Employee & Program Spotlight
2018 Employee & Program Spotlight
- JanuaryJanuary
- FebruaryFebruary
- MarchMarch
- AprilApril
- MayMay
- JuneJune
- JulyJuly
- AugustAugust
- SeptemberSeptember
- OctoberOctober
- NovemberNovember
- DecemberDecember
Tab Okonkwo, Program Specialist I
Tab has worked for the County of San Bernardino since 2004. He began his career with the Department of Child Support Services as a Child Support Officer, eventually working as the Compromise of Arrears Program Coordinator. In 2017, Tab promoted to the Department of Public Health’s as a Program Specialist I in the Compliance unit/Community Vital Signs (CVS).
Tab has been instrumental to Community Vital Signs which serves as the County’s wellness initiative and supports the Countywide Vision.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of CVS. My current assignments include the development, implementation, and management of a web-based tracking system used by multi-sectoral partners. The system is integral to monitoring the activities from the San Bernardino County Community Transformation Plan. Efforts to implement this plan will positively impact the health of our residents. In addition, I am involved in the redesign of our initiative’s website to provide a better intuitive interface for our visitors and a more gratifying user experience. At CVS we are also in the planning phases for the upcoming Community Health Assessment that will update valuable data to better inform our community members and public health so that they can make data-driven decisions to improve health outcomes.”
Tab enjoys spending time with his family, including their adopted boxer, London. “My children make me extremely proud and keep me very busy—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Tab was born and raised in London, England where he attended Middlesex University. He visits his family in London often, and enjoys sharing the English culture with his children.
Outside work, Tab’s passion for soccer is only eclipsed by his 13 year old son. They both enjoy playing and watching soccer together. When he can find the time, Tab is an avid wood worker, sourcing furniture pieces from thrift stores to refinish or repurpose. Tab also enjoys long rides on his motorcycle on the weekends.
I’m extremely fortunate to enjoy what I do while appreciating each and every one that I work with.
Compliance Unit
The Compliance Unit provides program and policy development and support services through research, analysis, interpretation, and implementation of local, state, and federal laws and initiatives. Compliance is ensured through the development of policy, standard practices, and training tools as well as the investigation of privacy breaches. The Compliance Team also has the responsibility to support DPH divisions and programs through the management of special projects, training and education, contract monitoring, marketing of services, performance management and quality improvement initiatives, and building relationships with county and non-government agencies.
Community Vital Signs (CVS)
Community Vital Signs provides a community health improvement framework and basis for aligning resources to improve the health and wellness of county residents. Community Vital Signs efforts are community driven and guided by the San Bernardino County Community Transformation Plan, which provides a common understanding of key issues and how factors such as education, economy, safety, and health issues are often interrelated and affect one another. The well-being of county residents is influenced by social circumstances and environmental factors, otherwise known as the Social Determinants of Health. Through a multi-sector collaboration and focus on collective impact, Community Vital Signs is dedicated to creating opportunities to address population health and improve health outcomes, while at the same time transforming our county into a healthier place to live, work, learn and play.
Jennifer Baptiste-Smith, Division Chief of Community Health Services
Jennifer has more than twenty-five years of accomplishments in the areas of program management, social work and health administration. She brings valuable insight and knowledge regarding challenges facing the healthcare arena. She has been employed with the County of San Bernardino since 1990 and currently serves as the Division Chief of Community Health Services and Chief Executive Officer for the four Federally Qualified Health Care Centers in San Bernardino County. During her tenure with the Department of Public Health, Jennifer has served as a Deputy Chief, Community Health Services; Public Health Program Manager and Public Health Program Coordinator. She has also served in various capacities which include Maternal Child & Adolescent Health Co-Director, Adolescent Family Life Program Director and Child Health Disability Prevention Program Deputy Director for the County of San Bernardino.
