On the Beat

The most important things you need to know about
this week at the Health Department.

The Quality Council is looking for good communicators with excellent problem solving skills to be a part of their team. In successful QI teams, members are flexible, embrace diverse ideas, constructively leverage conflict, and contribute to the teams’ achievements of completing their QI projects. See below for more information on the Quality Council process.

We have received our shipment of flu vaccine and will be announcing the schedule for all employees to get their shot soon. As a reminder, all employees are required to have a flu shot as described in Admin Memo #7

We have updated Admin Memo #5 to reflect our ability to send encrypted emails. All employees need to sign the attached form and submit page 6-8 to Morgan by the end of the month.

Thank you for your participation in the Health Equity Survey! We received great feedback. Our Ozarks Forward Taskforce analyzed the results and identified three areas of opportunity in incorporating health equity: Data-Based Decision Making, Program Planning, and Evaluation. In the upcoming months, we will provide opportunities to grow together in these areas. If you have questions about the survey or the results, please contact Danielle Dingman.

Quality Council Call for Applications

The Quality Council is expanding and is looking for new members! Applications are now open to apply for the council board, performance management committee, and quality improvement committee. If you are a) interested in organization leadership opportunities or b) have some ideas about how to change things for the better, please consider applying to this council to assist in driving that change. We need your input!

Please find a brief description of each team below as part of the application process will request your preferences on the teams you would like to serve.

The Quality Council Board is responsible for oversight of the Quality Council Plan. This team is looking for members with strengths in leadership, policy and a systems approach to improving quality for customers and internal programs alike.
The Performance Management Committee is responsible for the oversight of internal data collection to assess whether the correct processes are being performed and desired results are being achieved throughout the department. This team is looking for members with strengths in efficient data collection that are technologically inclined.
The Quality Improvement Committee is responsible for the oversight of quality improvement projects which arise from performance management metric evaluation. This team is looking for members with strengths in creative problem solving and flexibility in willingness to change.

All applications will be considered. If you are interested in applying, discuss this opportunity with your supervisor to determine if this is a good fit for you. If applicants and supervisors alike have additional questions, concerns or items of discussion please contact Ashley Grajczyk. Final applications are due by close of business on Monday, September 25, 2017

New to SGCHD

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing Program has officially launched. Patients accessing the STD clinic will now also have the opportunity to receive hepatitis c testing if they are at risk for this infection. Questions regarding this program can be directed to Ashley, Machelle or Laura.

The CoSFit Games are back!

Mark your calendar for noon-1 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Drury's track and field (at Summit/Central). Teams are forming–start building your winning team now!

What can you expect? Both spectators and competitors will find fun and creative fitness challenges, great food, the opportunity to win four hours of paid leave, bragging rights and many giveaway items, plus a chance to help out United Way–all of that in just one lunch hour! You don’t even have to be in superhero shape to compete—just ask these guys!

How to get involved (as a spectator)
Walk or drive to the stadium with cash on hand for a picnic lunch—pulled pork sandwiches, chips, fruit and water (just a $3 donation to United Way buys your lunch)! Don¹t forget your City spirit and good attitude! Giant foam fingers will not be discouraged. There will also be several opportunities for spectators to participate in fun activities and win prizes. Did we mention four hours of paid leave will also be given to one lucky spectator?

Health in the News

Our local PDMP started registration Sept. 1. On Oct. 1, prescribers will have access to the database: http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/greene-county-launches-own-pdmp/803144482

Australia has seen an intense start to flu season: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-21/flu-influenza-why-2017-has-been-a-particularly-bad-year/8826512

Flu Mist is again NOT recommended this year: https://www.medpagetoday.com/pediatrics/vaccines/67714

Have you seen a story we should feature? Submit suggestions via email.

On-Duty Admin

If some sort of emergency or other pressing issue occurs and your supervisor is not in the building, this week’s administrator on duty is Kendra Findley. She can be reached at extension 41408.

The Up Beat

Have something positive we should include in The Up Beat? Email [email protected] with suggestions.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department

227 E Chestnut Expressway

Springfield, MO 65802