Digital Commons Network^™

Tailoring A Hybrid Program For Reducing Health And Education Disparities In Georgia Communities: Outcomes Of Listening Sessions, Chinwe Ejikeme

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Minorities in Georgia experience increased rates of chronic disease and poor health and education outcomes. In the general population in 2013, about 35% of adolescents were either overweight or obese and approximately 13% of children 2-4 years old were obese, with minorities accounting for higher rates. In 2010, 23% of students from low-income families, comprising a higher proportion of minorities, scored at or above proficient level for reading at the end of third grade. Targeting children 0-5 years, Georgia Department of Public Health developed an integrated curriculum to train Early Childcare Educators (ECEs) to increase their knowledge and skills …

Implementation Of The Safecare Model In Georgia For Preventing Child Maltreatment, Dan Whitaker, Theresa L. Glasheen

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The SafeCare model is a behaviorally-based parenting model used in the prevention of child maltreatment. SafeCare targets three proximal risk factors for child neglect and abuse: parent-child interactions, home safety, and child health. SafeCare is one of only a few evidence-based practices for preventing child neglect, the dominant problem in child welfare, accounting for over 75% of child maltreatment cases. SafeCare has been broadly implemented in several states in the US, including Georgia, and is disseminated by the National SafeCare Training and Research Center (NSTRC) at Georgia State University. The presentation will (1) describe SafeCare and associated data, (2) …

Coastal Septic Tank Inventory: Data Resources For Future Wastewater Management Planning, Jessica Alcorn

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than one in five homes are served by decentralized wastewater treatment systems—commonly known as septic tanks. In coastal areas where it is impossible to extend sewer service due to either financial or hydrogeological constraints, septic tanks are an integral part of wastewater treatment. When maintained adequately and installed under appropriate conditions, septic tanks remove excess nutrients and dangerous pathogens from wastewater. As coastal infrastructure is increasingly threatened by recurrent flooding, extreme weather events, and future sea level rise, coastal communities will need to assess the adequacy of their wastewater management systems …

Shelter Surveillance And Local Public Health, Amber Erickson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: One of the core responsibilities of the Epidemiology Program at the Georgia Department of Public Health is to detect and respond to population health events through traditional and novel surveillance. One type of event that we have planned for over the years has been conducting disease surveillance during a mass sheltering event.

Methods: Mid-day on October 5, 2016, the North Central Health District (NCHD) Emergency Preparedness Program notified the District Health Emergency Alert and Response Team that we would be receiving evacuees from the coast of Georgia and Florida due to Hurricane Matthew and that our District Operations Center …

Cross-Training And Sustainability In Environmental Health-Based Mosquito Control Programs, Rosmarie Kelly

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In Georgia, only a few county environmental health programs still do mosquito surveillance and control. This is partly due to a lack of sustainability in these seasonal programs and a pressure to move personnel from mosquito control to programs that are mandated by the state. There is also a lack of training available for mosquito control workers.

Methods: Richmond County Mosquito Control (RCMC), a program within the Richmond County Environmental Health office, is one of the sustainable programs, and the RCMC program has dealt with these issues in some innovative ways. It is sustainable because it partners with other …

Recruitment, Retention, And Succession Planning For District Health Directors, Lee Rudd

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Since the District Health Director (DHD) leads the district health organization, plans must be put in place to ensure that we retain current directors and anticipate the future when the DHD retires from the position.

Methods: Best practices in the areas of recruiting, retention, and succession planning are used to present resolutions to the problems.

Results: By following the steps identified in the best practices, there is a reasonable chance that the district will be prepared for any change in leadership.

Conclusions: Using the best practices identified by human resources professionals combined with the unique characteristics of public health …

Mock Me! A Guide To Developing A First Rate Training Tool On A Second Rate Budget, Galen Baxter

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Working closely with county Environmental Health Specialists through the Standardization Process, a critical need was identified. Assistance was needed in prioritizing inspections based on risk levels identified in restaurant kitchens during inspections. Additionally, more training was needed to help them identify other areas in food service establishments that require further assessment.

