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Storm-Proof Your Health: Emergency Plans for Older Adults

During hurricane season, it's essential for older adults to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and well-being. This guide [ [link removed] ] is a comprehensive checklist to help you storm-proof your health and stay safe during hurricane season. 

Storm-Proof Your Health: Emergency Plans for Older Adults Banner [ [link removed] ]
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63 animals adopted from ARC at Mega Adoption Event

Galveston County Animal Resource Center (ARC) attended the Mega Adoption event August 17-18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The two-day event featured dogs and cats of all ages and sizes from more than 20 shelters and rescue organizations in the Houston area.

This year at Mega Adoption, 1,133 pets were adopted from the entire event, and ARC had 63 adoptions.

On day one, ARC had 36 adoptions, including 22 dogs and 14 cats. On day two, ARC had 27 adoptions, including 17 dogs and 10 cats.

We are so incredibly happy that these sweet animals found families. We want to thank everyone who helped us make this happen: our staff, volunteers, and new pet owners.

A huge thank you to Petco Love, Brandywine Valley SPCA, and Montgomery County Animal Shelter Texas for having us. Also, a big thank you to Best Friends Animal Society for transporting our animals back to the shelter and to City Of La Porte, TX Adoption Center & Animal Shelter for helping us during thing event. We are so thankful to have been a part of this experience.

ARC Mega Adoption 2024
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Meet the Team Shout Outs

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

Wendy Jones 2024

*Meet Wendy Jones! *

Wendy is the Compliance and Risk Management Officer for Galveston County Health District (GCHD). She joined the GCHD team 26 years ago and has worked in her field for three years.

Where are you from?

"Originally, Galveston, then Texas City."

What is your favorite part of your job?

"I am a people person, and although I am mostly quiet, I enjoy working with and helping people."

What is one fun fact about you?

"I have no fun facts. I think I have the gift to be silly once I am comfortable with the people I am around."

If you had to go to outer space and could only take three things, what 3 items would you take and why?

"If I had to go to outer space, I would definitely take my Bible, pictures of my children, and a means of communication. My Bible because I will definitely need God to help me retain sanity while in outer space; Pictures of my kids because I immensely love them and will be missing them; and communication to tell NASA daily, repeatedly, to get me back to earth RIGHT NOW!!!"

We asked Wendy what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. She said, "Compliance is very detail-oriented and takes patience and perseverance to keep up with the different tasks and responsibilities. You are always learning and researching to keep current with facts. Being able to multitask and stay focused, be sensitive to people's needs, and work as a team member to complete assignments is a must for the Compliance and Risk Management Dept."

 



Alex Strange 2024

*Meet Alex Strange!*

Alex is an Animal Care Technician for Galveston County Animal Resource Center,  an animal shelter under GCHD. He joined the ARC team 17 years ago and has worked in his field for 17 years. On his days off, sometimes he likes to take a break and write stories. Alex is nice and hardworking and truly cares about the animals.

Where are you from?

"Beaumont, TX."

What is your favorite part of your job?

"When animals get adopted."

What is one fun fact about you?

"I like to get along with everyone."

If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?

"To see the future, so I could play the lottery LOL."

We asked Alex what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. He said, "It's hard work both physically and mentally."

 



Tamesha Hampton 2024

*Meet Tamesha Hampton!*

Tamesha is the Dental Office Manager for Coastal Health & Wellness, a Community Health Center under GCHD. She joined us 90 days ago and has worked in her field for 12 years. "While I truly enjoy my job at CHW, I have to admit that if I ever won the multi-million dollar lottery, I would sadly have to leave and spend the rest of my days relaxing on a tropical beach every day!"

Where are you from? 

"Los Angeles but I've lived in Houston the majority of my adult life."

What is your favorite part of your job?

"Problem solving and making sure the team has the information they need to succeed at their job."

What is one fun fact about you?

"I love plants and gardening even though I don't have a green thumb!"

