Public Health report presented at Commissioners’ Court meeting

Texas Department of State Health Services, Public Health Region 8 public nurse, Lauren Werner presented the 2022 annual report at the Monday, June 26 Lavaca County Commissioners’ Court meeting.

Werner, who along with Sheila Jansky, Community Health Specialist for DSHS, are both located at the Health and Human Services and the Department of Family and Protective Services offices in Hallettsville.

Werner said they continue providing coverage in Lavaca and Gonzales counties.

Werner said all diseases that occur in Lavaca and Gonzales counties are required to be reported and investigated by the DSHS staff.

“A monthly tally of disease occurrence is sent to providers in each county and contact investigations allow Region 8 to identify exposed individuals, and provide proper evaluation and treatment to those infected, Werner said.”

According to Werner, tuberculosis is the disease that continues to be a priority of the agency with direct observed therapy administered to all TB cases.

Services for HIV/STD are also made available to the public at their local office and free confidential counseling, testing, treatment, and public education to aid in the service’s goal of disease prevention are provided.

“We continue to administer routine vaccines to children who are eligible through the Texas Vaccines for Children Program, as well as limited vaccines for adults who are uninsured,” Werner said. “We continue to work closely with school nurses and local providers to provide them the support and education they need with back-to-school immunization records and following state minimum requirements.”

In addition, the Community Health Improvement Program continues to participate in population based activities, with emphasis on injury prevention related to suicides, motor vehicle crashes, hyperthermia, breast-feeding and safe sleep for infants. Also water safety and decreasing the rate of obesity among school-aged children are included in the activities.

Regarding obesity efforts, DSHS collaborates every year with the local Texas Agri-Life Extension Agency, to plan and prepare for The Kids Health party. This event is held annually in October for all 5th graders attending Lavaca County schools

“We also support and provide education and resources to schools on mental health, E-Cigarettes, STDs, flu and handwashing as well as spinal, hearing and vision screenings,” Werner said. “We are involved in the School Health Advisory’s Committee and do our best to participate in wellness events such as local health fairs, and collaborate with other local organizations such as WIC, Health Ministries, and the Community Resource & Coordination Group for Lavaca County.”

Werner said she and Jansky are both Certified Car Passenger Safety technicians and have participated in car seat safety check-up events in Lavaca and surrounding counties. They also perform car seat inspections at their office in Hallettsville by client appointment.

“Emergency preparedness and response continue to be a priority with Sheila and I having both served on the Lavaca Emergency Planning Committee, Child Fatality Review Team, and the Golden Crescent Healthcare Coalition,” Werner said. “We also attend the Mid-Coast Hurricane and Disaster Conference and encourage the court to attend this annual conference, which is always held in April.” 

In concluding her presentation, Werner thanked Commissioners’ Court for their continued support of the TDSHS.

“Our mission is always to protect and improve the health and well-being of people in Lavaca County, as well as Region 8. We would not be able to meet this goal, without your support, Werner said.”

Also present at the meeting were Dr. Jennifer Shuford, the new Commissioner of Health, as well as Dr. Lillian Ringsdorf, Regional Medical director, Gale Morrow, Deputy Regional director, Dr. Katherine Velasquez, Community Health Improvement manager, Elise Rush, Epidemiology manager and Dr. Amanda Kieffer, Zoonosis Control Veterinarian