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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 1-7, 2019 as Public Health Week in Solano County (Supervisor Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health & Social Services (H&SS) recommends the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 1-7, 2019 as Public Health Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The first week of April has been designated as National Public Health Week (NPHW) by the American Public Health Association (APHA) for more than 20 years. NPHW brings together individuals, organizations and communities across the United States to celebrate Public Health successes and highlight priority areas related to the equitable advancement of the Nation’s health. This year, the NPHW theme is Creating the Healthiest Nation: For Science. For Action. For Health with the goal of encouraging individuals and communities to work together to make the U.S. the “Healthiest Nation in One Generation.” H&SS will host activities throughout the month of April to focus on the NPHW theme and the services provided by Solano Public Health.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department's FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. There is no additional financial impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Each year, APHA highlights important public health issues to focus on for the equitable advancement of the Nation's health. The goal of making America the healthiest nation in one generation includes building on the National Prevention Strategy to improve health and wellness. This year's theme, Creating the Healthiest Nation: For Science. For Action. For Health, encourages individuals and communities to take action.
According to APHA, the U.S. spends more on health care than other comparable, developed countries, with numerous studies indicating shorter lifespans and higher rates of health issues such as obesity, infant mortality, diabetes, and heart disease. The health disparities among certain racial/ethnic groups are also well documented, revealing widespread structural inequities and barriers with respect to health care access and availability, and with respect to healthy environments. As a result, APHA believes this to be the defining challenge of the generation and one that the public health community is positioned to overcome.
In recognition of National Public Health Week and promoting Creating the Healthiest Nation: For Science. For Action. For Health, the following events are planned for the month of April:
Bike Rodeos
Bike Rodeos provide a fun training course to teach kids safety skills including the rules of the road and how to check bikes for hazards such as wobbly seats or worn brakes:
• Wednesday, April 24th at Gretchen Higgins Elementary, Dixon
• Tuesday, April 30th at Cordelia Hills Elementary, Fairfield
Mobile Food Pharmacy
The Mobile Food Pharmacy, funded through a grant from Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, is a fresh food truck that provides healthy options for patients of the Family Health Services clinics. Patients who receive prescriptions for healthy food can get them filled at the Mobile Food Pharmacy. Free recipe cards and cookbooks are also provided. The pharmacy is scheduled to be available weekly at the following locations:
• Mondays: Vallejo Family Health Services
• Tuesdays: Fairfield Family Health Services
• Wednesdays: Vacaville Family Health Services
• Thursdays: Global Center for Success in Vallejo
Nutrition Education
Nutrition Services staff will teach children ages 7 through 11 about healthy food options, cooking skills, and preparing nutritious snacks at the Super Snackers Kids’ Nutrition Class.
• Wednesday, April 10th, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Civic Center Library, Fairfield
Oral Health Education
Children under five years old will learn how to prevent dental caries by drinking water regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and learning proper ways to brush their teeth. A Registered Dental Hygienist will be onsite to apply fluoride varnish to those who opt in for the service.
• 35 classes at Head Start sites and elementary schools throughout Solano County
Death by Delivery Documentary Screening
County staff are invited to participate in the screening of the film, Death by Delivery. Following the film, attendees will have an opportunity to discuss the film.
• Friday, April 5th, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Health & Social Services, Fairfield
• Friday, April 19th, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Health & Social Services, Vallejo
Walk with the Health Officer
Solano County employees are invited to take a walk with the Solano County Health Officer during National Public Health Week. This brief walk around the H&SS campus encourages staff to go for short 15-minute walks during their breaks to incorporate physical activity into their work day.
• Wednesday, April 3rd, 11:00 a.m. at Health & Social Services, Fairfield
• Friday, April 12th, 11:00 a.m. at Health & Social Service, Vallejo
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Parent Education Classes
WIC will provide 62 education classes in April, including New WIC Enrollments, Baby Behavior for Pregnant and Postpartum Moms, Breastfeeding, First Foods for Baby, Older Infant Feeding, and Nourishing Families with Fresh Produce.
The Department will post specific locations and dates on the Solano County Public Health website: http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/publichealthweek.asp. In addition, the Department will provide outreach to local media outlets to increase awareness of the theme and events for the month. H&SS employees will also receive daily emails with tips and ideas about how every member of the community can improve their health.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt this resolution. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to raise awareness of issues important to improving the public's health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Solano County Health & Social Services will partner with other Solano County agencies and organizations to promote National Public Health Week, primarily through social media outlets.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION