Public Health

St. Clair County Health Department Needs You on June 19!

The Health Department is looking for volunteers for the 2013 Strategic National Stockpile Full-Scale Exercise on Wednesday, June 19, at Port Huron High School, between 1:00pm - 3:00pm. This state-wide public health emergency exercise will evaluate the ability to execute medical countermeasure distribution and dispensing capabilities. Help us test our response system in a scenario that will allow you to experience what to expect in the event of a large-scale public health emergency. This exercise will simulate public health’s response if hundreds or thousands of people were exposed to a biological pathogen and needed preventive medications such as antibiotics within 48 hours of exposure. All participants will receive a complimentary goodie bag.

For more information about the exercise click here
or email questions to healthdept@stclaircounty.org.

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Know the Buzz About West Nile Virus

It’s mosquito season and it’s important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito illnesses like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Remember these precautionary steps:

1. Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors especially from dusk to dawn. Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.
2. Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
3. Help your community: Report dead birds to Michigan’s West Nile website to help track WNV and support community-based mosquito control programs.
4. Horse owners should vaccinate their horses. Horses can be infected too. Vaccines for WNV and EEE are readily available and should be repeated at least annually. Talk to your veterinarian for details.

Learn more here

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ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS

We would like to remind parents/guardians that spring and summer months are ideal times to get students immunized! Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to protect children from harmful diseases and even death.

Students entering kindergarten, 6th grade, and any student 11-18 years of age changing school districts must present proof of immunization to the school for admittance.

Immunization appointments are available year-round at the following locations:

• St. Clair County Health Department (810) 987-5729 (All Ages)
• Teen Health Center (810) 987-1311 (Ages 10-21 years old)

Call Today for an Appointment!

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Healthy Living Newsletter

The quarterly Healthy Living newsletter is a collaborative publication developed by the St Clair County Community Services Coordinating Body’s Healthy Lifestyles Workgroup. Our Mission Statement is to create a culture where residents are empowered by community resources to facilitate healthy lifestyles. Please enjoy the latest edition.

Did you know that free time in nature can enrich your life? Your child’s life? Get into nature for better health. Visit Pledge to Play for all public parks and free places for recreation in St. Clair County!

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Health Department Family Planning Program Ending

Due to funding reductions, St. Clair County Health Department’s Family Planning Program is ending. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community’s family planning needs for more than 40 years. We remain committed that these important services will continue for the benefit of our community under its “new roof”. Downriver Community Services in downtown Port Huron will be the new Family Planning service provider for St. Clair County starting January 2, 2013. Downriver Community Services is conveniently located at 1011 Military Street across from the Huron Physical Arts Center in downtown Port Huron. Please call Downriver Community Services at (810) 488-8000 to make an appointment for Title X Family Planning Services (provided to men and women of all ages, in need of pregnancy prevention services, regardless of income, including annual exams/check-ups).

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What to Know About Norovirus

Norovirus is a very contagious virus. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year. But, over 80% of the outbreaks occur from November to April. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed causing stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and vomiting. You may hear norovirus illness called "food poisoning" or "stomach flu." Anyone can be infected with norovirus and get sick. Children and older adults can be seriously affected. Proper handwashing and general cleanliness can help prevent this. Remember, norovirus is not related to the flu (influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. See our norovirus fact sheet. For prevention tips visit www.cdc.gov/norovirus/preventing-infection.html. Norovirus Media Release.

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Meningitis Outbreak Associated
with Steroid Injections

MDCH Updates
CDC Investigation
FDA Updates
Health Department Responds to Community Concern Regarding Tainted Supplies

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 We're on Facebook!

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School Vaccine Requirements

Required Childhood Immunizations for MI School Settings - View here

For more information contact the Preventive Health & Immunization division
at (810) 987-5729 or the Teen Health Center at (810) 987-1311

Vaccines Protect You, Your Kids, Your Community
Be informed. Be responsible. Get vaccinated!
Click here for information on vaccines

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EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2013, The Health Department accepts VISA, MC and Discover (both credit and debit). If you choose to complete your transaction using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or a debit card, a base fee of $3.95 or 2.5% convenience fee, whichever is greater, will be added to your total. Before you pay, upon request, we can provide you with the total of the payment amount, including the fee. Thank you!

