In 2007, Clark County Public Health strengthened efforts to prevent disease; promote healthier choices; protect food, water and air; and prepare for emergencies.
We forged innovative alliances with community partners. We adopted new measures to protect our water and our environment. And we took a close look at how to improve access to health care and better meet the needs of children, families and vulnerable populations. Here are some examples of our work in 2007:
- Responded to cases of meningitis, whooping cough, staph infections, avian chlamydiosis, suspected mumps, food-borne illness, and viral gastroenteritis; took actions to prevent their spread into the community.
- Distributed more than $3 million worth of vaccines to health care providers to protect their patients against flu, whooping cough, mumps, and a variety of other preventable diseases.
- Provided 11,033 clients with family planning services, immunizations, HIV testing, tuberculosis screening and preventive therapy, STD testing, and immigration and refugee health care and infectious disease screening.
- Provided case management services to 280 people living with HIV or AIDS.
- To protect our drinking water, approved 424 new septic system permits, evaluated 347 proposed septic system sites, and approved 331 reviews for new septic systems.
- Implemented a new county code to ensure proper operation and maintenance of existing septic systems; this will help owners prolong the life of their systems and protect drinking water.
- Helped owners and renters implement no-smoking policies at rental properties to prevent exposure to harmful secondhand smoke; worked in partnership with the American Lung Association of Oregon and Multnomah County Health Department.
- Implemented the Nurse Family Partnership, a nationally recognized home visiting program that helps children of low-income, first-time parents get a healthy start in life.
- Served 15,009 women, infants and children through the WIC Nutrition Program and contributed $5,403,294 to local farmers and grocery stores through WIC food dollars.
- Through the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program, provided dental care to almost 8,000 children up to the age of five who otherwise would not have had dental care.
- Conducted more than 4,000 food safety inspections and certified more than 13,000 food handlers to help keep food safe in Clark County.
- Raised awareness of regional radon risk and provided more than 450 free radon test kits to Clark County residents.
- Gave residents information on West Nile Virus and how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and biting. Coordinated outreach efforts with the Mosquito Control District.
- Conducted a live exercise to test the ability of staff and medical Reserve Corps volunteers to set up four medication dispensing clinics in Clark County at the same time. Exercises like this better prepare us for the possibility of pandemic influenza or other health emergencies.
