HEALS News

The Nevada Public Health Association (NPHA) named its 2020 Public Health Heroes at its recent annual meeting. This year, NPHA created a special recognition to acknowledge individuals and programs that have made an impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year, public health has been at the forefront of responding to the COVID-19 global pandemic. In response, NPHA has recognized several of Nevada’s COVID-19 leaders and our state’s four epidemiology and disease surveillance programs, public health team members, and individuals for their tireless and ongoing efforts to lead us through this pandemic, to identify, test, contact trace, investigate cases, strategize with other health care professionals to meet the needs of our communities and work to keep the virus at bay in our state,” said Jessica Johnson, NPHA president-elect and a senior health educator at the Southern Nevada Health District.

2020 NPHA Public Health Heroes Nevada COVID-19 Response in particular,

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak; Dr. Mark Pandori, Director of the Nevada Public Health Laboratory; Julia Peek, Deputy Administrator, Department of Public and Behavioral Health; Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer, and Merylyn Yegon, Community Health Nurse Supervisor both of the  Southern Nevada Health District; Kevin Dick, Health Officer, Washoe County Health District; and Nicki Aacker, Director, Carson City Health and Human Services.

“I am honored to be part of this recognition from NPHA. This year has been a challenge for everyone in public health. Through this pandemic, our partnerships with our COVID-19 response colleagues have grown stronger to manage any future challenges. I am especially proud to be named with my Health District colleagues Merylyn Yegon and our Office of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, acting Chief Health Officer of the Southern Nevada Health District.

Merylyn Yegon, a community health nurse supervisor, was recognized for her effort to stand up the Southern Nevada Health District’s COVID-19 Isolation and Recovery Site, a 29-bed facility for individuals with COVID-19 who need a safe place to isolate but do not require hospitalization.

“It’s an honor to have the Washoe County Health District be recognized by NPHA at their annual conference,” Washoe County Health Officer Kevin Dick said. “COVID-19 has put a spotlight on public health in 2020 and we take great pride in having an amazing staff, both in the Epidemiology Program and throughout the Health District, who have stepped up and worked tirelessly during a time of unprecedented challenges.”

In addition, NPHA recognized several other individuals during its annual meeting:

The 2020 Public Health Program of the Year was awarded to Nevada’s four epidemiology programs: Carson City Health and Human Services, the Office of Public Health Investigations and Epidemiology, Southern Nevada Health District Office of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance, and Washoe County Health District Epidemiology Program for their efforts to combat COVID-19.

Trudy Larson, MD, Dean of the School of Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno, was awarded NPHA’s 2020 Lifetime Achievement in Public Health award for her commitment to connecting and collaborating within all medical and public health disciplines and her leadership and commitment to the growth of the School of Community Health Sciences.

Brian Labus, PhD, MPH, assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Public Health, was awarded the 2020 Public Health Leadership Award for his work on Governor Sisolak’s Nevada COVID-19 Response Task Force and his continued efforts to educate our community about the disease and its impact. He has worked collaboratively with the Southern Nevada Health District in the development and training of students to assist with contact tracing and providing them with real-world disease investigation experience.

The 2020 Public Health Advocate of the Year was awarded to John Packham, Associate Dean, Office of Statewide Initiatives at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, and commissioner of the Nevada Governor’s Patient Protection Commission. The award recognizes his long-term commitment as an advocate for Nevadans in his continued efforts to guide legislation and public policy discussions.

The Nevada Public Health Association (NPHA), with chapters in Northern and Southern Nevada, serves as the voice of public health in the state to improve health and achieve equity in health status. NPHA is an affiliated association of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

No-cost flu vaccines will be available for adults, 18 years of age and older

he Southern Nevada Health District and the City of Henderson are teaming up to host an appointment-based, no-cost, drive-up flu vaccine clinic at the Fiesta Henderson Hotel and Casino parking garage. Registration is available at www.bit.ly/oct6flu. Drive-up and walk-up clients without appointments will be accommodated if vaccine supplies allow. The drive-up clinic will offer 400 doses of vaccine for adults.

The clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a station for walk-up clients will be located on the second floor of the garage. Flu vaccine will be available for adults, 18 years of age and older. The high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 and older will not be available at the drive-up clinic but is offered at Health District immunization clinic locations. People 65 and older can receive the flu vaccine available at this clinic. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, flu vaccine recipients will be required to wait in their cars for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine before leaving the site.

“This season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself, your family, and our community from flu,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Getting vaccinated can also help to ensure we conserve medical resources and do not overtax our health care system as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Leguen.

“The community’s best defense against getting the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Mayor Debra March. “The City of Henderson is pleased to partner with the Southern Nevada Health District to offer a flu vaccination clinic at no charge as a quick and easy measure to help protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. It is especially important for those at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Many of the people at higher risk of complications from the flu are also at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. This includes people 65 years of age and older, people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, compromised immune systems, and Blacks and Hispanics who are already disproportionately impacted by chronic diseases. It is also important to protect people more likely to be exposed to both COVID-19 and flu, including health care workers and essential workers who interact frequently with the public. A complete list of people at higher risk is available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.

Flu vaccine for people of all ages, including the high-dose flu vaccine for people ages 65 and older, is available at Health District immunization clinics by appoint only. Call (702) 759-0850 for more information.

The most effective way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated every flu season. It is best to get vaccinated before flu viruses begin spreading in the community because it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu. However, people can be vaccinated anytime during flu season.

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should continue to take the following actions to stay healthy this flu season:

• Wear a cloth face covering in public or in groups of ten or more people who don’t live in the same household.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. Stay home from work, school, and away from public places.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands frequently. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and cloth face covering.
• Practice healthy habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched items. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy meals.

For more information and flu resources, go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.

The Health District, City of Henderson, and Henderson Fire Department drive up flu clinic location is:

Tuesday, October 6, 8 a.m.—12 p.m.

Fiesta Henderson Hotel and Casino

Parking Garage (Walk-up station located on 2^nd floor)

777 W. Lake Mead Parkway

Henderson, NV 89015

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Southern Nevada Health District will begin to offer flu vaccine at its public health centers on Monday, September 14. All immunizations are available by appointment only as we continue to practice social distancing, and everyone must wear a mask when accessing services. Appointments can be made by calling the Immunization Clinic, (702) 759-0850. For more information, visit the Health District’s website: https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/community-health-center/immunization-clinic/available-vaccines/flu-vaccine-clinic/.

In addition to the flu shot that contains four influenza strains, the Health District is offering the high dose flu vaccine for people over the age of 65. The Southern Health District reminds everyone about the importance of flu vaccine, especially this year with the negative impact of COVID19, and the risk of both viruses placing a tremendous burden on our local health care system and resources.

New Poll: 68% of Americans View COVID-19 as a Severe or Extreme Crisis

Survey set out to gain insight into Americans’ level of stress, anxiety and depression since the COVID-19 outbreak, the resources they are using or willing to use to manage these negative feelings, and their outlook for the future.

Spring Mountain Treatment Center shares today the results of a new poll fielded by parent company Universal Health Services, Inc., one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services. The national survey was commissioned to assess and quantify Americans’ views and perceptions on mental health amidst COVID-19. As of May 20 (end of survey fielding), the COVID-19 Dashboard at Johns Hopkins University reported the U.S. had:

• 1,539,633 confirmed cases of COVID-19
• 92,645 deaths due to the disease
• 289,392 recovered patients
• 12,233,987 million total test results

Major findings of the UHS survey include:

• 68% of American adults surveyed view COVID-19 as a severe or extreme crisis in the U.S.
• 62% of survey participants report increased stress, anxiety or depression. Of those feeling COVID-related stress, anxiety or depression, 55% report these stressors are interfering moderately, severely or overwhelmingly in their lives.
• Nearly 25% feel COVID-related stress, anxiety and/or depression most or all of the time.
• Concerns about the economy, unknown duration of COVID-19 effects, no ‘normalcy’ in near future, isolation from friends/family and risk of virus exposure are the leading sources of stress, anxiety and depression.
• 1 in 4 surveyed are unclear what action to take if they had a mental health crisis.
• Of those with COVID-related anxiety, stress or depression, most are self-managing these negative feelings; only 15% used online tools and/or sought help from a licensed counselor/therapist.
• Fear of virus exposure was the key barrier to mental health treatment during this time, followed by cost of co-pay and negative perception of telehealth.