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Community Bloodborne Pathogen Training Available

The St. Clair County Health Department offers Community Bloodborne Pathogen training on a bi-monthly basis. This training is for any employee who needs basic information on how to protect themselves from unexpected exposure to blood or body fluids. The cost is $20 per person; $60 maximum/agency. A training affidavit will be provided upon course completion. For more information contact 810-987-5300 ext. 1414 or jmichaluk@hd.stclaircounty.org. Next class Monday, June 24. Click here for flyer.

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MomConnect Breastfeeding Support Group

Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Would you like to get together with other moms to share information? MomConnect is for you. Join other moms for the free opportunity to gather information, form friendships and build a network of resources that will benefit you and your child. Supervised activities for small children are provided. Light refreshments are served. The Group meets twice a month at two locations: The 2nd Thursday of each month from 10am-11am at St. Clair County MSU Extension Office and the 4th Monday of each month from 5pm-6pm at the Health Department. For more information contact Carol Bublitz, Certified Lactation Educator at (810) 989-6935 or cbublitz@stclaircounty.org or email Tracey McMahon, Registered Nurse at tmcmahon@stclaircounty.org. This support group is sponsored by the St. Clair County Health Department Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP), St. Clair County Health Department WIC program, St. Clair County MSU Extension Office and St. Clair County Early On.

Mom Connect Flyer

If you know a pregnant or new mom in need of local breastfeeding support and resources check out http://www.everyouncecounts.org/

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Health Department Awarded Accreditation Status

The St. Clair County Health Department has been awarded Accreditation status by the Michigan Department of Community Health based on the 2011 recommendation of the MI Local Public Health Accreditation Commission. This designation is awarded to local health departments that fully meet all essential accreditation requirements.

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Check out these compelling Public Health Videos

A local mom's personal story of her baby's death from Pertussis and a testimonial of a woman who suffered a serious bout of H1N1: Watch Video

The value of public health services to our community: Watch Video

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Health Department Hours of Operation

The Health Department's hours of operation, including WIC and the Teen Health Center, are Mondays 10:00am until 6:30pm; Tuesday through Friday 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. All WIC services are available by appointment only. Environmental Health services are available additionally on Mondays from 8:00am – 10:00 am.

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Health Department

Annual Report

Vision

St Clair county will be a healthy community that is self reliant and prepared for the future, allowing it to achieve the highest potential and wellbeing of its’ residents.

Mission

St Clair County Health Department will be the trusted local expert in population and preventive health practices; encouraging effective community partnerships, eliminating barriers to health resources, protecting the community from health threats, and encouraging stewardship of the environment.

About Us

In October, 1942, the St. Clair County Board of Supervisors established the City and County Coordinated Health Department. Since that beginning, the present day St. Clair County Health Department has evolved with the mission reflected in Michigan’s Public Health Code to continually and diligently endeavor to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote the public health through organized programs, including:

• prevention and control of environmental health hazards
• prevention and control of diseases
• prevention and control of health problems of particularly vulnerable population groups
• development of health care facilities and health delivery systems
• regulation of health care facilities and health services delivery systems to the extent provided by law.
  

To this end, St. Clair County Health Department will assure the accessibility of appropriate, and quality personal, public, and environmental health services to St. Clair County residents and their families.

