New Media Use at the New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute

New Media Use at the New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute

By Miguel Gomez

At the CDC's HIV Prevention Conference last August, I talked with our colleague, Humberto Cruz, about new media and HIV. Humberto is the Director of the AIDS Institute at the New York State Department of Health . I was excited to hear about the AIDS Institute's adoption of new media - they've developed a widget for emergency room providers of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and their Disease Information Specialists are taking a lead for online partner notification for STIs. They have also convened a Social Media Workgroup and are developing a comprehensive new media strategy.

Continue reading "New Media Use at the New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute"

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:0 In the media

2009 Directory of Services Update

NCPPC is in the process of updating the Directory of Services. If you did not receive a mailing from us or if you are a new agency that would like to be listed, please download the form and fax or mail back to us.

>> Click here to download <<

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:0 In the media

2007-2008 Needs Assessment Prioritites

The North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council released its new Perinatal Priorities in September. These seventeen priorities are the outcome of the comprehensive Needs Assessment undertaken in 2007-2008 in conjunction with community forums held in each county. NCPPC will strive to address the priorities over the next five years. Click image to the right for the list of priorities.	View

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:1 In the media

Updated Interim Recommendations for Obstetric Health Care Providers Related to Use of Antivirals

Updated Interim Recommendations for Obstetric Health Care Providers Related to Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season

December 29, 2009, 1:30 PM ET

Find the original article on the CDC's website here: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/pregnancy/antiviral_messages.htm

These recommendations have been updated to provide additional guidance for obstetric health care providers in prescribing antiviral medications for treatment and prevention of influenza during the 2009-2010 season. This document, last updated on September 17, 2009, has been updated to:

• Include women up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) as at higher risk for complications from 2009 H1N1 influenza.
• Provide additional information on dosing and length of treatment for severely ill patients.
• Add link to information on oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) from US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Provide further clarification of recommendations for chemoprophylaxis by providing definition of "close contact" with a person likely to be infectious with influenza.

This document should be considered interim, and will be updated as needed.

• Pregnant women are at higher risk for severe complications and death from influenza, including both 2009 H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza. Changes in the immune, respiratory and cardiovascular systems that occur during pregnancy result in pregnant women being more severely affected by certain pathogens, including influenza.

• Postpartum women, who are in transition to normal immune, cardiac, and respiratory function, should be considered to be at increased risk of influenza-related complications up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss).

• Treatment with antiviral medications is recommended for pregnant women or women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) with suspected or confirmed influenza and can be taken during any trimester of pregnancy. The duration of antiviral treatment is 5 days. See Table 1 (below) for dosing information.

• Hospitalized patients with severe infections (such as those with prolonged infection or who require intensive care unit admission) might require longer treatment courses. Some experts have advocated use of increased (doubled) doses of oseltamivir for some severely ill patients, although there are no published data demonstrating that higher doses are more effective.

• Oseltamivir and zanamivir are antiviral medications that are FDA approved for treatment of influenza.
  Pregnancy should not be considered a contraindication to oseltamivir or zanamivir use. These medications are "Pregnancy Category C" medications, indicating that no clinical studies have been conducted to assess the safety of these medications for pregnant women. However, the available risk-benefit data indicate pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza should receive prompt antiviral therapy.

• Treatment should be initiated as early as possible because studies show that treatment initiated early (i.e., within 48 hours of illness onset) is more likely to provide benefit. However, some studies of hospitalized patients with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza have suggested benefit of antiviral treatment even when treatment was started more than 48 hours after illness onset.

• Treatment should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza because laboratory testing can delay treatment and because a negative rapid test for influenza does not rule out influenza. The sensitivity of rapid tests can range from 10 % to 70%. See CDC's information on the use of rapid influenza diagnostic tests.

• For treatment of pregnant women or women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) with suspected or confirmed influenza, oseltamivir is currently preferred because of its systemic absorption. See Table 1 (below) for dosing information.

• At this time, most 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses are susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir. However, antiviral treatment regimens might change depending on new antiviral resistance or viral surveillance information.

• Based on global experience to date, 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses likely will be the most common influenza virus among those circulating in the coming season, particularly those causing influenza among younger age groups.