Methods: Tight budget constraints prevented the purchase of expensive training equipment; however, with a little creativity and team work, a mock kitchen made entirely out of cardboard, tape and a couple of aluminum pans was created as a portable, handson training tool that could be easily transported around …

Development/Enhancement Of The Assessment (Monitoring And Evaluation) Knowledge And Skills Of Workers In Public Health And Related Settings, Joseph Telfair

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: A critical task of public health is the development and assessment of programs to address needs, concerns and issues of populations. The overall purpose of this workshop is to enhance the core public health workforce functional knowledge and skills (competencies) in the areas of program development and evaluation leading to improvements in population health and reducing health disparities.

Methods: The hour long workshop will serve as an introduction and review of methods of program monitoring and assessment (M & A). The training approach will be an oral presentation with PowerPoint slides and hands-on practice that will include review of …

Characteristics Of Reported Symptoms Among Confirmed And Suspect Cases Of Zika Virus In Georgia, 2016, Ashton Thompson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In May 2015, Zika virus was detected in Brazil. The virus has since spread through several countries in the Americas. Knowledge of the major symptoms of Zika virus infection was based on historic data from two previous outbreaks in the Pacific Islands. Currently-known Zika-specific symptoms include rash, conjunctivitis, arthralgia, and fever. Epidemiologists at the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) began surveillance for travel-related Zika virus infections in January 2016. Surveillance data from GDPH contributes to better characterization of the current Zika clinical picture and more efficient triage of suspect cases for laboratory testing and prevention measures.

Methods: For …

Injection Drug Use And Hepatitis C: Interventions In Behavioral Health Settings, Marie Sutton

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Georgia is experiencing a crisis of injection drug use and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. From 2002 to 2014, the statewide drug overdose mortality rate increased, with nearly every county experiencing a significant increase in drug overdose mortality. Especially concerning is the rising HCV infection rate in people younger than 30, many of whom inject drugs. HCV incidence in young people increased over 200% in Georgia from 2006 to 2012. CDC officials have suggested “…Georgia is experiencing an expanding epidemic of heroin use that is driving an increase in injection drug use, putting many more at risk for the …

A Clinical Trial To Increase The Identification, Genetic Counseling Referral And Genetic Testing Of Women At Risk For Hereditary Breast And/Or Ovarian Cancer, Ceceilia Bellcross, Christine Stanislaw, April Hermstad, Christine Tallo, Chelsea Leonard

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Approximately 1/300 individuals in the general population are at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer due to an inherited mutation in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes. BRCA mutations are associated with dramatically increased risks for breast cancer, especially at younger ages, in addition to ovarian cancer. Enhanced screening and risk reduction strategies can significantly reduce associated morbidity and mortality. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends identifying women at-risk for BRCA mutations for receipt of genetic counseling and if appropriate, testing. The Breast Cancer Genetics Referral Screening Tool (B-RST) is a validated screen endorsed by USPSTF to facilitate …

Partnership Between Academic And Public Health To Train Public Health Nurses New Chronic Diseases Protocols, Kathryn Martin, Elena Wood, Stephen Goggans, Anthony Mulloy, Shilpa Brown, Paul Wallach

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Georgia (29% in 2013). Diabetes (DM) and hypertension (HTN) are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In 2013, the prevalence of diabetes was 11% and of hypertension was 35% of the state’s adult population. There are not sufficient healthcare providers to manage these patients. To address this concern, the DPH Chronic Disease Prevention Section contracted with the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University to design and implement an innovative training program for Georgia public health nurses on diabetes and …

Georgia's Critical Access Hospitals: Financial Performance And Process Improvement, William A. Mase, Bettye A. Apenteng, Lisa Carhuff, Mark Hanna, Kwabena G. Boakye, Linda G. Kimsey, Samuel T. Opoku, Charles F. Owens, Stuart H. Tedders, Patricia Whaley

