Monday will focus on ensuring a safe, healthy home for your family

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  Thursday focuses on protecting you while you are on the move. Just using a seat belt may be one of the most recognizable public health victories. Nowadays, it seems odd to see someone not buckle up. Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists still face preventable dangers on the road. In addition, designing our communities to have safe walking, biking and physical activity opportunities is becoming a priority.
  
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  Friday focuses on empowering a healthy community. Resilient, well-supported public health systems are critical to our nations’ health and future. We have seen reductions in tobacco use and are addressing rising chronic disease rates. We need public health to monitor and protect us from emerging health threats, keep vaccine-preventable diseases at bay, provide life-saving services for vulnerable populations and so much more.
  

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  Coordinated the management of $ 337,709 Public Health Preparedness LINCS Grant
  
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  Coordinated the management of $77,000 County Homeland Security Grant Funds(FY2010)
  
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  Spearheaded receipt and storage of medical supplies and PPE from AmeriCares Foundation worth over $174,000 for use in Superstorm sandy response and recovery
  
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  Coordinated the management of $3,346, Radiological Grant (966) FY 2013
  
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  Conducted all required NJDOH grant requirements with zero deficiencies
  
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  Obtained a score of 100% on NJDOH LTAR annual inspection
  
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  Coordinated development of Ocean County Health Department After Action Report related to SuperStorm Sandy
  
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  Coordinated resupply and inventory of Medical Needs Shelter Trailer with medical supplies and equipment which was used during Superstorm Sandy
  
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  Coordinated resupply of Mobile Morgue Trailer which was used during Superstorm Sandy to store 16 bodies due to a request from the County Medical Examiners
  
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  Spearheaded evaluation of medical needs shelter concept incorporating lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy
  
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  Coordinated high level meetings related to medical needs shelter response with lessons learned and next steps which included representation from NJDOH Deputy Health Commissioner, CEO/VP of 4 area Hospitals, Community Health Centers, Red Cross, NJ Hospital Association and County OEM
  
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  Coordinated meeting with NJ Health Officers Association members related to medical needs shelter response and lessons learned.
  
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  Selected to present “Defining a New Public Health Role in Medical Needs Shelter Operations During Superstorm Sandy” Poster at National NACCHO Public Health Preparedness Conference in Atlanta, GA.
  
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  Provided recommendations on local health department response to Institute of Medicine(IOM) Superstorm Sandy Forum Meeting
  
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  Presented to Philadelphia/Pennsylvania Department of Health on OCHD response to Superstorm Sandy
  
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  Assisted in coordination of community Superstorm sandy outreach efforts (PPE, Mold, DTAP) county wide
  
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  Participated in County Radiological Emergency Response and Planning (RERP) exercises and trainings; recognized by FEMA evaluators for KI distribution process.
  
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  Coordinated 2013 national preparedness month efforts; providing preparedness kits and displays at Toms River and Barnegat library
  

The year 2012, was a busy year in the CDU with new challenges facing its staff. As previously mentioned, pertussis was declared an outbreak early in 2012. CDU staff worked closely with Administration and Public Information to get out information on Tdap vaccination.

The Communicable Disease Unit received 3,124 reports of communicable disease as outlined in N.J.A.C. 8:57. Reportable diseases are electronically submitted to the New Jersey Department of Health. There were 25 outbreaks of disease in the county during 2012. The CDU provides technical assistance, support, and oversight in conducting an investigation. In determining etiology, specimens need to be obtained for additional testing at the state laboratory as appropriate. During an outbreak, the CDU must perform active surveillance for cases and possible secondary transmission of disease. It is essential that the CDU institute control measure to prevent transmission in addition to recommending and overseeing prophylaxis treatment as needed. CDU maintains surveillance of a disease until an outbreak is declared over, usually after two consecutive incubation periods without a new case.

Rabies continues to be an issue in Ocean County. The CDU received and investigated 1,035 reports of animal bites to humans per New Jersey law. Upon receiving reports, the OCHD collaborates with Animal Control Officers for confinement and observation of a biting animal. The CDU facilitated submission of 203 rabies specimens to the state public health laboratory. The OCHD received 31 positive results on the specimens submitted; 1 fox, 2 groundhogs, 4 bats, 10 skunks and 14 raccoons. The OCHD continually, especially during the warmer months when more people are outside, remind people to be cautious of animals that are acting strangely, things they can do around their home to keep animals away, and what to do if they have encountered a strange animal.

The OCHD is also the county distribution center for free rabies vaccination supplies (for domestic animals) provided by the NJDOH. The OCHD maintains an inventory of rabies vaccine and distributes necessary clinic supplies to municipal officials and the Ocean County Animal Facilities. The OCHD also compiles reports of rabies vaccination activity for the NJDOH for supply accountability.

