Public Health Provider Newsletter - November/December 2024
Public Health Provider Newsletter - November/December 2024Public Health Provider Newsletter - November/December 2024
Marin County Public Health Newsletter - November/December 2024
In this Issue: Bird Flu | Opioid Settlement Survey | Winter Storm Surge | 988 Suicide Crisis Line | Flu Vaccine | Message from the Deputy Public Health Officer
A message to physicians and other health care providers from Marin County's Public Health Officers.
Bird Flu
Last week Marin County issued a public health advisory in response to increasing H5N1 activity statewide, and after investigating what was considered by CDPH a suspect case in a toddler who became ill after raw milk consumption. Additionally, the Governor proclaimed an emergency to coordinate a multi-agency response to H5N1. CDC has confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in a person in Louisiana, who was hospitalized with severe symptoms after interacting with an infected backyard bird flock. CDC maintains that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and that the virus is not considered endemic to the U.S. in either animals or humans. While the risk to the public remains low, clinicians should inquire about potential occupational and/or raw milk exposures particularly for patients presenting with red eyes as part of their clinical complaint. Public health’s H5N1 webpage is up to date.
Opioid Settlement Survey
Marin receives funding through California’s Opioid Settlements with the pharmaceutical industry, and Marin Public Health is seeking input from community constituents on how these funds are used for specific opioid remediation strategies. We would like your feedback on proposed strategies and any other strategies to prevent and respond to the opioid crisis in Marin. Please fill out this survey. For more information visit the ODFree Marin website.
Winter Storm Surge
Multiple storm systems are impacting Marin County bringing wet and unsettled weather to the region. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel; staying home is the safest option until the storm passes. The end of the year is the perfect time to review your emergency preparedness plans, update your go bag(s) and sign up for emergency alerts at AlertMarin.org. This includes thinking about refrigeration needs for medications and electricity needs for CPAP/Nebulizer machines. Monitor Emergency.MarinCounty.gov for the latest updates.
988 Suicide Crisis Line
Holidays can trigger depression and anxiety. Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) reminds residents that help, and hope are just a call or text away. Any resident experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can contact the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “MARIN” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Marin residents seeking behavioral health services can call the 24-hour, confidential Access Line at 1-888-818-1115.
Both CDPH and ACOG have updated guidelines for syphillis screening.
Pregnant women: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all pregnant women get tested for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, again in the third trimester, and at birth.
Sexually active people: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that all sexually active people ages 15–44 get tested for syphilis at least once in their lifetime, and annually after that. People who are at higher risk should be tested more frequently.
Public health recommends adding syphillis screening as part of your yearly practice or more frequently with a risk assessment.
Message from the Deputy Public Health Officer
As we close out the year I want to extend my gratitude for the continued work you do to take care of our community. Without your partnership we would not be able to meet the challenges in keeping people well. As we continue to work towards closing the gaps in health inequities I look forward to the opportunities that 2025 will bring.
In Partnership,
Melanie R. Thompson, DO
Deputy Public Health Officer
Requests for disability accommodations may be made by phoning (415) 473-4381 (Voice), CA Relay 711 or by e-mail at DisabilityAccess@MarinCounty.org. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.
Our mailing address is:
3240 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael, CA 94901
Marin receives funding through California’s Opioid Settlements with the pharmaceutical industry, and Marin Public Health is seeking input from community constituents on how these funds are used for specific opioid remediation strategies. We would like your feedback on proposed strategies and any other strategies to prevent and respond to the opioid crisis in Marin. Please fill out this 
Holidays can trigger depression and anxiety. 
