June 2018 Newsletter

Up



What’s NE W SLE T TER






JUNE 2018








Director’s

Message




Our Office of Compliance wrapped
its annual survey a few months
back, and I’m pleased to learn that
a record-breaking 97% of respon-
dents recognized the name of Chief
Compliance Officer Chi Rajalingam
and 98% reported knowing how to
reach her.

This is important because we want
our employees to know there is Exercise Tests Our Ability to Transport and
a mechanism here at the Health
Care Agency to report compliance Screen Weapons of Mass Destruction
issues, even anonymously. But
what’s the difference between a The 9th Civil Support Team (CST) Street Clinic in Santa Ana served
Human Resource Services (HRS)
concern vs. one more appropriate hosted a 3-day joint exercise with as base command for two CST
for Chi’s team? our Public Health (PH) Labora- mobile testing units that were used
tory and Environmental Health during the exercise to test samples
The Office of Compliance (OOC) Hazardous Materials teams to test of a possible WMD. These vehicles
is here to deal with healthcare
compliance and privacy issues. For coordination and response during a contain highly advanced technology
example, we need to ensure that possible terrorist attack in Orange and a full suite of laboratory analysis
. . . continued on page 2 County involving a weapon of mass equipment to support complete char-
destruction (WMD). acterization of an unknown hazard.
FEATURED ARTICLES “This exercise offered a unique The exercise scenario involved

Peer-to-Peer ..........................................2 opportunity to test our capability significant increases of people
Whole Person Care Pilot Program working alongside federal authorities developing severe to mild gastroin-
Wins Top NACo Honors .......................4 to coordinate how we would respond testinal illness that were linked to the
Expanded County Contracted Narcotic during a WMD event,” said Megan consumption of milk. Upon investiga-
Replacement Therapy Services ...........8 Crumpler, Public Health Laboratory tion by the Federal Bureau of Inves-

5 Things You Need to Know ...............10 Director. tigation (FBI), a suspect who worked
OC HCA Celebrates our The back parking lot at the 17th
Fantastic Nurses ..................................12 . . . continued on page 6

Director’s Message
continued from page 1 From Patient Care to Wedding
each staff member understands
and follows all applicable laws, like Cakes, Peer-to-Peer Winner
HIPAA, doesn’t have any conflicts
of interest and isn’t in violation of
any requirements from our (many) Loves Her Work
funding sources.
The Code of Conduct is the part
that gets a bit tricky for some of Guadelupe (Lupe) Becerra, a
us. While the OOC sets our ethical
standards through the Code of Comprehensive Care Licensed Vocational
Conduct, not all issues that arise
in the workplace that violate that Nurse (LVN) with Correctional Health
Code are “compliance issues.” To Services (CHS), has worked for the County
give you an idea of what I mean, the
following situations would be routed of Orange for over 21 years. This outgoing
to HRS to look into and handle:

 If an employee is feeling that and high-energy nurse loves her job, loves
his/her supervisor or co-worker her co-workers and loves to bake!
is not treating him/her with
respect

 Allegations that an employee Lupe began her career with Center in West Covina.
is not working his/her hours as CHS because of the opportunity
scheduled Working in a jail might instill fear
 Issues involving promotions, to work the night shift. Nights in some, but Lupe confidently
demotions, hiring, termination, or afforded her the ability to have said, “I have never felt in danger. I
employee evaluations better work and life balance by treat my patients with respect and

Because we have a “no wrong freeing her daytime hours to never judge them. I let them know
door” policy, employees can report
these types of issues to OOC if they care for her four children. Prior to I am simply there to take care of
choose, and the team will refer them joining CHS, Lupe spent 10 years them, and we get along great.”
over to HRS for investigation and
resolution. Hopefully my message performing urgent care clinic work Lupe works at several County jails
this month helps make the distinc- at Queen of the Valley Medical including the Central Men’s and
tion a little clearer.
To learn more about the OOC,
please visit http://intranet/compli-
ance. Chi and I are working
together to address the meaningful
survey feedback we’ve received
and will roll out a response in the
months to come.
Best,






Richard Sanchez, Director


2 What’s Up Newsletter

Lupe Becerra, CHS LVN and avid baker is May's Peer-to-Peer recipient.


