Happy Thursday DPH colleagues! The DPH communications team is shaking things up with the newsletter, embarking on a journey of innovation. For the time being we will be transitioning to biweekly editions, all in pursuit of fresh ideas and content that truly resonates with you, our cherished readers.
But we can't do it alone; your insights are invaluable! To ensure the DPH Newsletter aligns perfectly with your desires and needs, please participate in our quick and anonymous survey. Click on the image below to share your thoughts!
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Highlighting staff news, achievements, and milestones.
👋 Congratulations Liz Bowers! | Liz Bowers (Immunization Program) and her family would like to introduce Violeta Avani Fonseca to everyone. Violeta was born at 6:05pm on 8/23/2023. Mom and baby are doing well!
Interesting health related topics to catch up on.
📖 READ | Public Health related articles, stories, and interviews.
Advancing Preparedness for Life Support Users During Power Outages | Power outages pose life-threatening challenges for individuals reliant on electric medical devices, particularly given the increasing frequency of outages linked to natural disasters. Climate Central's report outlines strategies for jurisdictions to better assist these individuals during power outages, from practical measures to more extensive programs, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure their safety. ACCESS REPORT HERE
States Aim to Improve Outcomes for People Experiencing Substance Use During Pregnancy | In 2020, overdose-related deaths among pregnant and postpartum individuals in the United States surged to a record high, marking a 46% increase from 2019. In response, state legislators are actively addressing this critical issue by implementing and considering legislation aimed at enhancing access to care for pregnant individuals dealing with substance use disorder. READ MORE
Using Data and Effective Messaging to Support Strong Vaccine Policy | In the last three years, state legislatures have considered over 2,000 vaccine-related bills. Some bills aimed to expand vaccination access, while others sought to restrict it. Recent pandemic-driven changes, like new laws in Virginia and West Virginia, have expanded healthcare professionals' roles in vaccine administration. Additionally, federal liability coverage for pharmacy professionals administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines has been extended until December 2024, which may influence future state legislation. Using data, evidence-based policies, and trusted messengers is vital as we transition post-pandemic to maintain and strengthen vaccine policies for public health. READ MORE
🎧 LISTEN | Public Health related podcasts, insights, and interviews.
MMWR Weekly Briefing / Sept. 5 | West Nile virus continues as the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., with almost 3,000 cases reported in 2021. The CDC has released its first-ever 'Sepsis Core Elements' to help hospitals strengthen their sepsis programs. Furthermore, the CDC has published its 2023-24 influenza vaccination recommendations, advising that everyone 6 months and older should get their annual flu shot, ideally in September or October. The CDC also recommends a new preventive tool for severe respiratory syncytial virus, the leading cause of infant hospitalizations.
Cutting-Edge Program Boosts Public Health Leadership Skills / Aug. 28 | In this episode, ASTHO highlights the graduates from their Essentials of Leadership and Management (ELM) training in Kentucky, featuring Shannon Rome from the Franklin County Health Department and Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland from the Kentucky Department of Public Health. They discuss the program's positive impact on their work and leadership growth. Avia Mason from ASTHO emphasizes the influence of ELM on public health practitioners and its potential to improve organizational culture and workplace well-being.
📺 WATCH | Public Health related webinars, trainings, and stories.
COVID-19 Questions and Answers / Aug. 25 | CDC Director, Dr. Mandy Cohen, answers common questions about COVID-19.
Set your curiosity loose and be amazed by what you find.
🏝️ Take a trip from your desk | Panorama views of scenic places in the world. I really enjoyed the views of Honolulu—it was my home for over 15 years.
🎵 Time told in text | Keep time with the literature clock. Page will refresh with a new literary excerpt every minute!
🥰 Go on, brag about yourself | How and why you should create a “brag document”
Learning and growth opportunities. ☑️ Internal / ✅ External / ⭐ Idaho
⭐ Public Invited to Idaho Government Transparency Workshops in Boise — or Online / Various Dates / Cost: FREE | Idahoans for Openness in Government invites Idaho residents, officials, and journalists to attend government transparency workshops focusing on open meeting laws, public records laws, and campaign finance laws. These workshops include discussions with the nonprofit group, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, and Idaho Controller Brandon Woolf. Participation is free, offering both in-person sessions at the Lincoln Auditorium in Boise's Idaho Statehouse and online streaming through Idaho Public Television.
The scheduled events include:
Campaign Finance and Lobbying: The rules and how to access data. Presenter: McGrane. This event will be held at 10 a.m. MT Sept. 27.
Idaho Open Meeting Law workshop. Presenters: Brian Kane, former chief deputy Idaho attorney general, and Betsy Russell, IDOG president. This event will be held at 10 a.m. MT Oct. 25.
Idaho Public Records Act workshop. Presenters: Kane and Russell. This event will be held at 10 a.m. MT Nov. 28.
Attendees are asked to register in advance of the workshops at www.openidaho.org or by calling the Idaho State Controller’s Office at 208-334-3100, extension 0.
Questions from the public will be taken during each workshop at idogquestions@gmail.com and will be answered by presenters as time allows.
✅ ASTHO’s Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) Program / Sept. 5 / Applications Open Soon | The ASTHO and SHLI at Morehouse School of Medicine, funded by the CDC, have introduced the Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) program. DELPH aims to boost visibility, networking, and leadership development among mid- to senior-level government public health professionals from underrepresented identity groups. Participants will be chosen from individuals who self-identify as underrepresented, including people of color, those with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This program is set to empower and enhance their leadership capacities. GET MORE INFORMATION HERE
✅ Advancing Maternal Health with Data Equity / Oct. 4 | Discover how data equity drives improved maternal and infant health outcomes in this webinar. Engage with subject matter experts and explore the vital role of providers in advancing maternal health through equitable data practices. REGISTER HERE
✅ It’s a Weighty Matter: Exploring PRAMS Weights / Oct. 5 | Don't miss this insightful, virtual session on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) weight construction, data subsetting, and bias considerations. Learn how health agencies can enhance their analyses and ensure accurate estimations in public health research from experts. REGISTER HERE
✒️ DHW Voice / Sept. 5 | Updated violent death data available for Idaho, by Dr. Emily LaFrance, Division of Public Health
👨🏻💼 DHW Voice / Sept. 1 | Employee council taking shape to help DHW become an employer of choice in Idaho, by DHW Director Dave Jeppesen
📰 DHW Connection / Sept. 1 | DHW Connection Newsletter 106th edition
✒️ DHW Voice / Aug. 29 | Idaho’s vision: Healthy people living and thriving in safe, healthy, and resilient communities, by Elke Shaw-Tulloch, Division of Public Health
👨🏻💼 DHW Voice / Aug. 25 | Let’s gather to recognize the lives of Idahoans who have died from an overdose, by DHW Director Dave Jeppesen
Before you leave please be sure to take our survey! It will help the communications team better serve you in future newsletters. We appreciate your time and feedback!
🎞️ DPH Open House / August 16, 2023 | Power Point and Presentation
💾 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 content in this edition informative and enjoyable to read. If you have an article you’d like us to cover, an idea for a new section, poll suggestion, or a trivia question please Email Me and it may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
For questions, concerns, or suggestions contact Clinton Dela Cruz or Niki Forbing-Orr.
Have a wonderful rest of your week,
Clinton Dela Cruz
Marketing & Health Education Specialist Sr.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
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