If you could magically become an expert in any skill overnight, what would it be?

"If I could magically become an expert in any skill overnight, I’d choose the art of empathetic communication. It’s a skill that can truly transform interactions and relationships, helping people understand each other better and resolve conflicts more effectively. Plus, it’s applicable in so many areas of life!"

We asked Tamesha what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. She said, “We see patients as young as 6 months! An early visit to the dentist will also provide parents with helpful information about brushing properly, good foods to eat, and how to potentially spot any problem areas, and fix them, before they get worse. The earlier a child sees a dentist, the more likely they are to avoid any serious dental issues (which could also prevent dental fears later)."

 



Robert Kaufman 2024

*Meet Robert Kaufman!*

Robert is an Advanced Animal Control Officer for Galveston County Animal Resource Center,  an animal shelter under GCHD. He joined the ARC team a year ago and has worked in his field since. Robert wants everyone to get your pets spayed or neutered today!

Where are you from?

"Texas"

What is your favorite part of your job?

"Holding people accountable for mistreating animals."

What is one fun fact about you?

"I absolutely love spending time in the outdoors."

If you could have any famous musician or singer create a piece of work just for you, who would it be and what would you ask for?

"BB King, I would ask for a song made specifically about my life so far"

We asked Robert what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. He said, "Just because your pet has a microchip or tag does not mean they are registered."

 



Donya Guyton 2024

*Meet Donya Guyton!*

Donya is an Epidemiologist I for Galveston County Health District (GCHD). She joined the GCHD team 3 years ago and has been working in her field since.

Where are you from?

"Houston, TX"

What is your favorite part of your job?

"The favorite part of being an Epidemiologist is I can educate the public on various topics when it comes to health and well-being."

What is one fun fact about you?

"One fun fact about myself is that I love to cook and travel."
If you could have any fictional technology or gadget from a movie or book, what would it be and how would you use it?
"If I could have any fictional technology or gadget it would be a teleport machine. I am just curious of what the future would look like."

We asked Donya what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. She said, "One fun fact about being an epidemiologist is that the field is rewarding and there's always a constant supply of health problems to work on, so you'll never be bored.



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Texas WIC celebrates 50 years

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) staff attended the 2024 Texas WIC Nutrition and Breastfeeding Conference in Austin, Texas celebrating WIC's 50th year.

GCHD WIC was awarded the Breastfeeding Award of Excellence, an award given by the USDA that recognizes exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support.

The team had the pleasure of having one of their WIC moms be selected to talk on the discussion panel and share her experience with WIC.

They also received a shoutout from Dr. David Page, MD, MPH, whose voucher program at Johns Hopkins University in 1974 shaped the basis for the Women, Infants, and Children Program seen today.

WIC breastfeeding conference 2024
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Empower Senior Citizens Resource Fair

On August 28, GCHD public health nursing staff and community engagement team attended the 2024 Empower Senior Citizens Resource Fair. They provided blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, hepatitis C testing, and more. Our community engagement team also provided resources and information on GCHD, CHW, and ARC services. 

Empower Senior Citizen Resource Fair 2024
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Resource Navigation Expo

Galveston County Health District and Coastal Health & Wellness hosted a Resource Navigation Expo on August 23. At this event, attendees discovered a wealth of information, services, and support to help their families flourish. They explored local resources, connected with experts, and took advantage of free information and giveaways designed to empower the community.

Resource Navigation Expo 2024
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WIC hosts Self-Care Fair to kick off National Breastfeeding Week

WIC’s Self-Care Fair celebrated National Breastfeeding Week by highlighting the importance of moms taking care of themselves. As families welcome new additions, WIC emphasizes the need for mothers to prioritize their well-being. The event offered relaxing activities and resources, including mini spa kits, stress relief tools, and health screenings. Moms enjoyed yoga, meditation, and mental health support, while children participated in craft activities. Attendees also found milk-boosting snacks and a breastfeeding support group. WIC reminded moms that while self-care helps with post-baby blues, any severe symptoms of postpartum depression should be discussed with a doctor.