Women’s Jails, the Intake Release other life events. Her affinity for her staffing issues occur, Lupe always

Center and the Theo Lacy Facility. co-workers led her to initiate a fund- does so with a pleasant smile and
raising effort for a fellow nurse in positive attitude.
Now that her children are grown,
need. She made and sold chocolate
Lupe spends her days off creating When she is not baking, Lupe and
strawberry bouquets for Valentine’s
beautiful baked treats! She and her husband spend their spare time

her youngest daughter discovered Day, raising more than $300. attending music concerts or riding
their love and talent for baking a Her peers state that they could not their Harley 2007 Ultra Classic to bike

few years ago. Today they make ask for a better teammate. Lupe is rallies throughout the western states.

wedding cakes, themed cupcakes, always willing to assist her fellow
decorative cake pops, macarons staff members whether providing The CHS management team cele-

and other custom creations for support during an emergency, brates Lupe as a shining example
weddings, birthdays, Quinceaneras, gathering health related data for the for all CHS staff. Her optimistic

retirements and many other special Registered Nurses during assess- outlook, team spirit and contagious
occasions. ments or providing Spanish transla- laugh make any area she works

a great place to be, and her team
Whenever co-workers celebrate tions. Lupe is also the go-to person
greatly appreciates all she does!
key milestones, Lupe always volun- for training new staff to ensure

teers her talents for the party by they are familiar with all aspects of Thank you Lupe for your commit-
lovingly preparing special treats patient care and procedures. The ment to excellence, integrity and

for retirements, promotions, or first to volunteer when last minute service! Job well done!


JUNE 2018 3

Whole Person Care Pilot Program

Wins Top NACo Honors








Congratulations to the Whole Person Care (WPC) pilot

program team, winners of a National Association of
Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for demonstrating

outstanding innovation in a government program.





“This truly belongs to all participat- WPC is the coordination of physi-
ing entities in the WPC Program cal, behavioral health, and social
who have embraced the concept of services in a patient-centered

Whole Person Care and continue to approach with the goals of improved Health Services
work with us to build and improve health and well-being through more and Public Health
on our successes,” said Melissa efficient and effective use of resourc- Services as well as re-
Tober, Strategic Projects Manager, es for Medi-Cal beneficiaries strug- cuperative care (acute and
Health Policy, Research and Com- gling with homelessness. post-acute medical care in a sup-
munications. “It’s a privilege to work WPC promotes increased communi- portive transitional housing environ-
with such talented staff in HCA, cation between hospital emergency ment) providers to improve access
other County departments and, rooms, CalOptima, community clin- and navigation of services for the
most importantly, our community.” ics, Health Care Agency Behavioral homeless population.



WALT CADENA is




June’s Compliance Hero




If you’ve sent office furniture, fixtures
or supplies to the warehouse for
surplus, you’ve likely interacted with
Walt Cadena, Warehouse Worker
III with Purchasing Services. Walt
is June’s Compliance Hero and
is recognized for finding 1,700
client records at the bottom of a
filing cabinet that was ready to be
auctioned.

“Without Walt’s detailed inspection,

On October 24, 2016, the County Workshop Teaches Kids and Parents
of Orange was approved through
the State of California’s Depart- Healthy Habits
ment of Health Care Services to
implement the WPC pilot program
for a five-year project. To learn More than 64 parents and kids from
more, click the WPC graphic or homebased daycares attended the
visit their webpage here. first annual Early Child Care Work-
shop at the OC Fair’s Centennial
For more information about the
NACo Achievement Awards Pro- Farm in Costa Mesa to learn how to
gram, visit www.naco.org/topics/ eat healthy and be physically active.
awards-programs.
The workshop taught parents how
to be healthy role models, kids saw
The workshop incorporated Color
first-hand how fruits and vegetables
Me Healthy curriculum that influ-
are grown and harvested, and four
ences kids’ behaviors using interac-
‘Champion Daycare Providers’ re-
tive learning opportunities to stimu-
ceived recognition for their initiative
late the senses of young children:
and leadership in creating healthy
touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.
daycare environments.
Attendees further enriched their

One mom shared, “I enjoyed the learning activities by visiting the
day’s events and loved that my child Fair’s Imaginology program to see
gets nutrition education, healthy science, technology, engineering,

meals and physical activity at his art and math come alive.
daycare.”
. . . continued on page 20



these records wouldn’t have that handle patient information. This heroes based on those they see
been found and could have example emphasizes the impor- working with compliance in mind. To
potentially exposed protected client tance of knowing HCA polices and learn more about compliance and
health information,” said Dr. Chi being diligent. HIPAA, visit the Office of Compli-
Rajalingam, Chief Compliance Compliance is everyone’s busi- ance intranet site here. For ques-
Officer. “Had Walt not been aware ness and is the motto that drives tions about any compliance or
of Health Insurance Portability and the Office of Compliance’s Hero privacy related issues, contact:
Accountability (HIPAA) standards, program that recognizes Health Call: (714) 568-5614
the agency would have been at Care Agency staff for their excep-
risk for a large breach, which could tional efforts to ensure the agency’s Email: OfficeofCompliance@
have resulted in great financial and compliance with all Federal and ochca.com
reputational harm.” State regulatory requirements that Anonymous Reporting via

This serves as a good reminder govern our professional activities. Hotline: (866) 260-5636
for all of us to be sure and check If you happen to see someone who Anonymous Reporting via
all items before sending them for you feel would be a great Compli- Online: www.ochealthinfo.com/
surplus, especially for those of us ance Hero, contact the Office of about/admin/compliance
who work within agency programs Compliance, who will select the
JUNE 2018 5

