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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES 11

Nick Macchione,Agency DeputyDirector, is one of53 winners of aninaugural awardsprogram createdby a nationalgovernment infor-mation technolo-gy magazine tohonor burgeoningleaders in the government infor-mation technology arena.

Macchione was chosen by apanel of independent judges toreceive a Rising Star Award fromFederal Computer Week maga-zine. The award was given at abanquet on Oct. 12 inWashington, D.C.

The award was presented forleadership that “made a differencein the way agencies and compa-nies develop, acquire, manage

and use information technology,”according to Christopher J.Dorobek, Editor, FederalComputer Week.

This was exemplified by theMobile Remote Workforce (MRW)project that Macchione spear-headed in February 2005. MRWuses cutting edge technology toimprove accuracy of client refer-rals for Public Health nurses inthe field, among other things.

“We’re all proud of MRW, and aredelighted to see it recognized ona national basis,” said Macchione.“MRW would not have succeededwithout hard work from hundredsof people, from Public Healthnurses to Information Technologyspecialists.”

MRW was a pilot project forBusiness Process Re-engineering(BPR), introduced by the CountyAdministrative Officer as amethod of achieving operational

excellence by improving work-force productivity. The MRW pilottook shape with an eye on makingthe county workforce moreefficient and improving theeffectiveness of existing operatingsystems – while maintaining thesame high level of customerservice.

The results have been remark-able, eliminating duplicateprocesses, dramatically cuttingback on paperwork, slashing thetime nurses have to spend in thefield on administrative tasks, andboosting accuracy rates for clientreferrals.

Macchione Wins National “Rising Star” AwardHHSA Deputy Director Honoredfor Technology Innovation

Macchione

“MRW would not havesucceeded without hardwork from hundreds ofpeople from Public Healthnurses to InformationTechnology specialists.”

- Macchione

Please see pages 4-5 for a very special story about a North Countycouple that opened their hearts and homes to 14 foster children anda newly adopted daughter.

"In taking the foster parent classes and seeing the videos, and finally hav-ing the children in your home, you feel compelled to save all these kids."

- Susan Rucker

Special Section Inside:

A Message from Jean M. ShepardHealth and Human Services Agency Director

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES 22

MOMeals Volunteers to Serve 1,500Homebound Elders for Thanksgiving

Not everyone can share a holiday feast with rela-tives. Some have no family. Some are too weak toshop for and prepare a meal. For hundreds ofhomebound seniors in San Diego County, theirThanksgiving dinner might be a TV dinner if itweren't for volunteers from the County's MOMealsprogram.

MOMeals gives these folks something to smileabout on this holiday. MOMeals, which is adminis-tered by the Agency’s Aging & IndependenceServices, has had volunteers delivering more than1,500 meals each Thanksgiving to shut-in seniorssince 1991. The MOMeals sites are in South Bay,East County and Central San Diego.

This Thanksgiving, each MOMeals volunteer willvisit a handful of seniors, spending time chatting andbringing a hot turkey dinner with all the trimmings,

plus a carnation and a colorful placemat made bylocal school children.

No meal recipient pays for the dinner. The food iscovered by generous community donations. Allmoney donated to MOMeals goes to meals, notadministrative costs.

You Can Make a Senior Smile This Thanksgiving

If you're concerned about the nation's food supply lately, you're not alone. Recentnews stories about spinach, lettuce, carrot juice, and even raw milk contaminated withE. coli (0157:H7) bacteria have everyone wondering how safe it is to eat a salad oreven pour milk into their coffee. But how many of you know staff within our Agency areinvolved in keeping an eye on these kinds of situations?

While there were no local cases of E. coli reported as a result of recent incidents, our Public HealthServices Community Epidemiology Division works closely with the State Department of Health Servicesand the County Department of Environmental Health to keep on top of the latest events. They also alertlocal physicians to unusual health events, through the Emergency Medical Alert Network (EMAN).

