Tribal Epi Center (TEC) Newsletter Jul-Sep2015

T R I B A L

E P I D E M I O L O G Y

C E N T E R

NEWSLETTER ■ VOLUME 10 ■ ISSUE 3 ■ JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

July is: ■ Group

7th Annual Tribal Public Health Conference

B Strep Infection (GBS) Month

■ Firework ■ Juvenile

Safety Month

“Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, and Shaping the Future”

Arthritis Awareness Month

In this issue: 7th Annual TPH Conference

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Importance of Physical Activity 3 National Immunization Awareness Month 2015 Red Earth Parade

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Caring Van Schedule West Nile Confirmed in Oklahoma

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Meet the Interns

6

Food Safety at the Grill

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HANDS: A Program for School Nurses 8 SNOO: 2015 Summer Conference Registration Form

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CDC Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country Grant UPDATE

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MFP Tribal Initiative 11 Statewide Meeting FACTS: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 12 OSDH Encourages Safe Swimming to Prevent Spreading Diseases

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Board Member Directory

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OCAITHB/ OK TEC Staff Directory

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The 7th Annual Tribal Public Health Conference “Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, and Shaping the Future” was held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa, OK on April 28 through April 30, 2015. A sincere “Thank You” goes out to Cherokee Nation the host tribe for this year’s conference and the other sponsors.

Sponsorships include the Association of American Indian Physicians for hosting the pre-conference training and various workshops throughout the conference.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH); AARP of Oklahoma; the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Office of Minority Health (OMH); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Indian Health Care Resource Center (IHCRC); Absentee Shawnee Tribe of OK; Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC); Integris Health; Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board (OCAITHB); and Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center (OKTEC).

The Association of American Indian Physicians through partnership provided a Pre-Conference workshop on April 28th that included training on: Data Into Action (DIA); and Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) training. Additional workshops were held in coordination with the training that included a Diabetes track and Emergency Management workshop. The pre-conference attendees included tribal, federal, state, local and university for a total of over 100 participants. A sincere thank you goes out to all the presenters that provided their time and effort with the trainings, workshops and focus groups to.

The conference began Wednesday, April 29th with the Grand Opening by the Cherokee Nation Color Guards bringing in the flags with a Welcome by Ms. Jenifer ShieldChief Gover, OCAITHB Executive Director and Principal Chief Bill John Baker of the Cherokee Nation. Key note addresses were brought by distinguished and nationally recognized leaders in Public Health. The first day of the conference (Continued on Next Page)

included: Judith Monroe, MD Deputy Director Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Director for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support (OSTLTS). Ursula Bauer, PhD, MPH Director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Terry Cline, PhD, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health, Secretary of Health and Human Services. The second day of the conference the key note addresses were Darryl Tonemah, PhD in Counseling Psychology and Cultural Studies. Carolyn Angus-Hornbuckle, JD serves as the Deputy Director of Policy, Programs and Advocacy with the National Indian Health Board.

The two day conference attendance was well over 200 and included public heath workshops on Men’s Health; Tribal Epidemiology; Public Health Accreditation; Public Health Law; Affordable Care Act and Exemption Waivers; Public Health Ethics; Diabetes Prevention Programs; Heart Disease; Cancer Prevention; OK VA Health Care System and Tribal Health Programs; Traditional Foods; Urban Indian Health; Communicable Disease; Digital Storytelling; Substance Abuse; Inter-Tribal Emergency; Information Technology and Native Health with a total of 33 workshops. Traditional food recipes were made available from Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation and Mvskoke Creek Nation during the cultural evening event.

The Cultural event showcased the Cherokee Word for Water that is a feature-length motion picture inspired by the true story of struggle, opposition and ultimate success of a rural Cherokee community. The picture shares the story of the work that led Wilma Mankiller to become the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation through her heroic efforts using the traditional concept of “gadugi” working together to solve a problem. We also had the pleasure of having director and actor Charlie Soap, actor Darryl Tonemah, PhD and Kaylea Dreadfulwater along with one of the producers of the film Ms. Kristina Kiehl join us for questions, answers and autographs. The Cherokee Nation Hard Rock Hotel & Casino graciously served us delicious Indian Taco’s and popcorn for the viewing.

