Category Archives: Services

Big Changes to FOSS Program Services

Posted on March 16, 2011 | Leave a comment

Big changes were made to the Family Outreach and Support Services (FOSS) Division on March 1st. Child Service Coordination (CSC) and Maternity Care Coordination (MCC) are evolving into new programs.

As of March 1, 2011, the Maternity Care Coordination Program will change to a new service called Pregnancy Care Management (PCM). The Pregnancy Care Management Program, just like the Maternity Care Coordination Program, is designed to help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Likewise, as of March 1, 2011, the Child Service Coordination Program will change to a new service called Care Coordination for Children (CC4C).  The Care Coordination for Children Program, just like the Child Service Coordination Program, is designed to help Medicaid children birth to 5 years of age who are determined to be high-risk and qualify for services.

More information about changes will follow when more details become available.

If you or a family member is already enrolled in MCC or CSC services, you do not need to do anything.  Your Pregnancy Care Manager or Care Coordination for Children Care Manager will contact you to discuss your current and ongoing medical and community referral needs.  Your Care Manager will establish a plan of care and a schedule of contacts with you based on your (or your family member’s) individual situation.

For questions about Care Coordination for Children, please contact Jenny McCarthy at 919.545.8332 or for questions about Pregnancy Care Management, please contact Alicia Doran at 919.742.5641 extension 8254.

Share

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Programs, Services

Tagged ,

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on January 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 12,000 women in the United States each year get cervical cancer. Fortunately, the disease can be prevented or treated easily when caught early.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a virus that is passed between partners during intercourse. It is estimated that half of all sexually active people will get HPV during their lifetimes. HPV often doesn’t show symptoms in the early stages. These reasons are why it is so important to get screened for the cervical cancer and take other preventive steps.

The Pap Test or Pap Smear is an exam that looks for cell changes in the cervix before it turns into cancer. The Pap Smear can also find cervical cancer in early stages when treatment would be most effective. Women should start getting regular Pap screenings when they turn 21 or three years after the first time they have intercourse, whichever takes place first. HPV screenings are recommended for women 30 years and older.

The Chatham County Public Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) offers eligible women free or low cost mammograms, pap smears, pelvic exams, and clinical breast exams. The purpose of the program is to detect breast cancer and cervical cancer early. Women between the ages of 18 and 64 can be seen for cervical screening services. All patients must meet income requirements, have no health insurance, or be underinsured.

For more information about the BCCCP program and to see if you qualify, please call 919-742-5641 and ask for Jo Deaton-Duckworth.

For the CDC’s fact sheet on cervical cancer used in this post, please go to http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/Cervical_FS_0510.pdf.

Share

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Health Information, Services

Tagged , ,

What is a Public Health Educator?

Posted on January 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

What exactly is a public health educator or a health education specialist? They work for local health departments, hospitals, and other health agencies and do a variety of things to support people in living a healthy lifestyle.

Watch this video from the Society of Public Health Education (SOPHE) to find out more.

After watching the video, you know that health educators do more than teach people about health, but translate data, promote healthy behaviors and environments, advocate for legislation, and plan programs among many other activities.

The Chatham County Public Health Department has several public health educators. Health educators work closely with the community and other organizations in designing and implementing evidenced based programs to address identified needs. To see what programs and initiatives are in place by your local health educators, go to http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=631.

Share

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Services, Staff

Tagged , ,

Have Your Recently Found Out You’re Pregnant?

Posted on December 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

If you begin your prenatal care early, your baby will have a better chance of being healthy. The Chatham County Public Health Department offers the Maternity Care Coordination Program (MCCP) which is available to help pregnant women and new mothers work on concerns that may affect the baby’s health.

The MCCP can provide:
• assistance in applying for Medicaid and health insurance coverage for other children
• referrals to community resources and agencies for housing, school, transportation, child care, etc.
• referrals to community agencies that provide information on pregnancy and newborn care; and
• resources to address issues that may cause you to feel stressed or worried.

No matter where you receive your prenatal care, you can sign up for the Maternity Care Coordination Program. If you are pregnant, apply today for the Baby Love Program at the Chatham County Public Health Department (919) 545-8367 or through the Medicaid for Pregnant Women program at the Chatham County Department of Social Services (919) 542-2759.

For information on low cost health insurance call the Family Health Resource Line 1-800-367-2229 Monday- Friday, 8 am- 5 pm.

Share

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Programs, Services

Tagged , , ,

Today is Public Health Thank You Day!

Posted on November 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

Research!America has declared the Monday before Thanksgiving as Public Health Thank You Day. This year’s observance takes place on Monday, November 22nd. 

The purpose of Public Health Thank You Day is to recognize the work of public health professionals to protect the health of the community. Did you know that public health is responsible for?: 

  • Mandatory vaccinations that keep children healthy,
  • Nutrition labeling on foods,
  • Seat belt laws,
  • Ensuring that restaurants are clean and sanitary,
  • Helping increase the number of parks and trails in communities,
  • Educating the public on living healthy lifestyles, and
  • Laws that eliminate smoking in public places. 

This is just a select list of what public health has done for you. For a local view, go to http://www.chathampublichealth.com/health-observances/a-day-in-the-life-of-public-health/.

For more information on Public Health Thank You Day, go to http://www.researchamerica.org/ph_thank_you.

Share

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Health Observances, Services

Tagged