As part of its continuing harm reduction program, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is available to collect hypodermic needles found in public areas or business or residential sites.
“We’ve been collecting needles for quite a while,” noted Stanley Mills, KCHD director of environmental services. “We’ve developed a policy about it, and we’re formalizing our collection process.”
Hepatitis A linked to national multistate outbreak
The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department reports recent cases of acute hepatitis A occurring in Kanawha and Putnam counties have been linked to an ongoing, multistate Hepatitis A outbreak. Since January, more than 20 cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed in Kanawha and Putnam counties. Prior to this outbreak, Janet Briscoe, KCHD director of epidemiology, called Hepatitis A cases rare in the region.
KCHD recently received notification specimens submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the local investigation match a specific genotype identified in the California and Kentucky outbreaks. The multistate outbreak, for the most part, is occurring in persons who use illicit drugs and who may be homeless or without a permanent residence. The disease spread may also be attributed to the lack of access to proper hygiene or sanitation.
Free diabetes management classes offered at Alzheimer’s Association
Personnel from the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Division of Prevention and Wellness will serve as instructors at a free, six-week workshop entitled “Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program.” Geared to Medicare recipients, the workshops are open to anyone. Registration is required. The workshops will be held at the Alzheimer’s Association at 1601 Second Ave. in South Charleston. The first workshop is Tuesday, April 03, from 10 a.m. – noon.
KCHD suspends needle exchange
Brenda Isaac, president of the Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health, announced today the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is suspending the needle exchange portion of its harm reduction program, effective immediately.
Kaufman swears in Gaziano as interim health officer
Kanawha Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman, a longtime Gaziano family friend, administers the oath of office to Dr. Dominic Gaziano, interim health officer for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. Kaufman swore in Gaziano at a March 15, 2018, meeting of the Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health.
KCHD investigating Hepatitis A case
The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is investigating a confirmed Hepatitis A case involving a food service worker at the Cold Spot at 710 Cross Lanes Drive in Nitro.
KCHD initiates new harm reduction guidelines
In response to expressed concerns, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is initiating new guidelines for its harm reduction program, particularly the syringe exchange.
Free flu shots available Tuesday at St. Albans City Hall
The Kanawha County Commission in partnership with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department will continue “Project Last Shot” offering free flu shots to Kanawha County residents. A clinic is scheduled Tuesday, March 06, at St. Albans City Hall. The vaccinations are available from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kanawha-Charleston BOH hires Gaziano as interim health officer
Dr. Dominic Gaziano is the new health officer at the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. The Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health took the action at a Feb. 26 special meeting.
KCHD Prevention, Wellness director guests on UC talk radio series
Tina Ramirez, director of prevention and wellness for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, will participate in a live blog talk radio series on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
The radio show is part of the Script Your Future campaign. Hosts are Dr. Susan Gardner, assistant dean for student and professional affairs; and Dr. Sarah Embrey, assistant professor. Both are University of Charleston School of Pharmacy faculty members.
Free flu shots available Feb. 22 on bus at transit mall
The Kanawha County Commission, the Kanawha Regional Transit Authority and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department are joining to offer free flu shots to Kanawha County residents. On Thursday, Feb. 22, a KRT bus will be parked at the transit mall in Charleston from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. KCHD will staff the bus and offer free flu shots to anyone interested.
Former educator lauds free flu shots as ‘extremely good use of my taxpayer money’
“Kudos to the county commission—Kent Carper and the other commissioners. They were [at Charleston Town Center] giving free flu shots, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. They were actually walking up and down the mall to give hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes to people, and I just thought that was an extremely good use of my taxpayer money…”
It’s the norovirus time of year
Late fall and winter bring about holiday celebrations and a nasty stomach bug known formally as the norovirus. According to Dr. Michael Brumage, executive director and health officer for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, “Norovirus is highly contagious and can quickly spread. Most people recover from the illness in one to three days. The elderly, very young children, and those with underlying health conditions are at greater risk for hospitalization.”
Health departments giving back-to-school vaccinations
School students entering school for the 2017-2018 school year are required to have up-to-date vaccinations in most cases before they will be allowed to attend classes. The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is offering walk-in vaccination clinics at the health department on Aug 7-11, 8:30 am-3:00 pm
KCHD uses Sterilis device for syringe disposal
The Sterilis device is a safer, more sustainable, proven alternative to the decades-old method of hauling regulated medical waste, like the returned syringes, off-site to be incinerated. According to Dr. Michael Brumage, KCHD health officer, “The best way to treat medical waste is as close to the point of generation as possible.”