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Georgia’s Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) are in crisis. Within the last 2 years, four CAHs have closed their doors due to failed financial and operational performance. Evidence points to the risk that several more are on the brink of closure. CAH closures have far-reaching impact on residents. Negative impacts include the extra distance that patients must travel to seek care, the displacement of health professionals and the unravelling of the entire fabric of the communities these hospitals serve. We hope to help participants understand the financial and operational challenges of CAHs, and to identify realistic strategies to enhance the …

Discussion Of Public Health Education And Training, And The Needs Of The Future Public Health Workforce, Gary Nelson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Georgia enjoys a wealth of public health capacity ranging from governmental public health to academic programs as well as local, state, and internationally acclaimed organizations. Leadership is evident across public health policy, practice and research. In the closing plenary of the 2017 Annual Meeting-Faces of Public Health, GPHA engages leaders in our field in a spirited conversation on the public health workforce. The esteemed panel representing state, national, and international public health organizations will reflect on the needs of a 21st Century workforce: prepared to respond beyond emergencies and identified threats; able to adapt to an increasing complex technological, political …

Breaking The Chains: A Public Health Approach To Modern Day Slavery, Rachael Nosin

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Modern day slavery is a $150 billion industry and the second largest criminal enterprise, behind drug trafficking.1 Approximately 21-30 million men, women, and children are modern day slaves worldwide, and over 200 cases of human trafficking were confirmed in GA in 2016 alone.2, 3 In 2006 Georgia incorporated a statute against trafficking of persons for labor or sexual servitude into its criminal code (see O.C.G.A. § 16-5-46). The penalties for this crime are stiff, and those convicted face a minimum of 10 years in state prison and up to a $100,000 fine. This is not enough, however. There is …

C The Light! Exploring Dynamic Changes In Hepatitis C Epidemiology, Screening, And Treatment, Lesley Miller, Natasha Travis, Jennifer Lom, Shelly-Ann Fluker

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Hepatitis C is common, deadly and curable. A major public health epidemic, it affects close to 4 million Americans, and kills more Americans than HIV, hepatitis B and tuberculosis combined. New all-oral therapies for hepatitis C can cure over 90% of those treated with few side effects and with a short 12-week course. However, many people with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection and access to curative therapy remains limited, especially for underserved populations.

Methods: Our workshop will focus on areas of dynamic change in hepatitis C. We will discuss the changing epidemiology, focusing on the epidemic of …

Enhancing The Future Public Health Workforce Through Competency-Based Student Field Placements, Michelle L. Carvalho, Laura M. Lloyd, Melissa Alperin, Lisa Mccormick, Kathleen R. Miner

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs (PHWINS) 2014 survey from ASTHO (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials) demonstrated a dramatic need for succession planning and retention of the future public health workforce. To address this need, the Region IV Public Health Training Center’s (R-IV PHTC) Pathways to Practice Scholars Program places students from accredited schools and programs of public health into practical field placement positions across eight states. Skill- and competency-based student field placements reinforce the value of working with medically underserved areas/populations (MUA/Ps) through public health agencies. Field placements use adult learning theory through experiential learning …

Leading Together: Partnerships For A Healthier Dekalb, April Hermstad, Mj Gathings, Jen Isher-Witt, Felicia Arriaga, Corre Robinson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In 2014, the DeKalb County Board of Health (DCBOH) received a three-year Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant to work with community partners to address health disparities among African Americans in DeKalb County. The project, called Local Efforts toward Addressing Disparities in DeKalb (LEAD DeKalb), relies on a network of partnerships to implement community-based interventions that promote healthy eating and physical activity among African Americans throughout low-income parts of DeKalb County.

Methods: The evaluation team developed an online survey to assess LEAD DeKalb staff and partner satisfaction with the partnerships created and the work completed through …

Leveraging Partnerships In Order To Increase Notifiable Disease Reporting, Jessica Grippo, Amber Erickson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Notifiable disease reporting, although required by law, does not always occur. For this reason, it is crucial for local public health agencies to leverage new partnerships for reporting of notifiable diseases. Schools represent sites within communities that experience relatively high numbers of cases of notifiable disease and clusters of illness. By leveraging partnerships with schools, an increase in disease reporting can occur within communities.

Methods: DeKalb County Board of Health has developed an infectious disease protocol for the two major school systems in the county and one large private school: DeKalb County School District, City Schools of Decatur and …

Kaizen: Improving Patient Flow, Gurleen Roberts, Jack Kennedy, Catherine Smythe, Dawn Krahwinkel, Melissa Green

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Since Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) achieved accreditation in May 2015, efforts to mature a culture of quality have been emphasized. In addition, the Adult Health Clinic moved to a new facility in Spring 2016. This move has improved many patient flow issues, but also has had unexpected consequences that spurred interest in doing several quality improvement (QI) projects.

Methods: Rather than doing one QI project at a time, a kaizen event was held. Kaizen is a Japanese term for continuous improvement. This workshop allowed the Adult Health Team to plan seven QI projects and implement them simultaneously …

Helping Public Health Professionals Access Infectious Disease Trainings And Resources: The Region Iv Phtc Infectious Diseases Training Database, Laura M. Lloyd, Lisa Mccormick, Melissa Alperin, Michelle Carvalho, Cidney Wilson, Brita Bergland, Arti Patel, Kathleen R. Miner

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Region IV Public Health Training Center (R-IV PHTC), located at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, has a mission that includes providing training and educational offerings to strengthen the competency of the current public health workforce in HHS Region IV (which includes GA). Additionally, the R-IV PHTC has been charged with serving as a national resource in the area of infectious disease. To fulfill this charge, the R-IV PHTC conducted an environmental scan to identify and increase access to existing infectious disease trainings and resources currently available to the public health workforce.

Methods: From June 2015 – …

Trends In Hiv Testing Among Adults In Georgia: Analysis Of The 2011-2015 Brfss Data, Benjamin Ansa

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Georgia is ranked fifth highest among states for rates of HIV diagnosis. About 4% of persons living with HIV infection in the United States reside in Georgia, and almost 19% of these people do not know their HIV status. The present study examined the trends and associated factors of HIV testing among adults in Georgia between 2011 and 2015.

Methods: The 2011-2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were analyzed.

Results: A total of 31,094 persons aged ≥18 years were identified who responded to the question “Have you ever been tested for HIV?” Overall, there were 11,286 (44.2%) …

Characterizing Discrepancies In School Recovery After Disasters, Hazel Shah

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Academic institutions provide consistency and routine to children. When disasters damage schools, students often suffer in a variety of ways, and racial minority students are often impacted disproportionately. However, minimal research exists exploring these discrepancies. This presentation examines racial disparities in school systems affected by Hurricane Ike (2008).

Methods: This study, funded by the National Science Foundation, uses publicly available Texas Education Agency data from approximately 600 schools affected by Hurricane Ike. Schools were included in the study based on two criteria: if they were declared “disaster areas” by FEMA and if they were closed for at least 10 …

Effect Of Medicaid Status On Up-To-Date Vaccination Rates Among Two-Year-Old Children In Georgia, 2015, Fabio R. Machado, Jessica Tuttle, Cherie Drenzek

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The annual Georgia Immunization Study (GIS) employs a retrospective cohort design to determine the up-to-date (UTD) immunization rate of 24-month-old children in Georgia. Previous results have shown lower vaccination rates in the second year of life, particularly for DTaP. We sought to determine if a discontinuation of Medicaid coverage after the infant year contributed to lower immunization rates in the second year.