As a Public Health Program Manager, Jennifer has actively worked with public and private partners to assure that the unique health needs of the community are addressed through a data driven efforts for health promotion, prevention and access to care. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to establish strong networks of social and health care contacts in the arena of prevention, treatment services and resource acquisition (local, state and federal, private and public, health, medical, psychosocial and environmental, education and research) to assist in improving the needs of children and families at risk. She is an active member various local community collaborations and planning bodies, this includes leading funding and a fiscal vision for efficient and effective use of public health resources to heighten awareness and improve health outcomes.
Jennifer holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of La Verne, a Bachelor of Science from New York Institute of Technology and a certificate in Grant Development and Management for California State University, San Bernardino. In 2011, she also completed the County of San Bernardino Management and Leadership Academy, Executive Development Program. In her spare time, she enjoys horticulture and spending quite time with the family.
Department Administration
Department Administration… Executive Staff… Division Chiefs… What do they do? Located on the third floor at 351 North Mountain View in San Bernardino, the DPH Administrative office is a busy place! It is the home base for Trudy Raymundo, Director; Corwin Porter, Assistant Director; Dr. Ohikhuare, Health Officer; Kelly Welty, Chief Financial Officer; Jennifer Baptiste-Smith and Daniel Perez, Public Health Division Chiefs; Public Information Officer, Lana Cao; and three Executive Secretaries. The office is also a proxy-home for Brian Cronin, Chief of Animal Care and Control; Josh Dugas, Chief of Environmental Health Services; and Ken Johnston, Quality and Compliance Officer, who are stationed in nearby offices.
The County Administrative Office holds Trudy accountable for effectively leading the Department of Public Health; for achieving its goals, objectives, and performance measures; and to ensure its budget is accurately and efficiently managed. She is often called upon by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to answer questions on a wide array of recommendations presented for their approval. Her time is in high demand from County executives, many committees, staff, and community and partner stakeholders. She is also the President of the County Health Executive Association of California (CHEAC), which lobbies for legislation that will help advance public health and assist local health departments carry out their missions. She has been instrumental in guiding the Department through the Community Vital Signs (CVS), Transformation and Strategic Plan processes; the launch of two open performance sites (CVS and Health Stat) and an Electronic Health Records system; and the implementation of Quality Improvement.
Corwin oversees the operations of the department and like Trudy, he and the Division Chiefs must balance many competing priorities to ensure that divisions are achieving their performance objectives. A day in the life of a department executive involves processing a tremendous amount of information in order to make important decisions that affect staffing levels, revenue and expenses, legal matters, program operations, personnel issues, work with other departments and outside agencies, community needs and public relations, just to name a few. Dr. “O” is appointed by the BOS to preserve and protect the public health and is authorized by the State of California to enforce laws and ordinances pertaining to public health. As the Chief Financial Officer, Kelly is responsible for overseeing a $100 million dollar budget. Executives meet together bi-weekly to discuss recent and pending BOS items and to help ensure that they understand and uniformly address a number of topics that may have an impact on the Department.
“It is exceptionally rewarding to lead a Department so full of talented and committed people. Thank you for all that you do each day to make Public Health great!” –Trudy Raymundo
Tiffani Clay, Public Service Employee
Tiffani Clay has worked for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for 7 months. Tiffani started at the County as a Public Service Employee for Economic Development Agency where she spent over 2 years.
Tiffani’s current assignments include serving as the project assistant for the San Bernardino County Reentry Collaborative and assisting the Special Project Coordinator, Caryn Nunley, in the implementation and monitoring of the grants awarded to the Department relating to Reentry including Community Recidivism Reduction and Proposition 47.
“I have learned a lot of new skills and met a lot of wonderful and caring people during my time at Public Health. Working with the Reentry program has opened my eyes to the difficulties that the formerly incarcerated must face as they reenter the community. I’ve also been able to observe the amazing work that the Reentry Collaborative’s members and partners have done by dedicating their time in helping those disadvantaged.
On a more personal note, I have been living here in San Bernardino County for over 15 years. Born in Fontana, I spent most of my childhood in San Bernardino. After moving to Rancho Cucamonga in 2010, I attended Etiwanda High School where I lettered in Varsity Soccer and Athletic Training. In my spare time I enjoy attending music festivals, stand-up comedy shows, and watching sports. Go Eagles!”
Reentry
The San Bernardino County Reentry Collaborative (SBCRC) is a partnership of agencies, organizations and individuals committed to making our communities safer through the successful reentry and long-term success of the formerly incarcerated. The SBCRC has continuously met on a bi-monthly basis to work on its Strategic Plan. Because of the continued collaboration by the community (federal, state, and local government agencies and community- and faith-based organizations) and the disproportionate number of ex-offenders, the Department was awarded the Proposition 47 grant from the State of California’s Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) in 2017.
Proposition 47 was a voter-approved initiative on the November 2014 ballot that reduced from felonies to misdemeanors specified low-level drug and property crimes. Each year, the state savings generated by the implementation of Proposition 47 are deposited into the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund. Sixty-five percent of these savings are set aside annually for the BSCC to administer a competitive grant program. Proposition 47 required that these funds be awarded to public agencies to provide mental health services, substance use disorder treatment and/or diversion programs for those in the criminal justice system. Additional legislation requires that the grants be awarded competitively, specifies that funds may serve both adults and juveniles and also allows funds to be used for housing-related assistance and other community-based supportive services, including job skills training, case management or civil legal services.
The BSCC awarded the first round of Proposition 47 grants on June 15, 2017. San Bernardino County Department of Public Health was one of the 23 public agencies who were awarded the grant for a 38-month grant period, ending on August 15, 2020.
The Department continues to chair the SBCRC. More information can be found on the SBCRC website.
Donna Kentnor, Secretary I
Donna Kentnor has worked with the County since June, 1998 and has worked with the Department of Public Health since June, 2000.
“Human Resources is a very active and important part of the Public Health Department. In my tenure I have worked alongside five (5) Human Resources Officers (HRO) assisting with everything from processing new employee and/or promotional fingerprinting to managing the Blood Bourne Pathogen and the HRO’s calendar. I pride myself on providing the utmost customer service. My 18 years with the Department of Public Health has allowed me to be a reliable resource to both internal and external clients. It has been an honor to provide secretarial support to the Human Resources Officers who have been assigned to the Department of Public Health as well as the many wonderful employees who make this department a great place to work.
Outside of my employment area, I am a proud pet parent for two cats, Sparkle and Skittles. I am an active member of several animal rights organizations.
Also I am interested in historical events, such as the Civil War and World War II as well as keeping up with the latest fashion and decorating trends.”
Human Resources
The Human Resources Department is committed to providing effective customer service to all departments, employees, and constituents of San Bernardino County through the timely delivery of innovative, quality human resources systems, programs, and services.
Donna’s daily responsibilities, aside from being an excellent information resource to everyone, include day to day questions related to finger printing, EAP’s, Blood Borne Pathogen training, just to name a few.
Bernadette Beltran, Health Education Specialist II
“I began my career in Public Health as a Public Service Employee in the Maternal and Child Health Program. I then moved to the Friday Night Live Program and stayed there for a majority of my years. I loved working with the Youth throughout the County providing them with skills and opportunities to help them reach their full potential. I got promoted in 2017 to a Health Education Specialist II with Community Outreach and Innovation, Healthy Communities Program. I now get the opportunity to help make an impact in not only youth life’s but all County residents.
I am also the wellness advocate of our Department. Yes, all those emails regarding upcoming class, come from me. Being a Health Educator allows me to be out in the public working with the community, which is what I enjoy doing. “Improving the overall health of everyone is why I love being part of the Public Health Department.”
I was born and raised in Redlands. I have been married to my junior high sweetheart for 21 years. Outside of work I enjoying camping with my family in San Diego and at the River, watching baseball and playing softball. I have a son in High School, a daughter in college and I am a proud Marine Mom!”
Health Education
Health Education staff are imbedded in multiple programs throughout the Department, from Clinic Operations, Communicable Disease Services, Family Health Services and Black Infant Health, to Nutrition and WIC, to Animal Care & Control, Preparedness and Response and Environmental Health Services, to Friday Night Live, HIV Prevention and Ryan White Services, and to the new Oral Health Program. Health Education staff also provide critical support to the Community Outreach and Innovation/Healthy Communities, Accreditation and Strategic Planning efforts for the Department. Health Education staff work with various customers and partners, both internal and external, to increase awareness and knowledge, provide linkages and referrals, promote healthy lifestyles and empower behavior change to improve the health of the community.
In addition to allocating health education staff to support the goals and objectives of other programs in the Department of Public Health, the Health Education Section provides direct community-based prevention and education programs in other areas including:
Friday Night Live (FNL)
• Prevents underage drinking and drug use in high school and middle school teens and through parental/community involvement
• Maintains San Bernardino FNL Partnership to engage youth as drug-free lifestyle advocates
Car Seat Safety
• Educates parents on proper use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts
• Offers low-cost car seats to income eligible families who reside in San Bernardino County
• Conducts a Violator Intervention Program (VIP) for persons referred by the courts for citation of non-use of child restraints
HIV Prevention
• Provides community based rapid HIV testing services
• Delivers clinic-based education and support to persons living with HIV and works to retain or re-engage individuals in comprehensive system of care
Medical Marijuana ID Card Program
• The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health accepts applications for Medical Marijuana Identification Cards from qualified patients and caregivers.
Volunteer Services Program
• The Volunteer Services Program (VSP) provides short and long-term placement for student interns and volunteers in the Department of Public Health (DPH). VSP offers participants hands-on Public Health experience, skills and knowledge, and networking opportunities that may enable a transition to the career field.
Raúl Robles, Office Assistant III
Raúl Robles has been with the Department of Environmental Health Services for 23 years. Over the course of those years he has had a number of achievements including:
-Providing clerical assistance with the passage of the Mosquito and Vector Control Program’s Benefit Assessment Ordinance in 1996
-Being the subject matter expert for the Mosquito and Vector Control Program
-Being one of the first users of the County Cal Card in Public Health in late 2006
-Assisted with implementation of Environmental Health Services’ transition to the Electronic Record Request platform
Raúl has also been Employee of the Month, not once, but twice in 2009 and 2017!
In his personal life, Raúl has had a big lifestyle change in 2009 by losing 139 lbs. He can be seen many times taking brisk walks on his breaks and lunch.
He has raised two children to adulthood and is a recent grandfather to his granddaughter Ava.
Additionally, Raúl enjoys bowling.
Division of Environmental Health Services (DEHS)
The Division of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) is dedicated to improving the quality of life by protecting public health, promoting safety and preventing environmental hazards so those who reside, visit, and invest can prosper and achieve well-being.
DEHS serves the public in the prevention of disease and illness through the use of education, enforcement and collaboration. The DEHS Food Protection Program conducts food facility inspections, provides consultation services to food facility operators that would like to improve their safety standards, trains food service workers on safe food handling practices and investigates complaints on facilities at which food-borne illnesses are suspected. The Recreational Health Program inspects public swimming pools, spas, water slides, lakes and lagoons for possible health and safety hazards. The Housing & Property Improvement Program inspects and assesses environmental hazards, as well as responding to complaints at apartments, motels/hotels, camps, detention facilities and bed and breakfast facilities. DEHS Land Use Protection Program (LUPP) serves the public in the prevention of disease and illness caused by environmental factors through effective environmental management, which includes disease surveillance, routine inspections, education and enforcement. LUPP regulates water, wastewater, land use, medical waste, body art facilities and practitioners, solid waste entities and mosquito and vector control.