The overall conference evaluations were positive with many compliments, pleasantries, and positive affirmations.

The Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board and Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center sincerely thank you for your support and for making this conference a success.

See you next year in 2016!

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TRIBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER ■ JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

The Importance of Physical Activity Tara D. Conway, MS, RDN, LD, CDE Spring is over and summer is upon us, it stays light outside longer. It is a good time to enjoy outdoor activities with your family. Current trends and predictions say that todays youth will not outlive their parents; therefore making physical fitness an important component of good Health and Wellness. Did you know that regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer healthier life? There are many Cardiovascular Health benefits when you add physical activity into your daily lives. With a daily exercise regimen children can improve bone, heart health and muscular fitness. Exercise in adults can also lower the risk for Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers, also older adults can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive function.

Physical activity is for everyone, no matter what shape you are in; here are activities you can find that work for you. Need some ideas on how to incorporate physical activity into your life? Start by making small changes, like taking a walk with your family after dinner, on the weekends try bike riding, bowling, and hiking or stick ball.

For persons with arthritis you might want to consider swimming, water aerobics or chair exercises.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity each week. Moderate activity includes walking fast, dancing, swimming and raking leaves. Muscle strengthening activities are also recommended at least 2 days week, such as lifting weight and using exercise bands. You can use cans of vegetables and fruit to use as weights and do strength training while watching TV. It is also recommended that children get 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity a day and limit computer and TV time to 2 hours per day.

Let’s all spread the word on the importance of physical activity. Motivate teachers and school administrators, leaders in your local community to help make a difference.

Source: National Health Information Center

August 2015 National Immunization Awareness Month Immunization helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. To stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and tuberculosis, adults need to get their shots – just like kids do. National Immunization Awareness Month is a great time to promote vaccines and remind family, friends, and coworkers to stay up to date on their shots. Visit your health care provider.

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2015 Red Earth Parade Janice Black MS, Caring Van Coordinator The Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board and staff participated in this year’s 2015 Red Earth Parade. The OCAITHB/OK TEC introduced and showcased The Caring Van, a new and unique approach to bring prevention resources and screening to requesting tribes and tribal organizations. Being a part of this year’s 2015 Red Earth Parade was a perfect opportunity to celebrate and promote availability and outreach to the tribes we serve. This was Red Earth’s 26th Annual Red Earth Festival which was held in Oklahoma City on June 5th. The parade highlighted tribal spirit and beautiful authentic tribal regalia thru the streets of downtown Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board was excited to be a part of this cultural event with tribes from all parts of the country. We are looking forward to participating in the parade for 2016 and many years to come!

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TRIBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER ■ JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Oklahoma June 4, 2015

Caring Van Schedule February 2015 – Heart Health Awareness Day @ Wichita Tribal Complex Community Building Provided Dental Screenings and Fluoride Treatments for Youths.

March 2015 – OKC Indian Clinic’s Jump Rope TURTLE (Teaching Urban Roads to Lifestyle & Exercise) Camp Provided Dental Screenings and Fluoride Treatments for Youths.

June 2015 - Red Earth Parade Showcased Van in the Red Earth parade.

June 2015 - OKC Indian Clinic’s NYPD (Native Youth Prevention Diabetes) Camp @ Camp Takatoka, Chouteau, Oklahoma.

Provided Dental Screenings for Youths.

June 2015 – Men’s Health Event at Cheyenne & Arapaho’s Tribes of Oklahoma.

Provided Diabetes Foot Screening and Education for Men.

Upcoming Events July 2015 - Sac & Fox Nation Health Fair Providing Health Screenings (TBD).

