Coordinator's Blog

Lucas County Health Report Card

Thursday, 18 February 2010 08:55:17

Our fight for health disparities/equity is just beginning.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has collaborartred with the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute to create health rankings for the counties in each state.

http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/ohio

Lucas County ranks 71/88 counties for health outcomes, and ranks 77/88 counties for health factors...

While much work has been accomplished over the past decade, this report is a reminder that there is still much work to do.

Together, we can collaborate to not only define solutions, but draft realistic plans to carry them out to hopefully benefit the health of the people we are entrusted to serve.

Duane

Comments (0)

Minority Health Month 2010!

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 08:23:45

So excited about Minority Health Month 2010; this year doesn't seem as stressful because I've caught my bearings with the day-to-day activities of the office;

The save the date notice will go out next week;

Please join us for our Kickoff event on Thursday April 1 from 9:00-11:00 at The Toledo Hospital's Education Center.

Our Minority Health Summitt will be on Thursday April 29th from 9:00-1:00PM at The McMaster Room at the Main Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in Downtown Toledo

The following agencies will be sponsoring Ohio Commission on Minority Health Funded programs during Minority Health Month:

Asian Resource Center
Chinese Association of Greater Toledo
Substance Abuse Services, Inc.
Hosptial Council of Northwest Ohio
YMCA Wayman Palman Center
Lupus Foundation of Northwest Ohio
Promedica Health System

Our calendar will be published between the second and third week of March.

Looking forward to a great month!

Duane

Comments (2)

New injuries, new territory...

Monday, 08 February 2010 01:24:05

After 20 years of running, recreational and competitive, I have my first knee injury. Last week I took a couple of long distance runs, took a day off, got on the treadmill and my knee felt like it was trying to separate from the rest of my body...

This is definitely charting new territory...

Until today...I humbled myself and just to be safe- I called my Dr. to take a look at it and make sure I didn't pinch a nerve or fracture it, etc...

As a former athlete, I remember the art of substitution, and staying to the course even when I had a muscle pull, etc...this is no different...

While the knee is a little banged up, it doesn't mean I can't bicycle or swim, which I will do until my knee gets better...

We can use an excuse or we can chart new territory and mold our exercise and fitness goals to our ever changing bodies...

We keep to our goals, and keep to the mission of building healthy bodies...

I will keep you updated on the knee...

Duane

Comments (0)

Stopping for 35 seconds...

Tuesday, 19 January 2010 10:59:30

A week following the aftermath of the earthquake that has angished Haiti; I ask you to stop and reflect for just 35 seconds. Reports indicate the earthquake lasted this long; and in this timeframe, lives were changed forever. Places once called home; the supermarket where one did their daily shopping; the place that served as one's place of employment- all but relics amidst the rubble amidst an already impoverished land. In 35 seconds, families were gutted, torn apart; and transformed.

To hear of the relief efforts taking longer than usual- it aches my soul.

There are glimmers of hope; as search teams are still finding survivors. I pray peace for the Haitian people during this dark cloud.

Pause, and take just 35 seconds to reflect on the lives of those who are lost to this natural disaster; take 35 seconds to reflect on the blessings many of us have in the states; take 35 seconds to pay homage to those who are laboring tirelessly to bring comfort to a grief stricken nation...

35 seconds; such a short time can impact our lives...

Duane

Comments (0)

2010

Monday, 11 January 2010 11:25:46

Time moves at the same rate and speed...somehow it always appear to travel faster than we want...

2009 was year of strength and growth. Over the past year we spent time building positive relationships, networking with community agencies, and building infrastructure in an effort to sustain a lasting presence in our area.

2010 is exciting because we have the opportunity to usher in a new method of conducting business; in this year we will see our subcommittee structure take flight, seek out new partners and welcome them to our table; and pursue funding opportunities that will assist us in acheiving our mission.

Our mission is never acheived without those who labor tirelessly on behalf of reducing health disparties among minority communities- to you I simply say- Thanks.

Looking forward to a great year!

Yours in health,
Duane

Comments (0)

A year with the Commission

Thursday, 03 December 2009 09:25:07

Today I celebrate my 1-year anniversary with you. When you are busy, time certainly flies.

I am thankful for the opportunity that presented itself last year- I couldn't have asked for anything more when I received the call from Dr. Gunning last year the Monday before Thanksgiving.

