CHSI Metrics Graphs Pages 4 & 5 THE VITAL RECORD. The Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI) Newsletter

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1 Farewell to Veronica Wogec Page 2 CHSI Metrics Graphs Pages 4 & 5 Eating the Antioxidant Rainbow! Page 8 THE VITAL RECORD Informatics (CHSI) Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 3 A Bi-Monthly CHSI Publication CDPH WINS! CHSI s Newsletter The Vital Record receives National Gold Medal Award October 2014 The National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) has awarded the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with nine Awards of Excellence in their annual Public Health Communications competition for Informatics (CHSI) received a Gold Medal in the In-House Newsletter Category. The following CDPH programs received medals in other categories: Tobacco Control Program won two gold and two bronze medals. Immunization Branch won a silver and bronze medal. Occupational Health Branch won a bronze medal. Chronic Disease Control Branch won a silver medal. These awards showcase for our peers, the great work we are accomplishing here in California. Sharing our innovative work helps to improve public health across the country. stated CDPH Director Dr. Chapman in his announcement. These annual awards remind me that all of the work we do truly makes a difference in the lives of those we serve. Goodbye CHSI A final farewell from the heart Dr. Este Geraghty M.D., M.S., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., G.I.S.P. Dear CHSI Staff, I am writing this as my farewell message to you. I have been away from the office now for a while and frankly, I miss the work and I miss all of you! It will be good to get started full time again in October at my new job. I always liked having a lot to do. This seems like a great opportunity to remind you of all of the great things we have done together over the last year. There are many, but these are the ones that I will remember most: being part of a gold-medal winning newsletter, launching an open data portal, having only two degrees of separation from the Grammy s, becoming a center, welcoming new CHSI team members, playing Scrooge in the holiday skit, developing a strategic plan, learning about vital records and initiating all staff meetings. If you are up for a pep talk here it is. CHSI is well positioned to move forward in ever larger leaps and bounds. The value of your work will become increasingly evident to CDPH as you reach your strategic goals. You deserve all of the recognition you receive for your excellent work. Keep it up and stretch even further. I am rooting for you all the way! Best, Este CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS AND INFORMATICS (CHSI) 1501 Capitol Avenue Phone: MS-5000 Fax: P.O. Box CHSI@cdph.ca.gov Sacramento, CA Publisher: Tony Agurto THE VITAL RECORD STAFF: Editor: Michael Williams INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Editorial.... Page 2 Employee Departures....Page 2 Community...Page 2 CHSI Branch Highlights..... Page 3 Employee Announcements..Page 6 Games and Events...Page 7 Health and Nutrition Page 8

2 Page 2 The Vital Record - Volume 2, Issue 3 October 2014 Page 2 EDITORIAL A Letter from the Editor: Dear readers: I really want to thank all of you who have taken the time to compliment on the newsletter, The Vital Record. Your feedback has been greatly appreciated. We love hearing from you and hope that you will continue to share with us your thoughts, suggestions, and comments. In this issue of The Vital Record, the main focus is about employee recognition and announcements. I have found it a pleasure to write articles on new employees for the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI) such as Ellen Badley who is the new Public Health Policy and Research Branch (PHPRB) Chief and her new Branch Secretary Tori Pena. On the other hand, I have found it Farewell to Veronica Wogec from CHSI Informatics (CHSI) would like to congratulate Veronica Wogec on her new job. Veronica has left the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI) as the Branch Chief of the Vital Records Issuance and Preservation Branch (VRIPB) and accepted a new position with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Veronica is serving as the Bond Accountability and Reporting Coordinator in the Office of Bridge, Bond, and Safety Programs in the Division of Local Assistance. Veronica joined VRIPB on January quite the challenge to edit or write articles about our fellow comrades that have left CHSI, such as Veronica Wogec the former Branch Chief of the Vital Records Issuance and Preservation Branch (VRIPB) and our former Deputy Director and Newsletter Publisher, Dr. Este Geraghty, who left on August 22, So, where does one start? What s the best approach and how do you write a proper and yet a sincere employee farewell message? In all of the years that I have worked as a writer and editor, I have seen several different approaches to this topic. There is an old proverb that states every writer has their own style of writing. I cannot express enough how truthful that is. In this case, I have decided to take a EMPLOYEE DEPARTURES 2, During Veronica s time with CHSI, she has hired and promoted over 25 staff members and oversaw the purchase and installation of the new customer service phone system. Veronica has worked in state service for over 20 years. She will be remembered for her efforts in making everyone feel welcomed, respected and needed. She was notorious for providing cookies to celebrate a new employee and she brought in monthly birthday cakes for her branch staff too. Veronica was a strong supporter of the PHAME Awards and she was an active supporter of CHSI center-wide events. COMMUNITY Veronica Wogec, VRIPB Branch Chief The Vital simple and direct approach. Goodbye Veronica and Dr. Geraghty! It has been an honor and pleasure to work with both of you! I am sure everyone in CHSI wishes you the very best on your new endeavors. You will be greatly missed! I would like to also thank Adam Won for submitting the Health and Nutrition article Eating the Antioxidant Rainbow. I hope everyone who reads it enjoys it as much as I have. Please contact me if you would like to write an article for The Vital Record or drop your suggestions in the suggestion boxes that are located throughout the CHSI break rooms. I look forward to reading your future submissions and suggestions. Michael Williams Editor CHSI celebrates their 2014 International Day! Written by Michael Williams Photographs by Marc Petta On July 24, 2014, the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI) celebrated its annual International Day Celebration. The traditional International potluck had many different foods that represented several cultures and ethnicities throughout the world. Gift cards donated by the CHSI Managers were given away at the event as prizes for the raffle. The CHSI Center Office would like to thank all of the managers, supervisors and this year s Holiday Planning Committee for all the hard work that they have contributed to make the event a success. Photo of Laurie Taylor at International Day Photo of Marilyn Yong at International Day

3 October 2014 The Vital Record - Volume 2, Issue 3 Page 3 CHSI BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS Vital Records Issuance and Preservation Branch (VRIPB): The CRTS Entry Unit (CEU) has been a part of Vital Records Issuance and Preservation Branch for many years. Since CEU s inception that was prior to 2007, the unit has gone through several reorganizations and changes. CEU began as the Key Data Entry Unit (KDE) and the Document Control Unit (DCU). In 2008, the Center Request Tracking System (CRTS) was upgraded to CRTS II and the units were merged into one unit, which is now known as the CRTS II Entry Unit (CEU). Presently CEU is now comprised of six employees. The supervising program technician is Loretta La-Rue Duncan-Fowler and the program technicians are Penny Chueng, Nyree Lee, Rachel Lee, Christopher Phenephom, and Nancy Thai. CEU is responsible for the processing of certified and informational copies of vital and amendment records in the Center Request Tracking System (CRTS). The CEU team ensures that all the original application requests comply with state policies as reflected in statute, in addition to complying to office procedures that ensures vital records can be located accurately and timely. In order for the team to process the application request they must make sure that the following criteria are met: Vital Records Registration Branch (VRRB): Can you scatter ashes anywhere in California? By Elizabeth Johnson It is a common question among families who have had a loved one cremated: What can we do with the ashes? Some wish to bury the ashes in a cemetery, while others prefer to keep the essence of their loved one in an urn at home or in a religious shrine or even have small portions encapsulated in keepsake jewelry. Vital Records Registration Branch (VRRB) often get questions regarding where ashes can be scattered in California from families who want to scatter ashes back into nature. The most important thing we tell families who desire to scatter cremated remains, is to contact the local registrar to obtain a disposition permit, as the local registrar can answer any questions the family may have. There are a few limitations as to where cremated remains can be scattered, and the local registrar can assist the family in determining if the desired location is acceptable by law. For Event occurred in California, Event falls within the specified timeframes for records on file with the State Registrar Fee is the appropriate amount as specified in the statute for the requested transaction Ensure that the minimum identifying information specified in statute has been provided for the records requested including but not limited to (i.e., name, event date, county of event, etc.). Appropriate state forms are included and completed correctly. (i.e., sworn statements, court documents, etc.). CEU processes approximately 10,000 to 15,000 application requests monthly. example, if the family wants to scatter on land, California Health and Safety Code (H&SC) Section 7116 requires the cremated remains to be pulverized so as to be indistinguishable, and also requires the family to obtain written authorization from the land owner before the local registrar will issue the disposition permit. Ashes cannot be scattered in lakes and streams; however, they may be removed from the container and scattered by boat