 Each year, the first week of April is recognized as National Public Health Week (NPHW). Established by the American Public Health Association, the first NPHW was celebrated nearly 70 years ago.
The Board of Commissioners have signed a proclamation declaring April 1-7, 2024 as Public Health Week in Marion County. This is a time to recognize the importance and contributions of public health. Throughout the week, we will be sharing stories and videos about our Public Health team, their programs, and services. Be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram channels for more!
The Employee Engagement Survey indicated that staff would like to learn more about the Department's programs and services.
On Thursday, May 9, all HHS staff are invited to a Public Health educational event to meet the program staff and hear about the services they offer to our community.
The event will take place in the Rockaway Beach Conference Room at the 3160 Center Street Building. This is a drop-in event and everyone is encouraged to stop by anytime between 8:30 a.m. - Noon.
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There will be a Code Blue Training Drill on April 10 from 10-11 a.m. in the Rockaway Conference Room. As part of this training, there will be a live demonstration that involves calling a Code Blue over the 3160 building intercom.
A Code Blue is called if there is a medical situation requiring staff assistance (example: fainting, falling, etc.). These are usually in the Public Health Clinic.
During the training, you’ll see a demonstration and learn about the response from staff. Plus, Code Blue cards will be available for you to keep at your desk. While this training is intended for staff in the 3160 Center Street location, any staff member is invited to attend.
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 This year, the WIC community recognizes an incredible milestone in the evolution of maternal and child health care — the 50th anniversary of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Since the opening of the first clinic in 1974, WIC has been an unwavering beacon of support, committed to improving public health outcomes for women, infants, and children.
The WIC program has and will continue to be a transformative force, adapting and expanding to meet the needs of millions of families. For the past five decades, WIC has not only delivered comprehensive services such as nutrition education, health screenings, and breastfeeding support; it has also cultivated an inclusive community where families can learn, connect, and feel a sense of support while making informed decisions about their health and the health of their baby.
In 2023, our WIC team served 6,898 women, infants, and children in Marion County. 41% of all pregnant women in Marion County are served by WIC. To learn more about our WIC program, click HERE.
Here's to 50 years of empowering families, building healthier communities, and nurturing the bright possibilities that lie ahead!
If you attended last month's All Staff meeting, you heard about our latest update to the Department's Strategic Plan. This was also covered recently in Ryan's weekly email.
The document highlights some of the progress made by the Strategic Planning Committee last year. In addition to continuing efforts on workforce stabilization, the 2024 plan will focus on addressing priorities identified through the Employee Engagement Survey.
You can find the 2024 Strategic Planning update, along with a list of priority areas on our INTRANET page.
Do you have questions about the Strategic Plan? Contact Joe James by clicking HERE.
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Back by popular demand ... it's Workforce Development Day (WFD)! Join us on Wednesday, April 24, for a day of informative and educational topics.
The spring WFD will feature sessions focusing on leadership styles, emotional intelligence and more. Stay tuned for additional information.
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DYK each Department within the County has its own intranet site? The Marion County intranet is a private network specifically for Marion County employees. It is different from the internet, which is a public network that anyone can access.
The HHS intranet site includes everything from policies and procedures to information about our programs and services. The home page includes quick links to a variety of frequently used documents (timesheets, leave reports, forms, etc.) and reports (Employee Engagement Survey, Strategic Plan, Org Chart, etc.).
Take some time to visit the site and discover all it has to offer. You can access it HERE and you should also have a link to the intranet in ZenWorks.
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 The American Red Cross needs our help and is conducting a blood drive for HHS employees. It's simple! Just scan that QR code or click HERE to schedule an appointment and give blood anytime between April 8-28. You can donate at the Salem Donor Center, which is located at 1860 Hawthorne Ave NE, or any Red Cross location that is convenient for you.
As a special thanks, the Red Cross is providing an incentive of a $10 e-gift card to HHS staff who donate blood.
The second Marion County Connections 5K and Family/Friends Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at Champoeg State Park.
The 5K is open to runners and walkers of all levels. The path is stroller and wagon friendly, but scooters and bikes are not allowed. Check-in for the race begins at 8:30 a.m., and the race starts at 9:30.
5K participants who register by May 6 will receive a free race shirt.
If you prefer to attend just the picnic portion of the event, it is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. and features free food from Los Toreros and ice cream from On Any Sundae.
Whether you plan to participate in the 5K, or are going to attend the picnic portion only, everyone must RSVP. Click HERE to be directly taken to the RSVP page. Are you interested in volunteering at the event? Click HERE for more information.
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Did you know that it takes just seven days for cherry blossoms to flower and reach full bloom? If the weather is nice, they blossoms could stay for another 6-7 days.
Joe Joseph captured this photo at the 3180 Center Street building last month.
Has your team, Division or co-workers done anything fun or unique at work? We would love to share your ideas and photos. Send your pictures and a brief description HERE.
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This month we have two adorable picks of the litter. Arya (aka Arya of the House Bark) and Reilly (aka Radar O'Reilly) call Whitney Davis "mom."
Whitney tells us that Reilly wins the award for "Most Stubborn Dog." It's no surprise that this little Corgi is sassy and incredibly smart. Reilly never turns down a game of fetch or tug.
Typical of many Boxers, Arya is extremely sweet and cuddly. Her favorite thing is to snuggle on the couch with her family and watch movies. Whitney says that Arya is so wiggly, her energy could be harnessed and used to power a house!
Want to see your pet featured in an upcoming HAPPENINGS newsletter? Send a photo and description (likes, dislikes, hobbies) of your pet HERE.
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Spring is right around the corner, signaling sunshine and warmer weather! Just like us, our four-legged friends are eager to get outside. However, did you know the County has a policy about dogs and other pets on Marion County property?
Administrative Policy #525 defines "property" as any Marion County owned or leased facility, including the associated parking lots, grounds and common areas, except designated Marion County parks and the Marion County Dog Shelter. Parking lots includes parked vehicles. Exceptions can be made for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The good news? You CAN bring your pup to the annual staff picnic and we cannot wait to meet him/her!
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