Community Health Programs

2018

• Apr 5, 2018

  PROJECT OPIATE: PEER TO PEER EDUCATION IN LAKE COUNTY

  PROJECT OPIATE: PEER TO PEER EDUCATION IN LAKE COUNTY April 5, 2018PRESS RELEASE                                                                                                                                CONTACT:  Haley Russo (440) 350-2844 April 4, 2018                                                                                                                                         LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICTPROJECT OPIATE: PEER TO PEER EDUCATION IN LAKE COUNTY In order to help prevent prescription opioid misuse, the Lake County General Health District, in collaboration with the Ohio State Extension Office, successfully launched Project OPIATE (Opiate Prevention Initiative-Action Through Education), an innovative program that utilizes youth leaders to educate their school-aged peers regarding the risks of prescription opioid misuse. After attending “Lead & Seed”, a two-day training program provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), six adult facilitators and eighteen youth leaders recruited from both Willoughby-Eastlake (North and South) High School and Mentor High School hosted “pHARMING Effects”, an interactive peer-to-peer educational presentation outlining the dangers of prescription opioid misuse. These presentations occurred at Mentor High School on March 8, 2018, and at Willoughby South on March 9, 2018. A two-day “pHARMING Effects” presentation is also scheduled at Eastlake North High School on April 11 and 12, 2018. As a follow-up to these presentations, the project team will revisit the students in attendance throughout the remainder of the semester, utilizing Generation Rx, an educational prescription drug website, to revisit prescription opioid misuse topics.Unintentional deaths attributed to prescription opioid misuse remain a considerable issue in the United States1, and the misuse of prescription opioids often leads to riskier drug behavior and initiation2, as evident from the current opioid epidemic sweeping through communities across the country3. Opioids, a class of drugs that include the prescription medications oxycodone, codeine, and morphine, as well as the illegal drugs heroin and fentanyl, are highly addictive, and recovery from opioid addiction is a lifelong effort. Despite these concerns, upwards of 45 percent of high school students have been exposed to prescription opioid misuse4. “We have to look at every resource and solution available to us in order to reduce the number of lives lost to opiate misuse,” stated Ron Graham, Lake County General Health District Health Commissioner.Project OPIATE was developed by Dr. Andrew Wapner, Director of the Center for Public Health Practice at the Ohio State University’s College of Public Health. By connecting local public health departments and the Ohio State Extension Offices, efforts to fight the opioid epidemic have improved. In 2014, collaboration began between Health Commissioner Graham and Dr. Wapner to create optimal, evidence-based practices to benefit Lake County residents, and these efforts continue today.For more information about this project, please contact to Haley Russo at (440) 350-2844, or hrusso@lcghd.org. ###

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• Mar 28, 2018

  ARE YOU READY TO RUN YOUR FIRST 5K?

  ARE YOU READY TO RUN YOUR FIRST 5K? March 28, 2018NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                  CONTACT:  KATHY MILO (440) 350-2447MARCH 28, 2018                                                                                                  LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT     ARE YOU READY TO RUN YOUR FIRST 5K?JUST RUN is an annual school-based youth running program that helps promote fitness and healthy lifestyle choices, while combating childhood obesity and its related illnesses. Throughout the course of a six to eight week program, students train to run a 5K race, which culminates in the JUST RUN Lake County 5K held on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. For this year’s JUST RUN event, a total of 30 public schools, four private schools, and one homeschool group are participating.All of the JUST RUN preparation and training is completed at each participating school and these activities include the recruitment of students, scheduling and planning practices, as well as training before or after school. While most students involved in JUST RUN have never run a 5K, a number of returning participants look forward to training in the spring each year. Most schools have already started training, and others will begin after spring break.JUST RUN started in 2010 with only 60 students, and has grown to roughly 1,000 student participants. More parents have also started running, as there is a family and friends option available on race day. The JUST RUN registration cost is $12 (t-shirt included), and registration is available at register.chronotrack.com/r/37170. There is NO COST to the students.As the program has grown, so have our sponsors, and this program would not be possible without them! A sincere thank you is due to all of our 2018 sponsors, which include: Lake Health, Lake MetroParks, Lake County YMCA, Greater Cleveland XC, Second Sole, CareSource, Applebee’s, Chick-Fil-A, Lake County Captains, Buckeye Health, Lakeland Foundation, Paramount Advantage, Mentor Police Athletic League, Fair Housing Resource Center, and Lake County United Way.Last week, Chick-Fil-A in Mentor sponsored a “Spirit Night,” and $133 was raised for the JUST RUN event. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported JUST RUN!On April 14, Applebee’s in Mentor is hosting a “Dine and Donate” event from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Please mention JUST RUN, or show the flyer on our JUST RUN Lake County, Ohio Facebook page. Also, please “like” our Facebook page, and let us know what your family likes best about JUST RUN! ###