The partnership between Oklahoma City Area Intertribal Health Board and Oklahoma Caring Foundation is bringing increased access to preventive services into American Indian communities.

In the first few months of partnership, hundreds of children

The first cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Oklahoma have been confirmed in Okfuskee and McIntosh counties. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV, a mosquito-borne illness. WNV is spread through the bite of the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and transmits the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals. This type of mosquito increases in numbers during mid to late summer when the temperatures climb and the weather pattern is drier.

Floodwater mosquito populations created by recent rain in Oklahoma do not increase the risk of WNV. The type of mosquitoes that hatch after severe flooding are primarily the species of mosquitoes classified as “nuisance mosquitoes”. They bite aggressively and cause lots of itchy bites, but they are not typically involved with transmission of diseases.

Floodwater mosquito populations tend to die out three weeks after the rains stop and the sun dries out affected low lying areas.

Summertime typically marks the beginning of the WNV season in Oklahoma, with outdoor activities providing opportunities for encountering infected mosquitoes. Although the severity of this year’s WNV season cannot be predicted, it is important to know the highest risk months in Oklahoma for WNV exposure occur from July through October.

Since WNV was introduced into Oklahoma, there have been 3 outbreak years – 2003, 2007 and 2012. All three of these seasons were characterized by higher than normal summer temperatures and drought.

Symptoms of WNV include sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Long-lasting complications can include difficulty concentrating, migraine headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors, and paralysis of a limb. If one or more of these symptoms develop, especially after suffering mosquito bites within the previous two weeks, a health care provider should be contacted. Persons over the age of 50 are at greatest risk of developing severe neurologic disease from WNV. Some of the neurological effects of WNV may be permanent.

Among the precautions to take against mosquito bites are the following: • Use an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors, particularly if you are outside between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.

• Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

and adults have received dental exams, fluoride varnishes, and

• Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, and tires from holding standing water so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed.

diabetic screenings aboard the van at health fairs and summer

• Empty your pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily.

camps. We are incredibly proud of this partnership and the

• Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.

difference it will make in communities across the state.

– Jenny Koetter, Program Coordinator Oklahoma Caring Foundation

Source: Jamie Dukes, Office of Communications • Oklahoma State Department of Health

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Meet the Interns Amber Anderson My name is Amber Anderson and I am currently serving as a Fellow for the Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center. This May I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S.A.G. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a Minor in American Indian Studies. In August I will begin to pursue a Master of Public Health degree with am emphasis in American Indian Public Health at North Dakota State University. At the completion of my Fellowship, I plan to use the knowledge I have gained to assist me in my future endeavors and career in Indian Country.

Tyler M. Dougherty Born and raised in Northwest Oklahoma, Enid, I have a great love and appreciation for the Great Plains. I am the oldest of four children with a large extended family. I graduated from Enid High School in 2008 and attended the University of Oklahoma where I received my Bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis on physiology. Currently I am in my last year at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center where I am pursuing a Master’s of Public Health in Biostatistics. With 8 years of clinical experience, my passion is in medical research where I hope to make meaningful and innovative improvements to our health care system.

Shoshanna Johnson My name is Shoshanna Johnson and I am a summer intern for the Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board. I am currently pursing a Strategic Mass Communication major and a minor in Journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma.

I am eager to explore how my degree could possibly contribute to the field of public health. I have a desire to learn more about the OCAITHB and the different health programs that it offers to the native community. I appreciate the hands on approach to exploring a career in public health and I am committed to helping native people in any capacity. I feel that I need more exposure to public service and this is a great opportunity to get that experience.

Lori Yearout Raised on a bison ranch in south central Kansas, I grew up in the country with my lovely five family members.

I graduated from South Barber High School in 2008 and then attended the University of Kansas- go Jayhawks!

My bachelor’s degree is in Clinical Laboratory Science and Molecular Biotechnology and I worked as a medical technologist in Kansas City for several years before moving to Oklahoma for further education. Currently, I’m attending classes at the OU Health Science Center to obtain a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology in the hopes of pursuing a career investigating and preventing foodborne illnesses- everybody should be able to eat in peace. In addition to the OKTEC, I also work part-time at St. Anthony Hospital in the blood bank.

