County of Marin Health and Human Services

Public Health Newsletter - May 2019

Public Health Newsletter - May 2019
Marin County Public Health Newsletter Volume 7 - Issue 5 - May 2019
In this Issue: Housing | Hep C | Narcan | Healthy Stores | Message from the Deputy Public Health Officer
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A monthly message to physicians and other health care providers from Marin's Public Health Officer.

Housing and Health in Marin 

The Marin County Whole Person Care pilot program is demonstrating the health benefits of housing the chronically homeless.  As of May 2019, 130 previously homeless people in Marin have been housed under this grant-funded program.  There has been a corresponding and significant decrease in emergency department visits and days in the hospital among those newly housed.  For more information and more complete results from the pilot, visit the Whole Person Care website.

May is Hepatitis C Awareness Month 

An estimated 2.4 million people are living with hepatitis C in the U.S., but most are unaware.  Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplants.  The CDC recommends all people born between 1945 and 1965 get tested.  Treatment options have improved dramatically in the last decade.  The role of the pharmacist in screening and management is growing.  This free CME/CPE activity, Pharmacy Essentials for HCV Screening and Management, provides a comprehensive overview of HCV care.

Medical Reserve Corps Distributing Narcan

 Opioid overdose remains a leading cause of accidental death in Marin.  The Marin Medical Reserve Corps (MMRC) has mobilized to respond to this crisis.  A team of MMRC volunteers has been certified to offer training to community groups in the use of intranasal Narcan and provide free kits to those who may be able to offer bystander assistance in an opioid overdose.  To learn more or to schedule a training for your organization, email rxsafemarin@gmail.com.  

Public Health Program Spotlight:  Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community

The retail environment strongly shapes our choices regarding health.  In Marin, a team of youth volunteers and community partners are assessing 182 retail stores to determine the potential impact on youth health behaviors.  Led by HHS Community Health and Prevention - Tobacco Control Program, the Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community program assesses marketing practices for tobacco, alcohol, and food and beverage items.  The goal of the campaign is to improve the health of all residents and decrease health inequities through influence on the retail environment.

Message from the Deputy Public Health Officer

 What seems to have been the longest, wettest winter has ended!  Marin County families are now headed out to our beaches and pools.  Please consider posting this infographic to educate patients on strategies to prevent unintentional drownings.  Drowning continues to be a leading cause of injury and death for young children, ages 1 - 4.  Stay safe and have a fun summer! 
Lisa Santora, MD, MPH
Deputy Public Health Officer
Marin County
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Copyright © 2019
Matthew Willis MD, MPH
Marin County Public Health Officer
mwillis@marincounty.org
(415) 473-4163
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