July - August 2009

An Award-winning Department

On March 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named San Antonio/Bexar County as the most improved urban area in childhood immunizations. Texas received honors for being the most improved state in the same category. The awards were presented at the CDC's 2009 National Immunization Conference in Dallas. Vivian Flores, Immunization Division Manager, received a plaque on behalf of Metro Health.

San Antonio/Bexar County improved 11.3 percentage points in childhood immunizations coverage rate from 2004 to 2008, based on National Immunization Survey data of children ages 19 through 35 months.

On May 7, the Texas Dental Association honored Metro Health's Dental Division with its 2009 Certificate of Merit award in recognition of the department's efforts to serve the dental health and welfare of the disadvantaged population in the San Antonio area. Dental Health Coordinator Dr. Jennifer Meyer Bankler accepted the tribute for the department.

These accolades follow a number of tributes last year for the work accomplished by Metro Health and some of its team members. One of the highest acknowledgements came from the Texas Municipal League and Texas Association of Counties as they presented the City of San Antonio and Bexar County with its City – County Cooperation Award for the work of Metro Health and the University Health System (UHS) to integrate and improve health services.

In a City-County integration initiative, Metro Health transferred its clinical preventive services, including 10 clinics and 125 positions, to UHS. More than $6 million in grant and City general funds also were reallocated to UHS as part of this move.

In April 2008, Assistant Director Charles Pruski was honored with the Janet Emerson Public Health Servant Award by the Texas Association of Local Health Officials (TALHO).

TALHO presents this annual tribute to a public health employee within a health department in the state of Texas who has demonstrated extraordinary performance with an exemplary commitment to local public health. It is the highest accolade given by the association for public health servants at the local level.

At the time of the award, Mr. Pruski had committed nearly 35 years of service and numerous contributions to local public health efforts.

Other awards received in 2008 and 2009 are as noted:

The Vital Statistics Division received the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Five-Star Award in December 2008. This award is given to local registrars who meet a number of criteria including timeliness in delivery of service, innovation, security, training, and collaboration.

The Immunization Clinic received the City’s Customer Service Excellence Award for their excellent Secret Shopper review. The clinic is managed by nurse supervisor Dina Guillen.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce bestowed the 2008 Champion of Health Award on Director of Health Fernando A. Guerra.

Jennifer Herriott, Population Based Services Administrator, received the 2008 Partner Award for “invaluable contributions to our community” by the South Texas Area Health Education Center.

This year, Herriott, along with Dr. Jorge Flores, also was selected to be a National Public Health Leadership Institute (PHLI) scholar. They are preceded by Dr. Fernando Guerra, a member of the PHLI inaugural class of 1991, and Dr. Bryan Alsip who received the distinguished honor last year.

Sanitarian Julia Braswell received a STAR award for helping a citizen who was lying on the street bleeding. She rendered aid and contacted SAPD who got EMS on the scene.

Stephen Barscewki, Sanitarian Service Manager, was presented with the San Antonio Restaurant Association’s Education Partner of the Year Award at the association's gala.

Bob Victoria, PCEH Management Analyst, and Kyle Cunningham, PCEH Program Manager, were recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 6 for exemplary service in public outreach during the Region 6 Vapor Intrusion Sampling Efforts.

Jose Marchan, Jr., Project WORTH Health Program Specialist, was awarded the Hombre Noble Award from the San Antonio Fatherhood Campaign in June 2008.

From individual accomplishments to kudos for the entire department, this is an award-winning time for your public health team.

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