Methods: A stratified random sample of 2,002 Georgia children born in January 2013 was drawn from electronic birth records. Immunization history and Medicaid status were obtained from the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS). Parents …

Associations Between Multi-Level Contextual Factors And Mental Health Service Utilization In Adolescents With Comorbid Depression And Substance-Use: Moderating Role Of School Connectedness On Racial/Ethnic Disparities In Service Utilization, Kate Thornton

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Comorbid depression and substance use has been a prevalent issue in adolescent health. Although rates have remained relatively stable, their level is still alarming and efforts to see a decrease have led leaders and organizations to call for research to better understand factors related to both depression and substance use as well as how these factors may change when these disorders occur together.

Methods: Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were utilized to pursue the research objectives for this study. The NSDUH is an ongoing cross-sectional survey of the civilian and non-institutionalized population of …

Solo Practice Physicians In Georgia, Fedelis Mutiso, Emmanuel Akowuah, Samuel T. Opoku, Bettye A. Apenteng

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Office-based physicians can practice in a solo or group setting. Solo physician practices are staffed by a single physician who is responsible for all the care of the patients. Physicians in solo practices are also responsible for the infrastructure, personnel and investment cost of their practices. Further, evidence suggests that physicians in solo practices are more likely to be dissatisfied with their medical career compared to those in group practices. Given these challenges, current trend suggests a shift away from solo physician practices. However, there are still physicians in solo practices in Georgia but little is known about them. …

Student Involvement In Curriculum Development Enhances Medical Education, Jacline Griffeth, Alexandra Sawyer, Nolan Johnson, Osama Hashmi, Neha Gupta, Sarah Swartz, Kathryn Martin, Carol Nichols

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: During the 2014 annual review of the curriculum for first year medical students at the Medical College of Georgia, the public health module was noted as an area that needed improvement. To address this concern, a Public Health Curriculum Workgroup was formed for the purpose of identifying specific areas to improve and developing a more robust and integrative curriculum. A small cohort of medical students with public health backgrounds were invited to be members of this workgroup and participate in the development and delivery of public health content to the next cohort of first year medical students. We hypothesized …

Geographic Modelling Of Sickle Cell Trait In Four Us Regions, Marian M. Tabi, Anunay Bhattacharya

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Many studies have been done concerning the prevalence of sickle cell trait, its incidence and screening techniques. It is most commonly observed in the Black and Hispanic population in the United States. This study used retrospective data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR – December 12, 2014) to model, analyze, and substantiate the geographic distribution of sickle cell trait, its incidence, prevalence and screening in 44 states divided into 4 regions in the United States.

Methods: We conducted data modelling of geographic regions in the United States. The four regions were …

Better Nutrition By Increased Knowledge Of Food Nutritional Components, Lisa Hayworth, Tangela Hendricks, Katy Littrell, Nicole Matthews

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The purpose of this project was to teach nutritional concepts related to MyPlate to children and families who participate in the Boys and Girls Club of Hall County (BGCHC). MyPlate is the nutrition guide published by the US Department of Agriculture; it is a pie chart depicting a plate divided into five food groups. The educational event occurred at a fall festival sponsored by the BGCHC. The intent was to offer a fun and interactive game to allow children to learn from a hands-on experience.

Methods: Participants in the game were between 4 and 12 years of age and …

A Screening Tool For Identification Of Victims Of Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of Children, Michelle Livings, Jordan Greenbaum, Rayleen Lewis, Jeremiah D. Williams, Shannon Self-Brown, Betty S. Lai

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and sex trafficking have only recently been recognized as problems by healthcare providers. Both UNICEF (2014) and the Institute of Medicine (2013) have stressed the need for systematic research to assist healthcare providers in the identification of victims. The aim of this poster is to describe initial findings relating to the development of a screening tool to identify CSEC victims.

Methods: Twenty-seven sites nationwide (e.g., emergency departments and specialized clinics) participated in a study to validate a screening tool for identifying CSEC victims in an outpatient setting. The study was conducted under approval …