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OPRAH CALLS FOR A "NO PHONE ZONE" DAY ON APRIL 30
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), FocusDriven, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and RADD, the Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety, join Winfrey for national day of awareness to end distracted driving.
April 27, 2010 — CHICAGO - On Friday April 30, 2010, Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Studios are taking a stand against distracted driving, launching a new public service announcement campaign and joining forces with some of the country's preeminent transportation safety organizations to declare Friday, April 30 the first national "No Phone Zone Day."
A large-scale effort to honor victims of distracted driving, "No Phone Zone Day" will also educate and activate Americans to end the deadly driving habits that kill nearly 6,000 Americans a year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The announcement was made on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
"A call or text isn't worth taking a life," said Winfrey. "We must not allow more mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, sisters and brothers to die before we take action against distracted driving. Let's put a stop to it now, by joining together on April 30 th for national 'No Phone Zone Day', and by making our cars a 'No Phone Zone.'"
"I've made it my mission at the DOT to end distracted driving. We know that if we can get people to put away cell phones and other electronic devices when they are behind the wheel, we can save thousands of lives and prevent hundreds of thousands of injuries every year" said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. "That's why I'm proud to support and participate in Oprah's 'No Phone Zone Day.'"
On Friday April 30th, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will present a special live episode devoted to ending distracted driving. In conjunction with the episode, Harpo Studios is mobilizing communities to take action at "No Phone Zone Day" viewing rallies to be held in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. "Oprah" show partner stations WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta, WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston, WXYZ Channel 7 in Detroit, KABC ABC7 in Los Angeles and WJLA ABC7 in Washington, D.C. will support the rallies in their respective markets. The planned rallies will bring together victims' families, elected officials, advocacy organizations, parents, youth, and law enforcement to discuss best practices and steps to limit distracted driving in their own communities. In addition, a new "No Phone Zone" public service announcement campaign will be showcased on the April 30 the "Oprah" show.
A working coalition of transportation safety organizations will come together as part of "No Phone Zone Day" activities and viewing rallies across the country, including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and the Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), FocusDriven, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), RADD, the Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety, and more. In addition, "No Phone Zone" corporate partners Sprint, General Motors/Chevrolet and Liberty Mutual will lend their support, both for national "No Phone Zone Day" and in the coming months to spread the "No Phone Zone" message.
As a national call to action, all viewers and town hall participants will be asked to take the "No Phone Zone" pledge. By pledging, drivers agree to make their car a "No Phone Zone" and refrain from using their phone while driving, eliminating distractions from incoming calls, texts or emails. More than 160,000 people to date have signed Oprah's "No Phone Zone" pledge at Oprah.com.
Many celebrities have already joined the cause, including Oscar(r) winners Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges and Mo'Nique, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, actress and icon Raquel Welch, Olympic superstar Shaun White, country music's Lady Antebellum, entertainer and entrepreneur Tyler Perry, the cast of TV's "Glee" and many more.
A 2008 NHTSA study indicated that at any given moment during the daylight hours, more than 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone. According to a 2005 study for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers are four times less likely to get into accidents serious enough to cause injury when they turn off their cell phones while behind the wheel.
For more information on "No Phone Zone Day," and to take the No Phone Zone pledge, please visit www.oprah.com/nophonezone. For additional information on distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov.
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“FRIENDS” HONORED ON PUBLIC HEALTH DAY
April 7, 2010— The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department honored an individual, an organization, and all of its Richland County media partners at its annual Public Health Day breakfast and awards program on April 7.

Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department Commissioner Stan Saalman made special mention of the Health Department’s 100th year in Richland County in his opening comments.

“Friends of Public Health” awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the health department’s programs or public health within the community, were presented to Randy Parker with Richland County Children Services and to the Ohio Special Response Team.

The 14th annual “Media Award” went to all major media outlets in Richland County for their help in covering the H1N1 pandemic flu.

Randy Parker was recognized for his advocacy and support of public health, particularly the Newborn Home Visitation Program in Richland County. Parker has been the Executive Director with Richland County Children Services for eight years, during which time he has implemented numerous projects to ensure best practice for safety and family stability. Under his leadership, Children Services has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation and has received the Adoption Excellence Award for the decrease in time that children in foster care await adoption. Parker also directed the implementation of Richland County’s Kinship Care Navigator Program which provides services to area families.

The Ohio Special Response Team (OSRT), Incorporated, was recognized for its work with the Health Department to coordinate security during the early stages of the H1N1 pandemic flu. They helped during the mass immunization clinics at the Richland Fairgrounds to make the experience for the public as smooth as possible. OSRT is a broad-based response unit able to respond to a variety of emergencies and disasters in support of the civil authorities. Members of the unit are trained to rigid standards in a number of skills to assure they can accomplish the assigned task(s).