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TRIBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER ■ JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

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A Program for School Nurses

Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:00am ‐ 5:00pm

(Registration and Breakfast 7:30am – 8:00am) Day 1 of SNOO Conference

Metro Technology Conference Center 1900 Springlake Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Funding for this training is provided by the Oklahoma Inter‐Tribal Diabetes Coalition.

 H.A.N.D.S. Objectives (summarized): 1. Summarize current knowledge and guidelines related to diabetes and diabetes management at school.

2. Identify the school nurse’s role in developing and maintaining a student’s individualized healthcare plan for safe, effective diabetes management at school.

 Description: H.A.N.D.S. SM is an educational program developed by the National Association of School Nurses. Course materials include a H.A.N.D.S. SM Participant manual and numerous resources to support school nursing practice as it relates to diabetes management. *A completed evaluation and full day attendance are required for 6.5 CNE contact hours to be awarded.

SM

Registration: Online registration with complete payment must be received by, Friday, July 3, 2015. No on‐site registration will be available for H.A.N.D.S.SM Confirmation of registration will be sent from NASN via e‐mail.

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

**To register for H.A.N.D.S.SM: Please visit www.nasn.org/hands. On the left‐hand side (register for a live program box), click register button.

NASN Member Price: $50.00 Non‐member Price: $80.00 **Online registration is available for credit cards only. If you are paying with check or Purchase Order, please contact NASN, Danielle Harris at dharris@nasn.org or 240‐247‐1634.

For any questions regarding registration for H.A.N.D.S.SM, please contact, Danielle Harris at dharris@nasn.org or 240‐247‐1634.

SNOO Pre‐conference and Day 2: For questions regarding registration SNOO Pre‐conference (July 15th), Day 2 (July 17th), and local venue information, please email Beth Roberson at broberson@norman.k12.ok.us.

National Association of School Nurses is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

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TRIBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER ■ JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

2015 SNOO Summer Conference Registration Form  NASN Member Member Number _________________________________

 NonMember

NAME ______________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________ School _________OIDC Tribal Member___________________________

PHONE NUMBERS:

WORK______________________________________________________________________________________

CELL _______________________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION:

Pre Conference – New Nurse Orientation – July 15

NASN Member or NonMember

$20.00

___________________

Member – Both Days July 16 & 17th

$80.00

___________________

Member – One Day July 16 OR 17th

$50.00

___________________

NonMember – Both Days July 16 & 17th

$160.00

___________________

NonMember – One Day July 16 OR 17th

$80.00

___________________

TOTAL AMOUNT

Paid by OIDC

FAX OR EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM TO Lee Ann Sherrill, RN, CDE Cell: 918-­‐429-­‐2600 Fax: 918-­‐421-­‐2944 e-­‐mail lasherrill@cnhsa.com

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CDC Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country Grant Update Tracy Prather MS, RT, CVT, MHA The purpose of this program is to provide tribes in the Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas with the leadership, stewardship, TA, training, and resources necessary to assist in chronic disease prevention. With this grant we have the opportunity to provide funding to tribes and non-profit tribal organizations for efforts related to: reducing commercial tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke; improving nutrition and physical activity; or assessment of tribal community health.

Distributed Sub-Award RFP, disseminated information to tribes relating to funding opportunities and trainings. Awarded nine (9) sub-award grants from the applications received, continue to work through customizing individual sub award initiatives with grantees in one of three areas, tribal community health assessment, strategic planning, implementation/action planning, depending where they are in their process.

Successful delivery and execution of Public Health Conference, with multiple tracks to include chronic disease prevention education. Attendance of conference around 300 participants, all sub-award grantees in attendance.

Attended all Programmatic ECHO/ZOOM sessions, as well as scheduled meetings with CDC Project Coordinator.

