Public Health Newsletter - January 2020Public Health Newsletter - January 2020
Marin County Public Health Newsletter Volume 8 - Issue 1 - January 2020
In this Issue: Coronavirus | Pesticide | MAT | Greening | Message from the Public Health Officer
A message to physicians and other health care providers from Marin County's Public Health Officer.
Novel Coronavirus
Marin County Public Health is working closely with the California Department of Public Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health authorities to monitor the emerging outbreak of novel coronavirus (nCOV) and keep you informed of local measures to protect our community. We've established a website dedicated to nCOV response where you can find Marin County public health advisories, guidance for local clinicians, letters sent to schools and parents, and FAQ's developed for our community. Public Health will continue to post updates as the situation evolves, and we are available to you for guidance at 415-473-4163.
Pesticide Reporting
While pesticide intoxications are rare, they are potentially fatal and may represent ongoing risk to the community. Under California law, any known or suspected pesticide-related illness or injury must be reported within 24 hours. Timely reporting on your part allows the County Agricultural Commissioner to initiate prompt investigation to prevent future cases. The easiest way to report a pesticide-related illness is to call California Poison Control at 1-800-411-8080. The majority of cases are reported in this manner.
Building Bridges to Treatment
MarinHealth Medical Center is joining the California Bridge Program, a state-wide movement to offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder in emergency departments (ED). One of the most important predictors of overdose death is prior non-fatal overdose. Initiating MAT in the ED with follow-up through community-based providers is proven to reduce future overdose events, deaths and other opioid-related harms. This innovative program was highlighted in local media here.
Healthy and Green Medical Practices
Climate change and environmental degradation are threats to health, and clinicians now have a practical tool to demonstrate responsiveness. The Marin County Green Business Program supports and promotes businesses that go above and beyond to conserve energy and limit pollution and waste. Medical practices can promote local green businesses and join other practices that have taken the step to become certified in the California Green Business Network.
Message from the Public Health Officer
One clear theme of the past few months -- with a late end to wildfire season and evacuation shelters, extended power shut-offs, and emerging infectious diseases --- is the need to remain ready and able to respond to crises as a community. These challenges reveal our mutual interdependence as a healthcare system and we're grateful for your ongoing engagement as we build even stronger capacity.
and FAQ's developed for our community. Public Health will continue to post updates as the situation evolves, and we are available to you for guidance at 415-473-4163.
While pesticide intoxications are rare, they are potentially fatal and may represent ongoing risk to the community. Under California law, any known or suspected pesticide-related illness or injury must be reported within 24 hours. Timely reporting on your part allows the 
One clear theme of the past few months -- with a late end to wildfire season and evacuation shelters, extended power shut-offs, and emerging infectious diseases --- is the need to remain ready and able to respond to crises as a community. These challenges reveal our mutual interdependence as a healthcare system and we're grateful for your ongoing engagement as we build even stronger capacity.