Tab Okonkwo, Program Specialist I
Tab has worked for the County of San Bernardino since 2004. He began his career with the Department of Child Support Services as a Child Support Officer, eventually working as the Compromise of Arrears Program Coordinator. In 2017, Tab promoted to a Program Specialist I in the Compliance unit/Community Vital Signs (CVS) for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.
Tab has been instrumental to Community Vital Signs which serves as the County’s wellness initiative and supports the Countywide Vision.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of CVS. My current assignments include the development, implementation, and management of a web-based tracking system used by multi-sectoral partners. The system is integral to monitoring the activities from the San Bernardino County Community Transformation Plan. Efforts to implement this plan will positively impact the health of our residents. In addition, I am involved in the redesign of our initiative’s website to provide a better intuitive interface for our visitors and a more gratifying user experience. At CVS we are also in the planning phases for the upcoming Community Health Assessment that will update valuable data to better inform our community members and public health so that they can make data-driven decisions to improve health outcomes.”
Tab enjoys spending time with his family, including their adopted boxer, London. “My children make me extremely proud and keep me very busy—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Tab was born and raised in London, England where he attended Middlesex University. He visits his family in London often, and enjoys sharing the English culture with his children.
Outside work, Tab’s passion for soccer is only eclipsed by his 13 year old son. They both enjoy playing and watching soccer together. When he can find the time, Tab is an avid wood worker, sourcing furniture pieces from thrift stores to refinish or repurpose. Tab also enjoys long rides on his motorcycle on the weekends.
“I’m extremely fortunate to enjoy what I do while appreciating each and every one that I work with.”
Compliance Unit
The Compliance Unit provides program and policy development and support services through research, analysis, interpretation, and implementation of local, state, and federal laws and initiatives. Compliance is ensured through the development of policy, standard practices, and training tools as well as the investigation of privacy breaches. The Compliance Team also has the responsibility to support DPH divisions and programs through the management of special projects, training and education, contract monitoring, marketing of services, performance management and quality improvement initiatives, and building relationships with county and non-government agencies.
Community Vital Signs (CVS)
Community Vital Signs provides a community health improvement framework and basis for aligning resources to improve the health and wellness of county residents. Community Vital Signs efforts are community driven and guided by the San Bernardino County Community Transformation Plan, which provides a common understanding of key issues and how factors such as education, economy, safety, and health issues are often interrelated and affect one another. The well-being of county residents is influenced by social circumstances and environmental factors, otherwise known as the Social Determinants of Health. Through a multi-sector collaboration and focus on collective impact, Community Vital Signs is dedicated to creating opportunities to address population health and improve health outcomes, while at the same time transforming our county into a healthier place to live, work, learn and play.
Kanisha Neal, Regional Breastfeeding Liaison (RBL)
Kanisha Neal, a.k.a Kay or Patty Kay, has worked for San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for 2 and a half years. She began her journey with the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program as a Registered Dietitian servicing the cities of Victorville and Fontana. She is currently serving as the WIC Regional Breastfeeding Liaison (RBL). In this role, she facilitates seamless breastfeeding support throughout the county by supporting workplace lactation accommodation efforts, facilitating breastfeeding education for health care providers, educating legislators, and coordinating with community partners and coalitions to develop and promote consistent breastfeeding messages.
“I was about a year into my role as a WIC Dietitian when I applied for the RBL position. I really enjoyed interacting with the participants every day, but something was missing for me in that environment. Now, I have the opportunity to combine my passion for health, breastfeeding, and advocacy all in one lovely package. My favorite experience thus far has been forming the San Bernardino County Breastfeeding Collective. The Collective is essentially a taskforce of professionals that impact mothers and their babies. We meet quarterly to learn from one another and collaborate on projects that will support mothers in informed decision making, and to uplift breastfeeding as the normative feeding choice for infants. The moniker Collective is partially inspired by the Inland Empire Record Collective. I really enjoy collecting and listening to vinyl records, and the Collective record event is essentially a gathering of beautiful people who learn from one another all while grooving and having tons of fun. I like to think that the health advocates of San Bernardino County can meet to talk about breastfeeding while having just as much flare as music buffs.”
