Jefferson County Health Department Protects Community from Emergencies and Disasters Through National “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition Program

Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. JCHD demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jefferson County Health Department joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.  

Public Health Preparedness Exercise in 2024.

“We are proud to have been reaccredited by Project Public Health Ready for our high level of preparedness,” said Steve Sikes, JCHD Executive Director. “This is a great example of the dedicated, professional staff we have and our commitment to providing excellent public health services.” 

In 2020, JCHD was initially accredited through the PPHR Recognition Program and applied for reaccreditation in 2024. The Public Health Preparedness Team worked diligently to update and improve our capabilities-based plans, adding lessons learned from COVID-19, Mpox, and Tuberculosis emergencies. Jefferson County Health Department will be formally recognized and awarded at the NACCHO Preparedness Summit in April 2025.  

“Through this process, we were able to expand and build upon our previous plans based on real-life experience from the last five years,” said Jeana Vidacak, JCHD Community Services Manager. “We feel confident that we have a robust plan that staff not only understand but can execute effectively.”

PPHR recognition confirms that JCHD has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the community's health during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices. 

“Public health preparedness planning, response, and recovery begins at the local level. Local health departments are essential in creating healthy, resilient communities that can respond to and recover from disasters,” said Lori Tremmel Freeman, Chief Executive Officer. “NACCHO commends Jefferson County Health Department for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.” 

Still Hanging on to Your New Year's Resolutions?

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? Are you still going strong? If not, don’t give up yet! Aiming for consistency and not perfection is going to make your goals much more realistic. If you didn’t set any goals for the new year, there is still time.   

When setting a goal, remember to keep it SMART. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. If your goal for the year is to improve your oral health and you do not currently floss, a good SMART goal could be: “Over the next two weeks, I will floss at least four days out of the seven.” Once you are consistent with this you can increase your goal to 5 days per week, every day, and even up to twice per day.  

Be sure you track your progress! This could be hand-written in a journal or on a calendar, in a habit tracking app, or even in a shared document with a friend for accountability. 

Below is a great resource if you are still thinking of setting a resolution for the year or if you need help planning a goal you are already working on:  

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/26/1211240854/new-years-resolution-planner-50-fresh-ideas-to-help-you-make-bold-moves-in-2024 

 

 

About the author: 

Megan has been a Registered Dietitian with the Jefferson County Health Department for approximately five years. She provides individual and group nutrition counseling as well as community presentations. Megan enjoys running so you may see her pushing a stroller at a local 5k!  

Winter Weather Safety

Winter weather can be unpredictable. It’s important to make sure you are prepared for any type of weather that can impact road conditions such as snow, sleet, or ice. Whether you are a seasoned driver or brand new to the road check out some of the tips below to stay safe this season! 

Before you leave: 

  • Make sure all lights on your vehicle are functional 

  • Inspect tires and make sure they are at appropriate air levels  

  • Check windshield wipers and replace worn out blades 

  • Consider a winter specific wiper 

  • Make sure you have enough of all fluids 

  • Coolant, oil, gas, windshield wiper fluid, etc. 

  • Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible or keep your car fully charged 

  • Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s safety technologies for wintery conditions 

  • Plan your route and check road conditions and forecast  

  • Consider if you can stay home if either are in bad shape 

  • Consider leaving earlier or later based on conditions   

  • Let someone know your plans and your expected arrival time 

  • Make sure your phone is fully charged 

Improvements to consider: 

  • Check your tires 

  • Tire pressure can be affected by low temperatures 

  • Check the treads to ensure proper depth 

  • Look for any wear and tear  

  • Check the date on the tires 

  • Some manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years 

  • Consider upgrading to snow tires  

  • Thick rubber floor mats 

  • Make sure mats fully fit your vehicle and do not interfere with any operation of the accelerator or brake pedal.  

  • Have a mechanic check your battery 

  • Gasoline and diesel vehicles may take more battery power to start 

  • Electric and hybrid vehicles may have driving range reduced 

Parents with young children: 

  • Ensure all car seats are installed properly 

  • Heavy coats can interfere with proper fit of the seat’s straps 

  • Opt for thin warm layers like fleece 

  • After buckling child in properly, put a blanket or coat around your child for extra warmth 

Stock Up: 

Carry items in your vehicle that you may need in case of emergency  

  • Snow shovel 

  • Broom 

  • Ice scraper 

  • Sand or kitty litter 

  • In case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow 

  • Jumper cables  

  • Flashlights 

  • Warning devices 

  • Flares, emergency markers, high vis vest, etc. 

  • First aid kit 

  • Blankets or extra coats 

  • Cell phone charger 

  • Snacks and water 

  • Any necessary medicine  

What to do in an Emergency: 

  • Call 911 and let them know about any injuries and where you are 

  • Be aware of your surroundings 

  • Stay with your vehicle and don’t overexert yourself 

  • Make sure your car is visible  

  • Put bright markers out 

  • Turn on flashers or interior dome lights 

  • Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning 

  • Make sure your exhaust pipe is free of snow and only run your car sporadically  

 

For more information, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips  

If you would like to know more about what items to keep in your vehicle during the winter months, check out our video! https://youtu.be/svJwGvRwEhU

Eating Tips for Healthy Holidays

The beginning of the holiday season is upon us! Whether you start decorating for Christmas on November 1st or wait until after Thanksgiving, there are plenty of gatherings and fun things to look forward to.

Many parties during this season focus on food, and that can be difficult to navigate if you are trying to stick to a diet or just don’t want to overindulge. Consider what your health goals are for this holiday season, and check out the tips below for some healthy, mindful ways to look at food this season! 

  • Don’t arrive hungry or skip meals 

  • Skipping meals or showing up to an event hungry and lead to overeating while at the gathering. Whether you are trying to watch your calorie intake or simply not overeat, it can be a good idea to have a filling snack before you arrive. Fruit, string cheese, yogurt or a small handful of nuts can help you stick to your goals 

  • Bring your own dish 

  • Sometimes, we eat things because that is all that is available. If you want to stick to a routine, try bringing a nutritious dish such as a fruit or vegetable tray. This way, you will know you have something you like, and you can make it festive by arranging it like a holiday design or incorporating seasonal fruits and veggies. 

  • Choose your drinks wisely 

  • Some festive drinks and alcoholic beverages have a lot of empty calories in them and can lead to overconsumption.  

  • Visit the people not the food 

  • Try socializing away from the buffet table or appetizers as hanging around the table can lead to mindless eating. 

  • Eat until you are satisfied and not stuffed 

  • This can be a difficult one when there are so many delicious dishes to choose from! Eat slowly and check in with yourself while you’re eating. If you are getting full and feel like you missed out on a dish, see if you can take some home for later or for the next day! 

  • Be choosy and pick your splurges 

  • Sometimes our eyes are much bigger than our stomachs. Start with a small plate or small portions and see how you feel before getting more. If you need to limit yourself try selecting dishes or food that you can only get around this time of year and skip the things you get to have all the time.  

  • Don’t feel guilty 

  • If you feel like you overindulged on the delicious food don’t beat yourself up! Just try your best the next time as the holidays are all about family and togetherness not the food or the calories.  

Don’t give up on your fitness and health goals because the holidays have arrived. Make a plan before you arrive at events, and everything will be just fine! The takeaway here is to eat what you love to eat in moderation, get some exercise into your day, and eat mindfully.  

If you are looking to continue your healthy eating goals or if you don’t know where to start check out the Health Department’s Dietitian! Consultations are free but need an appointment. Call 636-797-3737 or visit our website for more information! If you would like more information on healthy holiday eating, check out these sites: