Happy Thursday DPH Colleagues! Prep your lightest wardrobe because the rest of the week is turning up the heat like a freshly baked potato. In other hot news, we have some great articles in this edition, updates to previously shared stories, and more learning opportunities to participate in. Grab a cool beverage and enjoy the read. And if you’re going to be outside this week be sure to slap on some broad-spectrum sunblock of at least SPF 30 — your future self will thank you.
I also encourage you to take a dive into the Valuable Knowledge section of the newsletter. This week we’ve packed it with great learning materials that are definitely worth a read. ICYDK we’ve made available an Archives page for you to quickly sort through by newsletter section if you need to find past content. See the bottom of this newsletter for our full list of repository links.
🐱🏍 Mascot Madness Wrap-Up | WOW! We had our highest participation in a poll yet, with 60 participants and 137 votes (up to 3 votes allowed). I’m excited to announce that “Dr. Tater, the Public Health Innovator” won by a landslide victory garnering 32 votes, which was 14 votes more than the runner up. In next week’s edition I will introduce our new newsletter mascot. Thank you for participating!
BUZZ AROUND THE OFFICE
Highlighting staff news, achievements, and milestones.
🥾 DPH Hike | A few photos from last week’s division hike at Cottonwood Creek
🏆 Lab-solutely Amazing! | The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories has been recognized with two prestigious awards. Two staff members from the lab were part of working groups that received accolades from the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors.
The H-7 Committee on Diagnostic X-Ray, which is chaired by Rikki Waller, was awarded the “Board of Directors Award for Meritorious Service” by the Conference for Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) for their work on reviewing issues and topics related to diagnostic X-Ray. Their hard work allows CRCPD to readily provide information and recommendations on current medical radiation issues and practices to its membership.
Ty Sollender’s working group was awarded the CRCPD “Board of Directors Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Radiation Protection” for work they did to improve CRCPD’s social media presence, redesign the CRCPD logo, and plans to rebuild the CRCPD website in the future.
These accomplishments reflect the dedication, expertise, and exemplary contributions of the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories and its staff. Well done on these well-deserved recognitions!
THE INFO ZONE
This isn’t the twilight zone, it’s real life.
👩⚕️ Rethinking Rural Care | New research suggests that policymakers seeking to improve healthcare outcomes in rural areas should consider shifting strategies from attracting doctors to offering subsidies for patients to access care in larger cities. According to a research brief from the University of Chicago's Becker Friedman Institute, adding more doctors and healthcare providers in rural areas can benefit patients in need of emergency or time-sensitive services, however, simply adding more providers may not be sufficient to address the rural-urban disparity in care quality and patient outcomes, especially regarding specialty care.
“Even if care is moved to rural areas, those hospitals can’t attain the same levels of specialization, expertise, and experience that we see in larger markets,” said Joshua Gottlieb, a health economist and associate professor with the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, who worked on the report.
Bridging the rural-urban divide in care quality, particularly in specialty care, may require addressing transportation affordability and access for patients to seek care in cities. It is important to acknowledge that a patient's willingness to travel for medical care is often influenced by their socioeconomic status and is another barrier that needs to be addressed to ensure equitable access to healthcare.
🌐 Health System Security | As highlighted by a recent study from Censinet, KLAS Research, and the American Hospital Association (AHA), health systems are mostly reactive than proactive to cybersecurity threats. The study analyzed responses from 48 healthcare organizations and revealed that while strong email system protections are in place, medical device cybersecurity safeguards are lagging behind. In fact, only 54% of organizations reported adequate coverage in this area, indicating an industry-wide vulnerability. This is concerning considering the increasing number of data breaches in healthcare providers, with around 120 reported so far in 2023.
By improving cybersecurity measures, by aligning with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP) guidelines, healthcare organizations may prevent costly attacks that can average around $10 million in damages. Additionally, proactive monitoring and addressing of vulnerabilities in medical devices, as recommended by the FDA, are crucial for ensuring patient safety and protecting sensitive data.
👩🦳 Mammogram Recommendations UPDATE | Last week I reported on changes to the USPSTF mammogram guidelines, however, I did not clearly state that this was still in the Draft Recommendations phase. Please note that the CDC has not shared the final recommendation nor have they stated when that will be released. Hannah Day, Health Program Manager for Women’s Health Check, has shared more information on the mammogram draft recommendations:
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force is now recommending women get screened every other year starting at the age of 40 according to new draft recommendations. The USPSTF has found that starting breast cancer screening 10 years earlier could save thousands of lives per year. The draft recommendations, issued Tuesday, May 9, 2023, state that women who are between ages 40 and 74 should have screening mammograms every two years.
The new advice is a change from current guidelines, which formally advise starting biennial screening by age 50 but suggest women in their 40s discuss the benefits and risks of mammography with their doctors and come to an individual decision. Recent evidence shows more women in their 40s are getting breast cancer, with the number of newly diagnosed women increasing about 2 percent each year, said John Wong, an internist and professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, who is on the task force. The panel now estimates that by starting screening earlier, doctors can detect breast cancers earlier, saving more lives.