Exercise Tests Our Ability to Transport and Screen Weapons of Mass Destruction
continued from page 1




at a dairy processing plant, was portation and receipt of the evidence While the PH Lab tested samples
taken into custody and suspicious collected), and transported them to from the suspect’s home, CST

cultures were identified as being the PH Lab for analysis. teams tested milk samples from the

incubated at his/her home. dairy processing plant in their mobile
PH Lab staff Karen Galliher,
testing vehicles. Though they didn’t
As part of the evidence collection Supervising PH Microbiologist, Vida
identify the same bacteria as the
process, EH Hazmat team members Mofidi, PH Microbiologist I, Tuminh
PH Lab, they did receive positive
stepped in to oversee the proper Pham, Microbiologist II and Vicky
results for ricin (a highly toxic protein
decontamination of all sampling Tran, PH Microbiologist II, performed
obtained from the pressed seeds of
containers in the suspect’s home, testing on the samples and identi-
the castor-oil plant).
ensured that the samples were fied them as Bacillus anthracis and
properly labeled under the Chain of Yersinia pestis (type of bacteria that Additional FBI findings were

Custody (a chain-of-custody form is may be used in a bioterrorism attack presented to the PH Lab and CST

used to track the movement, trans- and can be deadly). teams that identified the presence





















During the exercise, the back parking lot at the 17th Street clinic A member of the CST team tests samples from the dairy
served as base command for two CST mobile testing units. processing plant.


























6 What’s Up Newsletter

“ This is our first






of castor beans and rosary peas in Alamitos) would be the first mili- time participating in
an exercise of this
the suspect’s home. Ricin and abrin tary responders on the ground to kind and we were

are both deadly toxins that can be assist local authorities to determine fortunate to also have a

extracted from castor beans and the nature of an event involving representative from the

rosary peas, respectively. At the end chemical, biological, radiological California Department
of the exercise, it was determined and nuclear high-yield explosives. of Health’s (CDPH)
They operate 24/7/365 and are Laboratory Response
that the suspect had released ricin
designed to deploy rapidly, provide Network Chemical lab
and abrin into the storage vats at the team to observe. In an
medical and technical advice, assist
dairy processing plant that subse- actual event, CDPH
with state or federal military force
quently made people ill. partners would provide
requests, and act as the liaison consultation, chemical
In the event of a terrorist attack, between the Joint Task Force Civil if needed.
testing, and surge testing
the 9th Civil Support Team (based Support. To learn more about the

out of the Joint Forces Base in Los 9th Civil Support Team, click here. ”
— Megan Crampler,
Public Health Laboratory Director



















CST mobile testing vehicles contain advanced technology to Members from the 9th Civil Support Team meet with Public Health
support complete testing of unknown hazards. Lab staff during the exercise briefing.


























JUNE 2018 7

Expanded County Contracted Narcotic



Replacement Therapy Services Begins July 1





“ This Beginning July 1, Behavioral Health link participants with supplementary





Services (BHS) will contract with two
services.
increased benefit
Drug Medi-Cal certified treatment
will help address Anticipated outcomes of the program
providers to offer Medi-Cal eligible
the treatment needs for are compliance with methadone
residents of Orange County nar-
the growing number cotic replacement therapy (formally treatment and abstinence from il-


of Orange County known as methadone treatment). legal substances. Past outcomes in
successful programs with the non-
residents addicted to
Narcotic replacement maintenance Medi-Cal population demonstrate
opioids and will make is a daily therapy that is medically that 70% of clients show evidence of

it easier for those supervised outpatient treatment a productive lifestyle after 90 days in

who are experiencing utilizing methadone for opioid users. treatment and 50% achieve absti-

homelessness and Program services include medically nence from illegal substances after
determined narcotic replacement 90 days in treatment.
struggling with detoxification therapy, assessment

resources. and evaluation, counseling, services The Department of Health Care
substance abuse to

access these needed
Services (DHCS) received a Federal
for participants with co-occurring dis-
” — Jeff Nagel, orders, case management, relapse 1115 waiver to develop a five-year
demonstration project to expand
prevention and referral services to