or plane at least 500 yards off the shoreline of the coast of California, pursuant to H&SC Section The family needs to obtain a disposition permit prior to any scattering of cremated remains, pursuant to H&SC Section Public Health Policy and Research Branch (PHPRB): Administration Branch (AB): The Contracts and Procurement Section (CPS), led by Teresa Lauchaire, is responsible for processing all of CHSI s contracts and procurements. CPS coordinates between various internal stakeholders (such as CHSI programs, CDPH s Program Support Branch, and ITSD) as well as external stakeholders (such as vendors, other state departments, universities, and the federal government). Some contracts generate revenues while others provide goods or services. The Public Health Policy and Research Branch within CHSI is responsible for oversight of the legislative bill analysis process for the center. Many staff may not be familiar with the state s legislative process. The following is a summary of the process. The Legislative Calendar: The legislative meets in a two year session that is tied to the election cycle. These are referred two as regular sessions. The Governor may also call a special session of the legislature to deal with specific subjects. Legislation: There are six classes of legislation, or measures, considered by the legislature. The most common form is the bill, which establishes, repeals, or in some other way modifies state law. If a bill is to become law it must be passed by a simple majority of both houses and signed by the Governor. Laws ordinarily take effect on the January 1st following their passage. Briefly, a bill progresses through the following steps: 1. A bill is introduced by its author in the member s house. (i.e., a member puts the bill across the desk ). Bills are numbered in the order they are received. 2. The bill is heard in the appropriate policy committee as determined by the bill s subject matter. A contract with the University of California at Davis (UCD) is one of CHSI s largest contracts, costing about $1.69 million annually. CHSI pays UCD for the support and maintenance of the Electronic Death Registration System (CA-EDRS), a web application used to electronically register California deaths. The change from manual to electronic registration has dramatically sped up the death registration process. This in turn has made death data available more 3. If passed by the policy committee the bill is then sent to that house s fiscal committee if there are fiscal considerations. 4. If it passes out of committee(s) it goes to the floor of the house for a vote. If it passes out of the house it is sent to the other house (i.e., Senate Assembly, or Assembly Senate). 5. Steps 2 and 3 are repeated in the other house. 6. If approved by both houses the bill goes to the Governor for signing. The Governor has 12 days to act on a bill (sign or veto) once he receives it. If he fails to act it automatically becomes law. ( Continued on Page 7 ) quickly. The more timely and availability of death data positively impacts CHSI s revenues. For example, the Social Security Administration (SSA) contracts with CHSI for death data. As an incentive, SSA pays more for death records received in under-seven days than records received later. ( Continued on Page 8 )

4 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Page The Vital Record - Volume 2, Issue 3 CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS AND INFORMATICS PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AND RESEARCH BRANCH Statewide Medical Marijuana ID Card Sales (FY 2013/2014) This chart depicts the monthly Statewide Medical Marijuana Identification Card sales for the past fiscal year. A total of 6,172 identification cards were sold to patients and primary caregivers in the State of California. All cards are voluntary. VITAL RECORDS REGISTRATION BRANCH The Marriage Index Project was started in Prior to 2012, marriages had not been indexed or imaged since 1986, with the exception of 1998 and part of the indexing and imaging of marriages makes it easier to locate certificates for certified copies and amendments. The project will also bring in additional revenue for CHSI using current staffing resources.

5 3,735 3,679 3,924 4,006 2,838 3,636 6,750 7,149 7,575 7,304 6,843 7,124 The Vital Record - Volume 2, Issue 3 Page 5 PRODUCTION METRICS Always striving to improve! ADMINISTRATION BRANCH Consistent with the Government Code and Military and Veterans Code all State Departments are required to meet the annual 25 percent Small Business (SB) and three percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goals. As shown above, CHSI s Contracts and Procurement Section within the Administration Branch has been consistently exceeding these goals. VITAL RECORDS ISSUANCE AND PRESERVATION BRANCH 15,000 10,000 11,215 11, Customer Calls Received Certified Copy Agent Queue 12,188 12,104 10,718 Calls Entering Q Calls Answered Calls Abandoned 11,534 5,000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Monthly Avg This chart identifies the Customer Service telephone activity for the Certified Copy agent queue (includes both English and Spanish calls): Number of call that entered the agent queue, number of calls that were answered, and number of calls that were abandoned.

