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Distributed monthly to Health Care Agency staff. Contains tributes to employees, tips for the workplace, program news, and other helpful directives and information for employees.
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February 2021 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: Crystle Retezan: “Trust & Teamwork” Operation Independence You’ve Been Vaccinated for COVID-19, What Now? Super Response to Super PODs Mobile PODs for Seniors 5 Things You Need to Know About: Emergency Rental Assistance Program COVID-19 Strike Team COVID-19 Resources Welcome Anza Vang Town Hall: Health Care Agency Be Well OC Campus Opens From Bullied to Emboldened Zest for Health: Fish Fillets with Fresh Tomatoes January 2021 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Experts Talk Vaccines Vaccine Hesitancy Survey 100 Most Influential in Orange County Mobile Field Hospitals 5 Things You Need to Know About: OTHENA App Office of Population Health and Equity From Bullied to Emboldened Be Well OC Campus to Open Leveraging Your Benefit: myStrength Zest for Health: One Pot Vegetarian Stew December 2020 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Herd Immunity is Only Possible with a Vaccine New Chief of Staff/Assistant to the Director Peer to Peer: Cecile Truong - A Public Health Nurse Through and Through Pandemic Fatigue: Tips and Resources for Staying Vigilant and Healthy COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce Three New Mental Health Awareness Campaigns Spread Cheer Not COVID-19 or the Flu this Holiday Season New Deputy Health Officers The Reward of Helping 5 Things You Need to Know About: Blueprint for a Safer Economy Student Mask Message Contest New Stigma Free OC Email Signature Website Migration Update Congratulations to Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award Winners Safe Dine OC November 2020 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer to Peer: Nicole LeMaire – A Transitional Year Heroes Work Here New Division Manager for California Children's Services Advising the State on COVID-19 Vaccine 5 Things You Need to Know About: Health Equity Award Winning COVID-19 Campaign COVID-19 Homelessness Response Antibody Screening Finds COVID-19 More Prevalent Than Thought Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Awards Zest for Health: Turkey Tacos Service Awards - 2020 Third Quarter Employee Service Awards October 2020 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer to Peer: Norma Sanchez – A "Go-to" Person SOAR Awards New Public Health Director New Public Guardian Behavioral Health Services COVID-19 Response Coping with COVID-19 5 Things You Need to Know About: COVID-19 Sheriff's Award for Correctional Health Services Juvenile Health Services Influenza Award Free Flu Shot Employee Honors Homeless Navigation Center in Huntington Beach Groundbreaking Employee Directory App Zest for Health: Strawberry Pops Leveraging Your Benefits: Credit Union March 2020 Issue (PDF)
Director’s Message Peer-to-Peer: David Sanchez – Teaching and Learning Peer-to-Peer Follow-up: Sara Moskowitz Good Start for Release Re-entry Program New Behavioral Health Training Center 5th Annual Soar: Save the Date Keeping Vaccines Safe for Everyone 5 Things You Need to Know About: Automated Chest Compression Devices Discussing Homelessness in Orange County County Employee Wellness Center Lunar New Year Celebration Check Your Sodium Intake A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Zest for Health: March is National Nutrition Month Leveraging Your Benefits: OC Credit Union/Tax Assistance February 2020 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer to Peer: Maria Soza - Returning the Favor Be Well OC 2020 Action Plan Flu Surveillance What Vaccines are Made Of Sheriff's Housing Unit for Military Veterans For 2020 SEE Who You Can Be, When You Are Smoke-free Supervisors Elect New Chair/Vice Chair CalOptima Recruitment Underway New/Retired Email Signatures MYTHS and FACTS about Grief Leveraging Your Benefits: Dealing With Grief Zest for Health: Italian Caprese Avocado Toast January 2020 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: David Atkins - Sharks, Sea Lions and Service Preventing Harassment Training Video Orange County United to Fight Homelessness AlertHCA Drills Set to Begin Agency Wide Working a Major Spill During a Major Holiday 5 Things You Need to Know About: Substance Use Disorder Services "Thank You" to Food Safety Staff Health Care Agency Releases