The Media Award was presented to a representative from the following news outlets in Richland County: For newspapers: The Bellville Star, The Daily Globe (Shelby), the Tribune-Courier (Madison/Lexington/Ontario), and the Mansfield New Journal; for radio: WVNO/WRGM and WMAN/WSWR; and for TV: WMFD-TV.

Starting in April and continuing throughout all of 2009 and into the first part of 2010, the media outlets in Richland County worked together with the Health Department to keep the public up-to-date about the H1N1 flu and the various clinics organized by the Health Department to vaccinate the public. Without the cooperation and public spirit shown by all of Richland County’s newspaper, radio, and television outlets the Health Department’s challenge would have been far greater.

Keynote speaker was Kathryn S. Porter, MD, Senior Medical Officer with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that begins its health survey and examination campaign in Richland County this week.

Public Health Day for Richland County focuses on the Health Department’s theme of “Protecting and Promoting Health with an Ounce of Prevention,” and is held annually as a part of National Public Health Week, held April 5-13 this year.

Mansfield Mayor Donald Culliver, Ontario Mayor Larry Collins, and the Richland County Commissioner Gary Utt presented proclamations for Public Health Day.
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Photo Identifications

1) Friends of Public Health Awards went to Randy Parker, Executive Director with Richland County Children Services, and Commander Elvin Burnell and Captain Chuck Taylor representing the Ohio Special Response Team.


2) Media Members receiving the 14th Annual Media Award are: Steven Huszai, representing the Shelby Daily Globe; Jeffrey Swank, representing WMAN/WSWR; Lou Whitmire, representing the Mansfield News Journal; Rob Meisse (right), representing WMFD-TV and WVNO/WRGM Radio; Kim Knapp, representing the Tribune-Courier; and Rhonda Bletner, representing The Bellville Star.

Ohio Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is June 7-13
Posted June 5, 2009 — Ohio has one of the highest numbers of lead poisoned children in the nation.* June 7-13 is a week dedicated to bringing awareness to the problem and efforts in making Ohio Lead-Safe for our children.
Health Effects of Lead Poisoning on Children
Children ages 0 to 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning. When lead enters a child's body, it will damage the brain and the central nervous system. Lead poisoning affects the child's ability to learn by lowering IQ, and delaying speech and language development. It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can permanently affect children. In low levels, lead can cause decreased intelligence, attention deficit disorder, speech, language, and behavior problems, and delayed growth. Initially, lead poisoned children do not look or act sick. Lead poisoning, for the most part, is invisible.
You can prevent your child from having these problems:
• The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department, as with most healthcare providers, recommends annual testing starting at age 1.
• Call the Health Department Clinic to schedule an appointment: 419-774-4700.
• Testing for lead poisoning can be done at any Community Health Screening. Call 419-774-4540 for a clinic near you or see the schedule at www.richlandhealth.org
Consumers and Homeowners
When it's time to remodel our homes, we try to do everything right, from picking a great paint color to getting the correct building permits. Yet many do-it-yourselfers are surprised to learn that their home improvements could cause lead poisoning to the children who live there.
Lead poisoning causes permanent learning and behavioral problems, and a common culprit is household dust from peeling or chipping lead paint. Repainting and repairs can also create lead dust. If you plan to repaint or remodel, be sure to contain and clean up paint chips and dust. Before you plan any work on your home, call 1-877-NOT-LEAD (1-877-668-5323) to receive free information about working lead-safe or visit www.epa.gov/lead.
For questions or information on lead based paint or lead poisoning, call the Health Department at 419-774-4520. The Environmental Health division also has several helpful brochures available on lead poisoning and lead safe remodeling.
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*Source: Northwest Ohio Regional Resource Center for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (ODH). An estimated 36% of Ohio children live in homes built prior to 1950 that may contain lead paint.

PUBLIC HEALTH DAY HONORS
Posted April 8 - The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department honored an individual, an organization, and a media personality at its annual Public Health Day breakfast and awards program.
“Friends of Public Health” awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the health department’s programs or public health within the community, were presented to John Dorsey of Richland County Jobs & Family Services and to the Wellness Committee at the 7th Day Adventist Church. Robert Meisse of WMFD was honored with the “Media Award.”

John Dorsey has been with Richland County Jobs & Family Services for 15 years during which time he served as Healthchek and Pregnancy Related Services Coordinator. He worked with the Health Department on several committees, including Help Me Grow, Head Start, and the Richland County Child and Family Health Consortium.

The Wellness Committee at the 7th Day Adventist Church has provided free food at the Minority Health Fair for four years. Not only is this an enormous undertaking, but the Wellness Committee makes sure that its menu provides healthy and nutritious food as well. The Committee purchases the food, prepares it, serves it and cleans up after. This is no small undertaking considering that they are serving breakfast and lunch to as many as 400 Minority Health Fair visitors and vendors.

