Power Out, Emergency Operations On

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County leaders and other regional officials discuss responses to the blackout at the Emergency Operations Center.

San Diegans had never seen anything like it: a power outage covering the entire county and beyond.  While the sudden cutoff meant the end of the workday for thousands of residents, it sent County emergency operations staff into action.

The County Emergency Operations Center activated at a Level Three – the highest level – due to the impact on the entire region and the need for coordination with dozens of other County and regional agencies to monitor the situation and respond.

The Center’s media room was soon filled with local reporters covering the developing situation. Chairman Bill Horn hosted two news conferences, sharing the podium with officials from the San Diego Gas & Electric, city of San Diego, the County Office of Education and other local leaders to share the latest developments and important safety information.

Delivering the message was one thing, but the outage meant few people were receiving it the way they normally would. That’s where the County took advantage of Twitter, continually posting messages throughout the evening. 

Electricity was eventually restored to the county about 12 hours after the blackout began. But the incident provided valuable lessons in coping with a large-scale power outage, which could be only one part of a major emergency like an earthquake.

“Overall, we were fortunate this turned out to be more inconvenience than disaster,” said Emergency Operations Director Ron Lane.  “But I hope as a result, San Diegans will take a look at how well prepared they were and take any steps they need to be better prepared in the future.”

Were you ready?  Among the items you should have in case of a blackout:

  • a non-cordless phone that does not depend on electricity to operate
  • flashlights
  • battery- or crank-operated radio
  • water and non-perishable food

Learn more about what you should have prepared at home, schools and the workplace at ReadySanDiego.org. 

Community Collaboration on Display at Special Tdap Clinic

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The County, and HHSA in particular, are constantly reaching out to community partners to help us provide services to San Diego County residents. A great example of that was a recent Tdap booster shot clinic administered by HHSA's North Regions.

Since they already have a relationship with the County Library through a public health nurse/bookmobile partnership, North Regions approached the Ramona Library branch to arrange to use their Community Room for the clinic.  Naomi Brown, Senior  Public Health Nurse, also contacted Ramona Superintendent Robert Grable to request support to process the students.  He reached out to the Parent Teacher Association and volunteers from that organization assisted HHSA with keeping the clinic running smoothly.

The North Regions Public Health Nurses all performed various roles to ensure a smoothly run clinic. Registered Nurse Martha Magos reviewed immunization records to ensure that clients who did not need the immunization did not wait in line unnecessarily, while Sara Oien, Maria Rodriguez and Senior Public Health Nurse Iris Bentz explained and reviewed permission forms and ensured that protocols for parents and guardians were followed.

Public Health Nurses Donna Erfe-Beltran, Liz Inglis and Gisela Lauer reviewed contraindications to the vaccine, tracked forms and answered parent questions while Heather LaBelle gave health information and other vaccine information in HHSA bags provided by Health Promotion staff as parents exited.

Pat Stalcup, school nurse for the Ramona Unified School District, documented students as they left to ensure their prompt registration in school.

Many of the families that came for their booster shot took the opportunity to also visit the Ramona Library, completing the circle of County and community collaboration.

Recovery from Addiction is Possible - Come Celebrate Success!

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Did you know 22.5 million people aged 12 or older were classified with substance use dependence, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health? On top of that, 11 million people 18 years or older were diagnosed with a serious mental health problem. Sadly, the two challenges often go hand in hand. But the good news is that recovery does happen. Every day, someone finds their way to wellness through personal courage, spirituality, and the support of a caring community.

Chances are, you know someone who is struggling to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle. You can show your support by attending “Recovery: A Community Affair,” on Saturday, Sept. 10, from noon to 3:00 p.m. Just head to the lawn area at the corner of Park Boulevard and President’s Way. Join in the celebration of  those in recovery, and help fight the stigma that can prevent people with addiction or mental illness from getting the help they need.

In additional to an extensive resource fair, where you can find information about treatment options, local facilities, and behavioral health tips (for alcohol or drug abuse, and mental health), this year’s friend and family-friendly event offers an art exhibit, entertainment, children's area and classic car show.

There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Help spread the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, and that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can, and do, recover.

Ongoing Recovery Month Activities:  Learn about other various activities and events held throughout the community during the month, such as treatment program graduations and open houses, on the September Recovery Calendar, and read recovery stories: www.sdads.org.

If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse or mental health, call for information: 24/7 Access and Crisis Line: 1-800-479-3339.

San Diego County Featured in National Technology Report

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San Diego County's innovative use of technology was highlighted in a recent special report from Public CIO "A Guide to Mobility in Government".

The report features the County's Innovation Council, use of a mobility virtual private network for workers out in the field and the full-scale Government WithOut Walls (GWOW) mobility strategy.

Chief Information Officer Harold Tuck is interviewed and the article highlights the savings to taxpayers from the innovations.

You can read the full story by going to page 11 of the report:

http://cwss/sites/DHR/gwow/Shared%20Documents/PCIO_Final_Mobility_Report_V2.pdf

The Eight Signs of Terrorism

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Often the public is advised to report “suspicious activity,” but what exactly does that mean? A locally-produced video details the “Eight Signs of Terrorism” so that everyone can help law enforcement protect the region’s security.

“As the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, we are providing a resource for the public to remind them that every citizen can help prevent acts of terrorism,” said Chairman Bill Horn, Board of Supervisors.

The video features Sheriff Bill Gore and FBI Special Agent in Charge of San Diego Keith Slotter and can be viewed on ReadySanDiego.org. It has already been made available to County and City of San Diego employees to help them recognize suspicious activity while they are on the job. Brochures describing the eight signs of terrorism will also be available at County libraries.

Have You Vaccinated Your Teenager Against Pertussis?

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School is starting—do all the teenagers in your house have their whooping cough booster shot? Sure?

With classes at most schools starting within the next two weeks, you are encouraged to make sure your children meet this new requirement. Without the booster shot, your child will not be allowed in school.

Find your children’s immunization record to see if they have received the pertussis booster shot, called Tdap, or take them to their doctor’s office, retail pharmacy, or one of the County’s seven public health centers to be immunized .

Another option is to go to one of 14 vaccination clinics organized by the County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The booster shots are administered on a first-come, first-served basis. For clinic hours and locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.

 “The clinics are a great opportunity for parents to vaccinate their children so that they can start school on time,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.

A new law went into effect July 1 and requires all 7th through 12th graders—in public and private schools—to show proof of having received the pertussis booster shot to enroll in school.

In San Diego County, that means about 230,000 local students were required to show proof they have received the booster shot. School officials estimate that more than 42,000 still need to show proof they have received the booster.

While parents will have up to 30 days to meet the Tdap requirement once classes begin, Dr. Wooten recommends that everyone vaccinate their children now to avoid any class disruptions. Students who have not met the new requirement once the grace period is over will be sent home from school.

 “Doctors’ appointments are filling up fast,” added Wooten. “We encourage parents to vaccinate their children now to avoid long lines and wait times.”

Last year’s pertussis epidemic established new records of whooping cough cases across the state, including San Diego County where 1,144 cases were reported and two infants died. This year, 343 pertussis cases have been reported to date.

HHSA has produced a 30-second public service announcement in English and Spanish on the new Tdap requirement.

Foster Youth Experience Pro Golfing Facility, Instruction

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Callaway Golf provided 30 San Diego County foster youth with an opportunity to take up golf, a sport that instills many positive life skills and offers a lifetime of fun. The Carlsbad-based golf equipment manufacturer hosted a three-hour training camp at the Ely Callaway Performance Center, the same facility that is regularly visited by many of the world’s top golfers, including Phil Mickelson and Annika Sorenstam.