During 2012, the OCHD provided supplies for 20 municipal-run clinics where 3,301 dogs and 608 cats were immunized.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Unit

In 2012, the Ocean County Health Department Alcohol and Drug Unit collaborated with the Legislative Advocacy Committee (LAC) of the Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) from the Department of Human Services to request information from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) regarding state discretionary two funding.  Historically, Ocean County was one of three New Jersey counties that did not receive this funding.  Through local advocacy efforts, the DMHAS reported that the funding was based on an outdated and antiquated funding guideline and subsequently awarded Ocean County $193,651 in state discretionary two for calendar year 2013.  The DMHAS will continue to fund Ocean County in future years with state discretionary two funds. This additional funding was utilized in both inpatient and outpatient modalities to continue to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for Ocean County residents.  These funds will make a huge difference in being able to link residents the appropriate level of care, for example; these funds could fund approximately 94 more residents for 14 days at a short term residential facility.

The Alcohol and Drug Unit is a comprehensive resource that assists Ocean County residents in overcoming substance abuse or chemical dependency problems.

The Alcohol and Drug Unit at the Ocean County Health Department contracts with substance abuse agencies in the local community to provide services to Ocean County residents.  The Alcohol and Drug Unit provides services on a continuum of care ranging from detoxification and inpatient to outpatient services. 

Additionally, the Alcohol and Drug Unit contracts for prevention/education each year. These programs can be provided in schools, the community, other agencies, etc.

During 2012, the Alcohol and Drug Unit in collaboration with the Older Adult Local Advisory Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LACADA), the OCHD Health Education Unit and the Barnabas Health DART Coalition, continued with their survey of 375 older adults on their prescription drug perceptions. The data collected helped this committee to design their community flyer on where and how to dispose of medications.

This Unit also began the Children Impacted by Substance Abuse (CIBSA) newsletter and published two newsletters in 2012.