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• Mar 16, 2018

  THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY, PLAN BEFORE YOU PARTY! REMEMBER: BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

  THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY, PLAN BEFORE YOU PARTY! REMEMBER: BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING March 16, 2018PRESS RELEASE                                                                                                     CONTACT:  Haley Russo (440) 350-2844 March 15, 2018                                                                                                           LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY, PLAN BEFORE YOU PARTY!  REMEMBER: BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVINGSt. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. With a plethora of St. Paddy’s Day well-wishers, the holiday is heavily celebrated by most Americans. Sadly, all this merry-making can lead to dangerous driving conditions as party-goers head home.In 2016 alone, 60 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Paddy’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18). The selfish act of drinking and driving can rip people from their friends and loved ones forever. For this reason, the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition (LCSCC) is working to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving. Even one drink can be one too many. If you’re heading out for the Irish festivities, plan ahead and remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.“We want our community members to plan ahead when they are celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day,” said Haley Russo, the Safe Communities Coalition Coordinator. “Don’t let alcohol cause you to be a risk to yourself and others on the road. Drinking and driving is an act of selfishness. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Please make a plan before you head out for St. Patrick’s Day parties,” Ms. Russo continued.The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that as of March 5th, 2018 Lake County has had one fatal crash on Lake County roadways this year.The LCSCC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend the following tips for a safe St. Patrick’s Day:A safe, sober ride home is an essential part of any plan that includes drinking.If you’re planning on driving, commit to staying sober.If you have been drinking and need a sober ride home, there are many options. Call a sober friend or family member, a taxi, use public transportation, or try ride sharing apps such as UBER or Lyft. Also, try NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, which helps users call a taxi or a sober friend for a ride home, and helps to identify their location so they can be picked up.Help those around you be responsible, too. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel and help them find a sober ride home.If you see someone who appears to be driving drunk, call the police. Your actions could help save a life. Remember, this St. Patrick’s Day: Plan Before You Party! Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving! ###

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• Mar 16, 2018

  LAKE COUNTY CONTINUES TO RANK HIGH IN 2018 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS

  LAKE COUNTY CONTINUES TO RANK HIGH IN 2018 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS March 16, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                              CONTACT: Ron H. Graham, (440) 350-2543March 16, 2018                                                                                                                         LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICTLAKE COUNTY CONTINUES TO RANK HIGH IN 2018 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, has just released the seventh year of County Health Rankings, a comprehensive report that ranks the overall health of nearly every county across all 50 states, by way of a standardized methodology to measure (1) health policies and programs, (2) health factors, and (3) health outcomes. Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) is pleased to announce that Lake County continues to be in the top tier of ranked Ohio counties, with respect to both health outcomes and health factors.This year’s rankings continue to illustrate that much of health is affected outside of the doctor’s office. Lake County rose from 23rd (2017) to 13th (2018) for health outcomes, and from 10th (2017) to 9th (2018) for health factors. LCGHD Health Commissioner Ron H. Graham commented, “As an agency working to promote the health of our community, we are excited to see this increased ranking, though we interpret the data with caution. Simply put, this ranking is often influenced by the addition of new measures, or a change in how the data is collected, from year-to-year”. Elaborating further on this process, Commissioner Graham went on to say “for instance, the 2018 County Health Rankings utilized two new years of premature death and low birthweight data, the addition of which increases the potential for change in health outcome rankings from the previous year. Additionally, County Health Rankings changed what data was used to measure the access to exercise opportunities and food environment index, which resulted in a ranking change”.Currently, Lake County is experiencing an increase in premature death, years of productive life lost, total number of chlamydia cases, the percentage of children in poverty, violent crimes, and a decrease in the number of women receiving mammography screenings. Commissioner Graham commented that “the data is still relatively old, and the recent increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in the last few years will dramatically impact premature death and years of productive life lost. A higher Community Health Ranking should theoretically be followed by improved community health, but nothing can replace real-time data when working to prevent chronic disease, and many of the health measures used to determine these rankings”.Despite the following concerns, there are a number of positive Lake County trends to report, including a reduction in airborne particular matter, decreased preventable hospital stays, and a decrease in the number of uninsured individuals. “These trends, much alike anything intended to improve community health, require partnerships, time, and commitment…” noted Graham, and “…it will take all of us working together toward a shared goal to make a noticeable impact here in Lake County. Collaboration and input is not reserved for public health and healthcare, but should also include the expertise of local business, education, and government, in addition to Lake County community members and parents”.Using the Rankings DataThe County Health Rankings provide a snapshot of a community’s health and a starting point for investigating and discussing ways to improve health. This guide will help you find and understand the data – in this site and beyond – as you begin to assess your needs and resources, and focus on what’s important. The guide includes seven sections:Communities Using the Rankings Data introduces the many ways communities are using the Rankings.Exploring the Data helps you get the most out of the Rankings and the wealth of underlying data.Making Use of Your Snapshot helps you navigate the information in your county’s snapshot and identify key areas where you may wish to look for additional data.Digging Deeper helps you think through what other information would help you further understand the health of your community.Broadening Your View helps you widen your focus beyond the specific measures included in the Rankings.Visualizing the Data provides links to resources to help you visualize where the assets and weaknesses are in your community.Finding More Data directs you to additional national and state data sources. For more information on Lake County General Health District, visit our website at www.lcghd.org. ###

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• Jan 11, 2018

  LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERING TWO FAMILY FLU CLINICS

  LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERING TWO FAMILY FLU CLINICS January 11, 2018NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                  CONTACT: Tara Perkins (440) 350-2439January 9, 2018                                                                                                     LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICTLAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERING TWO FAMILY FLU CLINICSThe United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that the United States has experienced an increase in flu activity, with flu-like illnesses increasing to 5.8%1, similar to the previous severe flu season in 2014-2015. From December 24, 2018 to December 30, 2018, Ohio has experienced widespread flu diagnoses. Lake County General Health District also regrets to inform that Lake County has experienced three deaths related to the flu. In response to the current flu situation, the Lake County General Health Department will be offering two additional flu clinics for all community members:January 12, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.January 19, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. These flu clinics are available to infants, children and adults and will take place at Lake County General Health District, located at 5966 Heisley Road in Mentor, Ohio. We ask participants to bring their insurance cards with them at the time of their visit. Please call 350-2554 to schedule your appointment today or if you have any questions about these flu clinics.The flu can be a mild to serious illness that could result in hospitalization. The flu virus is easily spread by tiny droplets that are produced by coughing, sneezing or talking. These tiny droplets can travel through the air and enter the mouths or noses of another person or land on surfaces that others may touch. Once a person is exposed to the flu, it may take a few days for symptoms to occur. Symptoms of the flu include coughing, sneezing, fever or feeling hot and cold, running nose or stuffy nose, body aches and feeling tired.“Regardless of whether you get your flu vaccine from us, your local healthcare provider or local pharmacy, getting the flu vaccine is your best defense in managing the flu and protecting others from getting it,” commented Tara Perkins, Lake County General Health District Director of Nursing. Other ways to prevent the flu include the following:Wash your hands often, especially after sneezing or coughing and when preparing meals.When sneezing, sneeze into the crease of your arm, near your elbow. This will reduce the spread of germs to your hands which could then travel to other people and surfaces.Drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.Stay home if you are sick. Give your body time to recover and to protect your colleagues from getting sick.Try to reduce your stress levels. This can cause your body to become rundown, making it more likely to picking up viruses.For more information or please call the Lake County General Health District at (440) 350-2554 or visit www.lcghd.org. ###

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