Unless I am being cheated, it really looks like you are on the move with minority health in our area. Your dedication and hard work makes me proud to be your representative.

Over the past several weeks, we planned and completed focus group sessions to update our local strategic plan- continuing with the local conversations you started last summer.

Your comments combined with efforts from our office should produce a comprehensive product that can be used as a blueprint for us to focus our efforts.

The Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health is evolving each week; thanks for having me take an active role in guiding you down a path that will continue to address, reduce, and eliminate health disparities in our area.

Remember our vision: Healthy African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and other minority families in Toledo and Lucas County...

Remember our mission: To improve the health and quality of life of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and other minorities in Toledo and Lucas County through education, collaboration, capacity-building, program funding, and outcome evaluation...

At the end of the day, this is why we were created, why we are still here today, and why we will continue to impact the community with a strong presence in the future.

Respectfully,
Duane

Comments (0)

Is your health hidden under a bushel?

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:25:55

We have heard the phrase about those who hide their light under a bushel, not wanting the world to know their hidden talents and contributions to society...

But can the same be said sometimes of our health?

Yesterday I learned that a person close to me (could be friend, relative, business associate) was diagnosed with Cancer, and hardly anyone knows about it.

Many years ago when attending a HIV/AIDS conference, I went to a workshop series that focused on healing for those in service/care delivery. Oftentimes we are the beacons in our communities; serving as the resource for others; a shoulder for someone to cry on; lending a listening hear; offering our expertise and advice-

But what happens when the tables have turned and suddenly it is us who seek the same support that we extend to others?

While I do agree that for many health is a private matter, being more open about parts of our health can facilitate the healing process.

Is your health hidden under a bushel, only being left to ravish your mind, body, and spirit?

My heart goes out to this person; this news over time will change my life in some way; only time and situation will determine how great or small.

The gap once again has been bridged between what I fight for as a living and what is seen clearly in front of me.

Respect,
Duane

Comments (0)

Steadily moving forward

Thursday, 15 October 2009 03:14:55

I hope this blog finds you in good spirits and good health.

I spent most of last week at home under the weather; I'm glad to be back in the office.

The first quarter has ended; and there were 47 individuals that represented some 26 different organizations that comprise the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health.

You have a youth development project team, and soon will take on a lifetime fitness project team.

By this time next month, you will have assisted me and other project staff in completing the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities Phase II of the Local Conversations.

We steadily move forward, with the only purpose of accomplishing our vision, mission, and purpose. Where the road may lead us- this is exciting enough to continue on this journey of addressing health disparities in Toledo and Lucas County.

I am proud of all you do. Continue the good work.

Respectfully,
Duane

Comments (0)

Health Care Parity- Why I became involved in Public Health

Friday, 11 September 2009 03:16:23

Call me eclectic. Almost half a lifetime ago in high school, I envisioned myself growing up to be a German-speaking music education teacher. Music was my passion; I took piano lessons from age 11-18; classical voice lessons from age 9 and stopped in my early 20s, and did the whole gamut with choir, show choir, and band.

By this time you are thinking, what in the heck does this have to do with public health?

We are the product of our past experiences; the time spent out of school from 1996 to 2001 while I figured out what I wanted to do with life coupled with personal and volunteer experiences took me down a path that has meandered to this point in time...

My birth mother died in December of 2000 from congestive heart failure at the age of 43. She had no health insurance, and when she went into the hospital a few days prior; she was patched up and sent home. A week and a half later her ashes were on my door step. Indigent, she was cremated at no cost to the family. Her ashes remain with me as a silent reminder of how difficult life was for her, even at the very end.

My adopted mother died in December of 2002 from dilated cardiomyopathy- the doctors said it's when the heart and blood pressure basically doesn't agree; at some freck mathematical chance it happens at the same time- the heart just stops; they couldn't get a pulse back- she was 42. She had Medicaid, and was on a waiting list to see a cardiologist- her appointment was scheduled for December 13. We buried her on December 14.

Having Medicaid as a child and through my teenage years, I remember the unpleasant ambience whenever I went to the dentist or doctor. Having great health insurance today, everyone's always smiling, just sign here, and I sense a big difference because walking in the door, the docs know I have an ability to pay (or someone is paying for me).

I had some health scares of my own in the mid-s. With insurance; I call my doctor- I am not put on a waiting list- they get right to the bottom of things and take care of it- today my health is where it should be, and I am no longer worried about if things are out of order. In fact, my specialist told me after my two surgeries if anything came back, they would treat me right away and not take any chances.