• Telehealth: About half of Adults surveyed used Telehealth to treat a mental or physical condition, most of whom had a positive experience.

• Nearly half of Americans expect to regain ‘normalcy’ within a few months; more than 90% are at least somewhat hopeful of their home life in the future

Link to multimedia news release: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8744351-universal-health-services-survey-on-mental-health-amidst-covid-19/

“A local interpretation of the survey for our region indicates the extreme stress and uncertainty this pandemic is perpetuating,” said Troy E. Mire, CEO of Spring Mountain Treatment Center. “Many individuals are experiencing feelings of insecurity that they have never had before. In addition, the pandemic has exasperated symptoms in those suffering with Mental illness.” The good news is there is relieve available for the stress, fear, and mental illness. Spring Mountain has implemented several safe guards to minimize the risk of exposure while offering the care people need at this critical time.”

“The results of this survey reveal numerous valuable insights into the impact COVID-19 is having on the mental health of Americans, as well as the tools being used to manage the effects,” said Matt Peterson, Executive Vice President, UHS, and President, Behavioral Health Division. “Specifically, our data indicate that few Americans are utilizing the online tools that offer coping strategies or are seeking help from professionals to manage COVID-related stressors. However, it is promising that the majority of Americans surveyed who have used telehealth had a positive experience. Barriers to care – particularly for mental health – still exist and must be addressed. Research studies in this area will give us a better understanding of how to better support the citizens of our country to be resilient during this current pandemic as well as future challenges.”

Methodology

This survey was fielded on behalf of UHS by Dynata from May 14-May 20, 2020, using a web-based survey instrument from a demographically representative sample of 1,097 U.S. adults, authenticated to allow one user to complete per IP address. Survey methodology was vetted and approved by Dynata to ensure data and outcomes were considered valid according to research industry norms and practices.

About Spring Mountain

Spring Mountain has provided mental health services to the Las Vegas community since 2001, treating children, teens, adults and senior adults with behavioral health or addiction issues. We offer a supportive and healthy environment with 24-hour care that allows people of all ages to make positive changes in their lives. Our primary location, Spring Mountain Treatment Center, focuses on the stabilization of acute symptoms for patient’s age 5 to 65, along with select outpatient care programs for teens. Our secondary location, Spring Mountain Sahara, houses our Adult Outpatient and Senior Adult Inpatient programs. With two facilities to serve you, we can assist you in your journey to wellness and recovery.

About Universal Health Services, Inc.
One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since our inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues were $11.4 billion for 2019. In 2020, UHS was again recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked #281 on the Fortune 500; and listed #330 in Forbes ranking of U.S.’ Largest Public Companies.

Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was 40 years ago, enabling us to provide high-quality care to our patients and their loved ones.  Our strategy includes building or acquiring hospitals in rapidly growing markets, investing in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and becoming the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 90,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates 26 acute care hospitals, 328 behavioral health facilities, 42 outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 37 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

Pop-Up Parade to Stop and Perform at 13 Las Vegas Hospitals & Followed by Powerful #MaskUpNV Public Service Announcement Campaign

Southern Nevada’s Healthcare Community has teamed up to show the importance of wearing a mask and encourage all Nevadans to #MaskUpNV.

Following the tremendous success of the #MaskUp4LV mask fashion show event on June 25 at the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign in Las Vegas, NV – the event  producers, Greg Chase – CEO & Founder of Experience Strategy Associates and Douglas Johnson, President & Executive Producer of Entertainment Plus Productions teamed up with all Las Vegas hospitals to spearhead a powerful community Mask Up PSA campaign.

The pop-up parade & performance PSA kickoff event on Aug. 12, 2020, will make stops at 13 Las Vegas hospitals and will showcase the full spectrum of Las Vegas Strip Performers including a live aerialist performing from a fire engine ladder, singers, showgirls, impersonators and more. All sporting a mask to remind the community to wear their masks in public, and to celebrate the passionate healthcare and essential workers in our community.

