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We continue to see new cases of multidrug resistant-tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among our Hmong community in Minnesota. Since January 2016, 15 active MDR-TB cases have been reported to MDH; 12 of those patients were Hmong Americans. Prior to 2016, we typically saw 0-1 each year. What makes this situation especially hard is that some of the patients sought care for symptoms compatible with active TB. We need to think TB.
Health care professionals like you play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. The American Journal of Nursing just published a great article that includes an overview of TB transmission, preventative care, and screening recommendations: "Tuberculosis: A New Screening Recommendation and an Expanded Approach to Elimination in the United States". CE credit for the article is available, along with a "Behind the Article" podcast you can listen to from your computer. MDH's TB Resources for Health Professionals is another great resource.
Ramsey County is always looking for educators and nurses who have experience working in TB. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, email me.
My colleagues in environmental health are always looking for handy volunteers. If you can troubleshoot repairs for broken items, consider volunteering at one of our popular Fix-It Clinics. Volunteers with skills in soldering, electronics repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making our clinics successful.
Please email AskEH@co.ramsey.mn.us or call 651-266-1199 for details and to sign up.
Oromo Health Professionals is supporting a soccer tournament this week (starting today through August 5) at Lexington High School here in St. Paul. They are looking for volunteers who can provide basic first aid or health education services as part of this outreach (they will make a tent available).
If you have volunteered in the past to provide basic first aid and are available this week for an hour or two in the evenings (5-10 PM, Tuesday-Friday), I want to hear from you!
As always, it is a pleasure to hear from our volunteers. Some of you have already heard this news, but I recently accepted a new position as the Health Protection Division Manager. This expanded role gives me a great opportunity to improve our volunteer networks and support emergency planning in a strategic, community-based way. Let me know how I can improve our outreach and education this fall!
Laura Andersen, MRC Coordinator
laura.andersen@co.ramsey.mn.us
(651) 266-2592
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