My mothers didn't fair so well...through them, I keep a humble outlook on life, and a personal relevance as to why it is I became involved in public health- I always felt that 1) a person should be able to make informed and voluntary decisions regarding their health irrespective of what others thought and 2) everyone should have equal access to health care.

The health care reform debate is something I only dreamed of in my lifetime. I hope all entities involved are able to come together and draft a solution that benefits the group that matters most in the end- the people.

Respectfully,
Duane

Comments (0)

A conversation about minority health with a colleague

Tuesday, 28 July 2009 02:47:49

"Smooth seas does not mean skillful sailors..."- Chinese proverb

The other day a colleague and I struck a conversation about my work at the health department. I have always held this person in high regard because of their work over the past two decades in the mental health field. To my surprise, I was asked: "Is minority health really a problem in the United States?...I was never aware..."

I used this as an educational opportunity, reminding him of the many disparities that exist between minorities and whites in the targeted disease states, especially mental health- this person's field of expertise.

This person lives in the heart of the central city, where some of the greatest disparities exist, and works in a field where it is has been well documented that disparities exist...I was scratching my head and pondering what has been going on in this person's professional life for the past twenty years?

It is up to us to educate our friends, professional and otherwise; the person was proof that just because one works in a field (and live in an area of town) where health disparities exist, it doesn't mean they are always aware of them.

We have spoken twice since, offering more opportunities to enlighten about a fight many of us have been involved in for quite some time now.

MHC

Comments (0)

Happy Birthday Commission! (and me)

Wednesday, 08 July 2009 09:52:04

On July 1, the new Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health turned 1 year old. Over the past year, we have been working together to build the infrastructure necessary to carry ourselves forward into the future.

With some determination, hard work, and never losing your focus, you have allowed our group to become a trendsetter and positive example for other regions to follow.

Our upcoming agenda is an ambitious one; still, I have faith in all of your talents that together, we can acheive the mission that our pioneers set forth many years ago.

Today, we bridge the gap between the Mayor's Commission on Minority Health and our organization in a way that alerts the community of the good works we are doing on behalf of the people we serve.

Without you, there would be no Commission;

For the relationships forged, the relationships being created, and those that will take place in the future on behalf of minority health, I am blessed to play a small role in what you do.

The real work begins in year two, and I am excited to report that our first collaborative project meeting for a grant opportunity went very well! There were 11 minds from different organizations: Mercy Health Partners, ProMedica Health System, Females Unveling the Secret, AIDS Resource Center Ohio, The University of Toledo Main Campus, The University of Toledo Medical Center, The Lucas County Family Council, The Juvenile Detention Center, and the Toledo-Lucas County Health Departmen- we hope the end product will be funding for research that allows us to address and eliminate health dispartities. - More details later...

Today, I celebrate my 32nd birthday (unless my birthday is on the weekend, I choose to be industrious and work- it keeps me looking young!); there is no greater gift than being in a position that allows me to network, assist, empower, and help those in need. Completing my quarterly report, you all have given me a reason to smile. You have enstilled in me a sense of renewed purpose and commitment to a cause we hold near and dear to our hearts.

I thank and praise you for laboring tirelessly to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.

You all have much to be proud of!

Respectfully,
Your Minority Health Program Coordinator

Comments (2)

Strength in Numbers

Friday, 05 June 2009 09:48:12

June 3rd marked my 6-month anniversary as the Minority Health Program Coordinator;

There is so much the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health has accomplished; without you, I wouldn't be able to complete my tasks.

There are strength in numbers; this group is representated by at least 20 organizations in our community. The direction, assistance, expertise, and leadership you all provide allows me to continue developing into your leader.

While there is much that has been accomplished in our short time together; our agenda makes a critical ambitious turn to ensure our place in the community as we continue addressing health disparties among minorities in Toledo and Lucas County.

I am proud to work with all of you and look forward to continued collaborative efforts.

Respectfully,
Your Minority Health Program Coordinator

Comments (0)

A tribute to those who paved the road for us to travel...

Tuesday, 26 May 2009 09:41:02

The work we do in minority health can be likened to a wheel that keeps turning; ending one revolution, beginning the next...yet always moving forward.