The Las Vegas Healthcare Community wants to remind our Las Vegas community that we are Nevadans too – we mask up for you, please mask up for us. The event will be followed by a public service campaign, inspired by the musical, “The Greatest Showman” titled, “Though I’m Masked, This is ME,” featuring our family members, neighbors, friends and colleagues who work “behind the mask.”

Please note, this event is not open to the public and is limited to media only. All media will be socially distanced from the performance area to comply with safety guidelines.

What: A pop-up parade & performance at 13 hospitals in the Las Vegas Valley featuring members of the entertainment community, encouraging the importance of wearing a face mask (full schedule listed below). **The first location at 8am will feature a surprise trauma helicopter arrival to kick-off the day’s events.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 12 – beginning at 8 a.m. – 3:50 p.m.

Where: 13 Las Vegas area hospitals – see attached schedule

Media: To RSVP & On-Site Day of Contact: Please email, call or text Greg Chase (event organizer) at Greg@GregJChase.com • 702-439-3222 cell

*Strict social distancing guidelines will be enforced; masks are required, and temperature checks will be taken on all performers prior to the event.

Who: #MaskUpNV This is ME Parade & Performance Participants:

• Greg Chase – CEO & Founder, Experience Strategy Associates, Event Co-Producer
• Douglas Johnson – President & Executive Producer, Entertainment Plus Productions, Event Co-Producer
• PENDING: Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak
• Chance, Vegas Golden Knights Mascot
• Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center
• Desert Springs Hospital
• Valley Hospital Medical Center
• UMC
• North Vista Hospital
• VA Hospital
• Centennial Hills Hospital
• MountainView Hospital
• Summerlin Hospital & Medical Center
• Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center
• Dignity Health – San Martin Campus
• Spring Valley Hospital & Medical Center
• Dignity Health – Siena Campus
• Southern Nevada Health District
• AMR
• Medic West
• Community Ambulance
• Guardian Elite
• HCA Healthcare Helicopter Team
• Air Methods
• Jeff Civillico & Win-Win Entertainment
• Show-Talent Productions
• Local Las Vegas Entertainers, Showgirls, Impersonators, Singers & More
• PENDING: Amazon

*** Additional participants confirming up-to the day of event

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 Parade & Performance Schedule of Arrival Times*:

• 8 a.m.              Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
  • Includes an 8:05am Trauma Helicopter Arrival Kick-Off
• 8:40 a.m.         Desert Springs Hospital, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 9:20 a.m.         Valley Hospital Medical Center, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 9:45 a.m.         UMC, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 10:20 a.m.       North Vista Hospital, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 11:00 a.m.       VA Hospital, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 12:20 p.m.       Centennial Hills Hospital, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 12:55 p.m.       MountainView Hospital, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 1:25 p.m.         Summerlin Hospital & Medical Center, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 2:00 p.m.         Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 2:30 p.m.         Dignity Health – San Martin Campus, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 3:00 p.m.         Spring Valley Hospital & Medical Center, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance
• 3:40 p.m.         Dignity Health – Siena Campus, Main Drive @ Lobby Entrance

*All times are approximate and are dependent on traffic and other considerations.

Experience Strategy Associates is a Las Vegas based consulting group focused on helping organizations unlock potential & revenue through designing innovative brand & product strategies, customer insights, experience design & customer service culture training and development. Most recently, ESA has been actively engaged in supporting the local Las Vegas community in the fight against COVID-19.

E+ Productions is ENTERTAINMENT AND SO MUCH MORE… ENTERTAINMENT PLUS PRODUCTIONS is an award-winning, full-scale production company. We provide entertainment, along with a full suite of production and design services. From intimate to epic, we create in the world of live events, television, film, continuous shows on land or sea, and any other realm requiring a generous serving of WOW. We are fun-loving, outrageous, over-the-top creatives who were born thinking outside the box. We are also a team who gets the job done on time, on budget, and all within an environment of mutual respect, inclusivity, and love for this artform.

