencing the hardship.
understand format, ideal for those who desire a selfguided exploration of local resources.
This need, coupled with the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) vision to provide quality health for all, lead the
Visitors can also click on the “I want help now” button
Agency to develop the OC Navigator. It’s a digital re-
to be connected to a trained OC Links Navigator, via
sources tool designed to help community members
phone, chat or text, 24-hours a day, ensuring visitors
find local supportive resources including physical and
can access the resources using their preferred method
mental health, transportation, education, housing, and
of communication anytime the need arises.
childcare, in one easy-to-search platform. Resources and support on the OC Navigator are availThe HCA worked in partnership with 185 community
able in 9 languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Ko-
members, representing 65 OC agencies, to curate
rean, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Khmer and Tagalog.
content for the platform, ensuring the information was accurate, accessible, trustworthy reflective of the community, and included a focus on the whole person.
4
What’s Up Newsletter
Transgender Latinx Community Forum Contributors: Matilde Gonzalez-Flores, MPH, CHES, (Pronouns: she/her), Program Manager, HIV Planning and Coordination, Clinical Services Division. Mindy He, MPH, (Pronouns: she/her), Grants Manager, HIV Planning and Coordination, Clinical Services Division
The OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) HIV Planning and
staff presented key findings and recommendations for
Coordination (HIVPAC) Unit in partnership with Alianza
health care providers in OC. The forum also featured a
Translatinx, a community-based organization, hosted
panel discussion, with individuals from the TGNC Latinx
the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)
community, and moderated by the HCA Director of
Latinx Community Forum as part of an ongoing effort to
Population Health & Equity, Hieu Nguyen.
bring awareness to the health care needs of the TGNC Latinx community in Orange County (OC). The event was
The event was well received, and participants shared
attended by about 100 participants, including health care
the following:
providers, TGNC community members, and HCA staff.
“We need more events like this in the future.” “This was a great start to achieving health equity.”
The TGNC Latinx Community Forum was held to pres-
“The information I received at this forum will help
ent the Summary of Findings: Access to HIV/STD Health
me be better prepared when addressing Trans indi-
Care Services in the TGNC Latinx Community of Orange
viduals that I work with and their needs.”
County, which is the first to document the HIV/STD health care needs of this community. The summary
The TGNC Latinx Community Forum is part of the HCA’s
of findings includes the results of a survey and focus
Ending the HIV Epidemic work and supports the Agen-
groups, which present the perspectives and feedback
cy’s mission to “in partnership with the community, de-
from the TGNC Latinx community about their experi-
liver sustainable and responsive services that promote
ences with the health care system and access to ser-
population health and equity.”
vices throughout OC. Click HERE to learn more about Alianza Translatinx efThe event featured welcoming remarks from HCA Direc-
forts on how they assist the transgender and gender
tor Dr. Clayton Chau. HIVPAC, Alianza Translatinx, and
non-conforming community. Click HERE to view the
the 17th Street Testing, Treatment and Care (TTC) Clinic
services TTC offers as well.
AUGUST 2022
5
If you haven’t done so already, you are welcome to tune in - and share on social media - the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) live stream talk show Your Health Matters OC. The show features experts from the HCA, and the community, who discuss a variety of topics that affect us all. Previous episodes include discussions on Nursing, Water Safety, Colorectal Cancer, Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness, Fentanyl and much more. The shows are saved on the HCA YouTube channel page at https://www.youtube.com/c/OrangeCountyHealthCareAgency. Your Health Matters OC can be seen on the HCA’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ ochealthinfo or the HCA’s YouTube channel, every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. Viewers are invited to submit questions before and during each show at yourhealthmatters@ochca.com. On August 9 at 6 p.m. tune in for back-to-school time as we look at the preparation children need to be ready for school. Vaccinations, mental health awareness and dental care are just some of the considerations before children go back to school. On August 23 at 6 p.m. we’ll take an in-depth look at what seniors and those who care for seniors should know and be aware of for healthy aging.