In brief summary here are just a few of the highlights to date with this initiative as it moves forward.

Met weekly with internal program evaluator to align and ensure development and structure compliance with comprehensive evaluation plan intact.

Summary of activities for the OK TEC include: strategic planning meeting for contact and confirmation of selected Steering Committee members, all members seated and engaged, duties discussed and understood.

Continued outreach to tribal partners and sub-awardees to provide training, TA, resources, and sub-awards on chronic disease prevention based on capacity assessment.

Utilized Steering Committee input and direction for completion of sub-award protocol, criteria, and RFP development, evaluation efforts and data collection, training opportunities, short and longterm goals.

Arranging meetings to increase implementation of activities within the IHS OCA consistent with Component 1 logic model.

Utilization of IPC model resource sharing with IHS to increase the number of effective programs used in the IHS OCA to promote health and prevent chronic disease with tribes and sub-awardees.

Have made contact with Component One recipient, coordinated collaboration and alignment with grant execution to include data collection procedures supporting effective program implementation, evaluation, and sustainability.

TEC staff has provided at least two trainings on team-based care and prevention and management strategies to sub-award grantees, and OCA tribes at large.

Have carefully filled positions strategically with staff that addresses needs, areas of opportunity and interest, specific to tribe/tribal organization identified needs.

Attended all training sessions related to grant deliverables and outcomes.

Continued work on database expansion for capacity building and sub-award support.

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Planning collaborative participation with our Kansas tribes and partners to present and hold the Kansas Tribal Health Summit in August 2015. Planning is on-going with the Oklahoma City Area Kansas tribes, the CD GH&W grant Component One recipient and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Continue outreach, define, develop and increase number subawardees incorporating team-based systems of care strategies by at least one each year. In years Two through Five, identify and improve at least one underperforming chronic disease prevention management and care target per year within the IHS OCA.

TRIBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER ■JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

Money Follows the Person – Tribal Initiative (MFP-TI) Statewide Meeting th Money Follows the Person –Thursday, Tribal Initiative Statewide Meeting July 16(MFP-TI) th Thursday, July Hard Rock Hotel &16 Casino Hard RockCherokee Hotel & Casino 777 West Street

777Catoosa, West Cherokee Street OK 74015 Catoosa, 9 am – OK 2:00 74015 pm am – 2:00 pm provided No cost to 9attend—Lunch No cost to attend—Lunch provided

Learn more about the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s new initiative for tribal nations: Learn more about the Oklahoma Health Care– Authority’s new initiative for tribal nations: Money Follows the Person Tribal Initiative (MFP-TI) Money Follows the Person – Tribal Initiative (MFP-TI)

What is the MFP-TI? What is the The MFP - TI MFP-TI? aims to create community-based (CB) Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) within Indian initiative will help Oklahoma tribes:Term Services and Supports (LTSS) withThe MFP country.

- TI aimsThis to create community-based (CB) Long country. initiative will help Oklahoma tribes: and allow them to move back into in Indian Reduce the useThis of institutional services for tribal members    

Reduce the use of institutional tribal members and allow them to move back into tribal communities and receiveservices LTSS atfor home tribal communities receive LTSS atLong homeTerm Services and Supports for tribal members, and Design and manageand culturally-relevant Design manage Long and Supports for tribal members, and Provideand easier accessculturally-relevant to Medicaid services forTerm tribalServices members Provide easier access to Medicaid services for tribal members

Who should attend?

Who should attend?

CHR staff, tribal elderly program staff, tribal health administrators, tribal housing staff, clinic staff, assisted living staff, tribalprogram veteransstaff, program and tribal administrators.

CHR staff, tribal elderly tribalstaff, health administrators, tribal housing staff, clinic staff, assisted living staff, tribal veterans program staff, and tribal administrators.

