Events Scheduled for Public Health Week

313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806 • Los Angeles, CA 90012 • (213) 240-8144 • media@ph.lacounty.gov

For Immediate Release:
April 6, 2009

Building the Foundation for a Healthy Los Angeles County
Theme for Public Health Week focuses on importance of public health for all residents in the county

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health celebrates National Public Health Week by demonstrating its impact on the daily lives of residents. The theme for this year's observance is "Building the Foundation for a Healthy Los Angeles County." Modern public health response is a vast and growing field, requiring experts in hundreds of topics, including emerging diseases and terrorist threats.

"Every day, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health undertakes a variety of activities to ensure that our communities are protected from threats to health and safety," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "These activities include everything from investigating food-borne outbreaks and preventing the spread of disease to responding to natural and man-made disasters, such as fires, earthquakes or bioterrorism."

Public Health's mission is to improve and sustain better quality of life for the people within and around LA County. This mission is not taken lightly, and we are very proud of the work we accomplish. Many of our expert staff make themselves available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, including physicians, nurses, emergency response personnel, administrators, executives, and epidemiologists.

"We know how vital it is to the public's well-being and safety that we are successful," said Dr. Fielding. "However, we also want to empower the residents of LA County. We encourage everyone to develop healthy diet and exercise habits, build an emergency preparedness kit, maintain good hygiene through hand washing, and get valuable and life-saving immunizations."

To help residents reach those goals, Public Health will be offering a variety of events this week and throughout April. Some of these events will feature question-and-answer sessions on emergency preparedness, nutrition, and exercise. Other events will inform residents on how to access free or low-cost health and dental care. For a listing of these events, please visit the Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov. All events listed are free.

# # #PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK ACTIVITY LISTING
April 6 – 12, 2009

All events listed are open to the public.

SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 1

2009 PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK KICK OFF EVENT:
"SUGAR IN SODAS" – INFORMATIONAL DISPLAY Fifth Supervisorial District
April 6, 2009 ─ Monday
April 10, 2009 ─ Friday
8:30 a.m. ─ 11:30 a.m. (each day)

Antelope Valley Health Center
335-B East Ave K-6
Lancaster, CA 93535

Event description: How much sugar is in that soda? And how many calories will that cost me? Find out by touring our informational poster display.

Contact: Roger Cruz (661) 723-4506
Donna Wolfe (661) 723-4649

MAYFLOWER GARDEN SENIOR WALK
April 8, 2009 - Wednesday Fifth Supervisorial District
9:00 a.m ─ 10:30 a.m.

Mayflower Garden
6570 West Ave. L
Lancaster, CA 93536

Event description: Get a move on with this beautiful garden walk! The course is approximately a ½ mile. Information will be given on walking for exercise, healthier living, and the importance of emergency preparedness. A demonstration of the "Go Bag" emergency kit for seniors will also be given.

Contact: Roger Cruz (661) 723-4506
Donna Wolfe, CL, PHN (661) 723-4649

HEALTH FAIR – STEPHEN SORENSEN COUNTY PARK Fifth Supervisorial District
April 18, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 a.m. ─ 2:00 p.m.

Stephen Sorenson County Park
16801 E Avenue P
Lake Los Angeles, CA 93591

Event description: Cooking demonstrations, live music, food, and shopping can all be found at this fun, outdoor event, brought to you by the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation and Public Health. Displays with valuable health information, and demonstrations of safety equipment will also be on hand, to satisfy your educational cravings.

Contact: Martha Collins, PHN (661) 723-4508
Terry Lynch, PHN (661) 723-4501

MALL WALKERS Fifth Supervisorial District
April 22, 2009 - Wednesday
7:30 a.m. ─ 9:00 a.m.

Antelope Valley Mall
1233 Rancho Vista Blvd.
Palmdale, CA 93550

Event description: Cruise the mall for fun and exercise! This event, in collaboration with High Desert Medical Group, will include valuable information on healthier living and the importance of emergency preparedness. A demonstration of the "Go Bag" for seniors will be given.

Contact: Donna Wolfe, CL, PHN (661) 723-4649
Charlotte Slater-Lunsford, PHN (661) 723-4507

AV KID'S COOK-OFF FINALS Fifth Supervisorial District
April 25, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 am. ─ 2:00 p.m.