BHS Director of Operations
























8 What’s Up Newsletter

Substance Use Disorder Donate to the

(SUD) services funded
by Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) ‘Essentials for Young
Lives’ Campaign
in the state. In 2016,

the Health Care Agency
(HCA) submitted a plan Through June 8

to DHCS to provide a Did you know families represent
continuum of SUD, reim- 61% of those living in Orange
County shelters who are in need of
bursable under DMC for
basic essential items like diapers,
Orange County residents. wipes and food? The HomeAid
HCA received approval of ‘Essentials for Young Lives’
campaign is a community-wide
this plan on May 8, 2018.
effort to collect these needed items
in partnership with the Children and
On May 22, 2018, the
Families Commission of Orange
OC Board of Supervisors County.
approved HCA to begin seeking
Join the movement today and help homeless families living in shelters by
contracts with various DMC certi- dropping off your donation in a collection box at one of the Health Care

fied treatment providers to begin Agency sites below. Let’s meet or beat last year’s goal of more than 1.2
million baby items collected!
provision of services. To learn

more about the program, visit For donation questions, contact Lisa Alford at (714) 834-8975 or click here to
learn more about the campaign. All baby care items will be distributed to 21
DHCS here or visit www.ochealth-
shelters in the county.
info.com/opioids for prevention

and treatment resources. CONTACT LOCATION PHONE

Anaheim
Kim Passaro (714) 517-6185
2035 E. Ball Road, Perinatal, 1 Floor
st
Orange
Tina Aguilar (714) 935-6344
301 The City Drive, MOB, 2 Floor
nd
Santa Ana (HQ)
Lisa Alford (714) 834-8975
405 W. 5 Street, 2 Floor
th
nd
Donna Santa Ana
Routledge 200 W. Santa Ana Boulevard, Suite #100 (714) 347-0481
Santa Ana
Tracy Ernt (714) 480-6661
1200 N. Main Street, Suite #100B
Donna Santa Ana
Lundgren 1725 W. 17 Street, Reception 101D (714) 567-6202
th
Geniece Santa Ana (714) 433-6260
Higgins 1241 E. Dyer Rd.
Westminster
Gloria Trejo (714) 834-8680
14140 Beach Boulevard, Bldg. 88


JUNE 2018 9

Annual Mental Health Skills Fair Helps



Nurses Keep Their Skills Sharp







Close to 100 nurses from through-
out the Health Care Agency par-
ticipated in Correctional Health
Services (CHS) 3rd Annual Mental

Health Skills Fair to expand their
knowledge and clinical skillset about
evidenced based mental health
practices, build collaborative rela-

tionships and learn about available
services and resources to assist
clients.

“To accommodate a growing need

to provide mental health services 5 Things You Need to Know About
to inmates who come into Orange
County’s correctional facilities, train- ABOUT THE EXPLOSION IN ALISO VIEJO
ing and educating staff is essential
to assist them with some of the

most pressing issues that they face At approximately 1:10 The Communications
on a daily basis in the jail setting,” p.m. on Tuesday, May team immediately con-
said Sheryl Wamsley-Goldsmith, 15, Orange County tacted HCA Facilities,

Mental Health Program Manager. 1Fire Authority (OCFA) 2BHS and the Director’s
firefighters were dispatched Office to obtain details, research
Held at the Social Services Agency
to reports of an explosion at a breaking online news stories and
Training Center, the event featured
medical office building located view social media feeds from local
more than 10 networking opportu-

nities with various community and in the city of Aliso Viejo. Initial authorities to corroborate reports.
County-contracted providers as well reports incorrectly gave the It was determined that the ad-
as six presentations that focused on address of the blast as 5 dress was incorrectly reported and
a variety of topics relevant to mental Mareblu (address of an HCA the correct location (11 Mareblu)
health clients served by CHS Behavioral Health Services was actually the building across

including a presentation provided [BHS] outpatient facility). Calls the street from our facility. The
by Dr. Kishore Desagani, CHS from reporters flooded the Health team informed the media that all
Assistant Medical Director, about Care Agency’s media line shortly HCA staff and clients were safely

. . . continued on page 20 thereafter to confirm. evacuated and unharmed.


10 What’s Up Newsletter

5 Things You Need to Know About KTLA Ch. 5 News aerial photo of 11 Mareblu in Aliso Viejo taken on the day of the explosion.



ABOUT THE EXPLOSION IN ALISO VIEJO Due to the uncertainty of The FBI later determined



what caused the explo- that the blast that killed
The influence of social sion, our Environmental one woman and injured

media was put into ac- 4Health Hazardous Materi- 5three others was intention-
tion when the ‘rumored’ als (Hazmat) team was requested to ally set. Read the KTLA Ch. 5 news
3address was immediately respond to the site and provide as- story here. Because of the ongoing

corrected through tweets sent by sistance working alongside the Or- FBI investigation, BHS staff and
OCFA (@OCFA_PIO) and HCA (@ ange County Sheriff Department’s clients have been redirected to the
OCHealth). Word rapidly spread Bomb Squad, OCFA Hazmat, Fed- Mission Viejo Adult Clinic and the

through the community and to our eral Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laguna Beach Children’s Clinic until
media followers who retweeted the and Orange County Intelligence As- further notice.

messages and updated breaking sessment Center. Learn more about
news stories. our Hazmat team here.














JUNE 2018 11

OC Health Care Agency Celebrates our

FANTASTIC NURSES!









As caregivers, teachers, communicators and advocates, the nurses
of the Health Care Agency are the heart of healthcare, and are often
the most direct point of care for our clients and their families, providing
services in the community, at clinics and in correctional settings.

