May 2005

In 1964 Lola Ward, Dottie Strobel, Lorraine Wall, Thelma Van Antwerpen, and Barbara Hunstable, known as the "Chit Chat Club", from the First Christian Church in Modesto talked with their minister about developing a worthwhile project.

He immediately suggested that they inquire about starting a volunteer organization at the Stanislaus Medical Center. This hospital was the only one in Modesto without such a group.

After about six months of talks and planning, the group was given approval from the county supervisors.

The newly formed group ran an ad in the local paper for additional members. Six women answered the ad: Florence Arnold, Ruby Duarte, Helen Denny, Claire Dunham, Flora Flowers, and Dottie Stevens. Barbara Hunstable was elected as the group's first president.

Their first project was the Information Desk, followed by the distribution of magazines and paperbacks to patients. Soon volunteers were working in the Pediatrics ward, helping the Occupational Therapy Department, developing a pink cart to carry magazines, toiletry items to patients, refurbishing several areas to be used as waiting rooms, and giving Christmas gifts to the patients.

The Gift Shop, bake sales, and boutiques came later.

The first paid coordinator was Agnes McCabe, R.N.

Helen Denny and Flora Flowers are still active volunteers from the original group with over 38 years each of dedicated service.

It is now 40 years later and the volunteers are still meeting their day-today challenges in determination to do the best job possible. The volunteers' friendly smile and cheery uniforms help make each day brighter for the patients. All volunteers continue to be proud of their accomplishments and look forward to service HSA for many more years.

Submitted by Betty Radcliffe

Many things have been happening at the Residency while we've been wading through the rain like everyone else.

The residents recently elected their new Co-Chief Residents for 2005: Dr. Richard Stevens and Dr. Elizabeth Whipkey-Olson. They are already actively involved in taking on the mantel of their new responsibilities.

The Selection Committee, after reviewing all the files of applicants we interviewed, have developed a Rank List, which was submitted to the National Resident Matching Program in Washington, D.C. On March 17th wel had our annual Match Day Party where we learned and shared the names and backgrounds of our New Interns for July 2005.

Preparations are already underway for Follies & Graduations 2005, which will be held on Saturday, June 25th from 1-4 pm. Please mark your calendars, as it's already shaping up to be another entertaining event.

Submitted by Kathy Garcia, Residency Coordinator

After 18 and one half years, I need to say goodbye to all the friends, staff, and patients that I have worked along side, served, and loved. It has been a pleasure most of time, and an honor all the time that I have been with you. We have watched Scenic General Hospital, become Stanislaus Medical Center, and now Health Services Agency. During that time we have graduated nearly 150 residents, many of whom continue to be very important to the health of Stanislaus County.

However, more important than what we have done, is how we have done it. We have tried to honor each person for whom we have cared, and we have reached out to give each one the best service we could. But I have found that focusing on what others need, has freed them up to watch out for what I needed. So many of you have been more patient with me than I expected. Others have given me more credit for good things that have happened than I deserved. In short, you have cared for me in a way that has made my time in Stanislaus County the highlight of my life so far.

I believe the atmosphere of care that we have experienced together here goes way beyond what any one of us has done. I believe that God has allowed us to reflect a little bit of the care He has for each one of us to the world around us.

And I believe that God is not finished with me yet. We all were staggered by the death toll of tsunami that devastated Asia on December 26, 2004 when 150,000 people were washed to their death. But this year 2.5 million people will die of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. That is 150,000 every three weeks. Worldwide, 360 people die every hour, 70% of them in Africa. If this is not bad enough, 600 people are becoming newly infected with AIDS every hour. This means the death toll will continue to get worse every year for the foreseeable future.