Report: Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Orange County, CA Appreciation for Courtyard Transitional Center Partners Creating Safe Routes to School How Vaccines are Developed Zest for Health: Romaine, Mango, and Jicama Salad Leveraging Your Benefits: There's a Library of Benefits Service Awards - 2019 Fourth Quarter Employee Service Awards December 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: Socorro Castro "Stability & Flexibility" OC Health Care Agency Staff Describe Deployment to Kincade Fire in Sonoma County New Leaders Take the Helm at Environmental Health Behavioral Health Services Select New Medical Director And the 2019 Steve Ambriz Award Winner is... Congrats to New Deputy Purchasing Agents 5 Things You Need to Know About: Suicide Report The Jail to Community Re-Entry Program New Women, Infants and Children Cards Makes Shopping Easier Compliance and Integrity are in Your Hands Learning From the OC Women's Health Summit Celebrating 7 Years of Healthier Together Orange County is the Leader in Healthy Champions Operation Santa Claus November 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Tell Us What's Up! Peer-to-Peer: Nancy Cortez: Data Driven Honor for California Children's Services Be Well OC Campus Groundbreaking Securing Child Safety Seats, One Seat at a Time 5 Things You Need to Know About: St. Louis Encephalitis Successful Outreach for Human Services A Summit of Services for Veterans Thank You for Veterans Containing Candida Auris in Orange County Walking with a Purpose Get to Know Custodian of Records Zest for Health: Sweet Potato and Apple Soup-In Waiting Leveraging Your Benefits: Spending for the Holidays October 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Tell Us What's Up! Peer-to-Peer: Alfredo Valle "Preparing the Public" Flu Surveillance in Orange County Preventing Youth Vaping in Orange County Providing Knowledge and Education for Our Future Nurses Suicide Prevention Week in Orange County Meet the 2019 Steve Ambriz Team Nominees Mobile Food Facility Outreach Service Awards - 2019 Fourth Quarter Employee Service Awards Saying 'Food Safety' in Bangla aka Bengali Learning How to Save a Life Promoting Health Snacks in Orange County October is SIDS Awareness Month Atypical NOT ATypical Fire for Health HazMat Parking Lot NEWS! Get Your Free Flu Shot! Prepare for the Great Shakeout Zest for Health: Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins Leveraging Your Benefits September 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Tell Us What's Up! Peer-to-Peer: Colleen Brody - Passion & Purpose New Dental Health Officer in Family Health Improving Outcomes for all Mothers & Babies 5 Things You Need to Know About: The Be Well OC Regional Wellness Campus [Secure] Way to Protect Email Data in Emails Dispensing Pills in Correctional Health Prepared Not Scared, National Preparedness Month 2019 www.1866NEWLUNG.com is Online! Networking for Human Services Providers Play a Part in Suicide Prevention Creating Workplace Wellness Advocates Covering OC During National Night Out 2019 Giving the Gift of Life Funding for Mental Health Services in Jails Zest for Health: Ceviche Leveraging Your Benefits August 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Tell Us What's Up! Peer-to-Peer: Maria Pirona, A Transformational Theme New OC Health Care Agency Intranet Site New County Health Officer More Food Sites to Inspect at the OC Fair The Plan to be Healthier Together Gold Star Awarded to Jason Austin 5 Things You Need to Know About: DROWNING PREVENTION Award-winning Outreach Campaign for Recycling of Used Oil & Oil Filters Operation Santa Claus A New Homeless Project and "Hope for More" HIV, It's a Human Thing Campaign A First in Orange County for Gay Men's Health New Name, New Home for Office of Vital Records It's National Breastfeeding Month, Lactation Accommodation in the Workplace Filling Needs with Donations for Young Lives A Major Conference on Childhood Obesity Labor Management Committee, Reflection on Winning Steve Ambriz Award Leveraging Your Benefits Zest for Health July 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: Rob Panaligan, Paying it Forward Hundreds Given Training to Save a Life Promoting a Cultural Competency Mindset 5 Things You Need to Know About: Elder Abuse KNBC-TV Interview on Innovative Tuberculosis App In Remembrance Mental Health Awareness Month a Success Carrying the Ball on Tuberculosis Testing Girl Scouts + Public Health = Badges Bomb Threat Call at Environmental Health Trauma Center Review in