If an outbreak is discovered, the Epidemiology team interviews victims to find out where the outbreakoriginated. It's time consuming, detailed, and requires skills not unlike those of a detective. It's good toknow this dedicated team of professionals is on constant watch, with the goal of keeping our communi-ty safe and healthy.

EMAN is available to the public by clicking here.Jean M. Shepard

Anyone interested in volunteering or making adonation to MOMeals can call (858) 495-5279.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES

Domestic violence prevention isn't just about work-ing with families; the County is studying andaddressing violent teen behavior, before it becomesa lifelong habit.

The Agency’s Office of Violence Prevention, in part-nership with the Domestic Violence Council, recent-ly examined teen relationship violence (TRV) andfound prevalent problems among teens in theCounty. Fifteen to twenty percent of teens statedthey had physically abused dating partners in thepast year (including hitting, punching and shaking).

Further, roughly one in three teens said that it was"sometimes," "often," or "always" okay forboyfriends to resort to dating violence when a girl-friend "flirts with someone else at a party," "threat-ens to break up with him," or "she is drunk/druggedor acting crazy."

Luckily, prevention and intervention programs haveproven to successfully decrease these behaviors.

What can you do? Here are some suggestions fromthe American Bar Association: - Develop a gender neutral approach to TRV - Ask open ended questions about dating - Provide information about healthy relationships

For more information, contact the County's 24-hourDomestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-DVLINKS (385-4657) or www.dvlinks.org.

County Aims to Get Early Starton Domestic Violence Prevention

The County Employees Charitable Organization(CECO) commemorated 50 years of County employ-ees working to better their communities with a cele-bration on the County Administrative Center’s westlawn Sept. 27.

The event also served as a kick-off to the combinedUnited Way/CHAD and CECO drives. HHSA Directorof Operations Paula Landau-Cox was on hand toaddress the celebration attendees and help get themgeared up for the upcoming campaign.

CECO was established in Aug. 1956. Since thattime, County active and retired employees havegiven more than $20 million to a wide variety of non-profit agencies in San Diego. These funds have pro-vided medication and dental services to children andfamilies living with cancer, diabetes and lung dis-ease and provided start-up funding, construction andmaintenance for senior centers, residential rehabili-tation facilities and other related services and pro-grams.

HHSA Director of Operations Paula Landau-Coxhelps kick off the combined United Way/CHADand CECO campaign.

CECO Turns 50

For the price of one latte a week ($4) you can helpUnited Way/CHAD and CECO provide:

- One month of prenatal vitamins for sixteen uninsuredmothers; or- Two months of prescriptions for an uninsured adult withdiabetes and heart disease; or- 120 meals for homebound seniors; or- Vision screening and eyeglasses for an uninsured child.

Won't you help make a difference in San Diego?United Way/CHAD and CECO - together, a littleadds up to a lot.

HHSA Events Calendar - Check outwhat’s happening, or, advise your

Web contact to post events.

When Marine Staff Sergeant Ronald Rucker and his wifeSusan first came to San Diego, they thought that they weremerely here to enjoy the great weather. They did not intend tobecome foster parents, much less adopt a child. Now, they arein the process of adopting an eight-month old baby girl, havehad 14 children in their care since becoming foster parents inJanuary 2005, and are inspiring others to follow in their foot-steps.

Susan, a former Marine herself,found life somewhat boring afterleaving military service. Whileshe volunteered in the communi-ty, it wasn't completely fulfilling.That's when she saw a flyer atCamp Pendleton about childrenneeding homes and foster par-ents. Her husband Ron wasn'tcompletely convinced, but after amonth of constant encourage-ment (or "prodding," as Ron putsit), he relented and they beganthe process of becoming fosterparents.

"I wasn't completely sold on ituntil we started getting the fosterkids - then my whole attitudechanged," Ron said. Susan felt the same way. "In taking thefoster parent classes and seeing the videos, and finally havingthe children in your home, you feel compelled to save all thesekids," commented Susan. "But don't get me wrong, it's a toughjob, having different people together, raised in differentlifestyles, going to court or doctors appointments, and the sad-ness that comes when one of the children leaves, sadness foryou, the children, and the other children in your care."

