DCHNOW: a quick look around, Apr. 18, 2011

DCHNOW - Week of April 18, 2011
Welcome to DCHNOW: the latest news from across the agency, articles on timely topics and updates about what is going on in the organization. Consider this one of your major stops for news on anything DCH. We're happy to have you visit our site and if you would like to give us feedback on anything you find in DCHNOW, please e-mail: dchnow@dch.ga.gov.
Week of April 18, 2011
Up Close and Personal | HB 214 | HITT | Commissioner Cook | The Clothesline Project | Dr. Grow
Up Close and Personal: Georgia Public Health Planner in Japan
While scores of Japanese citizens fled the area surrounding the damaged nuclear reactor in Fukushima, public health's Dan Polanski was headed in. "I've never seen anything like it," Polanski said. "I hope I never will again." Now safely back in Atlanta, Polanski's mission as the state Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Coordinator within the Section of Emergency Preparedness and Response was as clear as it was dangerous - learn all he could about the real-world event and bring the knowledge back to Georgia. The mission would become larger soon after arrival as Polanski found himself personally distributing protective radiation gear and teaching others to use it. Working 20 hour days, Polanski says he helped as many people as he could.. Read more
From Division to Department: Preparing for a New Public Health

Soon after HB 214 was first introduced in the Legislature, staff in DCH's Division of Public Health began working on the many issues that will need to be addressed should the Bill be signed by Governor Deal. Read more
DCH Wins Approval on Plans for the Statewide Health Information Exchange
"Better Care Anywhere" is the motto for Georgia's Health Information Technology initiatives. Recently, the HIT motto was strengthened when the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) approved the Strategic and Operational Plans for the Georgia Health Information Exchange. This approval triggers the go-ahead on two grants totaling $14.7 million dollars. These funds will help to create and promote Georgia's Statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE), as well as a ConsumerMediated Health Information Exchange. This latter exchange, designed for cancer patients, is being developed in partnership with the Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Rome (Floyd County) medical community. Read more
The Clothesline Project: Bearing Witness to Violence against Women
The messages from women survivors of sexual violence are powerful and poignant. And they're placed on clothing often worn by the victims themselves. Known globally as the Clothesline Project, the exhibit on the 16th floor of the 2 Peachtree tower is not to be missed. Aiming to bring awareness to sexual violence against women, the Clothesline Project may also bring a tear or a feeling of inspiration. Read more

Q & A with DCH Commissioner Cook
DCHNOW: Commissioner, it seems the entire organization is talking more about our economic challenges than our accomplishments. Are we ready to begin talking about accomplishments?
Commissioner Cook: I am extremely proud of what we've accomplished at DCH. And, I am even more proud of the staff that has made those accomplishments possible. I'm also anxious to.... Read more
Dr. Grow Appointed Director of South Health District
William R. Grow, M.D., F.A.C.P., was recently appointed District 8-1 Health Director. Dr. Grow graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Chemistry in 1966 and received his Internal Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1970. He completed specialty training for Internal Medicine at Talmadge Memorial Hospital in Augusta, and later served as Talmadge Memorial's Chief Medical Resident. Read more