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Galveston County COVID-19 Community Level is Medium

The CDC recently announced its COVID-19 Community Level tracker, a new tool that helps communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest county data.

Levels can be low, medium or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of COVID-19 cases in an area.

Galveston County is currently listed at the medium level. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines.
• If you are at a high risk for severe illness, talk to you doctor about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.*
• Get tested if you have symptoms.

* You may choose to wear a face mask at any time. Those with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a face mask.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Galveston County have dropped off significantly following the Omicron surge. The average number of new cases being reported each day is around 10, down from the 100-plus cases that were reported this time last month.

For more information on COVID-19 cases, see our daily case updates or view our COVID-19 dashboard.

Congratulations, Ashley and Rick!

Congratulations to Director of Community Health Services Ashley Sciba, MPH, BSN, RN and Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (GAAA) Team Captain - Paramedic Rick Arguelles. They were recently recognized with the 2022 Distinguished Service to the Citizens of Galveston Award from the Galveston Rotary Club. Ashley was recognized in the nurse category and Rick in the EMS category. Ashley has been with Galveston County Health District for nearly three years. She has served on the frontlines of our COVID-19 response for the past two years and has a servant’s heart for health promotion and an unmatchable passion to act as a resource within our community. Rick has been with GAAA for four years and is known for his positive attitude both in and out of work. His willingness to learn and help out are unsurpassed. As one of GAAA’s bilingual employees, he’s always willing to step in to help translate when needed. Thank you, Ashley and Rick, for your dedication and continued service to Galveston County!

Ami Cotharn named CHW chief operating officer

Ami Cotharn, MSN, RN, has been named Coastal Health & Wellness chief operating officer. Ami began her career with Galveston County Health District in 2017 as the tuberculosis program manager and two years later was promoted to Community Health Services manager. In June 2021, she was named chief nursing officer for both the health district and CHW.  Ami has served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response during the past two years and worked tirelessly to keep Galveston County residents healthy and safe. With more than 17 years of experience including project and program management, Ami is committed to fulfilling her new role with energy and compassion.

GCHD celebrates Mardi Gras in Galveston

HEAL Cooking Corner: Ham and Broccoli Frittata

Serve this tasty ham and broccoli frittata with seasonal fruit for a hearty breakfast. This frittata also works as a quick and easy dinner with a salad of mixed greens.

ARC to host low-cost pet vaccine clinic March 24, 25

The Galveston County Animal Resource Center (ARC) is happy to host two low-cost pet vaccination clinics on Thursday, March 24 and Friday, March 25.

Both clinics are open to residents of any city and will include pet microchipping and county registration. 

Low-cost vaccinations, flea control and heartworm testing and treatment services through ARC range from $15 for a rabies vaccine for both dogs and cats to $60 for the dog package and $45 for the cat package. 

For more info, visit the ARC.

Formula recalled for babies, toddlers

Due to the recent baby and toddler powdered formula recall, you may not be able to find the formula that your baby usually takes.

If you can’t find Similac Advance, Similac Total Comfort, Similac Sensitive, or Similac for Spit-Up powdered formulas, WIC has temporarily added more options so you can find a formula at the store to meet your baby’s needs without updating your card. Click here for a list of alternative brands that you can get with WIC.

If you can’t find any of these brands or sizes at the store, contact our WIC office at 409.949.3471.