Today, our very own Daisy Smith is being inducted into the Oho Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

The Toledo Blade published a complelling article that highlighted the sacrifices Mrs. Smith endured as a young widow. After reading the article, I took some time to reflect on the work of Mrs. Smith and others who paved the road for us to travel.

You can read the article online at: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090526/NEWS32/905260346/-1/NEWS

There were many who helped Daisy become of Toledo's first registered African-American nurses. Today, she volunteers her talents and time to a number of causes including the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

A pioneer in her own right, she was the founder of the Toledo Black Council of Nurses and one of the founders of the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health.

I am representative of a generation that is appreciative of the road that was paved for many of us to travel. Like Mrs. Smith, we too, have sacrificed to reach some of our goals.

I hope when time and situation presents itself, I am able to contribute to the community in a way that age and experience has allowed Mrs. Smith to.

There is a song in Disney on Broadway's "The Lion King" whose opening words translated reads...

"The land of our ancestors is holy"

With these words in mind, we pay tribute to those who have went before us, setting a positive example, and making sacrifices so the road we travel would be just a bit easier.

Thank you Daisy for all of your contributions to our community over the years.

Duane,
Minority Health Program Coordinator

Comments (0)

Re-introducing the Minority Health Program Coordinator

Monday, 04 May 2009 03:58:46

Duane LeVelle Herron, MPH (lifelong resident of Toledo, Ohio)

Biographical Snapshot

Graduate of Morrison R. Waite High School
Bachelor of Science of Community Health, The University of Toledo (Honors Program Graduate)
Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education, Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health (Bowling Green State University and The University of Toledo)
10 Years of Public Health Experience and Service Specializing in HIV/AIDS and STD Prevention

Duane is described by many of his colleagues and peers as passionate, self-driven, outspoken, and creative. his work as an HIV/AIDS activist laid a solid foundation upon which the rest of his professional career has been built.

From 1999-2000, Duane volunteered for the HIV Risk Reduction program at Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio, Inc. From November 2000- September 2006, Duane was welcomed as a part of Planned Parenthood's HIV/STD Prevention Staff.

In 2006, Duane accepted a graduate assistantship and tuition scholarship to complete his Master of Public Health Degree.

Duane is a former chair of the Toledo-Lucas County HIV Prevention Advisory Group, The Ryan White HIV Title 2 Consortium #5, and the Ohio Statewide HIV Prevention Community Planning Group. Duane is also a past member of the Ohio Statewide Ryan White Care Council. Duane is currently on the board of directors for the Ohio AIDS Coalition.

Duane became better acquainted with the work of the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health as a public health intern from August to December 2007. He assisted the Commission in assembling informational packets for Toledo City Council, creating an "About the Commission" powerpoint presentation for the chairperson, and gave a presentation comparing local HIV/AIDS statistical data with sexual health data from the 2007 Lucas County Health Assessment.

As the new Minority Health Program Coordinator at the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, Duane has worked alongside the Commission to complete a program brochure in English and Spanish, a business prospectus plan, a comprehensive informational website, and launch two social marketing campaigns.

"Having a positive impact on the lives of those I encounter is the greatest source of motivation, happiness, and strength. I hope to continue serving the community and allowing the Commission to grow into its own over the next several months."

Comments (0)

Minority Health Month Events- Week of 4/13

Monday, 20 April 2009 12:03:05

I spent Easter with friends in Las Vegas, caught a red-eye flight to Chicago, and almost missed my connecting flight to Detroit! I scurried quickly enough to make it just before the gate was closed...

4/13

After a quick nap, I attended a colon cancer workshop presented by Dr. Sype sponsored by CareNet at The Pharmacy Counter. She was able to present technical information in a way for us to all understand. She gave statistics that allowed participants to see the disparities, especially among African-Americans.

4/15

The Toledo Journal Published an article about the Minority Health Program. I hope you were all able to check it out. If not you can view it online:

http://www.thetoledojournal.com/News/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=95729&sID=20

CareNet in collaboration with ProMedica put on a wonderful food demonstration event at the Aurora Gonzales Community Center. A sensible snack mix, fruit salad, garbanzo bean salad, and black eyed pea salad were some of the features. The recipes were easy to make, involved few inexpensive ingredients, and most importantly, were full of flavor. I enjoyed how the dietician from ProMedica allowed participants to assist in preparing the recipes...

