<p> REPORT ON CECIL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES QUARTER: APRIL – JUNE 2005 FY 2005</p><p>For more information, contact the Health Officer, Dr. Virginia Bailey, at 410-996-5550.</p><p>Division of Addictions The Alcohol and Drug Center provided 424 days of detoxification services for 95 Cecil County residents during fiscal year 2005, through purchase of care. This program is funded with Cigarette Restitution Funds. Aftercare referrals for appropriate levels of care are completed for all clients referred for detoxification services in order to provide ongoing support for recovery. This project will continue in fiscal year 2006.</p><p>In June, Adolescent Program counselors from the Alcohol and Drug Center completed Life Skills groups at Elkton, Rising Sun and Bohemia Manor Middle Schools. During the summer months, these counselors will continue to offer Heath Department- based services to adolescents. </p><p>The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Assessor provides screenings for TCA applicants at the Department of Social Services. During this quarter, 174 screenings were completed, of which 49% indicated a need for follow-up and were referred for further intervention. </p><p>During this quarter, 2,615 visits were provided to 510 clients, 140 of which were clients newly admitted to the program.</p><p>The Cecil County Alcohol and Drug Council completed an initial strategic plan and a listing of publicly funded resources for substance abuse related services in the county. This plan and resource matrix were forwarded to the Governor’s Office as required by legislation. In addition, the Council approved bylaws and elected officers in June. The officers are as follows: John Bennett, Chairperson; Rhonda Dollinger, Vice- Chairperson; and Karen Winkowski, Secretary. The Council will meet again on September 12, 2005. </p><p>Division of Administration The Medical Transportation Program provided 2,688 trips during the quarter. In addition, 65 ambulance trips were authorized and 297 wheelchair trips were provided. There were 756 scheduled transports that were incomplete due to same day cancellations or no shows. </p><p>Birth and death certificates may be obtained in person at the Health Department or ordered on-line at www.cecilcountyhealth.org. The vital records unit issued 530 copies of birth certificates and 750 copies of death certificates during the quarter. </p><p>The Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHP) processed 409 new applications for children and 100 applications for pregnant women during this quarter. The number of insurance re-determinations or renewals processed was 565. Due to a change in State Medicaid eligibility, the last day of full State medical coverage was June 30, 2005, for children and pregnant women who are legal immigrants, but are ineligible for federal Medical Assistance because they have not lived in the United States for at least 5 years as permanent legal residents. Health Department staff conducted outreach to all Cecil County families affected to inform them of the change and advise them of their options, including emergency coverage that is available for pregnant women to cover labor and delivery costs. The Governor has restored coverage for pregnant women who had enrolled in the program on or prior to June 30, 2005, but new enrollments after June 30, 2005, cannot be accepted. </p><p>Annual training for employees was held during the month of June and covered such topics as infection control (blood borne pathogens, tuberculosis, OSHA regulations), driver improvement, and the limited English proficiency, confidentiality and computer policies. </p><p>Division of Community Health Services For a fourth year, the Cecil County Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC, is distributing farmers’ market coupons to WIC participants to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The coupons can be redeemed at two locations: 129 E. Main Street, Elkton (Courthouse) on Saturdays from 9am-12 noon and in Chesapeake City at 2728 Augustine Herman Highway on Fridays from 4pm-7pm. When participants receive the coupons, they are provided with education about when produce is in season, how to prepare fruits and vegetables, what the recommended servings are, and the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables. </p><p>The Cecil County WIC Program is providing the services of a breastfeeding peer counselor with a grant from the State WIC office. The peer counselor will provide information on breastfeeding to women during pregnancy and will offer on-going support after the baby arrives. Programs with peer counselors usually report an increase in the number of women who choose to breastfeed and an increase in the number who breastfeed for longer durations. The WIC Program provides group education programs in addition to individual nutrition counseling. This year, programs included food safety, dental health, meal planning and a story time for the children with a nutrition theme. </p><p>Division of Environmental Health Services Soil testing for wet season soils was extended into the first week of May as the Department’s water table monitoring wells remained in the normal range for the period. Testing had begun in early January as the monitoring wells were already at or above normal levels at that time. The extended seasonal testing period allowed all applicants who applied by April 30th to be scheduled for testing.</p><p>Our annual rabies vaccination clinics were held in June in Port Deposit, Chesapeake City and Elkton. A total of 485 animals were vaccinated – 311 dogs, 167 cats and 7 ferrets. This compares to 434 animals vaccinated at the spring clinics in 2004. An additional fall clinic will be held on October 15th in Elkton. From January 1 through June 30, 2005, there were seven laboratory confirmed rabid animals – four raccoons, two foxes and one skunk. During the same period in 2004, there were six confirmed rabid animals. </p><p>Division of Health Promotion During this quarter, the Cecil County Perinatal/Child Death Community Action Team (CAT) completed the final two workshops in a three workshop series entitled “Child Fatalities: A Workshop Series for First Responders.” The workshops addressed the roles of law enforcement and medical personnel when responding to an unexpected child or infant death. The second workshop, “Supporting the Family” was held on April 21, 2005. Speakers from many cooperating agencies discussed the bereavement process and provided support to families who have suffered a child or infant loss. Speakers also reviewed the investigation process for family members and emphasized the importance of conducting the investigation in a manner that addresses their grieving needs. The third workshop, “Secondary Trauma: Impact on Responders” was held on May 24, 2005. Experts discussed the effects of post traumatic stress on the first responder and outlined strategies for coping with the emotional and psychological issues surrounding the first responder’s exposure to the traumatic experiences of others.</p><p>The Health Department celebrated the successes of public health and acknowledged the work of Health Department employees and community partners during National Public Health Week, April 4-10, 2005. Public health posters highlighting the activities of the Health Department were displayed in all Cecil County Public Libraries during the month of April. The Health Department’s “Directory of Services” was distributed to all public school nurses to give to parents and employees. Also, the Board of Health presented the “Outstanding Community Service Award in Public Health” to Jane Burton, R.N., B.S.N., Cancer Program Coordinator, Union Hospital, and Robert “Step” Mika, Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator, Cecil County Public Schools, in appreciation of their many contributions and long term commitment to public health in Cecil County. Division of Special Populations Services The Mental Health Core Service Agency (CSA) finalized six contracts for mental health services with three vendors for fiscal year 2006. Contracted services include: Jail Mental Health, Federal Block Grant for School-Based Services, Evidence-Based Practices/Supported Employment, Peer Support Drop-In Center, Family Intervention Specialist, and Disruptive Youth Program. The CSA collaborated with On Our Own of Cecil County (OOOCC) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Cecil County (NAMI) to co-sponsor and present a Mental Health Conference on May 4, 2005, to focus attention on mental health issues during Mental Health Awareness Month. During the quarter, Residential Treatment Center (RTC) placements were initiated for five children. </p><p>The Adult Evaluation and Review Services (AERS) conducted 98 evaluations and provided assistance to frail, aged and disabled adults to help them remain in the community or in the least restrictive setting able to meet their care needs. The AERS Program Manager attended another session in the Mid-Atlantic Health Leadership Institute scholars program for public health professionals. The Medical Assistance Personal Care Program ended the quarter with 21 active clients. Beginning July 1, 2005, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will provide a modest reimbursement rate increase for personal care aides.</p><p>The Developmental Disabilities Program has been working with a new provider for this year’s Camp Care Program. The day camp will serve 32 disabled clients during a three week period this summer. The staff helped plan and implement an Eastern Shore Regional Conference to address coordination of services for clients with both mental health and developmental disabilities needs. </p>