“When I’m not working, I’m probably still promoting breastfeeding in some way, shape or form! I enjoy exploring antique shops, reading, writing poetry, listening to music, learning a new skill, playing mini golf, and much more. I really enjoy spending time with my family, so I’m constantly trying to get my siblings (Sa’de, La’Mar, and Autry) to hang out with me and play board games. My mom, Patricia, doesn’t play board games, but she is my movie partner. My good friends Candace and Gretchen are just plain awesome sauce, so I spend time with them regularly. I try to sow into my whole-being as often as possible, so I recently attended the NerdyGirl Academy seminar in San Bernardino. There isn’t enough space on this page to describe the experience that I had. I’ll just say that this seminar was so much more than a seminar, and now I have been blessed with 20+ new, beautiful, amazing, and powerful soul sisters! And in NerdyGirl fashion, I will end this summary with an excerpt from our NerdyGirl Mantra:
“When care is pressing you down a bit-Rest if I must, but I won’t quit!”
The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program
The WIC Program is a federally-funded nutrition education and supplemental food program that helps lower income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to the age of 5 eat well and stay healthy. The program promotes, supports and protects exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for at least the first year. WIC offers free nutrition and health education in an interactive “participant-centered” environment. Participants receive education through one-on-one contacts, interactive group settings, and available on-line options which allow participants to learn on their own time, at their own pace. WIC also plays a significant role in providing referrals to healthcare and other community services.
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health offers WIC services at 17 locations throughout the county, employs 149 people, and is funded to serve a caseload of 75,470 participants per month. In addition, San Bernardino County has over 200 authorized WIC vendors serving our participants. In October 2020, California State WIC will be rolling out EBT which will allow participants to shop with an EBT card instead of paper checks. The program is grateful to have dedicated, hard-working staff, like Kanisha, who strives every day to make a positive difference in their community.
Dorothy Richardson, Supervising Office Specialist/Interim Clinic Operations Supervisor
Dorothy Richardson is a Supervising Office Specialist/ Interim Clinic Operations Supervisor with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Clinic Operations Section. “Since coming to Public Health in April 2015 from Child Support Services I have been challenged to propel myself by becoming a useful resource for Clinic Operations. My current position requires me to be flexible in my tasks as well as my whereabouts. I may work in Ontario today and Hesperia tomorrow. I am also flexible in my duties, I may be called on to supervise clinical staff, clerical staff, provide administrative support, and anything in between, but I am happy to help out wherever I can. My experiences at Public Health has allowed me to grow and mature in my career path and I am thankful for the opportunity.”
Dorothy’s hobbies include traveling and spending time with family. “I love beholding the beauty of new places and revisiting previous places to refresh my memory of them. When I retire I plan to travel as much as possible and if I can afford it I want to live either at or near the beach. When I am traveling with family it just completes the picture. My husband, four boys and five grandchildren are everything to me”.
Clinic Operations
The Clinic Operations Section operates four Federally Qualified Health Centers (Adelanto, Hesperia, Ontario and San Bernardino) and three clinics (Barstow, Big Bear and Needles). We provide affordable preventative and primary care services for insured, uninsured, and under-insured County residents. Services include primary care, behavioral health, family planning, STD (sexually transmitted diseases) testing and treatment, maternal health, routine vaccinations and preventative dental services. Patients are never denied services due to inability to pay for services. Our mission is to protect health, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being.