We celebrated our nurses during National Nurses Week from May 6-12
at a special recognition and appreciation event held on May 10 at the
17th Street Clinic in Santa Ana. This year’s theme of ‘Inspire, Innovate
and Influence,’ was profoundly echoed among the many sentiments
shared during the event’s program.


EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: product of Public Health (began out to ensure that our communi-
career at HCA in Environmental ty is a healthier and safer place
■ An OC Board of Supervisors Health) and grew up near the for all who live, work and play.
National Nurses Week Resolu- 17th Street Clinic. He com-
tion was presented by Chairman mended HCA’s nurses for their ■ Jeff Nagel, Behavioral Health
Andrew Do to our Comprehen- dedication and compassion in Services (BHS) Chief of Opera-
sive Health Assessment Team providing the highest quality of tions, shared that the more than
Homeless (CHAT-H) for the care to our clients and making 40 nurses who work within the
great work they do to improve a difference in the lives of those BHS division are the bridge to
health outcomes for home- they touch. providing our clients with the
less individuals and families in integrated care they need.
the county. Learn more about ■ David Souleles, Public Health
CHAT-H here. Services Deputy Agency Direc- ■ Maria Cristina Moore, Cor-
tor, referred to HCA’s nurses as rectional Health Services (CHS)
■ Richard Sanchez, Agency the ‘unsung heroes of our com- Sr. Comprehensive Care Nurse
Director, indicated that he’s a munity’ who work day in and day (on behalf of Erin Winger, CHS

























2 3

12 What’s Up Newsletter

■ Jenna Sarin, Family Health
Division Manager, on behalf of
the 2018 HCA Nurses Week
planning committee, closed the
program by thanking all of the
agency’s nurses for their dedica-
tion and compassion in provid-
ing services to Orange County’s
diverse population.

National Nurses Week is celebrated
annually from May 6 (National
Nurses Day) to May 12 (the birthday
of Florence Nightingale, founder
of modern nursing). To learn more,
visit the American Nurses Associa-
1
tion here.

Interim Deputy Agency Direc- we’re exhausted by the end of 1. The CHAT-H team (left to right): Larry Pritchett,
tor), commented that nurses the day!” PHN; Candace Anh, PHN; Ambar Green, Com-
munity Health Assistant; Cathy Martinez, PHN;
often choose their profession Carl Glover, PHN; Becky Stone, Supervising PHN
because of the care and com- ■ Pat Orme, Public Health Nurs- and Jessika Almiranez, PHN. Not pictured: Mi-
chelle Spitaleri, PHN. 2. Chairman Do addresses
passion they received from a ing Division Manager, read attendees during the May 10 Nurses Week event
at the 17th Street Clinic Learning Center. 3.
nurse as patients themselves. comments provided by Steve Attendees enjoy lunch provided by the Orange
County Employees Association. 4. Pictured (left
She also shared an inspira- Thronson, Regulatory/Medi- to right): Darolyn Underwood, BHS Psychiatric
Nurse Practitioner; Alicia Hughes, Senior PHN;
tional quote from Donna Wilk cal Health Services Deputy Mahdere Negash, PHN Program Manager; and
Cardillo – “Nursing is not for ev- Agency Director, who shared Ruth Aguilar, Health Promotion Information Pro-
cessing Specialist.
eryone. It takes a very strong, that Steve is providing a com-

intelligent, and compassionate memorative coin to all HCA
person to take on the ills of the nurses as his ‘token of appre-
world with passion and purpose ciation’ because the work that
and work to maintain the well- nurses do for our clients and
being of the planet. No wonder the community is priceless.

























4

JUNE 2018 13

What’s New with


Navigation, Innovation



and Training?






MENTAL HEALTH transforms how the community

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS accesses and receives behavioral
PROJECT health services.

Orange County is now one of five Representatives from Behavioral submitting their ideas about new
counties in the state approved by Health Services, California Mental and/or changed approaches and

the Mental Health Services Over- Health Services Authority, clini- practices in mental health.
sight and Accountability Commis- cians, community stakeholders
sion to launch a suite of mental and marketing teams gathered at The team recently began

health technology applications, a recent kick-off Integration and marketing the website, which
which will include 7 Cups and Mind- Planning meeting to discuss the launched last month, to encourage

strong Health, to increase access to impact of the new platforms and the community to submit their
mental health services throughout collectively brainstorm rollout plans innovative project ideas online to
the county. To learn more, read the scheduled to begin in July. Stay address mental health needs in

OC Board of Supervisors Agenda tuned for more details! Orange County.
Staff Report here. For more information about
Technology has been identified as
The platforms include 24/7 access to an innovative approach to mental Innovation Projects, visit their

an artificial intelligence-assisted peer health through its large scale webpage here.
chat, therapy avatar and custom- impact, unlimited access to services
ized wellness coach that potentially and support, anonymity that can

alleviate fear or stigma of accessing

Have an Idea? services, and the ability to detect
Help us INNOVATE new practices in Mental Health Care early warning signs of serious
mental illness.