6
What’s Up Newsletter
Welcome Dr. Almaas Shaikh DEPUTY COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER
“My leadership philosophy is
pandemic. “With her exper-
based in ‘servant-leadership’
tise in disaster and trauma
and I aim to serve those
management, she assisted
who I have been given the
the HCA with deployment
privilege to lead. To that
of emergency resources
end, I am here to help how-
and field hospitals during
ever I can!” Deputy Health
the height of the pandem-
Officer (DHO) Dr. Almaas
ic. She also consulted for
Shaikh, MD, MPH said she
Emergency Medical Ser-
is looking forward to serving
vices assisting with disaster
others as part of the team at
preparation, quality initia-
the OC Health Care Agency
tives and trauma systems
(HCA). “I am proud to have
development.”
the opportunity to impact our communities through
“My work includes an
ongoing and developing
expertise in patient care,
quality driven, compas-
organizational transfor-
sionate, evidenced-based population health programs
mation, leading individuals to achieve higher levels of
aimed at providing equitable health care for all.”
performance, along with quality program implementation, community program development, disaster
Dr. Shaikh joins the HCA after practicing for more than
preparedness, and health care system optimization,”
two decades as a full time trauma/critical care surgeon
said Dr. Shaikh. “Applying my skill set and knowledge to
in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. She said her expe-
serve others, while learning along the way, is my hope
rience is one reason she came to the HCA and into the
and goal as part of the HCA. I find the HCA full of enthu-
public health space. “I have had the privilege of caring
siasm and with a passion to help the communities we
for individual patients at one of the most vulnerable
serve. Everyone is dedicated to the Agency’s goals.”
moments in their lives. I was driven to join the HCA because I wanted to pursue an additional professional
Dr. Shaikh is a native of Irvine and alumna of the Uni-
journey that allows me the opportunity to impact popu-
versity of Southern California where she earned a
lations and communities through public health initia-
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, a Doctor of Medi-
tives and programs.”
cine and a Master of Public Health. Away from work she enjoys traveling while learning about other cultures, try-
Dr. Shaikh will manage clinical compliance and provide
ing out a new recipe, mentoring youth, and reading for
subject matter expertise in areas of population health,
growth or a good story. Speaking to her most challeng-
health equity, and quality assurance for the various
ing adjustment at the HCA, she comments, “As a former
areas throughout the Agency under the direction of the
full-time trauma/critical surgeon I didn’t live by a sched-
County Health Officer. “Dr. Shaikh is a visionary execu-
ule. Learning to live by Outlook and emails has probably
tive,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, HCA Director who noted
been the hardest part of my job and has certainly had
he began working with Dr. Shaikh during the COVID-19
its growing pains!”
AUGUST 2022
7
Welcome NEW MHSA Coordinator “I believe in the mission of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). I like the ability to be inclusive and creative in developing and improving public behav-
Nominations Due Soon for Team Excellence Award Contributor: Chris Prevatt Co-Team Leader, Labor & Management Committee
ioral health services which MHSA gives.” That’s what drew her to service with the MHSA said Michelle Smith, the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) new MHSA Coordinator. “The MHSA gives us the ability to look past billable services so we can provide necessary supports
o
22
STEVE AMBRIZ Team Excellence Awards
for our most vulnerable populations, promote community equity and wellness, and support the continuous
The deadline is August 23 to submit a nomina-
development of recovery-oriented systems.”
tion for the 2022 Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award presented by the OC Health Care Agency
Michelle joined the HCA after serving more than six years as MHSA Coordinator in San Bernardino County.
(HCA)/Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) Labor & Management Committee (LMC).
She has more than 20 years of public sector, mental
The award spotlights HCA teams committed
and behavioral health experience. Joining the HCA is a
to excellence and recognizes the great work
homecoming. “I grew up in this area of southern Cali-
being done each and every day. Last year’s
fornia,” she said. “All of my family and friends live here
winners, Mental Health & Recovery Services -
and this is my way of returning home and being able to
Prevention & Intervention OC Links, exemplified
serve my community.”
this through their ability to overcome significant challenges associated with the COVID-19
In addition to her role with the HCA, Michelle continues
Pandemic and provide a critical 24/7 entry point
serving with the California Behavioral Health Directors
for Orange County residents needing behavioral
Association. She currently co-chairs a state commit-
health services.
tee focused on MHSA policy, legislation and evaluation efforts across the state. She has also served as Chair
You can visit the LMC Team Excellence Award
for MHSA Executive Committee meetings that reviewed
Intranet webpage at http://intranet.ochca.com/
MHSA program and fiscal implementation and recom-
lmc/team for application criteria, details about
mended action for quality improvement.
previous winners, and additional information about what makes an excellent team.
When not a work, Michelle said she’s a simple person, but she keeps busy! “I like being outdoors and enjoy
The members of the LMC look forward to
running, hiking, fly fishing (biggest catch: “8-9 pound
receiving your team’s nomination!
trout”), and time with my family, (“both human and fur family”). I also love live music, hockey (“Go Kings Go!”) and baseball (“Angels all the way!”).”
