Public Health News Briefs March-April 09

The time change this year occurs on March 8th. San Juan Basin Health Department’s Times Change campaign includes a public education component that connects up the time change with immunizations. We are urging parents to take a few minutes when they set their clocks forward to protect their children by: 1) checking their smoke detector batteries and 2) checking their child’s immunization record to make sure it’s up-to-date.

 

Through the Times Change grant, San Juan Basin Health will also be providing on-site immunizations at county elementary schools this spring. This is to remove any barriers -- such as easy access and cost – so that all children can receive school-required immunizations. Additionally, Catherine Adams, RN is outreaching to local pediatric offices providing resources and information about new school requirements. To provide most current information and FAQ by parents, San Juan Basin Health partnered with Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition to bring Dr. Brayden from Denver Children’s Hospital to provide an in-service on March 3^rd for local medical professionals; doctors, nurses and administrative staff.

 

Group Well-Child Care Accepting Participants/Patients 

We’re looking for families who’d like to participate in an exciting program of comprehensive well-child care for parents and their baby through 12 months of age. Parents get many benefits from this type of care including: more time with their physician; learning from fellow parents questions and experiences; supportive group environment; and comprehensive care with access to other service providers such as dental, immunizations and mental health; guest speakers presenting on various parenting issues including nutrition, breast-feeding, and sleeping issues.

 

This program is open for anyone who wants comprehensive care for his or her baby; and who has a newborn or whose due date is before April 30, 2009. All insurance accepted including Medicaid and CHP+. If uninsured, please call for payment options. For more information on program or to enroll: call Kathleen at 247-5702, 1532 or email kathleen@sjbhd.org Group facilitated by Kathleen McGinnis, RN a trained pediatric and community health nurse. Pediatric physician care provided by Amy Hurley, MD of Pediatric Partners.

 

Lasso Tobacco Coalition is meeting on Wednesday, March 11th from 11:30 to 1:00 at the Durango Public Library. This meeting will focus on bridging coalition activities with community-wide initiatives. Lunch is provided. To RSVP or for more information, please contact 247-5702 ext. 227.

The Senior Outreach program provides free screenings for anyone over 60 years old. A nurse will test blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, oxygen level, and blood glucose level.

Second Thursday of Each Month (March 12, April 9 and May 14th) 

10:45 - 12:00 at Durango/La Plata County Senior Center

 

Third Thursday of each month in Ignacio (March 19, April 16, and May 21st)

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 at: The Ignacio Senior Center

 

First Friday of Each Month in Bayfield (March 6, April 3rd and May 1st)

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 at: The New Pine River Valley Senior Center at Bayfield

 

San Juan Basin Health welcomes Kathleen McInnis, RN as Integrated Child Health Coordinator, a new grant funded position. The goal is to design and implement a comprehensive well child care system of care for children age 0-5. This could include: integrating dental and mental health services into well-child care. To learn more, contact Kathleen McGinnis at 247-5702, ext. 1532

McInnis has worked as both a pediatric and community health nurse, and as a school nurse for Durango School District 9R. She has a masters degree in community health nursing.

 

 

Southwest Center for Independence and the Southwest Circle Group are sponsoring a community wide brain injury awareness/education event on March 26 from Noon to 2:00 at the Durango Recreation Center. Nancy Freeman, an organizational consultant the training Division of Denver Options will be presenting. For details, call Sharon Mehsey at Southwest Center for Independence at 259-1672.

The HCP Rehab Clinic for children who need rehabilitative services returns to San Juan Basin Health on Friday, April 17 in Durango. HCP is the Healthcare Program for Children with Special Needs. Contact Judy Williams at 247-5702 ext 1529.

 

 

The senior exercise program, Watch Your Step, was wildly successful in its first two years which ended December 31, 2008. Coordinated by the Injury Prevention Coalition of San Juan Basin Health with funding from the Comprecare Foundation in Denver, Watch Your Step was originated to help prevent falls – a leading cause of injury for the elderly. The program had no problem attracting participants and often had waiting lists. It has helped local seniors gain more flexibility and confidence in their balance. The program has become integrated into services at the La Plata County Senior Center as an on-going program.

 

Southwest Smile Makers Dental Clinic Offers Teeth Cleaning for Adults

Southwest Smile Makers Dental Clinic is offering teeth cleaning services for adults. The cost is $60. SmileMakers can now accept CHP+. For more information or to schedule an appointment, 385-4480 in Durango and 264-2409, ext. 33 in Pagosa Springs.

 

“Focus on Your Drive: Arrive Alive” Free Presentation for Community

The Injury Prevention Coalition of San Juan Basin Health Department has created the "Focus on Your Drive: Arrive Alive" project to increase community awareness, education and motivation to decrease distracted driving. The Coalition has created a powerpoint presentation and a nine minute DVD. To schedule a free presentation or request a DVD, please contact pattie at padler@sjbhd.org or 247-5702, ext. 228.

 

Driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. In their study, almost 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention. Primary causes of inattention are distracting activities such as cell phone use, eating and drinking, manipulating music, attending to passengers, grooming, and reading or writing. In an attempt to quantify the local problem, the Coalition conducted a baseline observational survey in 2008. The results showed 22% of drivers had their eyes off the road due to distractive behavior and 15% were using cell phones. The Coalition conducted another survey which revealed that while there is acknowledgement of the problem, there is not strong motivation to do anything about it.

 

A Pediatric Neurology Clinic with Dr. Tom Reiley from The Children’s Hospital in Denver will take place in Durango on May 1^st. Cost varies. Medicaid is billed for client. Other insurance is accepted. No one is turned down due to lack of insurance or inability to pay. Referral from a physician or personal care provider is required.  Contact Judi Williams, RN at 247-5702, ext. 1529 with questions or to schedule an appointment. Please call as soon as possible as the schedule fills quickly.

 

The Pine River Times has partnered with TextCaster to offer free news, weather and sports updates sent to your cell phone or e-mail address. Users can sign up anytime at www.pinerivertimes.com. Messages are free, and can be changed or cancelled at anytime.

 

 Trivia: In just four weeks, San Juan Basin Health gave over 500 TdaP vaccines to local community members who attended TdaP Clinics in Durango, Bayfield an Ignacio in response to the whooping cough outbreak.

 

Please check  for up-to-date job opportunities.

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