Intoxicated Driver Resource Center The Ocean County Health Department is responsible for administering the IDRC for Ocean County.   The purpose of the IDRC is to provide a professional education and screening intervention to any county residents convicted of an alcohol or drug related motor vehicle violation.  Clients are assigned by their trial judge to either a 12 or 4-hour IDRC program based on the number or severity of offences.  During the program, each client will receive a brief clinical screening, assessment, and referral to treatment.   If necessary, the client will be referred to a licensed professional or clinic for a full assessment, and must comply with any treatment recommendations made in order to regain their driving privileges. During 2012, 1,189 people attended the IDRC program. Ocean County Health Department Clinics * In 2013, the Ocean County Health Department was identified in the National Top 10 Most Improved Performance for the HIV/AIDS In+Care Campaign for maintaining viral load suppresion. Additionally, Patricia High was awarded the National Quality Center's Award for "Leadership In Quality of Care". * A Medicaid number for Clinic Services has been obtained, however, we are still working with the insurers to initiate appropriate billing. * Clinic Services, in conjunction with other divisions and departments, worked to procure a wireless temperature monitoring system and lab-grade refrigerator using grant-funding to improve real time notification of changes in temperature monitoring vaccine storage. Thanks Leslie for all you do.  Let me know if you need anything else. Patty Ocean County Health Department Home Health Division The Home Health Nursing Division has achieved continued success throughout 2013. The format for our staff education program continues to be evidence and performance based. Recommendations from our Quality Improvement team, publically reported data, and literature reviews are all utilized throughout the year to assist in continued success and achieve quality improvement. Below are two of the publically reported metrics on the Medicare.gov website for “preventing unplanned hospital care.” Hospital readmissions have become a major burden on the US Healthcare system. Preventing Unplanned Hospital Care OCHD Nat’l Avg. How often patients receiving home health care needed any urgent, unplanned care in the hospital emergency room – without being admitted to the hospital* 12% 12% How often home health patients had to be admitted to the hospital* 15% 16% *You want to be lower than Nat’l average for these metrics Data source: Medicare.gov – Home Health Compare As per the most recent publically reported patient satisfaction survey (Home Health Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) ) scores published on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website for the twelve month period (3Q’12 to 2Q’13), the Ocean County Health Department has received scores higher than both the state and national averages in all five categories! The OCHD Home Health Division continues to collaborate with other internal departments in order to promote Home Health services through community events and programs, such as the Ocean County Caregiver Coalition’s Caregiving Awareness Night, the Ocean County College’s Senior Living Expo, and the Senior Expo held at the Jackson Senior Center. CASE MANAGEMENT UNIT ANNUAL REPORT 2013 The Case Management unit provides three distinct services to residents of Ocean County. Special Child Health Services works with children and their families to provide case management services to children with special health care needs from birth to age 21. Most of the referrals come from the Hospital systems birthing centers. Referrals for children identified after birth come from rehabilitation centers, pediatric diagnostic facilities, Pediatrician offices, and school personnel. In addition to children with special health care needs the Special Child Health Case Managers also provide support and administrative oversight to children on the Community Resources for Persons with Disabilities (CRPD waiver). There are 7 children on the CRPD waiver. As the needs of the child and family change families contact their Case Manager for support and referral to appropriate resources. When they have no current needs we inactivate but with one phone call families are able to access the supports of a Case Manager. All Case Managers are either nurses or social workers. Ocean County averages 495 active children and families. We typically get about 513 new referrals each year. Early Intervention works with children from Birth to age 3 and their families who have significant delays in development. Children are evaluated at no cost to the family to determine if the child is eligible for services. If the child is eligible a fee for the service may be assessed based on family income and family size. Services are provided at no cost to all families that fall within 300% of the federal poverty level. Early Intervention is a family training model. The individuals providing the service(s) work closely with the family to direct the family to be the primary caregiver in improving the overall development of the child. The number of services provided and the frequency of the services is determined by the team identified to work with the child and family. A family may decline any of the services recommended without jeopardizing other services. Your Service Coordinator assists the family in identifying the services needed to improve developmental milestones. Your Service Coordinator will also assist you in planning a smooth transition from Early Intervention to preschool, head start, day care or therapy programs. Ocean County is the largest provider of Early Intervention services in New Jersey. We started 2013 providing services to 1216 children and families when 2013 ended we had 1359 children receiving early intervention services. In 2013 1683 new children were found eligible for early intervention. We average 140 referrals each month. June 2013 had the most referrals at 165, December 2013 the lowest at 122. AIDS Community Care Alternative Program (ACCAP) works with adults with AIDS. At this time there are 11 adults participating in this program in Ocean County. Eligibility for this program is determined by the County Board of Social Services and the State Office of Home and Community Services. When determined eligible for this program a specific plan of care needs to be identified and approved for services to be provided. The specific services provided are determined on the plan of care. There is a financial cap for each adult on the program. The services include all Medicaid eligible services. OCEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OCEAN COUNTY ANIMAL FACILITIES 2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS . The Ocean County Animal Facilities were responsible for finding approximately fourteen-hundred homeless pets new homes in 2013. The Ocean County Animal Facilities staff cared for approximately five-thousand animals that were impounded in 2013. Close to one-thousand shelter pets were spayed/neutered at the Ocean County Animal Facilities in 2013. The Ocean County Health Department and Animal Facilities provided funding and staff to the Volunteer Auxiliary for several low cost spay/neuter clinics for county residents and their pets. Revised and implemented pre-series rabies vaccination program for OCAF staff. OCAF’s held 45 rabies clinics in 2013 serving more than one-thousand county pet owners. Set up and maintain new shelter administration office in Barnegat. Commence preparations for new Barnegat animal facility. Participated in several NJ State after action conferences evaluating emergency procedures and CART performance relating to Superstorm Sandy. Continued to implement new and revise existing policies for the OCAF Policy & Procedure Manual. Continued shelter training programs and implemented new programs. Canine Evaluation Animal Handling Cleaning & Disease Control Adoption, Surrender, Reclaim Paperwork Medicating and Vaccine training Customer Service training Hosted the 6th Annual Fall Furfest and Halloween Parade at SOCAF in October with a turnout of more than 30 pets participating and our largest crowd of visitors to date. Hosted several other adoption events during the course of the year at both facilities. By waiving adoption fee’s dozen’s of pets found homes. Continued to assist volunteer groups in attaining their goals and needs by hosting adoption events. (Bake sales, themed photo’s with pets, etc.) Continued to offer support and guidance to the Ocean County Animal Response Team. Continued our aggressive marketing/advertising campaign to promote facilities in an effort to increase pet adoptions. (Radio, newspaper ad’s, press releases, social media, etc.) Continued our campaign to promote responsible pet ownership by attending area animal events and during our group tours of the facility. Early Intervention and Special Child Health Services The year 2012 was the first full year that all the children participating in Early Intervention had a formal reevaluation before their annual review meeting. The purpose of this reevaluation was to insure the children participating in the EI continue to be eligible for the service(s) they are receiving. Ocean County continues to be the largest provider of early intervention services in the state. Ocean County provided early intervention series to 2,626 children in 2012. Of the 2,626 children serviced, 1364 were children newly identified to Early Intervention in 2012. Special Child Health Services works with an average of 689 new families every quarter for a total of 2,757 children per calendar year. Special Child Case Management assists families of children recently born with a delay or disability, to refer the family to the most appropriate support, and services to assist the family. The case manager also works with families of older children, and with families whose child experiences and after birth trauma. Case Managers participate in area fairs for parents of children with special needs and other community-structured events.