This is why I believe that God wants my wife, Madelle, and me to be part of the effective work He is doing through Medical Ambassadors, International, to fight the spread of AIDS in East Africa. Madelle and I will live in Nairobi, Kenya. (And lest you think it is noble for us to leave all our family to go to Africa, I need to remind you that our daughter and her husband already are doing development work in Kenya as missionaries.) Most of those with whom we will work closely in Africa will be Africans. The challenge is immense, but the lessons I have learned working along side each one of you gives me hope that God will yet again exceed my wildest dreams.

I know that the challenges H. S. A. continues to face are big, too. As I thank each one of you for the encouragement you have been to me, I want to offer my encouragement to you to continue what you have already been doing so well….

PRIDE IN SERVICE, COMPASSION IN CARE, EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Submitted by John Payne, MD

Maria Aldrete, Hughson Medical Office
Danielle Bower, Payroll
Norma Bravo, Indigent Health Care
Vandy Dong, Paradise Medical Office
Elizabeth Esparza, PH/HIV
Alonzo Gonzales, Paradise Medical Office
Carrie Gonzalez, Ceres Medical Office
Liza Jardin, Finance
Jackie Kamp, Finance
Renee Mayo, Finance
Alisha Rice, PH/Immunization
Stacie Sharar, Pharmacy
Maria Silva, Family Practice
Astrid Temple, PH/Emergency Preparedness
Brenda Williams, PH/WIC
Harriet Valverde, Information Practices

Dr. John Payne and his wife Madelle enjoy a light-hearted moment during his retirement party in the HSA Martin Conference Room. Dr. Payne was presented with a commemorative watch through donations of HSA staff and friends.

Maria Pasillas, a community health worker for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, has been selected as the Andy Lopez Memorial Award recipient for 2005. The Andy Lopez Award recognizes the most outstanding Allied Health Professional in California's Tuberculosis community. Maria is a ten-year employee of the Health Services Agency.

The sixth annual award and scholarship will be presented at the 2005 California Tuberculosis Controllers Association statewide conference in Berkeley on May 12. The scholarship recipient will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2005 CTCA conference and the 2006 CTCA Conference.

Roberta Perez, a community health worker with the REAL Project, participated in a community health fair and was joined by her granddaughter Athena Pulida, age 5, sporting an HSA fan. Welcome to the team, Athena!

Have you noticed the new green bench outside of the main entrance at the 830 Scenic Suite B location? The HSA Volunteers graciously donated it. "It is something that has been needed for quite some time. The volunteers are very excited to be able to provide comfort to our patients," said Betty Radcliffe.

Several years ago, volunteer Chuck Kolding suggested purchasing a bench because he was concerned about the many visitors sitting on the stairs or in other areas that were not comfortable. Sadly, Chuck passed away in the summer of 2003 and did not see his idea come to fruition. The volunteers had a small ceremony during National Volunteer Week in April to dedicate the bench in honor of their dear friend Chuck. The bench has a small plaque on it that reads " In Memory of Chuck Kolding."

National Volunteer Week was a very special week for the HSA volunteers. The volunteers received lots of thank you cards, treats, and smiles from staff. Thank you for celebrating this special week with them and for appreciating how truly special each one of them are. The National Volunteer Week theme was "Inspire by Example". HSA Volunteers live out this theme each and every day that they are here.

Our condolences to the family of volunteer Martha Zimmerman who passed away on April 30 at the age of 93. Martha had volunteered for 27 years with 9,000 hours of service.

On a celebration note, volunteer Alicemae Walker, born May 12, 1910, will turn 95 on Thursday.

Submitted by Kathy Phillips

The central valley now has some of the worst air quality in the United States and the San Joaquin Valley has a higher incidence of childhood asthma than the Los Angeles area. How is this impacting our community, our children and you?

The May edition of the Stanislaus Health television program looks at asthma and allergies in the central valley. The show is presented by the Health Services Agency Foundation and the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.

The show features interviews with several medical experts, a school nurse, and a college athlete successfully competing with asthma. Learn about the current ways to successfully live with asthma.