Behavioral Health Services — Innovation Projects Visit the Innovation Idea
The Innovation Idea Generation Website will allow you to Generation website at
submit a project idea for review and consideration. All idea www.ocmhsa.com IDEA GENERATION WEBSITE
submissions will be posted for feedback on the Community to learn more about:
Forum page.
 Mental Health
Steps to Take Services Act The Innovation team created a
Submit an Innovative Idea:  Innovation
project
1. Watch the Innovation video requirements new “Idea Generation” (www.
2. Complete the Project Idea form
 Current and past
3. Submit the Idea form for review
projects ocmhsa.com) website to provide
After submitting an idea:
 Upcoming events
4. Check for idea feedback on the
Community Forum page. an interactive opportunity for
5. Use the blog format to respond to
the public to participate in the
comments and feedback
Contact us at: [email protected] community planning process by
14 What’s Up Newsletter

Environmental Health Assists


SONOMA COUNTY AFTER WILDFIRES




The OC Health Care Agency’s
Environmental Health (EH) division

provided disaster relief and emer-
gency response support to Sonoma

County after they experienced one
of the most devastating fires back
in October 2017 where nearly 7,000

structures were destroyed and 43
lives were lost.

Though a Mutual Aid request,
Denamarie Baker, Hazardous

Materials Specialist III and Alonso
Meija, Hazardous Materials 1

Specialist II, deployed to Sonoma
worked through strong winds, ex-
County for 12 days surveying more
treme rain and fog and canvassed
than 500 square miles of charred
through rough terrain to complete
land to assess damaged properties
their tasks.
and provide critical data back to the
A local artist illustrates key benefits Emergency Operations Center to A State Emergency Proclamation
of the new Technology Suite during a declared by Governor Brown or-
discussion at the kick-off meeting. help with the rebuilding effort.
dered the provision of local govern-
“Initially, I was shocked at the sheer
ment assistance under the authority
devastation,” said Alonso. “Howev-
of the California Disaster Assistance
er, when I later saw several homes
Act. To learn more about the 2017
being rebuilt during our assessment
wildfires, visit the California Gov-
in various communities, it gave me
ernor’s Office of Emergency Ser-
hope that Sonoma County is recov-
vices at www.caloes.ca.gov. More
ering and I was part of that effort.”
information about Environmental
Our specialists were equipped Health’s Hazardous Materials pro-

with personal protective equip- gram, visit www.occupainfo.com.
ment, respirators, steel toe boots,
1. Alonso Meija, Hazardous Specialist II, as-
gloves, hard hats and safety vests sesses property destroyed by the wildfires in
Sonoma County.
to guard against various hazardous 2. Santa Rosa County Environmental Health
management group staff are pictured with our EH
conditions. Over the near 2-week hazmat specialists Alonso Meij (black shirt) and
2 Denamarie Baker (blue shirt).
deployment, Denamarie and Alonso

JUNE 2018 15

SERVICE AWARDS




2018 Second Quarter Services Awards
(April 1 – June 30 Hire Dates)
On behalf of the Health Care Agency Executive Team, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of you
for your years of service to our department and the County of Orange.

35 Years 20 Years Xuan Mai Chau
Robert Cormier
Nancy Hesketh Celeste Clark Suzanne Itrich
Robin Clawson Miriam Lewis
30 Years Curtis Condon Paterno Lopez

Jennifer Durbin Margarita Cueto Peter Row
Jeannette Granados Jocelyn Garduno Vicky Tran
Edith Knott Silvia Hernandez
Susan Kodaira Veronica Hinostroza 10 Years
Mary Maurer Eileen Kirtley Henricus Abundo
Kim Phuong Pham Antonio Larrea David Atkins
Nathan Lopez
Shannon Vecchione Bernadette Brown
Vivian Molinar Steven Calleros
25 Years Jeff Nofal Esmeralda Carroll
Scott Snow
Elizabeth Arroyo Jennifer Stopher Kristina Davidovich
Brianne Garcia
Emma Chavez-Valle Hratch Svadjian Christian Greusard
Susana Escobar Alfredo Valle Suzanne Hamasaki
Estefana Martinez 15 Years Pushpa Hennayake
Angelica Miscione Paul Hoang
Alaka Nafday Deborah Browning Keith Howard
Minh-Tam Nguyen Phuong-Thanh Bui Brianna Iniguez
Dora Ponce David Castellanos Beth Levine-Jeffery
Joan Villanueva Jaime Castellanos Diane Martin


