Alaska | Increase in both confirmed and suspected cases of TB in several villages
Anchorage | 9 Feb 2012
The Department of Health and Social Services, Alaska Tuberculosis Control Program, in coordination with the Section of Public Health Nursing, is currently responding to an increase in both lab-confirmed and suspected cases of tuberculosis in several Yukon-Kuskokwim region villages.
“TB has been a problem in Alaska villages as long as we can remember,” said Dr. Michael Cooper, Alaska TB program manager. “I want to assure village residents that treatment and public health control measures are promptly implemented for each identified case of TB, so while public concern is appropriate, this is not a cause for alarm.”
The state recommends TB screening for anyone who has been in contact with someone sick with TB, or for everyone who has had TB and has not been screened in the past year. Screening is also recommended for anyone with a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, or who is coughing up blood.
The TB program is scheduled to revisit villages in the Y-K Delta during a full-village sweep in the next month.
“The TB program is working with Bethel area public health nurses to ensure that enhanced screening and contact investigations are taking place,” Cooper said. “This level of investigation is necessary when we see evidence of increased local TB activity in communities to ensure that the situation is promptly addressed.”
Alaska | Respiratory virus (RSV) season hits state
Anchorage | 11 Jan 2012
Alaska’s State Public Health Laboratory has reported a recent increase in positive samples of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
The lab confirmed that 23 of 44 samples collected from ill children throughout Alaska tested positive for RSV in the first week of January. Eighteen positive cases were reported during the last week of December, 17 of those from the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
The state Department of Health and Social Services encourages you to help ensure the safety and health of your community, especially for young children and elders, by doing the following:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot running water.
• If you don’t have soap and water available, use a waterless hand cleaner. (This does not replace hand washing, but will help when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid sharing cups, glasses and eating utensils.
• When you’re sick, avoid kissing children and infants directly on their lips (kiss them on the top of their heads).
• Cough into your sleeve, not into your hands.
• Wash your hands after blowing your nose.
• Wash toys, doorknobs and telephones frequently with a sanitizing solution or wipe.
• If you are sick, stay home. You risk infecting others. Get rest and drink plenty of fluids; especially water and juices.
• If you haven’t already, get your influenza and pneumonia vaccines. It’s not too late to vaccinate!
• Keep infants and young children at home; avoid large crowds. Children 3 years old and younger are at increased risk for serious complications from RSV, flu, and colds.
Posters and bookmarks may be downloaded from the state’s Epidemiology website (see links below.) If you have questions, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites below, or contact your local public health center.
http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html (CDC fact sheets regarding RSV)
http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/dod/rsv/RSV_Poster.pdf (posters)
http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/dod/rsv/RSV_RackCard.pdf (bookmarks)
http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/dod/rsv/default.htm (state of Alaska information)
Alaska | Final statewide suicide prevention plan released
Anchorage | 09 Jan 2012
Alaska’s Statewide Suicide Prevention Council released its new statewide suicide prevention plan, Casting the Net Upstream: Promoting Wellness to Prevent Suicide in Alaska, this week.
The plan is a call to action that stresses each Alaskan has a role to play in preventing suicide. It also marks a shift from intervention to prevention — not just how best to reach out to people in crisis, but how best to keep people from reaching a point of crisis.
“This plan is the first to have specific measurable components. It will allow us to issue scorecards and map our progress,” said Kate Burkhart, executive director of the council. “I thank Alaskans for sharing their experiences and suggestions with us. Hearing from hundreds of survivors, youth, elders, and health and prevention professionals allowed us to pinpoint our collective goals.”
The 2012–2017 plan was developed with input from meetings held across the state. A public comment period was held Oct. 25–Nov. 30, 2011.
The plan’s goals are:
• Alaskans accept responsibility for preventing suicide.
• Alaskans effectively and appropriately respond to people at risk of suicide.
• Alaskans communicate, cooperate and coordinate suicide prevention efforts.
• Alaskans have immediate access to prevention, treatment and recovery services.
• Alaskans support survivors in healing.
• Quality data and research is available and used for planning, implementation and evaluation of suicide prevention efforts.
The plan lists a set of specific strategies for accomplishing each goal.
The plan is posted on the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council’s website, www.hss.state.ak.us/suicideprevention; and the state suicide prevention portal, www.StopSuicideAlaska.org.
Alaska | Falls hospitalize nearly 9,000 Alaskans since 2005
Anchorage | Two studies published today by the state Section of Epidemiology show fall-related injuries as a frequent reason Alaskans are hospitalized. Close to 9,000 Alaskans were hospitalized with fall-related injuries between 2005 and 2009.
Highest rates were recorded for people over the age of 65, Alaska Native people, and those living in the Northern region of the state. Falls occurred most commonly in the home, and were most frequently due to a slip, trip or stumble. Among seniors, more than half of the hospitalizations were classified as serious or severe, and 5 percent of those hospitalized died during their hospital stay.
“This study gives us an increased understanding of how falls occur in order to help prevent them,” said Deborah Hull-Jilly, the study’s lead author and manager of the section’s Injury Surveillance Program. “Costs for treatment over the five years studied totaled more than $193 million, so obviously preventing fall-related injury is an important mission for public health.”