Public comment on the draft recommendations are open until June 6, 2023. Please visit Draft Recommendation: Breast Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org) for more information.
🔥 RAPID FIRE | News in a nutshell
Nurse Crisis | About two-thirds of the thousands of foreign-born nurses looking to work in the US will not be able to immigrate due to a State Department freeze.
Merger Block | Amgen's $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics is being challenged by the FTC, marking the agency's first major attempt to block a pharmaceutical merger in over a decade.
Milk Ban | Chocolate milk might bid farewell to school lunch menus as the USDA is weighing a ban (a second proposed rule change limits added sugar levels) on flavored milk for elementary and middle school students. Over 90,000 comments have been submitted on the proposed changes.
ESCAPE HATCH
Set your curiosity loose and be amazed by what you find.
Dr. Tater the Public Health Innovator will debut in next week’s newsletter! Thank you for participating in our first poll series. More to come in the future!
→We’ll return next week with a new Poll introduced by our mascot!
📅 This Week in History | On May 14th, 1796, an English country doctor named Edward Jenner carried out a groundbreaking medical procedure in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Jenner administered his revolutionary cowpox-based vaccine for smallpox. This pivotal moment in medical history paved the way for the prevention and eventual eradication of smallpox.
🍼 Baby Names | The Social Security Administration just dropped the most popular baby names for 2022. Liam and Olivia are still ruling the charts. The biggest surprise, at least to me, was that the name Dutton, inspired by the TV show Yellowstone, skyrocketed up a mind-boggling 986 spots to claim the 835th position. It seems like the wild west fever has caught up with the next generation!
📽️ Gettyistory | History of the world as told through Getty images, and no, this doesn’t replace high school history.
🖌️ Well-Timed Schedules | Need some inspiration for your daily routine? Here’s a visualization of how some famous creatives spent their days. Personally, I’m on the Ben Franklin plan.
Valuable Knowledge
For the lifelong learners in all of us.
📚 Some of this week’s most interesting health related topics to catch up on.
New Healthy People Infographics: Social Determinants of Health Literature Summaries | ODPHP has released 5 new social determinants of health (SDOH) Infographics, covering important topics such as employment, early childhood development, access to health services, healthy dietary patterns, and civic participation. These infographics highlight how social determinants impact health outcomes and represent examples from the 5 domains of SDOH: Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Health Care Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, and Social and Community Context.
Making the Connection Between Health in All Policies and State Health Improvement Plans | Integrating Health in All Policies (HiAP) into state health improvement plans (SHIP) can create a synergistic approach to advance cross-sector work, improve health, and promote equity. A report showcases seven HiAP strategies that align with state health improvement planning, emphasizing how Wisconsin and Tennessee successfully connected HiAP and SHIPs to enhance health outcomes, address racial equity, improve communication, and incorporate health data in decision-making processes. READ ON
Accessible Community Design to Support Physical Activity and Outdoor Recreation for People of All Ages and Abilities | Physical activity is vital for improving health, mobility, cognitive function, mental well-being, sleep quality, and reducing the risk of falls and serious illnesses. However, many adults with mobility disabilities and older adults remain inactive, especially those with chronic diseases. Enhancing outdoor spaces through community design strategies can create opportunities for people of all abilities to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity and lead healthier lives. READ ON
Leadership Trailblazer Spotlight: Micky Tripathi, HHS’s Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology | This Q&A with Micky Tripathi emphasizes the importance of data modernization in public health, including the shift to digital foundations, shared information technology infrastructure, interoperability, and the role of the private sector. It also discusses the potential of data modernization in emergency preparedness, the role of health information exchanges (HIEs), and the focus on health and racial equity. READ ON
EXPERT EXCHANGE
Participate in these learning and growth opportunities. ☑️Internal / ✅External
☑️ Quality Improvement (QI) Training / May 31 (9:00-10:00am) | Dan Ward will be providing a virtual one-hour QI training on May 31. The training will cover three brainstorming techniques, including structured, unstructured, and silent brainstorming, and will also demonstrate the utilization of an affinity diagram, a tool to help structure brainstorming ideas.