• Since rapid access to antiviral medications is essential, health care providers who care for pregnant and postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) women should develop methods to ensure that treatment can be started quickly after symptom onset. Actions that will support early treatment initiation include:

  • Informing pregnant and postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) women of signs and symptoms of influenza and the need for early treatment after onset of symptoms. In a recent case series of pregnant women with 2009 H1N1 influenza, manifestations included fever (97%), cough (94%) rhinorrhea (59%), sore throat (50%), headache (47%), shortness of breath (41%), myalgia (35%), vomiting (18%), diarrhea (12%) and conjunctivitis (9%), similar to those in the general population. Individuals may be infected with influenza, including 2009 H1N1, and have respiratory symptoms without fever.

  • Ensuring rapid access to telephone consultation and clinical evaluation for pregnant and postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) women

  • Considering empiric treatment of pregnant women and women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) based on telephone contact if hospitalization is not indicated and if this will substantially reduce delay before treatment is initiated

• Post-exposure antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be considered for pregnant women and women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) who have had close contact with someone likely to have been infectious with influenza. Close contact, for the purposes of this document, is defined as having cared for or lived with a person who has confirmed, probable, or suspected influenza, or having been in a setting where there was a high likelihood of contact with respiratory droplets and/or body fluids of such a person. Examples of close contact include sharing eating or drinking utensils or physical examination. Close contact typically does not include activities such as walking by an infected person or sitting across from a symptomatic patient in a waiting room or office.

• The drug of choice for chemoprophylaxis of pregnant women and women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) is less clear. Zanamivir may be the preferable antiviral for chemoprophylaxis of pregnant women because of its limited systemic absorption. However, respiratory complications that may be associated with zanamivir because of its inhaled route of administration need to be considered, especially in women at risk for respiratory problems. For these women, oseltamivir is a reasonable alternative. The duration of antiviral chemoprophylaxis post-exposure is 10 days after the last known exposure. See Table 1 (below) for dosing information.

• Pregnant women and women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) who are given post-exposure chemoprophylaxis should be informed that the chemoprophylaxis lowers but does not eliminate the risk of influenza and that protection stops when the medication course is stopped. Those receiving chemoprophylaxis should be encouraged to seek medical evaluation as soon as they develop a febrile respiratory illness that might indicate influenza.

• All pregnant women should be counseled about the early signs and symptoms of influenza infection and advised to immediately call for evaluation if clinical signs or symptoms develop while pregnant or in the first two weeks after delivery or pregnancy loss.

• Early treatment is an alternative to chemoprophylaxis for some pregnant and postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) women who have had contact with someone likely to have been infectious with influenza. Clinical judgment is an important factor in treatment decisions.

• Fever in pregnant women should be treated because of the risk that it appears to pose to the fetus. Acetaminophen appears to be the best option for treatment of fever during pregnancy.

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:0 In the media

National Preemie Network News

Click image to the right to read newsletter.

View

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:0 In the media

What Pregnant Women Should Know about H1N1 (Swine Flu)

New York State Department of Health has released important information regarding the H1N1 influenza pertaining to pregnant women. Pregnant women with novel H1N1 flu seem to be more likely to become sicker than other people with novel H1N1 flu. Click on the image to the right to read how to protect yourself, your baby and your family.
In addition, pregnant women top the CDC's list of those who should be vaccinated against H1N1.	View
>> Click here to learn more <<	H1N1 Flu Advice for Pregnant Women

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:1 In the media

New Report: Improving Services for Pregnant Women and Children 0-1 in Central New York 11/23/09

From Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York (CHFWCNY):
"As part of the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York’s (CHFWCNY) vision to ensure that every young child is healthy and ready to succeed in school, in July 2009 we commissioned an environmental scan of the Central New York region to identify priority needs, existing gaps and strengths in the maternal child health system. Titled “Improving Services for Pregnant Women and Children 0-1 in Central New York State”, the scan also provides recommendations for developing an actionable strategy for improving birth outcomes for children in poverty in CNY.	View
The environmental scan was conducted by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago and presented at a convening held on November 17, 2009, in Syracuse NY. This work builds on the CNY Fetal-Infant Mortality/Morbidity/Registry/Review (FIMMR) that was part of CHFWCNY’s 2006 Nuts and Bolts initiative." Please click on image to the right to download the scan.