To help prevent falls in the home:
Keep stairways clean of clutter and well lit.
Have a secure hand rail.
Keep vinyl floors dry and secure loose rugs with double-sided tape.
Have a lamp close to the bed, or a nightlight on in the bedroom and bathroom.
Use a non-skid bath mat or bathtub decals.
Have a secure hand rail around the tub.
Keep the things you need most often on lower, easy-to-reach shelves.
Wear ice grippers or use a walker when walking outside.
For more safety ideas, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/index.html
Alaska | Gov declares disaster for November Kenai windstorms
Juneau | Governor Sean Parnell has declared a state disaster for the 2011 Central Kenai Peninsula windstorms. The declaration authorizes the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) to activate the state’s disaster recovery Public Assistance programs and to request a Federal Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance. The Public Assistance program is designed to help state, local and tribal governmental entities, as well as certain private non-profit organizations, restore infrastructure damaged by a specific event to pre-disaster conditions.
A series of high wind events on the Kenai Peninsula, beginning on November 1, 2011 and continuing through November 19, combined with freezing temperatures and high water levels, resulted in widespread and severe damages to electrical distribution systems. Approximately 17,300 homes and businesses lost power for up to 48 hours.
“The absence of power in the middle of winter can have a series of negative effects that cascade throughout a community,” Governor Parnell said. “The Kenai Peninsula Borough and Homer Electric Association (HEA) did an excellent job restoring power. Now that the power is restored, discussions include potential mitigation efforts to prevent future disruptions of the power distribution system.”
On November 22, the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) declared a Local Disaster Emergency and requested Governor Parnell make a Declaration of Disaster Emergency for assistance in recovering emergency response costs, and repairing storm-related damages exceeding local capabilities.
On November 28, a DHS&EM Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Team deployed to Soldotna. Working with KPB, the PDA team estimates response and repair costs to be $2.6 million. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports an additional $5.1 million in damages to Outer Beach Road.
During the November storm, KPB opened three warming stations and two evacuation centers. HEA hired an additional 32 linemen who, working with 21 HEA linemen, expedited repairs and successfully restored power.
KPB is requesting help from the public in determining the damages from November’s windstorms and power outages. Individuals with property damage from the November 1-19 storms are asked to complete a survey at the Borough web site www.borough.kenai.ak.us/emergency as soon as possible.
Alaska | Free flu shots available at two public clinics in Anchorage
Anchorage | Two mid-December shot clinics will offer free flu shots to the public.
The Family Medical Dental Center is partnering with the Alaska Division of Public Health to provide free flu shots to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16. The shots are appropriate for Alaskans age 18 through 64. The center is located at 4361 Boniface Parkway, near the intersection with Tudor Road. Please R.S.V.P. to 333-1211 so the clinic can have the appropriate amount of vaccine on hand.
The Division of Public Health will also offer Alaskans 18 and older free flu shots from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19. Alaskans 65 and older should bring their Medicare cards. The Monday free clinic will be held in the Atwood Building, Suite 240, 550 W. Seventh Ave. Contact Doreen Stangel, 269-8000, for more information.
“Alaska’s flu season usually peaks after January, so it’s still an excellent time to take advantage of this free vaccine,” said Dr. Joe McLaughlin, chief of the Alaska Section of Epidemiology, Department of Health and Social Services.
WHAT: Free flu shots
WHERE, WHEN & FOR WHOM: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 16, Family Medical Dental Center, 4361 Boniface Parkway; ages 18-64 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday Dec. 19, Atwood Building Suite 240, 550 W. Seventh Ave.; ages 18+
Providers or organizations who would like to offer their own clinics can find a vaccine order form at www.epi.alaska.gov/id/iz/FREEAdultFluVaccineOrderForm.pdf. Providers may not charge for the vaccine; they may charge for administering it.
Anchorage organizations will be asked to pick up their orders; the state will ship vaccine to locations outside the Anchorage area.
Alaska | New budget prioritizes emergency preparedness
Juneau AK | Governor Sean Parnell today announced that his Fiscal Year 2013 budget will prioritize disaster and emergency preparedness. The governor’s budget proposal will include $4.9 million for emergency food supplies to be distributed and securely stored in several locations throughout the state. This appropriation, in conjunction with funding provided in last year’s capital budget for emergency power and water purification, will help communities prepare and provide critical emergency services.
“We are working to ensure that every community is prepared to respond in the case of an emergency or natural disaster with power generation, safe drinking water and food supplies,” Governor Parnell said. “Individual responsibility plays a key role when disaster strikes. Families should always have enough food and water on hand for seven days. We have seen the benefits of preparedness in the excellent response to the fall storms in Western Alaska, and the protection of life and property in those communities.”
Additionally, Alaska’s geography and extreme weather conditions create enormous challenges to timely and effective response during natural disasters and other emergencies. Alaska State Troopers must be able to access remote areas during adverse weather conditions with a helicopter that is adequately equipped to complete the mission. The budget proposal will include $3 million to purchase a helicopter to meet these needs.