The training will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each brainstorming technique, enabling you to choose the appropriate one to use. Moreover, Dan Ward will guide attendees on how to use affinity diagrams to collect and group ideas into a visual pattern, prioritize and select which idea(s) to pursue. REGISTER HERE
✅ Community Health Worker Accelerated Core Training / June 1, 2023 / Instructors: Jennifer Cornie & Katy Rogers | This comprehensive training program offers individuals the opportunity to acquire essential Community Health Worker (CHW) knowledge and competencies. The program consists of a self-paced curriculum, synchronous online sessions, and additional health topic modules chosen by the student. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Core CHW Training Certificate of Completion and may be eligible for a stipend. ENROLL HERE
✅ APHA’s 2023 Policy Action Institute / June 15-16, 2023 | In-person and virtual registration options available now. APHA's Policy Action Institute brings together public health leaders, students and advocacy experts for a collaborative event to discuss proven and proposed policy solutions to tackle today’s most pressing health threats. REGISTER HERE
✅ Public Health Management Certificate / August 21, 2023 – July 31, 2024 | The Public Health Management Certificate offered by Northwest Center for Public Health Management (NWCPHP) is set to welcome a new cohort this fall, featuring a brand-new workshop aimed at helping public health professionals develop equitable leadership skills. Led by Kendra Liljenquist, the Positionality Workshop will explore the intersections of identity and offer practical strategies for engaging with diverse groups. REGISTER HERE
☑️ DPH Mentorship Opportunity / Ongoing | The Division of Public Health Mentorship Program is in need of mentors! If you love meeting and helping others, and sharing your public health experiences and knowledge, or have any questions on the DPH Mentorship Program, please email DPHMentorshipProgram@dhw.idaho.gov.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT
Weekly trivia questions related to health and science.
🧠 Four Truths and a LIEce | Among these 5 head lice statements, can you spot which one is False?
Head lice seem to prefer clean hair over dirty hair.
Head lice can survive underwater for several hours.
Head lice can jump from one person to another while swimming in a pool.
Head lice infestations are more common in children than in adults.
Head lice spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact.
[answer is at the end of the newsletter]
HELPFUL HUB
Stay on track with these resources and reminders.
📇 LUMA | Don’t forget to Claim Your New State ID!
🧱 Quality Improvement | 2023 QI Training Schedule offered by Dan Ward. Additionally, groups can request personalized trainings or facilitation for specific problem-solving needs, and individuals can schedule one-on-one training for QI tool usage or specific QI activities. Email Dan for more information.
🔔 PHAB Reaccreditation | Please update the PHAB Progress Tracker with ALL current information to the status of your measures. PHAB Tracker “Office Hours” available at 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you do not see the office hours meeting in your calendar please email me and I’ll add you to the list.
📑 End to the PHE | In response to the conclusion of the Federal Public Health Emergency, DPH has created a document with how this impacts vaccinations, testing, and other services.
📝 Masking | As a reminder, please follow current CDC Guidance, as posted. Note: Wearing of masks is optional based on your own personal comfort level when in DHW offices.
SECURITY CHECKPOINT
Secure your human with these tech tips and resources.
👨💻 To ensure you're aware of any potential disruptions to our digital networks and systems, it's important to sign up for text and email alerts. These alerts will notify you of any outages or interruptions, including estimated resolution times and the cause of the issue, allowing you to plan your workday accordingly. If you haven't already, you can enroll in this service by following the instructions provided in the "Email and Text Alerts for Network Outages" document on the ITHelp site.
To Enroll in Mobile Text Alerts
Go to ITHelp, and on the “Alerts & Notification” tab, select “Email and Text Alerts for Network Outages” for detailed instructions, or to go directly to the enrollment form, click https://mobile-text-alerts.com/subscribe/idhw.
Select the “ITSD_Alerts” checkbox under Groups on the enrollment form.
Click on the “Sign up Now” link.
When you enter your email address, you will receive your alert by email, and if you enter a mobile phone number, you will also receive a text alert message.
If you're not already subscribed to the text and email alerts for DHW network and system outages, we highly recommend doing so. This simple step will empower you to navigate disruptions and maintain a seamless workday experience.
👩💻 IT SERVICE DESK | 208-334-5673 → Option 1/2 OR visit IT HELP for minor IT-related issues.
WRAP-UP ROUNDUP
You did it! Thanks for making this far!
🧠 Answer | 3. Head lice can jump from one person to another while swimming in a pool is FALSE.
Contrary to popular belief, and what I’m sure many of us heard growing up, head lice do not actually have the ability to jump or swim. They crawl and spread through direct head-to-head contact, making it highly unlikely for them to transfer from person to person in a pool.
👨🏻💼 DHW Voice / May 12, 2023 | Idaho is doing exciting things to help its children overcome serious challenges and become more resilient by DHW Director Dave Jeppesen
👩🏼💼 DHW Voice / May 9, 2023 | Looking forward as the Public Health Emergency ends this week by DPH Administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch
✒️ DHW Voice / May 2, 2023 | Idaho needs foster families. Can you help? by Cameron Gilliland, Division of Family and Community Services
📰 DHW Connection / May 12, 2023 | Most recent DHW Connection Newsletter
💾 CTRL+S | A repository for our awesome content, minus the dust bunnies.
🙏 Thank you for reading this week’s DPH Communications Newsletter! I hope you found the contend in this edition informative and enjoyable to read. If you have an idea for a new poll, an interesting link to share, or a public health trivia question please Email Me and it may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
For questions, concerns, or suggestions contact Clinton Dela Cruz or Angela Wickham.
Have a wonderful rest of your week,
Clinton Dela Cruz
Communications Engagement Specialist
CDC Foundation Field Employee
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
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