Antelope Valley Mall
1233 Rancho Vista Blvd.
Palmdale, CA 93550

Event description: Kids, tired of a boring sandwich for lunch? Check out what these young chefs have cooked up at the Kid's Cook-Off finals! Youth in two categories (6-8 year olds in Best Nutritious Snack and 9-13 year olds in Best Lunch Entrée and Snack) will try to out-do each other in developing and preparing great tasting, healthy foods. Celebrity announcer Will Fleming, of Lancaster Jethawks fame, will provide competition commentary. If that's not enough to whet your appetite, information on healthy eating, health and the environment, and how to be prepared for an emergency will be given out.

Contact: Donna Wolfe, CL, PHN (661) 723-4649
Charlotte Slater-Lunsford, PHN (661) 723-4507




SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 2

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & SAFETY EXPO Fifth Supervisorial District
March 21, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 a.m. ─ 2:00 p.m.

College of the Canyons
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Event description: This Emergency and Safety Expo by the City of Santa Clarita will answer such pesky questions as "How do you use that?" and "Why do I need a gas shut-off wrench?" Games, demonstrations, and safety equipment displays will also be offered at the Expo.

Contact: Jo Anna Levinson, CL P.H.N. (661) 287-7044
Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3910

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATIONAL DISPLAY Third Supervisorial District
April 6, to April 10, 2009 - Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. ─ 5:00 p.m.

Pacoima Health Center
13300 Van Nuys Blvd.
Pacoima, CA 91331

Event description: During Public Health Week, visit this display to find out more about the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's roles and services.

Contact: Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3920
Olga Vigdorchik, Health Educator (818) 766-3920
PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATIONAL DISPLAY Fifth Supervisorial District
April 6 to April 10, 2009 - Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. ─ 5:00 p.m.

Glendale Health Center
501 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91206

Event description: During Public Health Week, visit this display to find out more about the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's roles and services.

Contact: Olga Vigdorchik, Health Educator (818) 766-3920
Delmy Balette, P.H.N. (818) 500-5760

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATIONAL DISPLAY Third Supervisorial District
April 6 to April 10, 2009 - Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. ─ 5:00 p.m.

North Hollywood Health Center
5300 Tujunga Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

Event description: During Public Health Week, visit this display to find out more about the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's roles and services.

Contact: Olga Vigdorchik, Health Educator (818) 766-3920
Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3910

SANTA CLARITA SENIOR CENTER ─ INTERACTIVE DISPLAY
April 8, 2009 – Wednesday Fifth Supervisorial District
11:00 a.m. ─ 1:00 p.m.

Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging/Senior Center
22900 Market Street
Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Event description: Enter for your chance to win a free vegetable and fruit delivery to your home! Music, games and a question-and-answer session on healthy eating, active lifestyles, and preparing for emergencies will round out this fun, and interactive display.

Contact: JoAnna Levinson, CL P.H.N. (661) 287-7044
Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3910

GLENDALE FARMER'S MARKET Fifth Supervisorial District
April 9, 2009 - Thursday
9:30 a.m. ─ 1:30 p.m.

Glendale Farmer's Market
100 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91205

Event description: Enjoy the sunshine, pick up some healthy produce, and learn more about Public Health's important role in the community at this outdoor event! Learn how you and your family can be prepared for any emergency.

Contact: Delmy Balette, P.H.N. (818) 500-5760
Alex Pizano, P.H.N. (818) 500-5760

YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY Fifth Supervisorial District
April 18, 2009 - Saturday
9:00 a.m. ─ 2:00 p.m.

YMCA
140 N. Louise St.
Glendale, CA 91206

Event description: Kids, learn all about disease tracking, what to do after an earthquake, and how to avoid germs! This is also a great opportunity for moms and dads to learn about the importance of healthy living.

Contact Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3910
Olga Vigdorchik, Health Educator (818) 766-3920

ENCINO FARMER'S MARKET Third Supervisorial District
April 19, 2009 - Sunday
8:00 a.m. ─ 1:00 p.m.