"It takes patience," chimed in Ron. "It's not for everyone. Butthe issues aren't with the kids, they’re with the parents. If youput a child in a loving environment, they'll flourish - but if kids

are raised in an environment where the child is not the priority,they'll flounder." Susan adds, "What keeps us going is knowingthat, because of us, children in our care know what love is,what it's like to have a clean bed and have a bath, to knowwhat fun is, and what a real family and positive environmentcan be like."

It has affected those around them too, and severalneighbors have expressed interest in also becomingfoster parents. One had mentioned to them that theydidn't realize so many children needed homes.According to the Agency, each day in North Countythere are over 50 children waiting for a family to carefor them. "Our foster families are the shining stars inthe lives of abused, neglected and abandoned chil-dren" says Nick Macchione, Agency DeputyDirector. "We commend the Ruckers, and foster fam-ilies like them, who are dedicated to healing and nur-turing our community's most vulnerable children."

In May, the Agency honored Ron and Susan with theStarfish Award for Making a Difference in Children'sLives. The award was presented at the North CountyFoster Family Celebration and Picnic held at GreenOak Ranch in Vista. Additionally, the Ruckers werechosen as this year's National Military FamilyAssociation's Family of the Year. Recipients areselected from nominees from all branches of the mili-

tary nationwide. While the Ruckers aren't quite certain of whonominated them (they received several nominations), theyknow their commitment to being foster parents stood out. In aspecial ceremony held at Camp Pendleton, the Ruckersreceived a plaque, $500, and a $250 check toward theirfavorite charity, St. Jude Children's Center. They promptly usedthe award money towards a "bonding study" for the adoption ofa baby that came into their care when she was just two daysold. Ron noted, "While the awards are great, it's not what we'rein it for. It's really to care for the kids and give them a lovinghome where they can heal."

The Ruckers both have childrenfrom previous marriages: Susanhas two grown sons (21 and 23years old) and Ron has a 16-year-old daughter who lives withher mother. Both Ron and Susanstated that their children havebeen very supportive of thembeing foster parents, and haveeven visited their foster siblings.When asked about adopting alittle girl, particularly now whentheir children are older, Susansaid, "You can't prevent who you

fall in love with. She's been with us for eight months and wejust love her like our own."

The Ruckers will be leaving fortheir next military duty station,Georgia, in November. Whenasked if they were going to con-tinue being foster parents, theyboth smiled and said"Absolutely." Susan said,"Before we came to California,our orders kept changing. Now Iknow why we came here. It's tobecome foster parents. It's ourcalling. I would encourage indi-viduals who have love in theirhearts and room in their homesto become foster parents."

North County Foster Parents Open Up Their Family to Adopted Daughter

For more information on becoming a foster parentin San Diego County, call Foster Care Licensing at

(877) 792-KIDS (5437).For information on adoptions, call (877) 423-6788.

Filling a Void...With Love

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES 66

The San Diego County Commission on Children,Youth and Families sponsored a forum, "Celebratingthe Journey," on Oct. 19 to commemorate its 20thanniversary, at the Salvation Army Ray and JoanKroc Center.

The conference featured local experts discussingthe accomplishments and challenges of the past 20years in working to improve services and support forchildren and families. Supervisor Greg Cox madeopening remarks.

"The Commission has worked for the past 20 yearsto nurture children and strengthen families byengaging communities and promoting integratedservices," said Supervisor Cox about the event. "It'simportant to celebrate this milestone, and lookahead to other steps we can take to help childrenand families."

The keynote address, "It Takes a Village to Raise aChild: But Do We Know How to Raise a Village?"was given by John "Jack" Calhoun, founding presi-dent and CEO of the National Crime PreventionCouncil. Calhoun revolutionized crime prevention bychanging its definition to encompass building vitalcommunities that do not produce crime, and creat-ing programs that involve youth as positive changeagents in their communities.