Local authority and control is provided to the Health Department by the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners. The Board has appointed a six member Board of Health who meet monthly and serve in an advisory capacity and as a review board for department activities and policies. The board members are:

Barbara Britz, Secretary (Member since 5/05)
Term Expires: 12/31/12

John Jones, Vice Chair (Member since 6/10)
Term Expires: 12/31/12

Scott McPhilimy, D.O. (Member since 4/10)
Term Expires: 12/31/12

Marie J. Muller, Chair (Member since 2/98)
Term Expires: 12/31/11

Jon B. Parsons (Member since 1/11)
Term Expires: 12/31/12

BOC Member
Terry London, Commissioner (Member since 1/11)

Documents/Forms:
Health Department Organizational Chart

St. Clair County Health Department will provide service without discrimination to anyone in St. Clair County seeking its services. No one will be denied service because of inability to pay.

Our Locations

The Health Department provides services to county residents at the following two locations:

Main Office 3415-28th Street Port Huron	Monday, 10:00 am - 6:30 pm Tuesday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Administration, Personal Health Services, Environmental Health Services, WIC Program Health Education, Laboratory

Teen Health Center 2215 Court Street Port Huron (Mailing Address: 3415 28th Street Port Huron, MI  48060)	Monday, 10:00 am - 6:30 pm Tuesday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Personal Health and counseling services for adolescents, 10-21 years of age

Department offices are operational on Mondays from 10 am -6:30 pm and 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday. Call our main office @ (810) 987-5300 for appointments. For WIC appointments, call (810) 987-8222. For Teen Health Center appointments, call (810) 987-1311.

Programs and Services

Emergency Preparedness

• Public Health Preparedness Capabilites
• Countermeasures
• Indicators of Suspect Events
• Education and Training
• Volunteer

Environmental Health

• Bathing Beach Water Testing
• Campground Inspections
• Emergency Preparedness Plan (health/medical sections)
• Environmental Complaints
• Family Independence Agency Inspections
• Food Service Sanitation
• Illicit Drain Elimination Program
• Lead Assessment
• Mobile Home Park Inspections
• On-site Sewage Disposal
• Public Drinking Water Systems
• Public Swimming Pool Inspections
• Private Ground Water Supplies
• Radon Consultations
• Storm Water Management Program

Health Education

• Community Health Assessment
• Consultation Services to Schools, Groups and Community
• Educational Programs and Presentations
• Resources
• Most services offered at no charge

Laboratory

Lab services are provided through a referral from St. Clair County Health Departments programs.

• Biologic Inventory and Distribution
• Pregnancy Testing
• Selected Blood Chemistries and Hematology
• STD Diagnosis
• Throat Cultures
• Water Analysis

Local Health Department Administrative Services

• Accounts Payable/Receivable
• Financial Reporting
• Management Information Systems
• Program Planning, Budgeting, Administration, and Evaluation
• Purchasing

Nursing

• Adult Travel Immunizations
• Childhood Immunizations
• Children’s Special Health Care Services
• Clinic Services (STD, HIV Testing, Pregnancy Testing)
• Communicable Disease Control/Prevention
• Community Health Nursing
• County Discount Prescription Drug Program
• Family Planning Services
• Hearing Screening
• HIV Case Management Services
• Lead Testing
• Maternal & Infant Health Program
• Outreach, MIChild and Healthy Kids
• Teen Health Center (Adolescent Health)
• Vision Screening

WIC

• Food Coupons
• Nutrition Assessments
• Nutrition Counseling/Education

Community Health Assessment/Planning

The St. Clair County Health Department actively participates in a community-wide health assessment and improvement process. Led by the Community Services Coordinating Body, this collaborative effort to carry out the county’s action plan involves a wide range of community groups, human service organizations and county residents.

Ongoing health assessment activities include conducting a behavioral risk factor survey, publication of a community health report card, and associated health improvement efforts through a network of community coordinated linkages. In addition, Health Department staff are involved in an extensive list of community coalitions. Examples of these include the Child Fatality Review Committee, Health Community Coalition, the Environmental Education Committee, and the Helmet Safety Committee. Regional collaborative activities include representation on the Bi-National Public Health Advisory Committee, the Regional Community Planning Group for HIV Prevention, and the Thumb Area MSS/ISS Coordinators Committee.