Angelia Butler, Pre-Registered Nutritionist
Angelia Butler is a Pre-Registered Nutritionist with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Nutrition Program. During the past year and a half, she has worked with senior citizens in both the low and high deserts to implement the Walk with Ease, and Eat Better and Move More Programs for the Department of Aging and Adult Services. She has also worked with food retailers to deliver nutrition education and food/drink demonstrations for the public, conduct work site nutrition education for store employees, and provide education and training to store owners to ensure the availability of healthy food options for the community. Last, but not least, she assists with My Hair, My Health which uses hair and hair health as the platform for nutrition and physical activity education for African American women.
She is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed and appreciates being able to work alongside a group of unique ladies in the nutrition program; each have a contagious passion for the community and use their gifts and talents to reach the community in innovative ways. During her time with the nutrition program, she has learned to be a better public speaker and has taken the lead in roles assigned.
Angelia has been a Type 1 diabetic for 20 years and has been on an insulin pump for the majority of her diabetic life. She was diagnosed in elementary school and is thankful for strong family supports that helped her cope through the process. She one day hopes to become a certified diabetes educator so that she will be able to give back to the community and help others with diabetes.
In her free time, Angelia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, her dog (Cashew), shopping, reading, getting out of the city and getting massages. She loves dogs and Winnie the Pooh. She is looking forward to new opportunities to further her growth as a person and as a professional in the nutrition field.
Nutrition
The Nutrition Program is comprised of a team of professional Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) and Health Education Specialists (HES) that operates as an integral component of the Department of Public Health to deliver the most current and accurate nutrition and health information to county residents.
As part of the statewide Champions for Change effort, we focus on preventing nutrition and activity-related chronic diseases and improving food security among low-income residents by:
• Providing information and education to promote food resource management, healthy eating, and a physically
active lifestyle, and
• Creating supportive food and activity environments in collaboration with community partners in order to make healthy choices easier where people eat, live,
learn, work, play, shop and worship.
Other services provided by RDN and HES staff include:
• Nutrition assessments, education and follow-up for persons treated at the Ontario, San Bernardino, Hesperia and Adelanto Health Centers, as well as
participants in the Child Health & Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program, and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPP),
• Technical expertise and quality assurance for the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Senior Nutrition Program, and
• Participation in state mandated inspections of local correctional facilities.
With the assistance of subcontractors and trained extenders (such as teachers and Community Health Leaders), we serve a large portion of residents that are low-income or eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh across the county.
In San Bernardino County, 72% of adults 18 year or older are overweight or obese compared to 62.5% of adults across the state. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. Healthy eating and physical activity are the building blocks for healthy bodies. Greater consumption of fruits and vegetables and regular physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of obesity-related diseases, as well as improved weight management.
Lieutenant Christy Hamrick (Supervising Animal Control Officer I)
Lieutenant Christy Hamrick has been a County of San Bernardino employee for 12 years and has spent all of that time with Animal Care and Control. Christy began her career as an Animal Control Officer and in 2014 was promoted into the position of Animal Health Investigator. During her time as the Animal Health Investigator she oversaw a criminal case which resulted in Animal Care and Control’s first defendant in an animal cruelty case held on one million dollars bail. In 2016 Christy was promoted into her current position as a Supervising Animal Control Officer I position. Christy currently oversees Animal Care and Control’s Investigative Section, as well as, supervising the Central Valley field Animal Control Officers.
During her time off Christy enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids camping and off-roading in Glamis. Christy spends a great deal of her time off taking care of her “mini” farm and if that isn’t enough, she and her horse Waylon also compete in as many Barrel Racing events as possible.
Animal Care and Control
The mission of the San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control Program is to prevent rabies in humans and pets, to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spaying and neutering, to protect and serve the public and pets by enforcing all laws and ordinances pertaining to Animal Care & Control, to care for all animals domestic and wild, to reunite lost pets with their owners, to place unwanted pets into new homes, and to maintain a high quality of service.
Terry Soliz, Office Assistant III
Terry Soliz is an Office Assistant III in Vital Statistics. She has worked with the Department of Public Health for 5 years. Terry began her employment with the county in 2012 as a temp for the Department of Behavioral Health as an Office Assistant III and then transitioned to Public Health. In the Vital Statistics program, her main responsibilities include registering birth certificates in the state database.