8
What’s Up Newsletter
National Breastfeeding Month Contributor: Liza Scammahorn, Supervising Public Health Nutritionist
“Step up for Breastfeeding, Education and Support,” is
You can read more about California’s lactation accom-
this year’s call to action for World Breastfeeding Week
modation law (SB 142) here.
during the first week of August. In the United States, August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the theme is
The County of Orange (County) supports its breastfeed-
“Together We Do Great Things.” The benefits of breast-
ing employees and is in compliance with SB 142. If you
feeding are well documented and you can learn more
are a County employee and need a place to express
about the benefits here.
your breastmilk, please consult with your supervisor to find out where your nearest lactation space is or click
BUT did you know that California employers must
here to find a location: https://bit.ly/3NQzWTS.
provide a lactation space to employees who wish to express breastmilk for their infant? The space must not be a bathroom and must: Be free from intrusion and shielded from view Be in close proximity to the employee’s work area Be safe, clean and free of hazardous materials Have a surface to place a breast pump and personal items Have a place to sit Have access to electricity
AUGUST 2022
9
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES In The Community
Contributor: Sammy Petrich, Public Health Services Communication Specialist
In partnership with the OC Health Care Agency (HCA)
brush, holder, toothpaste, floss, and a timer for the
the County of Orange (County)-organized health sys-
children’s kits to help educate and activate the habit of
tem, CalOptima, serves more than 867,000 low-income
dental care.
children, adults, seniors, and persons with disabilities. CalOptima has grown to be the single largest health
Continuing the momentum, our Nutrition Services team
insurer in Orange County (OC) but stayed true to its
hosted a “Rethink Your Drink” booth at each of the
mission of providing members with access to quality
events to raise the awareness about the health benefits
health care services. Working with HCA’s Public Health
of drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened bever-
Services (PHS) CalOptima hosted three events in north
ages. Staff actively engaged participants on how to es-
OC for community members earlier this summer. PHS’
timate the amounts of sugar in beverages, and tips on
Health Promotion programs, Nutrition Services and
how to drink more water and make healthier choices.
Local Oral Health Program, participated in the events in support of the community. Attendance at these events
PHS staff also distributed recipe cards offering creative
ranged from 500-1,500 people looking to better their
ways to make drinks tasty and healthy. Most partici-
overall health.
pants acknowledged they were unaware of how much sugar they were consuming on a regular basis and
The Local Oral Health Program hosted a booth and fo-
shared that, with their new knowledge, they wanted
cused on linking community members to a dental clinic
to be more mindful of their behavior in the future to
home to maintain regular dental care. They provided
include more water as part of their overall health plan!
participants oral health kits that consisted of a tooth-
10
What’s Up Newsletter
TOBACCO USE PREVENTION PROGRAM
Working to Protect Youth from Flavored Tobacco and Secondhand Smoke Compare the photos above: Flavored tobacco is sometimes marketed in packaging that resembles familiar snack products that can be attractive to youth.
Contributors: Alicia Carranza, Health Educator, Deepa Shanadi, Research Analyst, Veronica Ramirez-Bartholi, Health Educator
Did you know that nicotine can affect learning, atten-
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm and dedication among our
tion and memory? It is especially addictive in teen brains
partners in La Habra,” said Alicia Carranza, Health
and when used during times of stress. To lessen the
Educator. “We’ve carried out more than 60 surveys at
impact, the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Tobacco Use
stores that sell tobacco and are currently conducting
Prevention Program (TUPP) works throughout Orange
over 150 surveys at multi-unit housing complexes. We
County. One example is in La Habra where TUPP has
look forward to sharing the results in this community-
been collaborating with residents and members of
driven effort to reduce smoking and vaping in La Habra.”
the Vape Free La Habra Coalition to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and youth access to flavored
If you work or live in the City of La Habra and would like
tobacco in La Habra.
to learn more about how you can partner with TUPP to protect youth in La Habra from flavored tobacco, sign
“We are pleased to work with our partners in La Habra
up by scanning the QR code or clicking the link https://
who have been committed to reducing smoking and
forms.office.com/g/RRcC2qRmtx.
vaping in our communities since 2017,” said Anabel Bolaños, TUPP Program Supervisor. “We’re also working with partners in Cypress, Garden Grove and Westminster to create smoke free parks and outdoor recreational areas,” she said.
Partner with TUPP in La Habra by scanning the QR code.