Taking Strides Toward a Healthier Tomorrow



OC  HEALTHY  STEPS
The County of Orange Wellness Program


TAKE ACTION TODAY TO COMPLETE YOUR OC HEALTHY STEPS
The OC Healthy Steps wellness PARTICIPATE IN A BIOMETRIC  Visit your own health care
participation period is now open. HEALTH SCREENING provider and complete the
If you choose to participate and You now have four screening Biometric Health Screening
receive your OC Healthy Steps options: Confirmation Form
Wellness Credit for 2019, you must  NEW — Home Test Kit To sign up for one of the biometric
complete all three OC Healthy screening options, visit ochealthys-
Steps, in any order you wish,  Lab option (limited availability) teps.staywell.com and click the
between May 21, 2018 and August  On-site biometric screening Biometric Screening block on the
25, 2018. appointment (limited availability) home page. It is recommended that
16 What’s Up Newsletter

Martha Martinez LABOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Karen McLean
Elizabeth Row
Chandrkanthi Sivalingam HAPPENINGS

5 Years
RECYCLING PROGRAM
Candace An In response to feedback received
Jennifer Behoteguy from the Health Care Agency (HCA)
Karol Ronie Bunao Suggestion Box, HCA and the
Linh Dang Orange County Employees Associa- STEVE AMBRIZ TEAM
Stacy Dykman EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Jennifer Fernandez tion (OCEA) Labor Management
Adrianna Guaracha Committee (LMC) have resources It’s time to mark your calendars
Laura Hubbard available here for those that may be for the 2018 Steve Ambriz Team
Sharon Ishikawa interested in starting their own recy- Excellence Awards on November
Amanda Krotzer cling program. CalRecycle provides 7, 2018 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hall
Wendy Llamas a free starter kit, which includes up of Administration Board Hearing
Annette Luna to five bins. Follow these steps to Room. View the flyer here. Be on
Marc Meulman request a kit: the lookout for the call for applica-
Erica Moojen  Go to www.calrecycle.ca.gov tions email in July.
Patricia Orme
Beatrice Palacio  Click the ‘Beverage Containers’ The award is designed to recog-
Max Ponce link under ‘Where Do I Recycle’ nize programs that demonstrate
Nancy Preza  Click ‘Recycling Starter Kit’ (list the qualities and characteristics of
Hazzel Ramirez on left) effective work teams, as well as
Leslie Rankin  Submit your order stimulate creative and collaborative
Fabiola Sanchez action. Visit the LMC Team Excel-
Lotus Snook Staff who have successfully imple- lence Award intranet webpage at
Haiying Thien mented a recycling program in their http://intranet/lmc/team to learn more
Michelle Vorwerk offices shared that they’ve used about the award, read details about
recycling funds earned to purchase previous winners and learn about
staff birthday cards, breakroom/rest- what makes an excellent team.
you sign up as soon as possible room supplies, utensils and paper
if you wish to make a lab or an goods, appliances (toaster, coffee EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
on-site screening appointment, as maker) and prizes for teambuilding CALENDAR
appointments are made on a first- activities, to name a few. Please You can
come, first-served basis. note that cashing in recyclables and now access
making purchases is not permitted the County
TAKE THE HEALTH RISK on County time. To learn more visit,
ASSESSMENT (HRA) employee
http://intranet/lmc/rp. Benefits
Log in to ochealthysteps.stay- Calendar via
well.com and click Get Started a quick link
at the top of the screen to begin. on the HCA intranet here to view
Answer all of the questions and upcoming benefits and wellness
click “submit.” You do not need events and information.
your biometric screening results
to complete the HRA. If you don’t
. . . continued on page 20
JUNE 2018 17

ZEST For Health
















Kids and Parents Learn How

to Rethink Their Drinks 1



Parents and kids got a jump start drinks can affect their health. When Living healthy doesn’t have to be
to drinking their way to a healthier event attendees sampled the lemon, hard. Making small changes to
summer during ‘Rethink Your Drink orange, lime water blend that has no what you drink can lead to big wins!
Day’ events throughout the county sugar and tastes good, they were Check out the fruit infused recipes
on May 16 by learning that water is surprised that sugar is not necessary on page 19 for a refreshing summer
the healthiest beverage to drink and to make a drink taste refreshing and treat that’s sure to be a hit with both
how adding fresh fruits and veggies have great flavor.” kids and adults alike! To learn more
can enhance flavor without adding about how water keeps us healthy,
artificial sugars or calories. The event featured samples of fresh click here.
fruit flavored waters like a lemon, or-
Champion Mom Martha shared, ange, lime blend and cucumber mint ‘Rethink Your Drink Day’ is a state-
“Events like this help us bring aware- breeze as well as take-home water wide day of action to raise aware-
ness about the beverages that peo- infused recipes and handouts about ness about the health effects of
ple drink and how too much sugar in the benefits of drinking water. drinking sugar-sweetened drinks and


18 What’s Up Newsletter

Four Healthy Ways to Flavor Your Water


Did you know that water helps lubricate and cushion joints, protects your spinal cord and keeps your body’s tem-
perature normal? Getting enough water every day is important for your health, but drinking plain water doesn’t have
to be tasteless!


