Public Health News May/June 08

World Asthma Day is May 6
Organized and sponsored by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), World Asthma Day is a partnership between health care groups and asthma educators to raise awareness about asthma and improve asthma care throughout the world.  The theme of World Asthma Day 2008 is “You Can Control Your Asthma.” It seeks to encourage government, health care professionals, and patients to work within their own health care systems to improve asthma control. The goal of treatment, Asthma control can be achieved in the vast majority of asthma patients with proper management. www.ginasthma.org/GuidelinesResources.asp?l1=2&l2=0

Children, Youth and Family Master Plan Presentation ~ May 15
The Children Youth and Family Master Planis being presented to elected officials and the community on Thursday May 15^th. All La Plata County residents are invited for a wonderful evening of food, music and recognition as the La Plata Children Youth and Family Master Plan is presented to elected officials from Bayfield, Durango, Ignacio, the Southern Ute Tribe and La Plata County.  Learn about the recommendations that over 2,000 residents believe are critical for ensuring all of our children youth and families thrive. May 15, 2008 6-8 PM, Smiley Building Auditorium 1309 E. 3^rd Ave. in Durango. www.childrenyouthandfamily.org 

Prevention 101 Training Offered – May 20
This training will provide participants with a working knowledge of basic prevention theory coupled with practical application of the principles to real life community work. It is designed for people working with youth on substance abuse prevention. The presenter is Rebecca Larson with OMNI. The class will take place in Ignacio at the Sun Ute Recreational Center on May 20th from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm School Resource Officers, and health educators are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by May 12 at 563-9235. Lunch will be provided.

Latest Genetic Research on Down Syndrome Presented ~ May 21
Dr. David Manchester of The Children's Hospital Genetics Department will give an in-service on the latest genetic research on Down Syndrome at San Juan Basin Health Department’s large conference room (entrance on lower level parking lot) on Wednesday, May 21 at 11:30 a.m. The approximately 45 minute presentation will be followed by questions and discussion. Anyone interested is invited to attend. For more information call Eileen at 247-5702 ext. 208. 

Animas Surgical Hospital Contributes to Family Planning Program
San Juan Basin Health Department provides family planning services to over 1000 low income women in our community. The program reaches ever increasing numbers of women with limited financial resources. A recent generous donation from Animas Surgical Hospital of $27,000 will help tremendously. Lynn Westberg, San Juan Basin Health Department’s Director, says “We are so appreciative of Animas Surgical Hospital’s on-going commitment to providing greatly needed financial assistance of this essential program for our community. This contribution enables us to provide clinic services and offer counseling, outreach, education and testing for communicable diseases.”

You can find out more about San Juan Basin Health’s family planning or other health services at www.sjbhd.org/en/family-planning or call 247-5702, ext. 202.

Promoviendo La Salud Receives Second Year of Funding for Clinic
Promoviendo la Salud, a health promotion program of San Juan Basin Health Department, is pleased to announce that it has received a 2^nd year of funding from the Cancer, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease Grants Program of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This funding will support program activities from July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. Additional funding comes from The Colorado Health Foundation.

 
Promoviendo La Salud strives to reduce health disparities by offering health education, screenings, and chronic disease management for Latino adults in La Plata and Archuleta Counties. Since the program’s inception two years ago, it has supported hundreds of individuals in creating healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families. For more information about monthly screenings & clinic services, please call Karen at 247-5702, ext. 207. www.sjbhd.org/en/promoviendo-la-salud

New Home Health Nurse
San Juan Basin Health Department’s Home Health Services welcomes a new nurse Bari Wagner RN to its staff.  Home Health offers a variety of programs. Learn more about their services at:www.sjbhd.org/home-health or reach them at 247-5702, ext. 232.

 
Prevent Animal-Borne Diseases This Summer
Summertime brings the risk of contracting certain animal-borne diseases, such as rabies, West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, plague, tularemia, and Colorado tick fever. These diseases can be carried by various animals and insects such as rodents, mosquitoes or ticks and then transmitted to humans. They also are more common during the summer when people tend to be outdoors more often and wild animals and insects are active.

State health epidemiologists and San Juan Basin Health Department officials recommend that everyone help control the presence of rodents and mosquitoes around their home. And, when heading outdoors particularly to areas where wild animals and insects are active, wear insect repellant, appropriate clothing and protect pets from fleas and ticks. Do not to handle sick or dead animals or animal waste. For more information about these diseases and precautions, visit www.sjbhd.org/en/common-disease-in-our-region. 

Employment Opportunities
Please check our website www.sjbhd.org for up-to-date job opportunities.

Contact Information for Public Health News Briefs:

jlooney@sjbhd.org San Juan Basin Health Department; 247-5702 ext.1605