For more information and to RSVP, please email or call Tewanna Edwards at: For more information and to Ph: RSVP, please email or call Tewanna Edwards at: (405) 522-7786 Email: Tewanna.Edwards@okhca.org Ph: (405) 522-7786 Email: Tewanna.Edwards@okhca.org

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER Symptoms & Prevention Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a tickborne disease and transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. RMSF is an serious illness that can cause death in the first eight days if symptoms are not treated correctly, even in previously healthy people. The development of the disease varies greatly. People who are treated early may recover quickly on medication, while those who experience a more severe case may require hospitalization.

Wear long pants and sleeves. When walking in wooded or grassy areas, wear shoes, long pants tucked into socks and long-sleeved shirts. Try to stick to trails and avoid walking through low bushes and long grass.

Use insect repellents. Products containing DEET (Off! Deep Woods, Repel) often repel ticks. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Clothing that has permethrin impregnated into the fabric is toxic to ticks and also may be helpful in decreasing tick contact when outdoors.

Do your best to tick-proof your yard. Clear brush and leaves where ticks live. Keep woodpiles in sunny areas.

Check yourself and your pets for ticks. Do this after being in wooded or grassy areas. Some ticks are no bigger than the head of a pin, so you may not discover them unless you are very careful.

Remove a tick with tweezers. Gently grasp the tick near its head or mouth. Don't squeeze or crush the tick, but pull carefully and steadily. Once you have the entire tick removed, apply antiseptic to the bite area.

SYMPTOMS:        

Fever Rash (occurs 2-5 days after fever, may be absent in some cases Headache Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain (may mimic appendicitis or other causes of acute abdominal pain) Muscle pain Lack of appetite

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 12

TRIBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER ■ JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

OSDH Encourages Safe Swimming to Prevent Spreading Diseases Make a Healthy Splash: Share the Fun, Not the Germs Think Healthy. Swim Healthy. Be Healthy It’s the time of year to beat the heat by visiting lakes, rivers, pools, and splash pads.

As Oklahomans gear up for a summer of fun in the water, the Acute Disease Service (ADS) of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages everyone to follow healthy swimming behaviors to prevent spreading diseases and to prevent families from becoming sick.

Swim diapers & swim pants are not a substitute for frequent diaper changing and bathroom breaks. Check swim diapers and swim pants frequently, and change them away from the poolside.

The week leading up to Memorial Day (May 18-24) has been designated nationally to be Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week. Healthy swimming behaviors can prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs) such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli. RWIs are caused by swallowing or having contact with organisms in contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, fountains, lakes or rivers. RWIs can also be caused by inhaling mists or aerosols from contaminated water. RWIs can be prevented by taking simple precautions.

Swimming in a well-maintained swimming pool will reduce the likelihood of developing an RWI as many of the germs are killed by chlorine.

Healthy swimming behaviors include the following: Avoid swimming in the pool or lake when you have diarrhea. Germs can spread in the water and make other people sick.

Avoid swallowing pool or lake water. Avoid getting water in the mouth in order to prevent ingesting germs.

Practice good hygiene. Shower before swimming and wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.

Wash your child thoroughly with soap and water before swimming, especially the diapered area.

Avoid swimming in a pool that has cloudy or off-colored water. If the main bottom drain can not be seen, stay out of the pool.

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) continued last year to be present in Oklahoma lakes. HABs can produce toxins that result in illness in humans and animals. Direct contact with water that has a HAB can result in a skin rash; eye, ear and throat irritation; asthmalike symptoms; and diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps. Do not swim or participate in other recreational water activities where murkiness or mats due to blue, bright green, red, or brown algae appear in or on the water, or if the water has an unpleasant odor.

For more information regarding waterborne diseases and prevention, please visit: www.ok.gov/health Source: James Dukes, Office of Communications Oklahoma State Department of Health

Diapered children: Children who are not yet toilet-trained should wear swim diapers in the pool and lake.