6 Page 6 The Vital Record - Volume 2, Issue 3 October 2014 CHSI welcomes new Public Health Policy and Research Branch Chief By Michael Williams CHSI welcomes new Public Health Policy and Research Branch Secretary By Michael Williams EMPLOYEE ANNOUNCEMENTS Informatics (CHSI) is proud to welcome Ellen Badley as the new Branch Chief of the Public Health Policy and Research Branch (PHPRB.) Ellen started working for CHSI on June 16th, The staff have made me feel very welcomed. They ve been very helpful getting me orientated with my new position too, stated Ellen, Este s vision for the Center s future is inspiring. I m very excited to be here. Ellen started working for the State of California in August of 2004 as a Health Care Service Plan Analyst for the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC). In August of 2005, she was promoted to a Health Program Manager in the DMHC Division of Informatics (CHSI) would like to welcome James (Jim) Clark, our new Branch Chief of the Vital Records Issuance and Preservation Branch. Jim started working for the State of California in February 2008 as an Office Assistant (OA) for the Secretary of State. He was later promoted to the classification of Program Technician II (PT II). Informatics (CHSI) would like to welcome its new employee, Tori Goodspeed Pena, who is providing clerical support in the Public Health Policy and Research Branch (PHPRB) as the Branch Secretary. Her duties will include answering the PHPRB main telephone line as the lead receptionist. Tori started working for PHPRB on May 21, Since she has been with Licensing. Ellen continued her career with DMHC and was promoted again in December of 2006 as the Assistant Deputy Director of Health Technology. In September of 2008, Ellen left DMHC and went to work for the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) as the Division Chief of Health Plan Administration. During her time with CalPERS, Ellen served as an Interim Division Chief of Health Policy and Program Support and an Interim Assistant Executive Officer. Ellen returned to work for DMHC as the Health Program Manager in July of In October of 2011, Ellen left DMHC and took another promotion with the California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB) as the Deputy Director of In April of 2009, James took a promotion as a Staff Services Analyst (SSA) with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). While continuing his services to DHCS, Jim promoted again to an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA). In July of 2010, Jim received another promotion as a Staff Services Manager I (SSM I) in DHCS where he remained until April 01, James lateraled to the California PHPRB, she has undergone training, provided clerical support for the PHPRB staff and now she is preparing to help assist the new PHPRB Branch Chief Ellen Badley. I feel very lucky to have been chosen for this position. I really like the job! stated Tori, Everyone s very nice here. Before Tori came to work for CHSI- PHPRB, she worked for ResCare Inc. as a Qualified Intellectually Disabled Profession- Benefits and Quality Monitoring. Ellen has received two degrees in education. She received a Master s Degree in Health Administration from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the California State University, Fresno (CSUF). She also attended the California Health and Human Services Leadership Development Academy at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). Before Ellen started a career with the State of California, she served as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin Medical Society, which is a non-profit association representing physicians in San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras counties. It is also a component of the California and American Medical Associations. CHSI welcomes new Vital Records Issuance and Preservation Branch Chief By Michael Williams Department of Public Health (CDPH) on April 2, 2012 to work for the Emergency Preparedness Office (EPO) as an acting Section Chief. On April 11, 2013, he received another promotion to Staff Services Manager II (SSM II) where he resided until he accepted the position here in CHSI as our newly appointed Branch Chief of VRIPB. Jim graduated from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. al /Administrator (QIDP) for four years. She administrated three intermediate care facilities for intellectually disabled adults. Prior to her employment with ResCare Inc., Tori also taught at Beanstalk Preschool. Tori studied at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) for two years and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. COMING SOON - THE CHSI STRATEGIC PLAN NEWS BLOG! National Disability Employment Awareness Month AWARENESS FAIR OCTOBER 27, Capitol Ave. ( EEC Auditorium )