AUGUST 2022
11
ENSURING HEALTH EQUITY Contributor: Wesley Shain, Equity Staff Specialist, Office of Population Health and Equity
The Office of Population Health and Equity (OPHE) host-
“The CHILA provided an opportunity for participants
ed their first of three CHILA events. CHILA, the Com-
to learn a variety of quality improvement approaches
munity Health Improvement Leadership Academy, is a
they can use for their EiOC improvement projects as
multi-day learning session that integrates relationship-
well as in their everyday work to help create a healthier,
building and community planning into the event struc-
more resilient, and equitable Orange County,” said
ture and focuses on the skills development that are
Karin Kalk, Director, Office of Project Management and
necessary for making and sustaining transformational
Quality Improvement. “By helping to form partnerships
change and improvement. “The initial CHILA event really
among participants, we also began to build the com-
energized the community as it kicked off Phase Two of
munity collaboration that is so critical to addressing
the Equity in Orange County (EiOC) Initiative,” said Hieu
the social determinants that are so often at the root of
Nguyen, Director of the OPHE. “You could feel a sense
health inequities experienced in OC communities.”
of empowerment when one presenter said ‘Hope is not a plan, some is not a number and soon is not a time’.”
The response to the CHILA event was positive as one participant said, “CHILA allowed me to experience the
More than 250 participants including community resi-
uniqueness of this approach and it has built trust in the
dents, community-based organizations, County of Or-
process and allowed me to suspect judgment, enjoy the
ange departments, and government officials took part
process, and build hope.”
in the three-day CHILA event. They left with a focus for success including:
To learn more about Equity in Orange County, visit the
1. The process by which work is carried out.
Equity in OC website here.
2. The relationships and quality of connections between people engaged in the work. 3. The results of accomplishing goals or tasks.
12
What’s Up Newsletter
L-to-R: Hieu Nguyen (Director, Office of Population Health and Equity); Dr. Clayton Chau, Director, OC Health Care Agency; Karin Kalk, Director, Office of Project Management and Quality Improvement; Katie Kalvoda (Advance OC); First District Supervisor Andrew Do
L-to-R: Wesley Shain, Staff Specialist (SS); Luis Gonzalez, Admin Manager (AM) II; Ryan Natividad, AM I; Esther Lee, SS; Jill Lubarski, SS; Hieu Nguyen; Director OPHE
AUGUST 2022
13
Dr. B's Bulletin Board Dr. Margaret Bredehoft Chief, Public Health Services The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in
As part of the focus on Organizational
early 2020, accentuated the need for the
Realignment and Capacity Building, we have
OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Public Health
shifted from current siloed areas by discrete
Services (PHS) reassessment of critical infra-
service, to four unified structures including
structure. Local health jurisdictions (LHJ)
our Deputy Chiefs of Operations (DCO)
have been challenged with rapidly scaling
positions. Driving excellence, strengthening
up their pandemic response plan due to the
infrastructure, and enhancing our vision of
magnitude of COVID-19. World-wide atten-
PHS for the future; we are pleased to have
tion on the public health system intensifies
four DCOs strategically advocating for and
the pressure for LHJs to develop soft and
advancing our efforts: Dr. Obinna Oleribe,
critical infrastructure, including but not
DCO - Communicable Disease Control
limited to organizational, physical and infor-
Division/Public Health Laboratory, April
mation technology (IT) systems—all which
Orozco, DCO – Community and Nursing
are vital to a sustainable and thriving whole-
Services Division/Clinical Services Division;
system health solution. The federal, state,
LaRisha Baker, DCO – Environmental
and local directives for human and capital
Health/Health Promotion and Community
investments into public health—evident by
Planning and Anza Vang, Deputy Chief
the allocation of new, largely time-limited
of Strategy and Development. This team
funds to strengthen public health services
provides a wealth of experience, insight and
and capacity— underscores the need for
exceptional tactical expertise to accelerate
transformation.
the goals and objectives of our strategic plan and leverage internal and external resources
14
To respond to the demands and oppor-
as we move toward increased capacity and
tunities available, PHS is focusing on:
physical space infrastructure, moderniza-
Organizational Realignment and Capacity
tion and technology development, data
Building, Technology Development, and
informatics to drive key decision making and
New Campus Construction.
goals, expanded collaborations and presence
What’s Up Newsletter
in the community, and focused investment
positions. When asked about PHS’ goals
on workforce development and operational
moving forward, April noted, “seizing the
efficiencies.