Encino Farmer's Market
17400 Victory Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Event description: Shop and learn in an outdoor environment, where Public Health will present valuable and life-saving information on health, preparing for an emergency, and easy ways to avoid common illnesses, such as the flu.

Contact: Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3910
Olga Vigdorchik, Health Educator (881) 766-3920

HEALTH FAIR & CARNIVAL Third Supervisorial District
April 25, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 a.m. ─ 2:00 p.m.

Melvin Elementary School
7700 Melvin Ave.
Reseda, CA 91335

Event description: This event features something for everyone: the carnival features kids' entertainment and other fun activities. The health fair features a variety of booths including free health screenings, a community organizational showcase, and great informational materials.

Contact: Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3910
Olga Vigdorchik, Health Educator (818) 766-3920

SAFETY, HEALTH & LIFESTYLE EXPO Third Supervisorial District
April 25, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 a.m. ─ 3:00 p.m.

Civic Center
100 Civic Center Way
Calabasas, CA 91302

Event description: If you've ever wondered why an emergency preparedness kit should include a wrench, here's your chance to find out at this Safety, Health & Lifestyle Expo. Additional information on healthy living and the importance of Public Health in your community will also be offered.

Contact: Rita Mozian, Health Educator (818) 766-3910
Olga Vigdorchik, Health Educator (818) 766-3920

SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 3

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY First Supervisorial District:
April 6, 2009 - Monday
9:00 a.m. ─ 11:30 a.m.

Pomona Health Center
750 S. Park Ave.
Pomona, CA 91766

Event description: Come and meet your local Public Health nurse! Learn all about the importance of proper nutrition, the benefits of exercise, and how to make healthy choices through face-to-face question and answer sessions at this interactive booth.

Contact: Carmen Ulloa-Huicochea, P.H.N. (909) 868-5302
Anna Fields, P.H.N. (909) 868-9248

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR Fifth Supervisorial District
April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
8:30 a.m. ─ 12:00 p.m.

Monrovia Health Center
330 W. Maple Ave.
Monrovia, CA 91016

Event description: Free immunizations for children and adults, including influenza and pneumococcal, will be given. Visit the Emergency Preparedness Mobile RV for valuable information on nutrition, physical activity, resources for care givers, how to receive free or low-cost dental services, and health care for the senior population, as well as how to prepare for an emergency. This event is brought to you in cooperation with the City of Monrovia.

Contact: Tristin Pham, PHN (626) 256-0522
Rosana Saguin, PHNS (626) 256-0510

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY First Supervisorial District
April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
9:00 a.m.─ 11:30 a.m.

Pomona Health Center
750 S. Park Ave.
Pomona, CA 91766

Event description: Want more information about STDs, but not sure how to ask? Stop by the Public Health booth for free, confidential and anonymous information about the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, and how to avoid them. Free condoms will be available in the unmarked informational packets.

Contact: Carmen Ulloa-Huicochea, PHN (909) 868-5302
Anna Field, PHN (909) 868-0248

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY First Supervisorial District
April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
9:00 a.m. ─ 11:30 a.m.

Pomona Health Center
750 S. Park Ave.
Pomona, Ca 91766

Event description: A healthy community starts with healthy residents. Get more information on how you and your family can stay in the best of health by accessing free or low-cost health care programs. Public Health nurses will be available to answer questions about Medi-cal, locations in the community where residents can apply for health care, and information needed for the application process.

Contact: Carmen Ulloa-Huicochea, PHN (909) 868-5302
Anna Fields, PHN (909) 868-0248

SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 4

LEARN ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK Third Supervisorial District
April 2, 2009 - Thursday
9:00 a.m.─12:00 p.m.

Los Angeles City College
855 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Event description: Learn more about Public Health's role and services to the community, which include teaching residents about emergency preparedness, nutrition, preventing STDs, improving your heart health, and enhancing your active lifestyle.

Contact: Daniel Bellosillo, PHN (323) 769-7807
Fariba Yengejeh, PHN (323) 769-7902

RESOURCE & INFORMATION FAIR First Supervisorial District
April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
8:30 a.m. ─ 10:30 a.m.