As part of the 20th anniversary activities, theCommission sponsored an essay contest for chil-dren and youth to hear from kids about how theyare doing and their vision of San Diego's future. Theessay contest was an overwhelming success. Threehundred seventy-four essays were submitted from51 schools countywide. The essay contest selectioncommittee read the submitted essays and selected

one grand prize winner, one first place winner ineach age category and several second place win-ners. The winners were recognized at the event andtheir essays were shared with participants at theforum.

The grand prize essay winner was Sonny Ruiz, a12th grade student at Summit Juvenile Court andCommunity Schools. High School age winners were:1st place - Meklit Mengistu, Garfield High School,2nd Place - Isabel Tjierin, Grade 12, Garfield HighSchool, Kim Dong, Grade 12, John Muir HighSchool, and Sandra Velasco, Grade 11, GarfieldHigh School. Middle School Age winners were: 1stplace - Giovanni Ocampo, Grade 7, Monroe ClarkeMiddle School, 2nd Place - Joseph DeSimone,Grade 8, Great Start School, and Daniel Millan,Grade 6, Porter Elementary School. ElementarySchool age were: 1st Place - Riley Henderson,Grade 2, Kumeyaay School, 2nd Place - VickyNguyen, Grade 5, Rosa Parks Elementary School;Andrew Tuttle, Grade 1, Great Start School.

SD County CCYF Celebrates 20th AnniversaryConference Featured Local Experts, Speaker and Youth Essay Contest Winners

Pictured from left: Joseph DeSimone, Sonny Ruiz,Andrew Tuttle, Judge Susan Huguenor, RileyHenderson, and Daniel Millan

REMINDER: All Agency employees are required to complete annual compliance training by Jan. 31,2007. To access the training from your desktop computer, please log on to:http://10.32.14.63/default.asp. Remember, the training must be completed by Jan. 31, 2007.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES 77

Director’s Call-InShare your ideas and concerns with

HHSA Director Director of OperationsJean M. Shepard Paula Landau-Cox

•• First Friday of each month •• 8 a.m. - noon•• (619) 515-6555

San Pasqual AcademyVarsity footballschedule 2006

Citrus League 8-Man FootballFri. 2 PM Nov. 3 Calvary Christian (Vista)Fri. 2 PM Nov. 10 All Tribes Am. Ind. CharterBoth are home games

The Employee Satisfaction Committee, spear-headed by Jean Shepard and Paula-LandauCox, has continued to meet regularly.

The group, consisting of volunteer representa-tives from across the Agency, has identifiedseveral key issues, and will be presenting rec-ommendations for action to the ExecutiveTeam this winter.

Meanwhile, inspired by the committee, theAgency's Training and Development depart-ment has already begun laying the ground-work for new classes aimed at improving inter-nal communication and other skills critical topromoting a positive team environment.

Stay tuned for further developments.

Local Rotary Clubs have made a significantimpact on the youth at San Pasqual Academy, afirst-in-the-nation residential education campusfor foster teens. With "Service Above Self" astheir motto, several Rotary Clubs have steppedinto the lives of the Academy youth andexposed them to new opportunities.

While the Escondido East Rotary providesbackpacks and gift cards to the youth for back-to-school, the Downtown Rotary in Escondidorecognizes two students each quarter for theiroutstanding academic achievement, presentingthem with a plaque and gift certificate at aluncheon.

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary sponsors theAcademy's Interact Club, a community serviceorganization, and with the La Jolla Sunrise

Rotary, they also sponsor four outstanding jun-iors to attend the Rotary Youth LeadershipAward (RYLA) Conference in Idyllwild. Thisyear, an Academy senior was invited back tohelp lead the conference with the Rotarians.The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary hosted the RYLAparticipants at their Officer's Dinner and the stu-dents were very well received.

The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary has also teamedup with the National Charity League andFriends of San Pasqual Academy to rehabilitatean alumni house on campus, while six studentsspruced up part of the Jocelyn Senior Center inEscondido for International Rotary at Work Day.

The Rotary's involvement with San PasqualAcademy is a win-win situation for everyone!

Local Rotary Clubs Changing Academy Students' Lives

Employee Satisfaction Committee Update

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES 88

Emergency Survival ProgramThere’s been a lot of talk about disasters lately. Is your family prepared? Thereare many resources available to help you. For example, the County’s Office ofEmergency Services offers an Emergency Survival Program (ESP) with monthlytips to increase emergency preparedness at home, in the community, at workand at school.

The November theme is “Test Your Plan,” all about reviewing family plans for an emergency.

The County’s emergency page will provide valuable information in the event of a disaster.

North Central Region:Reunifying FamiliesThe North Central Region focuses on servingfamilies and promoting healthy and thriving com-munities. A small percentage of families face sig-nificant obstacles, resulting in abuse or neglect oftheir children, and need the attention of theAgency and the community to safely parent theirchildren in the future. In these cases, childrenwho are in out-of-home care receive the love andsupport of foster families or relative caregivers.The goal is to help families reunite when it is safeto do so.

In July, 16 families were successfully reunified inthe North Central Region due to the efforts of par-ents, foster parents, relatives, CommunityServices for Families, and Childrens Servicessocial workers. Another 12 were reunited inAugust.

Some reunification successes include: two boysare back with their father, a mother is now caringfor her five year old and twins, and a teenager isnow reunified with her parents. In all cases, theparents made substantial progress in the stepsneeded to reunify with their children. Teamworkand frequent visitation seem to be the critical fac-tors for timely and successful reunification of thefamilies.

Compliance Office: (619) 515-4244 Toll-Free Compliance Hotline: (866) 549-0004

An ethical workplace is your right... and your responsibility...

Diabetes is a leading cause of death for SanDiego County residents, with 529 deaths reported in2004. The HHSA Regions with the highest rates per100,000 population are Central and South Regions(29.8, 26.0 respectively), while North Coastal andNorth Central had the lowest rates (13.8, 13.7respectively).1

San Diego County hospital admissions for dia-betes have been on the rise from 2001-2003. Theadmission rate for short term/uncontrolled diabeteswas 45.8 per 100,000 population in 2003. While theadmission rate for conditions of long term diabetes(i.e. renal, circulatory disease, etc.) was 89.1 per100,000 population. The rate of admissions forlower extremity amputations due to diabetes mellitusis declining, (26.0 per 100,000 population, 2003).2

1 California Department of Health Services, Death Statistical Master Files; SANDAGJanuary 1 population estimates. Prepared by Community Epidemiology, Health & HumanServices Agency, County of San Diego, 05/16/2006.

2 Parker, JP; Simon, V; Parham, C; Teague, J; and Li, Z; Preventable Hospitalizations inCalifornia: Statewide and County Trends (1997-2003), Sacramento, CA: Office ofStatewide Health Planning and Development, November 2005. Website:http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/HQAD/Outcomes/PQI/index.htm, accessed 10/25/06.

To request additional health statistics describing healthbehaviors, diseases and injuries for specific populations,health trends and comparisons to national targets, pleasecall the County's Community Health Statistics Unit at(619) 285-6479. To access the latest data and data links,including the Community Profiles and the 2004 CorePublic Health Indicator document, go to www.sdhealth-statistics.com.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES 99

Public Health Nursing Halloween In-Service

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES

North Regions:Benefactor Makes MedicalTherapy SaferA private benefactor has made it possible for morethan 1900 children with disabilities served by theCalifornia Children Services Medical Therapy Units(MTU) in six public schools countywide to have newergonomically safe equipment.

The "LiteGait" suspension is used to improve achild's ability to walk by using a harness thatsecures the child over a treadmill. Escondido MTUPhysical Therapist Daphne DeCoster said "Onemother was thrilled" when her toddler-aged child,with a condition that prevented her from independ-ent movement, walked for 10 minutes in the"LiteGait," then smiled and laughed when assistedto take her first three steps into her mother's arms.

