The County’s 10 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) kicked off the holidays with a joyful celebration this weekend. Approximately 190 employees, family and friends attended the festivities, which included dinner, dancing and entertainment. See the photo gallery.
Can you imagine living in the streets? Here in the San Diego region, thousands of people are experiencing homelessness. They need help, and you can assist by taking part in the annual Point-in-Time Count of the homeless population.
This is the fifth year the County has supported the annual count. During the span of several hours, volunteers count and survey the homeless they see in a certain area.
The count takes place Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 from 3:45 a.m. to 8 a.m. – one extra hour than in previous years.
The Board of Supervisors believes this is such a worthy cause that County employees who participate will be paid on County time.
This year’s count, as directed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will entail an “engaged” survey-based approach, where the homeless will be surveyed as they are encountered rather than just an observational count as done in previous years. To learn more about the 2019 changes, please watch this brief, three-minute video.
Last year, the region’s combined total came to 8,576 people, the fourth highest number in the nation. Importantly, the count helps the region identify the scope of the problem and find solutions on how to best serve this vulnerable population.
The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is leading the local point-in-time effort with the WeALLCount campaign. Hundreds of County workers from departments across the organization have taken part in past years, and employees are again encouraged to sign up for this important effort.
If you are interested in participating, review the FAQs and then obtain approval from your supervisor via the supervisor approval form.
If you have not yet signed up and would like to participate, sign up here.
Don’t be caught on the sidelines. Get in on this deal for discounted tickets to the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl game. Employees can buy tickets valued at $70 for $25 (plus a $3.60 service fee per ticket).
The Holiday Bowl announced this week that the No. 22 Northwestern University Wildcats will play the No. 17 University of Utah Utes. The game kicks off at 4 p.m., Dec. 31 at SDCCU Stadium. That’s after the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade floats past the County Administration Center at 10 a.m.
Invite your family and friends; the more the merrier at this New Year’s Eve game.
This deal ends Dec. 21. Get your tickets today. (If the link does not open in Internet Explorer, try Chrome.)
Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer, Getting her Flu Shot.
If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, it’s time to roll up your sleeve. It’s not too late to get one.
“Vaccination is the best protection against influenza,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.
You have many options to get the vaccine. You can visit your doctor’s office; many pharmacies offer them; and if you are a Kaiser Permanente member, you can get vaccinated at KP CareNow at the County Operations Center on the 2nd Floor of 5530 Overland Ave. The on-campus clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. You can schedule an appointment by emailing KP-carenow@kp.org or calling 858-278-2802.
If you are a United Healthcare (UHC) member, you can schedule your flu shot through any of the UHC providers by contacting them directly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
· People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control
· Pregnant women
· People 65 years and older
· People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
· Wash hands thoroughly and often
· Use hand sanitizers
· Stay away from sick people
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
· Clean commonly touched surfaces
· If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others
So do your part and get a flu shot!
As each year draws to a close, we find ourselves both looking back and looking forward. Taking stock of what we’ve done while getting ready for a fresh beginning.
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