DCHNOW: a quick look around, Apr. 25, 2011

DCHNOW - Week of April 25, 2011
We Protect Lives | PH Transition | Biggest Loser | Customer Service Awards | Radiation in Georgia | Andrea Fuller-Ruffin
Retires
Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald: "We Protect Lives" PH Leader Offers Vision in First Major Address
She minced no words in her first major address. Calling the state's health ranking "unacceptable" and its Public Health program underfunded and understaffed, Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., didn't ask for improvement. She promised it.
"We can do this. For the sake of our children, for the sake of our loved ones, and for the sake of Georgia, we must do this," Fitzgerald told hundreds gathered at this month's conference of the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA) in Atlanta. "Our task is large, the challenge is great, but I am convinced that with Governor Deal's support and leadership, and with Public Health's dedication, we can do this." Read more
Facilitator Planning Possible Public Health Transition
Even though the Governor has yet to sign the Bill (HB-214) which makes the Division of Public Health (DPH) a own stand-alone agency, a leadership team from DPH and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) huddles together weekly, discussing every facet of what the new organization will need for a successful launch. Areas represented in the April 18 regular transition meeting included Audits and Investigations, Human Resources and representatives from the Public Health Districts, among others. Read more

Who Says Reality TV is No-Good? TV Show Prompts DCH Weight Loss
Eleven seasons and counting, and NBC's The Biggest Loser reality show has those in the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) pointing fingers. At issue who lost the most weight and is keeping it off in SHBP's weight loss challenge: "S H Be Phit."
So far, 66 participants have lost 551.4 pounds with the S H Be Phit challenge where SBHP team members motivate each other to keep the weight off and to keep shedding extra pounds. Losing any amount of weight is a major accomplishment in a world where fast foods are a way of life. Read more
Governor to Award DCH Customer Service
When Governor Nathan Deal honors state employees for exceptional customer service this week, he'll be shaking a lot of hands at the Department of Community Health (DCH). Twelve DCH employees will be awarded for exemplary customer service performed above and beyond their normal duties. Two individuals and the Legal Services team of ten will receive the Governor's highest customer service honor. Read more
Radiation in Georgia: Prescription for Preparedness over Pills
Small amounts of radiation from the Japan nuclear accidents discovered as close as Alabama and Massachusetts have sparked questions about contaminated drinking water in Georgia. DCHNOW went to J. Patrick O'Neal, M.D., Director of the Section of Emergency Preparedness and Response within the Department of Community Health (DCH) to find out what we need to do in Georgia, if anything, to remain safe. Read more

Andrea Fuller-Ruffin Leaving Legacy of Change
It is not uncommon to see her beaming smile and a big welcoming wave as you pass Andrea Fuller-Ruffin in the halls of the Department of Community Health (DCH). As Director of the Human Resources Office, she is known to be one of the department's biggest supporters. Having seen her dish out ice cream at ice cream socials just after pointing an employee toward the Employee Assistance program, we know her value.
Now Fuller-Ruffin is on the cusp of a new adventure. At the end of April she will be retiring from state government after 30 years of service. Read more