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:0 In the media

2009 Every Woman, Every Child, Every Family Recognition

2009 Every Woman, Every Child, Every Family Recognition

Our Annual Meeting and Luncheon was held on September 25th, 2009 at Ramada Inn, Watertown. Mary Jensen spoke on Patient Navigation and Education for High-Risk Women. We had a wonderful turnout, including many new board members as well as most of our Every Woman, Every Child, Every Family Honorees. You can see pictures of our speaker, honorees, and more on our Facebook page! Please click the link on the sidebar to the right to find us!

Here are our Honorees and a few words about each one:

Jennifer Hynes

Jenn has the best qualities of an effective care-giver. She is knowledgeable and professional, yet always compassionate, helpful, and kind-hearted, with a GREAT sense of humor thrown in! She is truly unique... Great job!! (Diane Dickinson)

Kathleen Robinson

Kathy always goes above and beyond to be sure she meets the needs of every participant she sees. Besides being there for clients at her job, she is also always there for her family and friends - Kathy is truly a saint and a savior! (Amanda Robinson and Donna Knowlton)

Sherry M. Wilson

Sherry M. Wilson has dedicated her life to helping North Country children lead healthier, happier lives. As the first director of North Country Children's Clinic's WIC program (in fact one of the first in the nation), Sherry has spent 35 years working nationally, locally and state-wide to make the WIC program responsive to the needs of women and children. She has advocated for improving childhood immunization compliance has always been passionate about the importance of teen pregnancy counseling. As a pediatric nurse Sherry has the insight and compassion to do her job well and her strong character and professionalism have been a model for the many, many young women she has helped during her career. (Kathy Robinson)

Under Sherry Wilson's Tutelage, the WIC program has grown to over 9,000 participants in the North Country. The number of exclusively breastfeeding women in the NCCC's WIC program is double the New York State average for WIC participants. In my eyes, Sherry Wilson is to the WIC program what Leonard Bernstein was to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. (John Lute)

John Kunz

I Stephanie Graf would like to nominate John Kunz, the coordinator of the Lafargeville and Theresa Advantage After School Program for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County because of his hard work and dedication on behalf of the families in the Lafargeville Central School District and Theresa Primary. Over the past three years, John has worked tirelessly to bring positive youth development, including 4-H curriculum to the youth in these schools. He has developed award winning chess teams, planted hundreds of tomato buckets for local food pantries, built bat houses, provided a series of career guest speakers, offered environmental education programs, started a student run card business and the list goes on. Due to John's hard work and diligence, both Advantage programs are highly regarded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Thank you, John Kunz!

Candy Herbert

I Thomas Powlin, would like to nominate Candy Herbert of Transitional Living Services of Northern New York because she has dedicated nearly 20 years to improving the lives of children and families. She is always unselfish in her advocacy efforts. Candy never looks for recognition or personal gain; rather she gives freely of her talents to assist others.

Dr. and Mrs. Choi

I have heard several of the young MOMS program participants who enroll in Medicaid through our office say they received excellent care from that office and have changed their care to that office. They say the office consistently puts their care before the question of payment or insurance. It is so unusual in these days to hear that kind of comment about a medical provider and I think it should be noted and honored to encourage others to do the same. (Elizabeth Palmer, RN)

Janet Lomastro

I Catherine Moore, nominate Janet Lomastro because of her tireless work to promote breastfeeding in the North Country. Janet has worked with families, educators, agencies and businesses to provide optimal health for infants. Her impact is far reaching in the changes in the local breastfeeding environment and in the lives of hundreds of mothers and babies.

Christine Wentworth

I Jennifer Shaver, would like to nominate Christine Wentworth, RN of Claxton Hepburn Medical Center because of her commitment to assuring every family of access to complete compassionate health care. Christine has maintained a high level of competence in Obstetric nursing. She seeks out any opportunity for learning and freely shares new ideas and concepts with staff. She is retiring this year but has offered to remain per diem, on staff; for which we are grateful!

Ina Donaleski

I Jennifer Shaver, would like to nominate Ina Donaleski, RN of Claxton Hepburn Medical Center because Ina has worked in Obstetrics for over 30 years. She has been a quiet but dominant force in assuring the competence of peer nursing staff. Ina has served as a preceptor for newer staff for many years. She is a strong patient advocate whose calm demeanor belies the aggressive manner in which she assures access to complete health care for all families. She is retiring this year but has agreed to remain on staff, per diem!

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:0 In the media

What Pregnant (Or Recently Pregnant) Need to Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu

Administrator 24 Dec 2010 Hits:0 In the media