New Health Department Program Focusses on Education and Prevention
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Scott Lockard believes in planning his work and working his plan.
The director of Clark County’s health department recently instituted a comprehensive program called MAPP – Mobilizing Action Through Partnerships and Planning – to help residents become healthier.
The department started by sending surveys to hundreds of businesses‚ schools‚ churches‚ doctors and civic organizations to determine key health concerns. Results will help the health department focus on four or five key issues and target programs to address those issues‚ Lockard says.
Education and prevention are a key part of the county’s long-term plan for better health.
Billboards and commercials touting the dangers of second-hand smoke and the benefits of folic acid for healthy births are helping raise awareness‚ Lockard says.
With the number of smokers in Clark County higher than the state average‚ he’s passionate about reducing tobacco use.
“Diseases related to second-hand smoke kill more people each year than murder and AIDS combined‚” Lockard says. “Children exposed to second-hand smoke have increased rates of asthma and other respiratory problems.”
And to put its money where its mouth is‚ the health department offers free smoking-cessation classes. Workshops on diabetes self-management are also offered.
Another part of the program‚ Health Access Nurturing Development Services‚ provides support to first-time parents. Through HANDS‚ new parents gain access to resources for child health‚ development and safety. Weekly in-home visits teach parents brain-stimulating‚ developmentally appropriate activities to enjoy with their babies. A car seat safety campaign offers free convertible car seats to HANDS participants.
Physical fitness and activity is another component of the health department’s strategy.
The Clark County Activity Coalition‚ with participants like the YMCA‚ the Parks and Recreation Department‚ the hospital and area schools‚ gets people – from schoolchildren to seniors – walking. Richard Cates‚ the coalition’s activities director‚ is excited about additional fitness opportunities.
“We have Pilates classes‚ yoga classes‚ line dancing and a walking track‚ just to name a few"‚he says.
Kristian Wagner‚ health education coordinator at the health department‚ works with state and national organizations to promote physical activity in schools and through summer programs.
Other public health concerns in the community include emergency preparedness‚ environmental and traffic safety issues‚ and Lockard keeps the department current by networking with local police and fire departments – even con ducting an areawide mass vaccination test to determine readiness in case of an avian flu pandemic. Seasonal services include workplace flu vaccinations.
Planning‚ awareness‚ education and partnerships are leading the way to better health in Clark County – just follow the MAPP.
Story by Carol Cowan
Photo by Greg Emens
