The Courier
NEWS
Nominate Your "Health Hero"
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve the health in your community? Now is your chance to recognize them! South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) is accepting nominations for "Health Heroes 2024", and will honor one organization or person for each of the four health hero categories (Youth, Adult Volunteer, Adult Professional, and Organization) who have made a big difference in the health of residents of south central Idaho in the last calendar year. "There are quiet heroes among us in all of our eight counties - folks that step above and beyond to help others with their health and well-being. These folks embody the motto of public health care, helping our community to prevent disease, disabilities, and premature death by encouraging healthy lifestyles and tirelessly working to protect against health threats," said Pam Jones, South Central Public Health Board member and Chair of the Health Heroes Committee. "They can be the person next door who serves as an EMT, or the group that reaches out to teach others about the dangers of opioids or vaping. They have organized and inspired residents to increase their health and fitness, and so much more. Please look around and help SCPHD to find them and honor them for the services they provide." Health Hero awards are for residents in south central Idaho. This region includes Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties. Nominees must live in one of these counties to be eligible for the award. Examples of qualifying activities include, but are not limited to, the following: • Promoting a healthy lifestyle through activities at schools, churches, and places of work • Programs/activities to reduce suicides • Promoting physical activity or other activities that help reduce obesity • Help preparing a community for a disaster • Efforts to decrease workplace injuries or illness • Promoting policies that led to healthy outcomes • Helping to expand health information outreach to hard-to-reach communities Nominations are due by the end of the business day on April 1st, 2024. All mailed nominations must be postmarked by April 1st, 2024. Health Hero award winners will be honored on May 15th, 2024, at the SCPHD Regional Board of Health meeting.
Idaho Flood Awareness Week
In recognition of the potential risks associated with spring flooding, Governor Brad Little has officially designated March 17 – 23, 2024 as Flood Awareness Week in Idaho. The proclamation underscores the importance of understanding and preparing for the dangers posed by flooding. In conjunction with the week, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) urges all Idahoans to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves, their families, and their properties. "As temperatures rise, we're reminded of Idaho's flood history," said IOEM Director Brad continued on page 2... Richy. "While spring snow melts are crucial for irrigation and...
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
March 20, 2024
Vol 48 Num 12
Gun Safety Education
There are many dangerous things in this world that can get our youth into trouble. At the top of the list are cars and guns. To keep our young people safe, it is necessary to education them in the safe handling and operation of these things. Drivers education and gun safety classes have been around for a long time, and in the past it was not uncommon for students to drive their own vehicle to school to learn to drive. It was the same for gun safety... students would bring their own guns to school as part of gun safety classes. Today, cars are provided by the school (or the instructor) for Drivers Ed, and driving to school before one has a licence can get a student in trouble. Gun safety, however, has all but disappeared from our public school system. While this might be understandable with various school shootings across the nation (sometimes by students), the need for gun safety education still remains. In fact, gun safety education is even more important. Part of the problem is funding - small schools have to make hard choices when funding programs such as music, sports, ag education, etc. To help with this, the Idaho legislature has been working on Senate Bill 1317. This law would establish a specialty license plate to generate funds for gun safety education programs. Of course, there has been opposition to this proposal, mainly because of the image on the plate - the Gadsden Flag (Don’t Tread on Me) - and its relationship to the Second Amendment. Politics aside, we still need gun safety education. There are two organization filling this gap - Idaho Fish & Game and your local 4-H groups. Fish & Game's focus is hunter education, but gun safety is part of the program. 4-H provides various programs for Shooting Sports which includes archery, shotguns, rifles and pistols. These programs focus on safety so our youth can enjoy the various sports associated with guns and archery including hunting and competition. To find out more, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office. There is something for everyone!