Adding in fresh fruits and vegetables can enhance its flavor without the calories. For a refreshing summer treat, try
one of these recipes that’s sure to quench your thirst! For additional tips to help you drink more water, click here.



CUCUMBER MINT BREEZE
Ingredients:
• ½ cup sliced cucumbers
• 1-2 sprigs of fresh mint
• Ice

Preparation:
• Fill pitcher halfway with ice
• Add sliced cucumbers and
mint
• Fill pitcher with water. Chill
for at least 20 minutes before
serving.
• Store in refrigerator and drink
within 24 hours.

Follow the preparation directions
above to make the following:
LOL (LEMON, ORANGE, LIME)
BLEND

Ingredients:
• 1 lemon sliced
• 1 orange sliced
• 2 limes sliced

ROSEMARY WATERMELON
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cubed and seeded
watermelon
2 • 2-3 sprigs rosemary, washed

PEACHY STRAWBERRY
the health benefits of drinking more 1. Elsa Amezcua, Community Health Assistant MEDLEY
III / Nutrition Education & Obesity Prevention
water. To learn more about ‘Rethink (NEOP), helps youth find the number of tea-
Your Drink Day’ click here or visit spoons of sugar in drinks at a ‘Rethink Your Drink Ingredients:
Day’ event at Superior Grocers in Santa Ana.
myHealthOC here for more tips on 2. (left to right): Champion Mom Martha and • 2 cups strawberries, cut in half
how to drink your way to a healthier Marisela Barcenas, Public Health Nutritionist / • 1 peach, pitted, cut in chunks
NEOP, greet visitors at the 17th Street clinic.
summer.


JUNE 2018 19

Taking Strides Toward a Healthier Tomorrow
continued from page 16
know your health numbers (cholesterol, glucose, etc.), leave Biometric Screening numbers to complete your HRA. Once
the questions blank and complete the rest of your HRA in your screening is complete your values will automatically be
its entirety. Your health numbers will be automatically added uploaded.
to your HRA when you complete your Biometric Health Look for additional communication to be mailed to your home.
Screening and your results are received by StayWell®. Global emails will also be sent to those with a County work email.

COMPLETE THE NON-SMOKING ATTESTATION If you are in one of the groups below, please disregard this email:

Log in to ochealthysteps.staywell.com and click Get  Enrolled in Sharewell Choice Plan
Started in the Non-Smoking Attestation block to attest to one  New employees hired as of May 1, 2018
of the non-smoking or stop smoking statements provided.
 Employees on a leave of absence as of May 1, 2018
As a reminder, you can complete your wellness activity steps 
in any order. A dependent enrolled in the Employee Married to
Employee (EME) program
With the approval of your supervisor, you are permitted to
use up to 30 minutes of County time to attend a biometric  Not enrolled in a County Health Plan
screening or lab appointment, and a reasonable amount of For additional information about OC Healthy Steps, visit
time (the average is 20 minutes) to complete the HRA and ochealthysteps.staywell.com or call the OC Healthy Steps/
Non-Smoking Attestation. You do not need to have your StayWell® HelpLine at 1-800-492-9812.



Annual Mental Health Skills Fair Helps Workshop teaches Kids and Parents Healthy Habits
Nurses Keep Their Skills Sharp continued from page 5
continued from page 10
The OC Fair and Events
the Lanterman-Petris-Short Center and Health Care
Act (provides guidelines for Agency’s Nutrition Educa-
handling involuntary civil tion and Obesity Preven-
commitment of individuals to tion program (NEOP)
mental health institutions in hosted the event on April
the State of California). 14. HCA NEOP is proud
to support more than 21
Thank you to this year’s home-based daycares that
Planning Committee mem- serve over 100 children
bers Coletta Franciscus, age 0-5 in Orange County.
Shani Bass, Geoff Glowalla, Four daycare providers recognized during the event include (left to right): To learn more, click here
Nelly Magallanes and Ade- Bianca Rangel (Bianca’s Family Child Care), Gloria Clemens (Clemens Home or email Christine Baun,
Preschool and Childcare), Jorge Avila (Happy Hearts Family Daycare), and
lene Tsujiuchi for contribut- Esperanza Ledesma (ABC Family Daycare). Public Health Nutritionist I.
ing to the success of this
year’s skills fair. This year’s
well-attended event is a tes- Connect with Us
tament to the dedication and
commitment of HCA nurses MISSION
In partnership with the community, protect and
who strive to deliver qual- promote the health and safety of individuals and
ity health care to an often families in Orange County through:
• Assessment and planning
underserved patient popula- • Prevention and education
tion. To learn more about • Treatment and care
Correctional Health Servic-
es, visit www.ochealthinfo.
The What’s Up newsletter is created and distributed
com/about/chs. monthly by HCA Communications. Please call
(714) 834-2178 with any suggestions or comments.
20 What’s Up Newsletter