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OCAITHB Board Members NAME

TITLE

EMAIL

Tim Tallchief

Chairman

ttallchief@potawatomi.org

Seneca Smith

Vice Chairman

seneca.smith@creekhealth.org

Teresa Jackson

Treasurer

tkjackson@cnhsa.com

Nick Barton

Secretary

nbarton@c-a-tribes.org

Judy Goforth-Parker

Member

judy.parker@chickasaw.net

Billy Friend

Member

bfriend@wyandotte-nation.org

Nick Gonzales

Member

nick.gonzales@kttribe.org

Bruce Pratt

Member

bpratt@pawneenation.org

Carrie O’Toole

Member

carrie@pbpnation.org

Connie Davis

Member

connie-davis@cherokee.org

RADM Kevin Meeks

Member

kevin.meeks@ihs.gov

Lawton Service Unit

vacant

vacant

Wewoka Service Unit

vacant

vacant

OKC Area Epi Center Board Members

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NAME

TITLE

EMAIL

Tim Tallchief

Chairman

ttallchief@potawatomi.org

Seneca Smith

Vice Chairman

seneca.smith@creekhealth.org

Teresa Jackson

Treasurer

tkjackson@cnhsa.com

Nick Barton

Secretary

nbarton@c-a-tribes.org

RADM Kevin Meeks

Member

kevin.meeks@ihs.gov

Dr. John Farris

Member

john.farris@ihs.gov

Connie Barker

Member

connie.barker@chickasaw.net

Steve Ortiz

Member

steveo@pbpnation.org

Carrie O’Toole

Member

carrie@pbpnation.org

Bonnie Stephenson

Member

bstephenson@caddonation.org

Dr. Rodney Stapp

Member

rodney.stapp@uitct.com

Dr. Larry Vark

Member

larry.vark@creekhealth.org

Tom Anderson

Member

tom.anderson@ocaithb.org

TRIBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER ■ JULY–SEPTEMBER 2015

Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board / Oklahoma Area TEC Staff Directory NAME

TITLE

TELEPHONE

EMAIL

Jenifer ShieldChief Gover

Executive Director

(405) 652-9201

jgover@ocaithb.org

Tom Anderson

OK Tribal Epidemiology Center Director

(405) 652-9204

tom.anderson@ocaithb.org

RD Dickens

Program Development Manager

(405) 652-9206

rd.dickens@ocaithb.org

Loren Tonemah

Project Manager

(405) 652-9207

loren.tonemah@ocaithb.org

Cuyler Snider

Assistant TEC Manager/ Epidemiologist

(405) 652- 9205

cuyler.snider@ocaithb.org

Chris Tall Bear

Clinical Trials Trainer

(405) 652-9208

chris.tallbear@ocaithb.org

Melanie Johnson

SPF-TIG Coordinator

(405) 652-9211

mjohnson@ocaithb.org

Tracy Prather

Good Health and Wellness Program Coordinator

(405) 652-9216

tprather@ocaithb.org

Karla Iron

Project Manager

(405) 652-9200

kiron@ocaithb.org

Patricia Yarholar

Public Health Coordinator

(405) 652-9214

pyarholar@ocaithb.org

Alex E. Smith

Creative Director

(405) 652-9200

asmith@ocaithb.org

Janice Black

Caring Van Coordinator

(405) 652-9209

jblack@ocaithb.org

Harvey Ross

Public Health Professional

(405) 652-9209

hross@ocaithb.org

Laura Sawney

Public Health Professional

(405) 652-9209

lsawney@ocaithb.org

Susan Gay

Public Health Educator

(405) 652-9202

sgay@ocaithb.org

For newsletter submissions, questions, or to be placed on the mailing list Email: asmith@ocaithb.org • Subject NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 10 ■ ISSUE 3

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OKLAHOMA CITY AREA INTER-TRIBAL HEALTH BOARD ■ 9705 N. BROADWAY EXTENSION, STE. 150 ■ OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. 73114 WWW.OCAITHB.ORG ■ PHONE (405) 652-9200 ■ FAX (405) 840-7052