WIC Self-Care Fair 2024
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Health education initiative at Ignite Community School-Mainland

On August 19 and 21, 2024, Coastal Health & Wellness providers Jason Borillo, PA-C, and Lisa Cashiola, MSN, FNP-BC, gave presentations on puberty and menstruation to 4th through 8th grade students at Ignite Community School-Mainland. This effort is part of our Community Engagement Team’s Health Education Initiative for students.

Health Education Initiative at Ignite
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September is National Preparedness Month

Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. 

Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:


* Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed. 
* It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic. 
* Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.

Find information and tips on how to protect yourself and your family before, during and after  emergencies and disasters by visiting Disasters and Emergencies | Ready.gov [ [link removed] ].

National Preparedness Month 2024
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World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day, a day to remember those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

Suicide can affect every one of us. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma & encouraging action, we can help to reduce the instances of suicide around the world.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call, text, or chat with 988. It is okay to reach out for help.

World Suicide Prevention Day
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GCHD and CHW to implement Zix, an email encryption service

To ensure the confidentiality of private information sent via email and comply with privacy regulations, GCHD and CHW are implementing a new email encryption service through Zix Corporation. For both us and our customers, Zix Corporation makes encrypted communication easy. ZixCorp's services allow us to send encrypted email messages to anyone, whether they are ZixCorp customers or not.​ Secure messaging is not just a safety issue; it is a practical way to conduct business. These instructions [ [link removed] ] will help you understand our encrypted email initiatives.

Zix [ [link removed] ]
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Mark your calendars: Marketplace Open Enrollment starts November 1

Open Enrollment for 2025 Health Insurance Marketplace coverage kicks off November 1. If you don't have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, Health Insurance Marketplace can help you get coverage.

All offered plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions and preventive services including maternity care, mammograms and other preventive care services. You cannot be denied health coverage for having pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

The certified application counselors at Coastal Health & Wellness stand ready to assist Galveston County residents in applying for coverage in the 2025 Marketplace. Give us a call at 409.949.3439 for assistance.

Learn more [ [link removed] ] about Open Enrollment for 2025 Marketplace.

2023 Open Enrollment
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Upcoming Events

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Blood Drive and would love for you to be a part of this important event! Donating blood is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference in our community, and every donation can save up to three lives.

*Here are the details:*

*Date:* 9/12/24

*Time: *8 AM - 11 AM

*Location:* 9850 Emmett F. Lowry Expy, Suite A, Donor Coach, Texas City, TX 77591

*How to Participate:*

1.       *Sign Up:* Please _click here [ [link removed] ]_ to schedule your appointment.

2.       *Prepare:* Make sure to eat a healthy meal before donating and drink plenty of water.

3.       *Show Up:* Bring a valid ID and wear comfortable clothing.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to give the gift of life. Your participation could make a world of difference to those in need. We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Blood Drive 9.12.24
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Join our Public Health Nursing staff at the Big Texas Rally for Recovery events for Health Screenings and Hep C testing on September 20th for the Rally "Kickoff" and September 21st for the Big Texas Recovery Rally. There will be music, food, local vendors, activities, and more. We hope to see you there!

Big Texas Recovery Rally
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Come to our free financial literacy class, and let's create a living financial plan. This event is on September 19, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. and is located at 9850 Emmett F. Lowry Expy, Suite A.106, Texas City, Texas. 

Wellby Financial 9.19.24




GCHD 2023 Annual Report 

View the GCHD Annual Report [ [link removed] ] to see the accomplishments, progress, and public health initiatives established in 2023.




Register with STEAR

Register each year the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Register (STEAR) to communication any needs you may have for medical, mobility, or transportation assistance. Register on the STEAR website [ [link removed] ] or by calling 2-1-1.







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Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Galveston County Health District [ [link removed] ].

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