Central Health Center
241 N. Figueroa St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Event description: This free and interactive event will feature information on preparing for an emergency, improving nutrition and physical activity, preventing STDs, and obtaining free or low-cost health care.

Contact: Patricia Alexander, CL PHN (213) 989-7090
Carina Lopez, MPH Health Educator (213) 989-7156

LEARN ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK Third Supervisorial District
April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
9:00 a.m. ─12:00 p.m.

Hollywood-Wilshire Health Center
5205 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Event description: Learn more about Public Health's role and services to the community, which include teaching residents about emergency preparedness, nutrition, preventing STDs, obtaining free or low-cost dental care, improving your heart health, and enhancing your active lifestyle.

Contact: Daniel Bellosillo, P.H.N. (323) 769-7807
Fariba Yengejeh, P.H.N. (323) 769-7902

SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 5

TUNE IN!! RADIO INTERVIEW Second Supervisorial District
KTYM 1460 AM
April 1, 2009 - Wednesday
9:30 a.m.
Event description: Commissioner Janet Neal, of Los Angeles County's Commission on Disabilities, will speak about the importance of National Public Health Week. Commissioner Neal is the host of the Commission's monthly talk show program, the "Disability Network," on KTYM 1460 AM. She is a highly charismatic and caring program hostess, promoting disability awareness, community outreach, and providing a medium for open discussion on a range of topics and issues that affect people with disabilities and their families.
YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY Second Supervisorial District
April 4, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 a.m. ─ 2:00 p.m.

Westchester YMCA
8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Westchester, CA

Event description: YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a free, fun-filled day of activities designed to promote healthy kids and families in spirit, mind and body. Public Health will host a "Car Safety" booth with demonstrations on correct installation of car seats, and valuable information on seat belt safety regulations for children. Staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the law prohibiting smoking in a vehicle when children are present.
Contact: May Singaus, PHN (310) 998-3208
Nicole Vick (323) 234-6711

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE HEALTH FAIR Third Supervisorial District
April 9, 2009 - Thursday
10:00 a.m. ─ 2:00 p.m.

Santa Monica College ─ Library Walkway
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Event description: Find out about the valuable services offered at the nearby Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center. Also, information on an upcoming flu vaccine clinic will be available.

Contact: Helen Obih, P.H.N. (310) 998-3201
Nicole Vick, Health Educator (323) 235-6711

WEST LA COMMUNITY COLLEGE HEALTH FAIR Second Supervisorial District
April 15, 2009 - Wednesday
10:00 a.m. ─ 2:00 p.m.

West Los Angeles Community College (free speech area)
9000 Overland Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230

Event description: This health fair for college students will focus on nutrition and how to avoid the dreaded "Freshman 15." Additional information on free or low-cost health care access and information on the importance of Public Health in the community will also be available.

Contact: Mary Singaus, P.H.N. (310) 998-3208
Nicole Vick (323) 235-6711

SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 6

WOMEN'S HEALTH – HEALTH FAIR Second Supervisorial District
April 11, 2009 - Saturday
9:30 a.m.

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
10905 S. Compton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90059

Event description: Ladies, this is a great opportunity to learn about issues specific to your health and well-being! Information will be available on diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, breast and cervical cancer.

Contact: Esther Arias McDowell (626) 569-3823
Ellen Eidem, Director, Women's Health (626) 569-3850
STD AWARENESS EVENT Second Supervisorial District
April 18, 2009 - Saturday
12:00 p.m. ─ 4:00 p.m.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited High School
1827 E. 103rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90002

Event description: Attendees will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a free iPod Nano! Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theater Group will present its dramatic performance, "What Goes Around," where five students learn how their circle of friends connects them to people they have never met. Note: this performance is most appropriate for high school age youth, or older. After the event, youth can visit the interactive tables to learn how text messaging can improve your health. Youth who bring a friend to this event will receive an additional raffle ticket. Other giveaways may be available.

Contact: Susan Walker, MPH (213) 744-3070
Jackie Provost, MPH 213) 386-5614 X 4556

4th ANNUAL SOUTH LA EARTH FEST Second Supervisorial District
April 18, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 a.m. ─ 5:00 p.m.

