Galveston County Health District March 2024 Pulse of the District

GCHD Follows New COVID-19 Guideline Update

Galveston County Health District (GCHD) no longer recommends a 5-day isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19. The recommendation comes following the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines issued March 1, 2024. Effective immediately, COVID-19 will be treated as a respiratory virus like flu.

On March 11, 2024, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) updated its notifiable disease list, officially removing COVID-19 from mandatory reporting requirements.
While still posing a significant health threat to those at higher risk, COVID-19 health impacts are now increasingly similar to other respiratory viruses, like flu, which are also important causes of illness and death, especially for people at higher risk. It is important to note that COVID-19 guidelines may vary depending on settings such as hospitals and nursing homes.

The CDC recommends that individuals implement core prevention strategies to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Core prevention strategies are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses. These strategies include staying current with your COVID-19 vaccines, practicing good hygiene and proper handwashing,
taking steps for cleaner air by opening windows, and staying home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms better explained by another cause.

The CDC also recommends that wearing a mask is an additional prevention strategy that you can choose to further protect yourself and others. Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of COVID-19.

Testing for COVID-19 can help you decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and lowering your chances of spreading the virus to others.

Dr. Keiser, GCHD CEO, and Galveston County Local Health Authority, said, “Regardless of which respiratory virus you have, you should stay home if you are sick. And for people at risk, it’s most important to keep up to date with your vaccines.”

Vaccines remain important for the prevention of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Vaccines are available at the Galveston County Health District Immunizations Clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, in Texas City from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Walk-ins are welcome and insurance is not
required. Our Immunization Services division protects the health and well-being of our community by providing children and adults with protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

GCHD collects donations for those displaced by Del Sol Apartment fires

GCHD staff came together to collect and donate to the families displaced by the Del Sol Apartment fires. Thank you to all who donated. Your kindness and generosity are truly inspiring, and you're making a huge difference in the lives of those affected.

Meet the Team Shout Outs

Meet the team! Every week an employee from GCHD is highlighted on all platforms.

Meet Brad Starkey! Brad is Deputy Chief of Administration for the Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (GAAA). He joined us almost five years ago in July with over 25 years of experience in EMS, both in the military and civilian sector, prehospital and hospital positions.

Where are you from?
"Cleveland, TX”

What is your favorite part of your job?
“Getting to develop our medical programs with GAAA and work on our research projects to help better serve our communities.”

Would you rather fight one tiger or 200 rats?
"I guess I would have to go with a Tiger.”

Meet Lisa Cashiola, MSN, FNP-BC. Lisa is a Family Nurse Practitioner for Coastal Health & Wellness, a Community Health Center under GCHD. She joined the CHW team two years ago. Lisa has 23 years of experience as a registered nurse and has been a nurse practitioner for eight years. She previously worked in urgent care, family practice, women’s care, and transplant and critical care.

Where are you from?
"Houston, but right now I am in Jamaica Beach."

What is your favorite part of your job?
"Getting to know my patients and establishing a trusting and comfortable rapport with them."

What is one fun fact about you?
"I like to Jet Ski!"

If you were an action figure, what two accessories would you come with?
"Super speed like the Flash and a shield like Wonder Woman."

"We are here and available for all women's health care. We want to serve the community at our clinics, and provide personalized top notch care!" Lisa works primarily with women's health, she wants you to know that we are here and available at Coastal Health & Wellness.

Meet Alexandra Sierra! Alexandra is the Manager of Animal Services for the Animal Resource Center, which is the largest, most modern, and best-equipped animal shelter in Galveston County under GCHD. She joined the ARC team about two years ago.

Where are you from?
"I am from Van Nuys, California"

What is your favorite part of your job?
"Helping our homeless pets get a second chance at life"

What is one fun fact about you?
"I am a big foodie and love to try new cuisine"

If you did not have to sleep, how would you spend the extra eight hours?
"Watching all my favorite Anime series"

GCHD Community Engagement Team throws Black History Month event for staff

The GCHD Community Engagement Team put on a Black History Month event for staff highlighting historical Black figures in U.S. history. There was food, fact sheets, coloring pages, and more. Great Job, Community Engagement Team!

National Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day was held on March 1. We celebrate and express our deepest gratitude to each and every member of our incredible organization. Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment continue to drive our success forward. Thank you for your passion, creativity, and resilience. Together, we make a difference, and we couldn't be more proud of the amazing team we have. Here's to you, our exceptional employees!

GAAA participates in Galveston Touch-a-Truck event

Galveston Area Ambulance Authority was part of the Touch-a-Truck event in Galveston, TX on March 2. This event highlighted many different types of trucks, and was fun for all ages. There were service vehicles, first responders, fire trucks, and more.

March is National Nutrition Month

Happy National Nutrition Month! This March, GCHD WIC goes "Beyond the Table" to explore the diverse ways nutrition impacts our lives. From fostering healthy habits to nurturing overall well-being, let's celebrate the power of nutritious choices.

GCHD WIC celebrates International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Day, March 6

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Day celebrates the extraordinary services that IBCLCs provide to expectant parents, new mothers and the healthcare teams who form their circle of care.

Thank you to our WIC IBCLC, Heather Armenoff, for the tremendous role you play in helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. The knowledge, skills, compassion and empathy you provide is truly invaluable, and we are grateful to have you!

Heather Armenhoff states, “As a proud mother of six children, including a set of twins, and a “Noni” to a precious grandbaby, I have personally encountered a wide range of breastfeeding and lactation challenges throughout my journey.

My career started with working for the Texas WIC Program, who supported my professional journey every step of the way. Throughout my 20+ years working in the field of lactation, I have had the privilege of working in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinical facilities, clients’ homes, and virtual consultations. I have a strong passion for supporting new parents and their infants and am thankful for every day they invite me into their lives to support their infant feeding goals.”

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day, March 13

Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day to WIC RDN Grace Peppers, LD!
RDNs are food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. Grace uses her nutrition knowledge to help individuals make personalized, positive lifestyle changes each and every day.

Heart Cart for American Heart Month

February was American Heart Month, and our Public Health Nurses went around GCHD providing staff with blood sugar and blood pressure checks. Keeping tabs on your blood sugar and blood pressure levels is essential for maintaining optimal health. Regular monitoring allows early detection of potential issues like diabetes and hypertension, empowering you to take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of serious complications down the road. Don't wait for symptoms to appear—prioritize your well-being with routine checks!

Healthy Concepts Clinic participates in Alvin Community College sexual health panel

Healthy Concepts Clinic and the GCHD HIV Prevention Team went to Alvin Community College on February 15 to help spread awareness on sexual health and prevention. Thank you to the students who stopped by, got tested, or attended the sexual health panel!

ARC participates in Pet Palooza and Doggy Dash

Galveston County Animal Resource Center (ARC) attended the Pet Palooza and Doggy Dash event in La Porte on March 16. The ARC offered free pet adoptions for all animals on site at the event.