7 October 2014 The Vital Record - Volume 2, Issue 3 Page 7 CREATIVE LEARNING CROSSWORD PUZZLE!!! By Michael Williams GAMES AND EVENTS Let s try a new game and test your knowledge of the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI) with a crossword puzzle! The topic for this crossword puzzle is the Vital Record s Issuance and Preservation Branch (VRIPB)! I hope you enjoy! - Mike VITAL RECORD S ISSUANCE AND PRESERVATION BRANCH CROSSWORD PUZZLE!!! ACROSS: ) Tonya is the VRIPB Branch Secretary. 2) Daniel is the supervisor of CPU and DRU. 3) The Vital Record s and Preservation Branch. 4) The letter Q stands for in the QAIR Section s acronym. 5) Loretta -Fowler is the Supervisor of the CRTS Entry Unit. 6) The letter R stands for in the QAIR Section s acronym. 7) Howell is the supervisor of the Mail Processing Unit (MPU). 8) The letter A stands for in the QAIR Section s acronym. 9) Veronica is the Branch Chief of VRIPB. 5 DOWN: ) The Vital Record s Issuance and Branch. 2) Penny is the Staff Services Manager of QAIR. 3) The letter I stands for in the QAIR Section s acronym. 4) Eric is the Supervisor of Scanning, Batching and Imaging Unit. 5) 6) The Certified Unit is in the QAIR Section of VRIPB. Moyapetersen is the Office Services Manager in the Operations Section of VRIPB. 8 9 HAVE FUN!!! PHPRB: ( Continued from Page 3 ) During the legislative process a bill may be: Amended: Technically, the author can take amendments at any time during the process. Withdrawn: The author may remove the bill from consideration Held in Committee: Technically, the committee chair refuses to allow the bill to come up for consideration, so the bill cannot move forward. It effectively kills the bill. Held Over as Got any questions or inquiries? Get them in a suggestion box TODAY! a Two Year Bill: the author takes the bill out of consideration during the first year of a regular session with the intent of taking it up again during the second year. If so the bill is taken up in January where it left off the previous year. Enrolled: A bill is said to be enrolled when it is sent to the Governor for action. Chaptered: A bill is said to be chaptered when it becomes law, either because the Governor signed it or allowed it to occur by choosing not to act. ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL OCT. 31ST 11:30 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M. Thank you Monica Wagoner and the LGA staff for taking the time and making the effort to recognize our center, CHSI. We appreciate your support. - Tony

8 October 2014 The Vital Record - Volume 2, Issue 3 HEALTH AND NUTRITION Page 8 Eating the Antioxidant Rainbow! A nutritional guide and recipe to a healthy lifestyle: By: Adam Won Eating daily servings of fruits and vegetables is a great way to maintain health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, but for many it is often confusing to choose what types of fruit and vegetables are good to help boost our health. Red strawberries, orange bell peppers, and green cucumbers all get their vibrant colors from phytonutrients, and most of them offer a number of healthy benefits. Phytonutrients act as antioxidants, which help attack and deactivate potentially harmful molecules called free radicals before they get a chance to damage our body s cells. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants will ensure you get enough essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and fiber in your diet. Refer to the list provided to help choose fruits and vegetables in your next meal or snack planning. Admin. Branch: ( Continued from Page 3 ) The chart provided shows the changing share of death records provided to SSA in three basic payment categories: under-seven days; seven to 30 days, and over 30 days. In general, the share of death records provided in under-seven days is growing. While in 2013 this trend reversed slightly, there was a year-toyear increase in revenues. That was due to SSA contracting to pay more per record in all three incentive categories in 2013 than in CHSI has the potential to earn additional revenues from SSA in future years if more death records are provided sooner. For example, CHSI could have received an additional $105,553 in 2013 if all death records had been provided in under-seven days. The Antioxidant Rainbow List: Red: Apples, cranberries, bell peppers, pomegranates, raspberries, tomatoes, and strawberries are great sources of lycopene, which may protect against heart disease and some cancers. Orange/Yellow: Oranges, bell peppers, carrots, pumpkins, peaches, apricots, sweet potatoes, lemons, corn, and squash contain phytonutrients called betacarotene. They help maintain good eyesight and help boost your immune system. Green: Kale, spinach, dark leafy lettuce, avocados, zucchini, asparagus, peas, and broccoli contain lutein and indoles that have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Blue/Purple: Blueberries, plums, eggplants, blackberries, grapes, and purple cabbage have antioxidant properties that help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. They also have anti-aging benefits such as memory function and healthy aging. Healthy Shopping Tip: When fresh produce is not available, choose frozen or canned foods in water without added sugar or trans fats. The Rainbow Fruit Salad: Makes 6 servings. ½ cup each. Prep time: 15 minutes Ingredients: RED: 1/2 cup chopped apple ORANGE: 1/2 cup 100% orange juice YELLOW: 1 small banana, peeled and sliced GREEN: 1 medium Kiwifruit, peeled and sliced BLUE: 1/2 cup blueberries PURPLE: 1/2 cup grapes Instructions: 1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients. 2. Serve immediately or chilled. Mission To provide CHSI customers with timely, high quality, accessible data, and information in convenient and readily usable formats to support public health research, planning, policy, and programs. Look for the next issue of The Vital Record coming soon!