4/16

The Commission meetings are expanding, it is a blessing and a testament to the group's hard work over the past several months. Doni Miller presented about Neighborhood Health Association and then allowed members of her staff to educate and inform the Commission on their respective projects. Jan Ruma gave a compelling story about the CareNet program, especially the statistics near the end that was reflective of the work we do around the Commission table...I look forward to continued collaborations in the future with both of these fine organizations.

4/17

I had a wonderful radio interview with Larry Whatley of WIMX The Mix- the interview aired on 4/19 at 6:00am. Of course no interview is complete without a shameless plug; I informed viewers of all events coming up during the week of 4/20.

4/19

By the end of this day- I was left refreshed, inspired, and excited about endless networking and collaborative opportunities...

I woke up early Saturday morning and at 9:15 or so I headed over to the Korean Church to attend the Chinese Association of Greater Toledo's sponsored Asian Health Fair event. The space was user-friendly and featured Cholesterol, Glucose, and Body-Mass-Index Screenings. I had just missed the initial rush of people who fasted was came in the door at 9 when the doors opened! There was a Tai Chi workshop and demonstration, 2 physicians on board, and medical students from the University of Toledo Medical Center. By the end of my visit, I made some very important contacts and had the opportunity to listen to the issues that concerned this community. This was such a refreshing event!

At 11:15 I whisked across town to Warren AME Church for their annual health fair. I was overwhelmed at how packed the place was...Outside the building were exhibits for children, exercise demonstrations, music presentations, and a wonderful ballroom dancing demonstration. Inside was overflowing with exhibits from many agencies, screenings, and people! The lunch was healthy and needed after walking around all morning. Thanks for the generous hospitality!

In the afternoon, I headed over to Sanger Library for the ProMedica sponsored Steppin' Up! social event. There was a social urban ballroom dancing group giving demonstrations- these men and women were so talented on the dance floor. For the 4th time in 2 weeks, I ran into Caroline of Reality Plaza- otherwise known as Miss Hula Hoop. There was a hula hoop endurance contest that proved to be quite fun...in the end, a gentleman from the dance group outlasted the hula hoop queen herself! Assessments, nice music, healthy snacks, and a very intimate setting at the library...such a creative, inspiring event!

What does the week of 4/20 hold? Only time, situation, and opportunity will tell!

In health,
Duane

Comments (0)

April is Minority Health Month!

Tuesday, 07 April 2009 02:37:26

April marks the 20th anniversary that Ohio has observed Minority Health Month. Created in 1989, Minority Health Month is a 30-day statewide high-visibility health awareness and disease prevention campaign sponsored by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.

The Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health published a calendar and made over 1,000 copies available to the community- we are down to our final 150!

Our kickoff on April 3 was a success; I would like to acknowledge: ProMedica Health System for providing the event venue and refreshments. Vicki Elliot, Patricia Puyo, Gail Austin, and Mary Frank for assisting with logistics during the event. To Tymara and Sandra Rivers-gill- you provided dynamite entertainment that was uplifting and memorable- thank you both so much. Our speakers: Cheryl Boyce, Executive Director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, Dr. Alvin Jackson, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, and Mayor Carty Finkbeiner- thanks to all of you for your encouraging words and commitment to the struggle. To Jewell Lighter for opening the ceremony and our chairperson Schylar Meadows- you both are pioneers for many to look up to.

Thank you to the many who came out and supported the event- without you, there would be no event!

Please take a look at our Calendar of Events and attend a Minority Health Month event. I will be at more than half of them, so I hope to see you there!

In health,
Duane

Comments (0)

Welcome to our new website!

Friday, 27 March 2009 10:34:45

On behalf of the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department's Office on Minority Health, I would like to welcome you to the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health's newly launched website!

It was our goal to have the website available to the community by April 1. With the collaboration of many, we were able to see this project through from start to finish.

The Commission would like to thank ToastNet for their dedication and hard work in constructing our site, the volunteers who regularly submitted suggestions and expertise as the site was regularly updated, and the Ohio Commission on Minority Health for their generous funding to complete this project.

Our vision of healthy minority communities in Toledo and Lucas County now includes a place where many can regulary seek information, program updates, submit their questions/concerens, and allow for collaboration between various public, private, and other community organizations.

Spring represents life and renewal; an established online presence signifies a breath of fresh air among a dedicated group of individuals and organizations who have renewed their commitment to addressing and eliminating health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities in our community.

Enjoy the new site!

Respectfully,
Duane L. Herron, MPH
Minority Health Program Coordinator

Comments (1)