The premier edition of the Asthma and Allergies show will play this Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and run through the remainder of the month of May. The program airs on Channel 7 on the Comcast system and Channel 19 on the Charter system.

The show airs five days per week.
Air times are: Monday 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and
Saturday 7 p.m.

For more information on asthma and allergies, you can also visit the program's web site by going to www.stanislaushealth.com

The dramatic increase in the number of reported sexually transmitted diseases in Stanislaus County has prompted the local public health department to open a new clinic.

Effective Wednesday, May 11, 2005, the Public Health Department of the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is opening a sexually transmitted disease clinic at the main Public Health Department building at 820 Scenic Drive in Modesto. Clinic hours will be each Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. by walk-in or appointment. For appointments call (209) 558-8866.

HEDIS (Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set) is an annual state-mandated quality improvement initiative required of all managed health plans. It is a retrospective review of medical records to assess the quality of health care services provided by managed health plans to its members. Blue Cross of California State Sponsored Programs annually performs the HEDIS studies at our ambulatory clinics, CHDP and CHS units

We would like to thank all the clinic managers, public health nursing supervisors and staff for your assistance in getting the job done. Although there was a month's delay in obtaining the list from Blue Cross, we still met the deadline!

Our special thanks to Kuldip Maderr, Silvia Hernandez, Barbara Simpson, Delphine Kunz, Ruth Perez, Karla Martinez, Sharon Lopez, Irma Miguel, Tricia Parga, Dian Campos, Gale Buchanan, Cyndi Grabow, Chris Ross and Melinda Barcellos for being so organized, patient, and helpful.

You are a GREAT team to work with!

Submitted by Nilda Johnson

Get Moving: Add Steps to Your Day!
A 10,000-step day is considered a healthy level of activity and equals about 5 miles. Most individuals take between 2,000-5,000 steps per day without much activity. Set reasonable goals by making small changes and most importantly think positive. Here are some great tips on how to add steps while having fun:
* Start a walking club with your friends or co-workers.
* Take several short 10 minute walks (perfect for break times at work)
* Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
* Plan active weekends (bowl, dance or play in the park)

Submitted by Rocio Huerta

Customer Service

Assert yourself with positive communication
Dealing successfully with government customers requires positive words and deeds. Try these effective customer service communications techniques:
* Refer to customers by name when you converse with them
* Be prompt & efficient to convey a positive image
* Provide explanations when needed. Helping customers understand shows respect.
* Demonstrate positive body language and voice tone. Maintain eye contact, listen actively, nod in agreement, speak with enthusiasm, sincerity & confidence.
*Remember to say "thank you."

Safety Corner

When being ranked #1 is not a good thing
County fourth quarter 2004 injury stats were shared in January. HSA ranked number #1 with 32 OJI's recorded for the fourth quarter. Normally, we rank around 3rd or 4th out of all county departments.

The top six injury causations were:
* Slip/Trip/Fall 7
* Repetitive Motion 5
* Contact/Exposures 5
* Cut/Puncture/Scrape 4
* Strain 3
* Motor Vehicle Collision 3
Employees are reminded to keep their safety in mind at all times.

New Driving Law

New Driving Law
Effective July 1st 2005, every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, will be operated with headlamps lighted when the weather conditions require the windshield wipers to be in continuous use. (AB 1854, Simitian)

Information Technology Tips

Leaving a message: When the phone is on call forwarding please slowly state name, call back number, and device name of equipment that you are having problems with.

Board Agenda Items

HSA ITEMS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2005

4-05-05
APPROVAL OF THE 2005 COMMUNITY HEALTH REPORT FOR STANISLAUS COUNTY

4-19-05
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SERVICES BETWEEN DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER AND THE HEALTH SERVICES AGENCY FOR DISBURSAL OF FUNDS FROM THE HSA TO DMC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SB 12/612, HOSPITALS FUND, FOR UNCOMPENSATED EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE FOR THE PERIOD 7-01-04 THROUGH 6-30-05