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Durham County Health Department
Boards/Committees/
Task Forces/Teams |
DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE WORK GROUPS
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee is comprised of representatives from each of the seven divisions within the Health Department and meets at least monthly. This committee is responsible for promoting effective internal communicatons by producing a quarterly newsletter "The Messenger"; developing and maintaining an orientation package for employees, and planning presentations for the quarterly staff meetings.
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County Courthouse |
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Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee
The goal of this committee is to facilitate continuous improvement in the quality of services provided to our customers and staff. The CQI Committee is comprised of at least one representative from each of the divisions within the Durham County Health Department. This committee is divided into several subcommittees that coordinate specific projects including the Customer Satisfaction Survey, the Suggestion Box, Computer User Services and Internal Customer Service. The full committee meets monthly.
Employee Recognition Committee
The Employee Recognition Committee organizes the soliciting and selection process for the Pam Wall-Brame Employee of the Quarter Award. The committee, comprised of division representatives, meets at least quarterly and presents the award to an employee at the Health Department quarterly staff meeting.
Epidemiology Team
The Epidemiology Team, "Epi-Team", responds to communicable and infectious disease concerns and outbreaks within Durham County. The team consists of numerous staff professionals who provide twenty-four hour coverage, seven days a week for any emergencies that request immediate attention. Referrals for any time after regular business hours and/or weekends are received from 911 dispatch.
Facility/Safety Committee
The mission of the Facility/Safety Committee is to preserve and protect the health and safety of employees by assessing occupational health and safety needs of employees and identifying, coordinating, implementing and evaluating health department policies and programs related to occupational health and safety. The committee also identifies and examines the facility of the Durham County Health Department, including the building, grounds, maintenance and security, and the impact they have on the customers, visitors and employees in order to insure that health department services are provided in a clean, safe facility. The committee is made up of health department division representatives and meets monthly.
School Health Team
The School Health Team is dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the health of the Durham Public School community. The School Health Team is made up of clinicians, a dentist and dental hygienist, health educators, nutritionists, school nurses, and a social worker from the Durham County Health Department in liaison with the Durham Public Schools.
Web Developer Group
The Web Developer Group is responsible for the design and maintenance of the Health Department WEB pages, which were launched in September 1999 as part of County Government?s WEB site. Representative from all divisions and Department Webmasters meet at least monthly to build and update Department WEB pages. Send any commments about the Health Depatment's Webpages to the Webmaster at nutrition@ph.co.durham.nc.us.
OTHER WORK GROUPS
County Wellness Team
The Wellness Team is comprised of representatives from Durham County Government departments. The purpose of the team is to provide input and promote health-related programs and activities for county employees. Each program is offered to reduce the risks of chronic disease by promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
Domestic Violence Task Force
This task force is comprised of community members and representatives from various agencies that provide domestic violence education and prevention. Projects organized by the task force include public awareness activities throughout the year, with a concentration of activities during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The meetings are held quarterly.
Gun Safety Team
The Team is comprised of community members and representatives from various agencies addressing gun safety. In addition to health department staff, membership includes representatives from the Office of the Sheriff and Durham Police Department. Projects organized by the Team include community education and campaigns to encourage gun owners to store and handle weapons safely. Team members provide these services at schools, churches and community events.
Infant Mortality Reduction Task Force (IMRTF)
The Infant Mortality Reduction Task Force's goal is to reduce the number of infants who die before one year of life. The task force is made up of nineteen community members who serve in an advisory capacity to staff. After reviewing infant mortality data, the task force advises the staff on ways to utilize the Targeted Infant Mortality Grant Funds and work with the residents of the community to make a difference.
As a result of the work of the task force, educational efforts are underway through quarterly newsletters, public presentations, health fairs, public service announcements, lay health advisory training and billboard advertisements.
A current project focus is the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS educational materials will be distributed to area businesses and churches to encourage parents to place their babies on their backs while sleeping.
Project StraighTalk/ Project STAND Community Advisory Council
The Community Advisory Council meets monthly to guide the planning, implementation and evaluation of STD/HIV/communicable disease education activities in Durham County. The Council consists of over 30 members including agency representatives, people living with HIV/AIDS, people with a history of substance abuse, and concerned community members. Council members assist the staff with health education programs and staffing information tables at events. Staff and Council members collaborate with other agencies to plan intensive community outreach and awareness-raising activities during months with nationally recognized themes. These theme months include: STD Awareness Month (April), National HIV Testing Day (June), AIDS Awareness Month (October), and World AIDS Day (December). Council members also serve as community liaisons for Project StraighTalk and Project STAND (Syphilis Termination and Awareness in Durham)
For more information, or to join Project StraighTalk/Project STAND's Community Advisory Council, please contact Mary DeCoster, Program Manager, at (919)560-7793 or mdecoster@ph.co.durham.nc.us
Save Our Sisters of Durham (Lay Health Advisor Team)
This group consists of community volunteers who help reach the goal to save lives through breast and cervical cancer awareness and education. After undergoing training the participants after receiving training are able to assist with workshops and health fairs. They play an integral role in developing strategies to encourage women to follow recommendations to decrease mortality due to breast and cervical cancer.
Teen Outreach Advisory Board
The Teen Outreach Program (TOP) Advisory Board is a twelve member board that oversees the implementation of the program at the Durham Public Schools (DPS). The Board is composed of representatives from the board of county commissioners, the city council, and the board of education, the DPS administration, non-profit organizations, parents and students. Membership is recruited through the local media and other public announcement services. Board membership is on a two-year rotational basis. Duration of membership can not exceed two consecutive two-year terms.
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