An electrically adjustable treatment table has alsobeen purchased that can be raised up or down to adesired height so pre-school through high school-age children can practice wheelchair to tub or cartransfers. The state-of-the-art equipment not onlyminimizes injuries for both patient and therapist butmost importantly, accelerates progress in therapyand permits more advanced activities, increasingthe patient's independence and quality of life.

Physical therapist Neil Goyal works with 8-year-oldAshley on one of the “Lite Gait” units donated by aprivate benefactor.

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Dr. Nick Yphantides, M.D., author of My Big FatGreek Diet was the guest speaker at the Oct.Manager’s Forum.

Agency Director Jean Shepard spoke during theOct. Manager’s Forum held at the Marina Village.

Jaye Yoshonis, left, and Susan Curtin, right,receive awards from Robin Carvajal, center,Director of the Employee Training Institute andWorkplace Learning Resource Center. Thehonors recognize excellence in large-scaletraining program development, coordinationand management.

County Receives Workplace Training Honors

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES 1111

County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency

Chief Administrative Officer - Walter F. Ekard

Health and Human Services Agency Director - Jean M. Shepard

Editor - Tom Christensen

Aging & Independence Services: Denise NelesenAlcohol & Drug Services: Kate Martin

Central Region: Elise LorentzChild Welfare Services: Cathi Palatella

East Region: Katie JuddFinancial & Support Services: Marion Morris

Mental Health: Bonita MaglidtNorth Central Region, North Coastal Region,

North Inland Region: Nina ConstantinoPublic Health: Pete Sison

South Region: Angie DeVoss

Board of SupervisorsGreg Cox, District 1

Dianne Jacob, District 2Pam Slater-Price, District 3

Ron Roberts, District 4Bill Horn, District 5

Section Editors

Immunization is not just for kids -adults need protection, too!

More than 60 bikers, most of themBaby Boomers in their 50s, rodeinto the Biggs Harley-Davidson/Buell Dealership in SanMarcos on Oct. 14th, and wereimmunized against influenza byPublic Health Nurses from NorthInland Public Health Center.

The purpose of the event was todemonstrate the importance ofimmunizations for healthy, activeadults. A video news release ofthe event will be shown through-out California. Sponsors includedthe Agency’s ImmunizationBranch, California AdultImmunization Coalition and theCalifornia Distance LearningHealth Network.

Influenza is a serious and verycontagious disease. Every year,an estimated 36,000 people diefrom the flu and its complications.The best way to protect againstthe flu is to get flu vaccine everyyear.

Other diseases adults should con-sider getting immunized againstare tetanus, diphtheria and pertus-

sis (whooping cough), pneumo-coccal disease, measles, mumps,rubella, varicella (chickenpox),hepatitis A and hepatitis B.Everyone should talk with theirdoctor about which vaccines theyneed.

The following staff counseledand/or provided flu vaccine:

North Inland PublicHealth Center:Naomi Brown, PHN IIJoanne Klein, PHN IIHeather LaBelle, PHN II

HHSA, PHSImmunization Branch:Mary Beckhelm, PHN IIIAnita Secor, PHN IISue Hunt, PHN IV

Others at the event were: Dr.Nancy Bowen, County PublicHealth Officer; Adrienne CollinsYancey, Chief, ImmunizationBranch; Christine Garcia,Immunization ManagementConsultant; Suzanne Bouveron,state DHS Health EducationConsultant; and Kathe Gustafson,consultant and retiredImmunization Coordinator.

Boomer Biker Eventa Roaring Success

The Boomer Bikers on their way toSan Marcos to highlight the needfor adults to get immunized againstinfluenza.

Leap of FaithCalendar Available

The annual Leap of Faith calen-dar from San Diego CountyAdoptions is now available.

The calendar, featuring countychildren waiting to be adopted, isavailable for free at any SanDiego public library, selectbranches of the San DiegoCounty Credit Union and atKFMB-TV in Kearny Mesa.

There are between 6,000 to7,000 children waiting to beadopted in San Diego County.