Rob Meisse, who has spent most of his life operating radio and TV stations, received the 13th annual Media Award in recognition for coverage of health-related issues. He is station manager for Mix 106.1 FM WVNO, AM 1440 WRGM, WMFD TV, WOHZ TV and WMFD.com, as well as owner of REM Innovations.

Keynote speaker was Rosemary Chaundry, Director of Nursing at The Ohio State University, who spoke on this year's National Public Health Week theme of “Building the Foundation for a Healthy America.”

Public Health Day for Richland County focuses on the Health Department’s theme of “Protecting and Promoting Health with an Ounce of Prevention,” and is held annually as a part of National Public Health Week, held April 6-12 this year.

Mansfield Mayor Donald Culliver, Ontario Mayor Kenneth Bender, and the Richland County Commissioners presented proclamations for Public Health Day.

Above Photo Identification: Friends of Public Health Awards went to Michelle Moritz, representing the Wellness Committee at the 7th Day Adventist Church and John Dorsey (middle) of Richland County Jobs & Family Services. Rob Meisse (right) of WMFD received the 13th Annual Media Award.
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For Immediate Release: March 6, 2008
For More Information Contact: Environmental Health, 419-774-4520
Health & Safety Concerns – Flood Cleanup
Mansfield, OH — The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department offers the following information for individuals starting cleanup following a flood:
Recovery from a flood presents a homeowner with numerous challenges. Before proceeding with cleanup flood waters must be allowed to recede or cleanup procedures may have to be repeated. Once the flood waters have drained away, consult the gas and electric companies to check for possible explosive or electrocution hazards. Then open the residence for venting of any accumulated gases and odors. Remove all standing water from the residence. If the basement has been flooded, pump roughly a third of the depth of the water away each day to avoid implosion (inward collapse of the walls from the outside pressure of the ground water). Remove and discard carpet and upholstered furniture that has been contaminated with sewage and other polluted water. Other furnishings should be removed to an enclosed outside area for drying. Once dried, soil may be brushed away and then vacuumed or steam cleaned. Do not place furniture in direct sunlight. All waste should be placed in closed containers (cans or dumpsters) and removed to a licensed facility.
Mold is a likely problem in flooded homes. Mold has the potential to affect the health of all family members. It is important to remove all water and fix any leaks before cleaning. Clean hard surfaces with a solution of bleach and water (2 ounces of bleach to one gallon of water); make sure to ventilate the area when using chlorine bleach. Wear a filter mask and gloves to avoid contact with the mold. Let the bleach and water sit for 15 minutes and then dry the area thoroughly. Alternately, concrete block walls and concrete floors may be cleaned with liquid ammonia, rinsed and then a weak solution of ammonia and water applied and left to dry on the wall and floor for disinfection. Wet, porous materials, such as carpeting, wallboard, insulation, wallpaper and overstuffed furniture should be discarded because they remain a source of mold growth.
Laundry items should be separated, air dried (do not expose to direct heat of sunlight) and brushed free of soil. Wash and dry in commercial or residential appliances.
If you have a private water supply do not use if the water is cloudy or the well has been submerged by flood or runoff waters. Pump the well until the water is clear and then boil all water for one minute. Place in a clean container that has been immersed in boiling water and allow to cool in a protected area. Alternately, add two drops of bleach or five drops of iodine to each quart of water and allow 30 minutes of contact time with the disinfectant before using. Once the well water has been tested and found to be free of bacteria the disinfection procedures may be abandoned.
All food should be checked for evidence of contact with flood water. All fresh food, dry goods and damaged canned goods must be discarded if exposed to flood water. Undamaged canned goods may be salvaged by removing the label, washing and immersing the can in a solution of a tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water, air drying and relabeling with the contents. If the electric power has been disrupted, foods stored in the refrigerator should be discarded if the power was off for six hours or more or if the temperature of the food rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for a combined period of more than two hours. Food stored in a freezer will be safe if the food remains in a frozen condition, normally for the period 24 to 48 hours following the power outage. If the food in the freezer thaws but remains below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the food may be prepared for use but should not be refrozen. When in doubt about the condition of food, throw it out. Do not risk foodborne illness.
Before restoring the household sewage disposal system to use, the septic tank/secondary disposal system should be pumped of all liquids. This will not only dewater the system but allow the filter or soil disposal system to dry out before receiving additional sewage flows. If your sewage system has an outlet drain or curtain drain, check to outlet and clear any obstructions that may be found. If the system has been eroded of cover material, contact a contractor for regarding and seeding.
Sanitarians at the Health Department are available to answer any cleanup questions you have. Call 419-774-4520.
Flood Recovery information from Ohio Department of Health (PDF Format)
Flood Repair information from Red Cross (PDF Format)