Alaska | Governor’s Emergency Medical Services Awards announced
Anchorage AK | The Governor’s Annual Awards for Emergency Medical Services were announced at the state Emergency Medical Services Symposium.
Award recipients are:
Consumer/Citizen Award: Dan Stang, DDS, Nome — In recognition of his quick life-saving actions that saved the life of a friend who had been attacked by a grizzly bear.
EMS Provider Awards: Brianne Gologergen, ETT, CHA and Danielle Reynolds, ETT, CHA, Savoonga — In recognition of their life-saving care to a patient with a gunshot wound in December 2010.
EMS Educator Award: Randy Churchill, Wrangell — In recognition of his 20 years of service as an EMS educator with the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department, during which he created a junior firefighter program that has become a model for fire departments in other communities.
EMS Administrator Award: David Rockney, MICP, Fairbanks — In recognition of his EMS advocacy and leadership as training coordinator for the Interior Region EMS Council and as assistant chief of the Steese Volunteer Fire Department.
Melissa Ann Peters Memorial Award: Julie Marie Anderson, RN, MICP, Haines — In recognition of her contributions to EMS education to the Haines Volunteer Fire Department, and her service as a valuable bridge between field and clinic EMS operations.
George H. Longenbaugh Memorial Award: Leslie Wood, M.D., Sitka — In recognition of her tireless advocacy for the EMS community and all first responders.
Outstanding Ambulance Service Award: North Tongass Volunteer Fire Department – Dave Hull, Chief, Ketchikan — In recognition of the compassionate care they provide to patients both during and after emergency response, and for their support to their community.
Special Commendation: Mike Dolph, EMT-III, Kodiak — In recognition of his implementation of far-reaching system improvements to the EMS program on Kodiak Island during his 36 years as a member of the board of directors of the Southern Region EMS Council and as fire chief for the City of Kodiak.
AK | Gov commends communities for being prepared
Juneau AK–Governor Sean Parnell called into the State of Alaska Emergency Operations Center this morning to thank local, state, and federal agencies for working well in partnership to execute the state’s emergency response plans during the Bering Sea storm. He also warned that the situation remains dangerous and flood warnings are still in effect.
“The storm is almost finished, but we are not out of the woods yet,” Governor Parnell said. “Local community leaders have done an excellent job preparing for the storm, and making sure the lives of their neighbors and loved ones were protected in the best way possible.”
Governor Parnell has been in constant contact with the leadership of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to make sure the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is meeting the needs of the local communities. Accordingly, Alaska National Guard assets were prepositioned in Nome and Bethel, and the Guard worked closely with its U.S. Coast Guard counterparts to provide immediate evacuation capability if and when life safety issues arise.
“There are two events we routinely train for with our local community partners: spring flooding and fall sea storms,” said DMVA Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus. “So far our combined actions have gone according to plan, and people are safe and secure in their communities or evacuation points.”
The storm is expected to deliver the final surge of water this afternoon in the northernmost communities. Then the damage assessment teams will break the affected areas into three regions and work with the local communities to put a dollar amount on the destruction.
“We are committed to getting communities back to full operations as quickly as possible,” said Governor Parnell.
AK | State to make free flu vax available
Anchorage AK–Sanofi Pasteur, a national flu vaccine manufacturer, is giving 20,000 doses of adult flu vaccine to the state Division of Public Health. The division is in turn making the vaccine available free of charge to organization or providers to administer to adults who have not yet been vaccinated against influenza.
The manufacturer issued a nationwide call for states to apply for the free vaccine. Alaska applied for, and was granted, the 20,000 doses.
This vaccine is licensed for use in adults ages 18 through 64.
“The vaccine will be available to providers and organizations statewide on a first-come, first-served basis,” said Dr. Joe McLaughlin, chief of the Alaska Section of Epidemiology, Department of Health and Social Services.
“Organizations wishing to participate must have a licensed medical provider who can sign the request form — accepting responsibility for proper storage and appropriate administration of the vaccine.”
The vaccine is available to any individual or organization that wants to offer flu vaccinations to clients, employees, staff, volunteers, patients, vendors, customers, or others. Public or private social service agencies, hospitals, companies, building or facility management offices, faith-based groups, individuals, arts organizations, clubs, governmental or educational institutions, public or private schools, and public or private healthcare providers are all welcome to apply for the vaccine.
Community emergency response organizations can use this vaccine to conduct emergency mass distribution exercises.
Individuals or organizations requesting vaccine must fill out a request form available at: http://www.epi.alaska.gov/id/iz/FREEAdultFluVaccineOrderForm.pdf and fax it to the number provided.
Those allocated vaccine will be able to pick up their supply from the state’s vaccine warehouse in Anchorage, or the state will pay for shipping to locations outside the Anchorage area. Providers may not charge for the vaccine itself, only for administration of the vaccine should they wish to.
State public health centers will continue to focus on vaccinating children, the elderly, and those at high risk for complications from the flu. Although not free, health center services are available on a sliding-scale.
Interested individuals or organizations should contact the Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8622 as soon as possible before supplies run out.