Orange County Leveraging Your Benefits - Step to Better Health and Get a Credit Service Awards Labor Management Committee 101 Applications for Steve Ambriz Awards Zest for Health June 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: Vanessa McDowell, "From Intern to Service Chief" One Week in the Life of an EPI Response Frequently Asked Questions about Measles Nurses: Outbreak, Opioids & OC ACCEPT A Summit for Lessons and Preparedness Public Health Creates "Nurse Response Teams" Meet Two New Chiefs of Operations Supervisor's Tour & Briefing Peer Into the Future Answering the Public's Call on Measles Accolades and Thank You to Nurses On Guard for Bioterrorism Lab Olympics Everyone Counts - Going Forward with Point In Time Count Sexually Transmitted Disease - Express Testing Swapping Healthly Drinks for Sugary Drinks Zest for Health May 2019 Issue (PDF)
Deputy Agency Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: Gerrit Kovach, "Hands On, Team First" More on Mental Health Matters Month 2019's Theme: Strength in Community Public Health Puts on a Show(case) Infectious Disease on Flight 1234 Disability to Ability Via 3D Printing First MEASLES Case in Orange County in 2019 Get in Style the County of Orange Way 5 Things You Need to Know About: PERTUSSIS Seeking Nominees for "Challenge Awards" Zest for Health April 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: Loralee Page-Ortez, "You Are Here!" is Clear A Focus on Data for Authority and Quality Action Items from Meetings in Washington, DC Putting Your Clothes to Work Looking for Healthier Stores in Santa Ana Goodbye to Doctor Eric Handler Susan G. Komen: "Worker Bee Award" Reducing the Spread of Superbugs Hospitality, the Hazardous Materials Way Attention: General Safety Training Charlotte Egan: A Rarity Among 89 Award Recipients Service Awards - 2019 Fourth Quarter Employee Service Awards (January 1 - March 31 Hire Dates) "Thank you" to the County's Social Workers DEA National Takeback - Take Them Back - Saturday, April 27th Zest for Health March 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer: Sara Moskowitz is Helping Young Adults to Write the Story of Their Lives Minding and Mending Children's Mental Health New Role for Emergency Medical Services Doctor Health HazMat Team now in "Busy Cycle" Prepping for "The Big One" 5 Things You Need to Know About: Recent Storms Cast Your Ballot for Public Health Showing the Impact of a New Facility New Food Laws from Kitchens to Sidewalk Vendors Zest for Health February 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer More Connections for WPC Connect HCA Helping Build a Village for Homeless Vets 5 Things You Need to Know About: New Year, New Makeup on the OC Board of Supervisors Congratulations and So Long, Dr. Sam Stratton From the Flu Desk HCA Websites Now Prepping for "The Big Move" Let's Get Ready to "SOAR" Raise Your Spirit for Better Health The CHAT on Hepatitis A & Influenza What's Up Survey Putting Smiles on Children 9-1-1 Now Just a Text Away in the OC Zest for Health January 2019 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer How to Receive Your W-2 Form Electronically by January 24 Health Care Agency's Internet Sites Will Move to New Platform Orange County Reaches Milestone of 100+ Champion Moms! 5 Things You Need to Know About: California Senate Bill 972 Service Awards - 2018 Fourth Quarter Service Awards (10/1 - 12/31 Hire Dates) Zest for Health Complete Annual Compliance Training by February 1st December 2018 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer WPC Poster Win Ribbons at Statewide Convening HCA Releases Oral Health Strategic Plan 5 Things to Know November 2018 Issue (PDF)
The Fentanyl Epidemic POD Exercise Prepares OC Cities for Disaster Response Health Inspectors & Food Operators Partner for Success Path to Becoming an EH Specialist 5 Things to Know October 2018 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Family Health Services Launches New Smile Habits OC Website and Ad Campaign 2018 Steve Ambriz Team Nominees Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic Receives Ryan White Award 5 Thing You Need to Know September 2018 Issue (PDF)
Deputy Agency Director's Message Peer-to-Peer A Look Inside the Intake Health Screening Process 5 Things to Know About Oral Healthcare Does the Whole Body Good Providing for Youth's Healthcare Needs is No Small Task August 2018 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message HCA Announces New Appointments A Firsthand Look at How Environmental Health Keeps Fairgoers Safe 5 Things to Know Personal Stories Among Those Shared at Public Forum Wrapping Up Mental Health Awareness Month July 2018 Issue (PDF)
