Public Health Newsletter: STI / Hep B / Infant IZ / Opioids
Public Health Newsletter: STI / Hep B / Infant IZ / Opioids
Marin County Public Health Newsletter - April 2023
In this Issue: National Public Health Week | STI Awareness | Perinatal Hep B | National Infant Immuniation Week | OD Free Marin I Message from the Deputy Public Health Officer
A message to physicians and other health care providers from Marin County's Public Health Officers.
Public Health Week Highlights Equity
National Public Health Week (NPHW) (April 3-9) recognized the importance of collaborating with the communities we serve to address health equity. While Marin County is still ranked the Healthiest County in the State, the rankings highlight health inequities between communities. For example, cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of premature death among Marin’s Black residents, and disproportionately contributes to diminished life expectancy. Health care providers play a key role in addressing racial disparities in health in Marin.
STI’s on the Rise in Marin
This month we partnered with the community to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections during STI Awareness Week. In Marin, from 2020 to 2022, we have seen a three-fold increase in syphilis rates among residents 25 - 29 years old (from 41 to 119 cases per 100,000). Clinicians can track local STI rates here (Marin County Reportable Disease Dashboard | Marin Health and Human Services (marinhhs.org). Talking about sexual health and taking a sexual history is part of routine care. Test patients according to CDC screening recommendations. Treat patients following current STI treatment guidelines. For more resources on STIs visit the CDC website. #TalkTestTreat
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)on April 23-30, 2023 highlights the importance of vaccinating children 2 years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, smallpox, hepatitis B, etc. The CDC advises health care providers to educate parents, especially those who are vaccine hesitant, about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines to ensure commitment towards fully vaccinating their children. There are tips provided to successfully recommend vaccinations while respecting the concerns of the parent.
Obstetricians: Report HBsAg-positive lab results to delivery hospitals to ensure hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) administration and HBV vaccination at time of delivery.
Pediatricians:Ensure infants born to HBsAg-positive pregnant persons complete HBV series on schedule and have post-vaccination serologic testing (PVST). Marin’s PHPP program will contact pediatricians for PVST results.
X-Waiver No Longer Needed to Treat Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Marin. OD Free Marin coordinates countywide strategies to prevent overdose deaths, including expanding treatment capacity. In June, treatment for opioid use disorder will become even easier, as clinicians can prescribe buprenorphine without an X-waiver. The California MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) Expansion Project is offering free Continuing Medical Education and Continuing Education (CME/CE) to support management of opioid use disorders. Subscribe to the monthly OD Free Marin Newsletter.
Message from the Deputy Health Officer
While we have finally seen the end of a long winter of atmospheric rivers, Marin Public Health is now preparing for the wildfire season, which includes extreme heat and extended power outages. Providers play an important role in helping prepare medical frail and vulnerable patients for emergencies and disasters. For example, providers can share disease-specific emergency readiness materials developed by the CDC with their patients. We can also play a role in mitigating climate change. Learn more about MarinCAN, the countywide campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From buying or leasing an electric or hybrid vehicle to electrifying our homes, there are steps you can take to protect Marin’s future generations. Thanks for all you do each day to keep our communities healthy and safe.
The California MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) Expansion Project is offering free 
While we have finally seen the end of a long winter of atmospheric rivers, Marin Public Health is now preparing for the wildfire season, which includes 