opportunity to invest in workforce development and preparing for future public health
Deputy Chief of Strategy and Development,
emergencies, outbreaks and natural disas-
Anza Vang, stated, “We are entering a signifi-
ters is a top priority. Also creating oppor-
cant and exciting period of change across
tunities for Public Health Nurses and other
several initiatives, and it requires us to
public health professionals is critical to
appropriately and systematically align our
developing the Public Health workforce of
resources and efforts to efficiently solve for
the future.”
cross-functional issues. This will take time, courage, and candor to thrive in the times of
Pursuing the expansive influx of grant
transformation.”
funding available through nationwide initiatives provided by the Centers for Disease
Continuing that sentiment, Larisha Baker
Control and the California Department of
remarked, “As the Public Health Services
Public Health is also a significant focus.
agency, we are tasked with addressing
Dr. Oleribe stated, “I see PHS transitioning
pressing health problems. Having a skilled
current Agency-led COVID-19 management
workforce that is responsive and nimble
into self-managed care across the county,
is essential. PHS leadership continues to
writing and obtaining new grants to expand
pursue and identify opportunities and equi-
our good work for the community, and
table innovative ways to increase response
playing a major role in the development
capacity.”
and operationalization of Public Health and Public Health Laboratory of the future. I
April Orozco is a longtime veteran in the
foresee many exciting moments to come.”
County of Orange with more than 22 years of experience in nursing and leadership
AUGUST 2022
15
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Please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code: OC1 Please visit RedCrossBlood.org enter Sponsor Code: OC1 to schedule an and appointment.
to schedule an appointment.
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading by andvisiting health Streamline your donation experience andyour save up to 15 minutes history questions on the day your of your appointment.reading and health RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete pre-donation
history questions on the day of your appointment.
Please obtain approval from your supervisor prior to registering. Donating blood must be done during break times or posting leave balances; mileage is not reimbursable. For any questions, please contact Nguyenprior @ hinguyen@ochca.com Please obtain approval from your Hien supervisor to registering. Donating blood must be done
during break times or posting leave balances; mileage is not reimbursable. For any questions, please contact Hien Nguyen @ hinguyen@ochca.com
16
What’s Up Newsletter
HCA’s Nutrition Services team support Local Food Pantry The St. Anselm's food pantry in Garden Grove, Califor-
One of the first steps taken in this partnership was the
nia responded to a surge in their clients’ needs for food
completion of the Leah's Pantry Healthy Food Pantry
assistance and the pantry’s need for cold food storage
Assessment Tool & Client Needs Assessment.
during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pantry partnered with the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), CalFresh Healthy
Find out more about this and other food pantry tools
Living, and other local agencies to meet these chal-
and interventions in the SNAP-Ed Library! You can read
lenges. Today, more pantry clients are able to prepare
this full story here.
healthy meals with the foods they receive from St. Anselm's food pantry! The SNAP-Ed partnership: Connected the pantry to Second Harvest Food Bank for additional supplies of healthy foods Provided a link to refrigerator and freezer resources for cold food storage capacity Provided recipes, tips, and other nutrition education to help pantry clients make the most of the foods they received Referred clients to additional food resources in the local community
AUGUST 2022
17
ZEST
For Health
Mini Omelets (Makes 1 serving - 1 cup per serving.) Omelets are packed with protein, which helps control cravings and prevents you from overeating and indulging in the unhealthier snack options. Omelets are good for your brain health – Eggs are naturally rich in a compound called choline, something that is key to maintaining nerve and brain health. Give these easy to make mini omelets a try for breakfast or a tasty snack. They’re cute, easy to make and ready to go when you are! For nutritional information please visit: https://bit.ly/3NLZfX7. Ingredients Canola cooking spray 1 large egg 2 tablespoons low-fat milk or Water Salt and black pepper to taste Additions: Shredded chicken, salsa Verde, red hot sauce, diced fresh bell pepper, fresh zucchini Preparation 1. Grease a mug with cooking spray. In a bowl, use a fork to beat the egg, milk or water, salt, and pepper. 2. Mix in your choice of additions: shredded chicken and salsa verde, fresh red bell pepper and zucchini,
CONNECT WITH US The What’s Up newsletter is created and
or red hot sauce. Pour the mixture into the mug.
distributed monthly by HCA Communications. We
3. Microwave for 1 minute. Check that egg is fully
welcome your ideas, input and/or insight into HCA
cooked and not wet. If it’s still wet, microwave for an additional 30-60 seconds.
people and programs. To contribute, comment or connect please email us at hcacomm@ochca.com or call (714) 834-2178. The HCA is now on Instagram! You can follow us on social media by clicking below.
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What’s Up Newsletter