Leimert Park Village
Intersection of S. Crenshaw Blvd. and W. Vernon Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca 90008

Event description: An Earth Day celebration will be held featuring seminars, healthy cooking and gardening demonstrations, an eco-film festival, and live entertainment.

Contact: Nicole D. Vick, Health Educator (323) 235-6711
Yesenia Eras, PHN (323) 235-6722

CHILDREN'S ATHLETIC GAMES & FAMILY FAIR Second Supervisorial District
April 25, 2009 - Saturday
10:00 a.m. ─ 5:00 p.m.

El Camino College – Compton Center
1111 E. Artesia Blvd.
Compton, CA 90221

Event description: The 15th Annual Children's Athletic Games and Family Fair, hosted by the Center for Community and Family Service and Public Health, will feature information on preparing for an emergency, access to free or low-cost health care, and the roles and services that Public Health provides to the community.

Contact: Nicole Vick, Health Educator (323) 235-6711
Monica Donald, PHN (323) 563-4134


SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 7

WHITTIER FAMILY FAIRE & SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA Fourth Supervisorial District
April 4, 2009 - Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Parnell Park
15390 Lambert Road
Whittier, CA 90604

Event description: The Whittier Health Center will be participating in the 'Month of the Family' kick off event at the annual Whittier Family Faire. Other local agencies, schools, programs, non-profit organizations, and faith-based organizations will showcase their services. Public Health staff will provide information and materials on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and disease prevention.

Contacts: Lindsey Lastra, Health Educator (562) 464-5369
Maria Camacho, Community Worker (562) 464-5476

"UNNATURAL CAUSES" FILM SCREENING Fourth Supervisorial District
April 14, 2009 - Tuesday
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Whittier College
13406 Philadelphia Street
Whittier, CA 90601

Event description: Staff from the Whittier Health Center will present a screening of "Unnatural Causes". This documentary was originally broadcast by PBS, and tackles the root causes of our alarming socio-economic and racial inequities in health. The series crisscrosses the nation uncovering startling new findings that suggest the social circumstances in which we are born, live, and work can actually get under our skin and disrupt our physiology as much as germs and viruses.

Contacts: Lindsey Lastra, Health Educator (562) 464-5369
Maria Camacho, Community Worker (562) 464-5476

WHITTIER CONNECT DAY Fourth Supervisorial District
April 16, 2009 - Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

7926 S. Pickering Avenue
Whittier, CA 90608

Event description: Staff from the Whittier Health Center will participate in "Whittier Connect Day," an event designed to connect homeless individuals and families to available health and human services and other public benefits.

Contacts: Lindsey Lastra, Health Educator (562) 696-9568
Maria Camacho, Community Worker (562) 464-5476

CERRITOS COLLEGE RESOURCE FAIR Fourth Supervisorial District
April 23, 2009 - Thursday
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650

Event description: Information on Public Health services will be provided by staff from the Whittier Health Center.

Contacts: Lindsey Lastra, Health Educator (562) 464-5369
Maria Camacho, Community Worker (562) 464-5476


SERVICE PLANNING AREA (SPA) 8

"PUBLIC HEALTH SPRINGS INTO BUILDING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES" ─ INFORMATION FAIR Fourth Supervisorial District
April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
8:30 a.m. ─ 1:00 p.m.

Wilson Park
2200 Crenshaw Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503

Event description: This event, brought to you by Torrance Health Center and Public Health, will feature free give-aways, as well as valuable information on quitting smoking, improving nutrition, preventing diseases, and how to access free or low-cost health care. Information in English and Spanish will be available.

Contact: Barbara DeRidder, PHN (310) 354-2201
Dan Evans, PHN (310) 354-2200


CATALINA ISLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR Fourth Supervisorial District
April 23, 2009 - Thursday
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Catalina Island Casino Building – Ballroom
1 Casino Way
Avalon, CA 90704

Event description: Over 30 health screening and education stations are open and designed specifically for the residents of Catalina Island. Public Health staff will provide information on programs and services, and will distribute materials on good health practices and disease prevention. Nursing staff will also be conducting tuberculosis (TB) screenings. Interactive games and question-and-answer sessions will be held.

Contact: Jessica Marshall, Health Educator (310) 419-5518