Administrative Director's Message Team Building Activities Promote Staff Camaraderie Helping Hands of the Agency: A Firsthand Look at Volunteering 5 Things to Know About Year-End Is the Busiest Time of Year for Accounting Services FY 2018-19 Budget Infographic June 2018 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Peer-to-Peer Whole Person Care Pilot Program Wins Top NACo Honors Expanded County Contracted Narcotic Replacement Therapy Services 5 Things You Need to Know OC HCA Celebrates our Fantastic Nurses May 2018 Issue (PDF)
PHS Director's Message Building Healthier Communities Through Grassroots Effort Event Recognizes Work of Public Health Programs Peer-to-Peer Retirement News OCHealthierTogether.org Announces New Updates and Tools April 2018 Issue (PDF)
Director's Message Environmental Health Hosts Delegation from China's FDA HCA Assists With Temporary Expansion of Bridges at Kraemer Place 5 Things You Need to Know Tele-Psychiatry Services Expanded to Meet Growing Need March 2018 Issue (PDF)
BHS Director's Message BH Crisis Services Are Expanding Collaborative Court Programs Help Our Clients Succeed Property in Orange Will Offer Co-Located BH Services Peer-to-Peer February 2018 Issue (PDF)
Environmental Health Provides Assistance to Santa Barbara County Opioid Forum 5 Things You Need to Know Retirement News January 2018 Issue (PDF)
Peer-to-Peer Our Biggest Losers are Winners! OC Selected to Participate in Workshop to Address Community Needs Get to Know Chris Prevatt December 2017 Issue (PDF)
2017 Steve Ambriz Award Winner Service Awards New County Email Retention/Deletion Policy 5 Things You Need to Know November 2017 Issue (PDF)
Food Brings Everyone Together Frequently Asked Questions AlertHCA HCA Achieves Near Paperless Health Record Designation New Resource Shows How Our Community's Kids are Doing October 2017 Issue (PDF)
Peer-to-Peer: Jason Garcia 5 Things You Need to Know Stop the Flu Before It Stops You! Participants Go Door-To-Door to Test Emerging Mosquito-Borne Disease September 2017 Issue (PDF)
Walk for a Cause With Team BHS 5 Things You Need to Know That's Some "Quality" Sampling: a Firsthand Look at How We Keep Beachgoers Safe Breastfeeding Moms and Their Families Find Comfort at the OC Fair August 2017 Issue (PDF)
Donate to OC Shelters with a Simple Click A Fair Assessment: Firsthand Look at OC Fair Food Inspections 2017 Compliance Survey Results Are In 5 Things You Need to Know About West Nile Virus July 2017 Issue (PDF)
On-Site Certificate Program Helps Staff Receive Master's in Public Health Waste Not OC Coalition Named Community Champion of the Year Contracts Administrator Shares Passion for Perseverance Mental Health Matters Month Messages Resonate Countywide Get Notified About Orange County or Work Location Emergencies May 2017 Issue (PDF)
New Public Health Lab Director Lands Dream Job Meet Correctional Health Services' Go-To "Computer Pharmacist" Community Partners Recognized for Building Healthier Communities Terry Carrier Honored for 20-Year Commitment to State Board Health Care Agency Nurses Keep Their Skills Sharp April 2017 Issue (PDF)
Robert Fore Pays it Forward with Help and Kindness James Madison Elementary Joins Fight to End Hunger in 2016 Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award Winner 5 Things You Need to Know About In-Home Supportive Services and the County of Orange Motel Assistance Program Continues to House More Participants March 2017 Issue (PDF)
Ten Questions with Mark Refowitz Remembering Anthony "Tony" Rose New Motel Assistance Program Begins Housing Homeless Participants Correctional Health Services Launches New Recognition Program Inspired by "The Starfish Story" Meet Christine Lane, Environmental Health's New Assistant Director February 2017 Issue (PDF)
IT Work Comes Naturally For Self-Taught Enthusiast Health Disaster Management Staff Honored for Helping Community Mike Carson Profiled by the Curry International Tuberculosis Center Intern Jillian Huynh Praised for Flexibility and Teamwork #MeetTheMDs – The Final Chapter January 2017 Issue (PDF)
Dr. Eric Handler Named One of OC's 100 Most Influential People of 2016 Passion for Helping Others Ignites 30-Year Career in Healthcare Veronica Ramirez-Bartoli Honored for Advancing Work of Promotores David Souleles Selected to Represent HCA on the National Level Mental Health Services Act's Newest Housing Project Welcomes Occupants