Southern Nevada Health District Provides Updates Regarding COVID-19

The SNHD has assembled the following resources to help the community in its effort to be safer during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Testing

Based on increasing demand for COVID-19 testing services at collection sites at its main location at 280 S. Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107, and All Saints Episcopal Church, 4201 W. Washington Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89107, the Southern Nevada Health District has implemented an online registration-based system for people requesting testing services. The new registration service is available in English and Spanish at www.snhd.info/get-tested.

Additional Health District and partner testing locations and dates are available on a community testing calendar at www.snhd.info/covid-19-testing-sites.

The Southern Nevada Health District follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. It is no longer recommended that people who tested positive for COVID-19 be tested again. This recommendation includes employers who may have required employees be retested before returning to work. Under the updated guidance, people who had symptoms of COVID-19 can discontinue self-isolation after at least 10 days have passed since the symptoms began, at least 24 hours since a fever has resolved without taking fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and as long as there has been improvement in other symptoms. For those who were asymptomatic, release from isolation is 10 days from the test collection date.

Return to Work

The Health District and the CDC recommend that employers not require a health care provider’s note for employees to return to work. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. They are advised to follow CDC recommendations to determine when to discontinue home isolation and return to work. Many health care providers and medical facilities are extremely busy, and requiring return-to-work documentation may cause unnecessary delay for employees who are healthy and able to return to the workforce. The Health District does not provide return-to-work documentation. CDC business guidance is available here.

Disease Investigators and Contact Tracers

The Health District initially mobilized a response staff of approximately 60 disease investigators and contract tracers that included existing staff, employees from programs throughout the Health District, and community partners. Through the ongoing efforts of staff, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, partnerships with Clark County Social Services, UNLV, volunteers and others, the Health District ranks of contact tracers and disease investigators will expand by approximately 300.

Currently, 250 surge contact tracing personnel are providing services to the Health District through an agreement between the State and Deloitte. The Health District is also working to onboard an additional 200 case investigators through agreements with UNLV and a local call center. Recruitment is also underway to hire more than 80 temporary contact tracers through funding received from the CDC.

These additional resources will be vital to ensuring newly diagnosed cases are identified, and contacts notified in a timely manner to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Lab Results Portal

As testing volume increases, the Health District and Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory have been responding to the demand and operating at capacity. Due to this increased volume, laboratory reporting may be delayed. The Health District only provides results for specimens collected at its locations or community testing events. Health District patients can check their results online at www.snhd.info/lab-results/. Patients who were tested by another community provider will need to contact that testing location for their results.

The Health District continues to remind the public to stay home as much as possible, wear face coverings in public, wash hands frequently, and to stay home if they are sick.

Up-to-date information about COVID-19, including daily reports, is available on the Health District website at www.snhd.info/covid.

Smoking Seen as Potential Way of Spreading COVID-19

Our communities took unprecedented steps to meet the challenge of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada. Lives were saved, and illnesses prevented through the individual and collective actions of the people who live, work, and choose to visit our great state. As we continue on the road to recovery, the Carson City Health and Human Services, Southern Nevada Health District and Washoe County Health District encourage all businesses to protect the health of their customers, staff, and community through voluntary tobacco-free policies. Evidence is showing that smokers are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing complications from the virus.

As businesses employ measures to comply with issued guidance and directives, they can also implement policies that will prohibit the use of tobacco products in their establishments. These voluntary measures are allowed under the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act and would protect both patrons and staff. Businesses cannot adequately reinforce the proven risk reduction strategy of wearing face coverings while also allowing smoking. The primary mode of transmission of the virus is through person-to-person spread of respiratory droplets. As people remove face coverings to smoke or vape, they are exhaling respiratory droplets over a longer distance. The act itself requires individuals to more frequently touch their face and mouths – another direct contradiction to recommended COVID-19 prevention strategies. Handwashing recommendations become ineffective for people who are repeatedly touching their mouths and faces and then contaminating high-touch surfaces in public places.

As the local health authorities charged with protecting the public health of Nevada’s residents and visitors, we also advise anyone who currently uses tobacco products, including vaping products, to quit by calling the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) from a Nevada area code.