Terry holds an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology-Computer Networking, but also plans to continue her education in IT/Business Administration in the near future. Outside of work her hobbies include spending time with family, cooking, baking, play sports especially soccer, walk my dogs and dancing.
Vital Statistics
The Vital Statistics Section operates as the Local Registration District (LRD) for San Bernardino County. Lauren Ortiz is the Chief Deputy Registrar, serving under Dr. Ohikhuare, who as the Health Officer is designated by law as the Local Registrar. Currently in Vital Statistics we have seven full-time staff, known as “Deputy Registrars” to the State, and one Public Service Employee (PSE).
As the Local Registration District, this team is responsible for registering all births, deaths and fetal death events which occur within San Bernardino County, and transmitting originals to the State on a weekly basis.
We assist hospitals, mortuaries, and the public with the registration process, including families that have opted for an out-of-hospital birth, and amending records as the need may arise. We issue the permit for disposition of human remains, and provide letters for transporting bodies out of country. Vital Statistics is also able to issue certified copies of San Bernardino County birth, death, and fetal death events which occurred within the last 24 months.
2017 Employee & Program Spotlight
- JanuaryJanuary
- FebruaryFebruary
- MarchMarch
- AprilApril
- MayMay
- JuneJune
- JulyJuly
- AugustAugust
- SeptemberSeptember
- OctoberOctober
- NovemberNovember
- DecemberDecember
Shantela Stanfield, Registered Nurse
“My name is Shantela Stanfield. I have been a Registered Nurse with San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Clinic Operations for nearly six years. During my tenure, I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with a diverse group of employees whose number one goal is to provide great customer service and patient care to the community they serve. Over the years, the acquired experience I have gained is more than any single nurse may achieve over their career.”
My previous experience was inpatient Acute Care NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and Dental Anesthesia. In my current role, I cover multiple clinics; refugee, maternal health, pediatrics, primary care and immunizations. While in my role as an RN II with Clinic Operations, I was given the opportunity to complete and obtain a Forensic Nursing Certification. Also, I completed my MSN (Master’s in Nursing) in Informatics, and I consider this a major achievement as computer science and nursing science are becoming a major form of communication in healthcare.
I look forward to developing in this area of expertise as time moves forward. The nursing field is always changing and growing. It is important to be educated and understand where the future of nursing is heading. I feel it is important to have a desire to gain knowledge and develop as an individual as well as a nurse.
In my personal time, I love spending time with my family, scrapbooking, listening to the birds, hiking, Crossfit and singing. Keeping a work-life balance is important to me. I pride myself on being fit and healthy. I have literally come a long way from when I was first introduced to Public Health and Clinic Operations. I can say with all confidence that I am a better nurse having been given the opportunity to acquire experience and adding it to the years of my nursing career.”
Elenita Jover, Licensed Vocational Nurse
Elenita Jover is a shining light for the patients she serves. Elenita has more than seventeen years of employment with the Department of Public Health, as a Licensed Vocational Nurse II. She has worked in various service areas, e.g., Maternal Health and HIV services to name a few. Elenita brings valuable insight and knowledge to a number of specialty areas regarding the challenges facing the women’s healthcare.
Elenita has been employed with the County of San Bernardino since 2000 and currently serves as the Licensed Vocational Nurse with the Clinic Operations section. Elenita strives to provide excellent patient services, and is results-oriented with demonstrated leadership capabilities. Prior to coming to Public Health, she worked eight years in the Philippines as a licensed mid-wife. In her spare time she spends every joyable moment with her family.
Clinical Operations
Clinic Operations is comprised of eight Public Health clinics located throughout San Bernardino County that offer a wide variety of services, including: primary care, behavioral health, pediatrics, routine and travel vaccines and immunization services, cancer screening, family planning, laboratory, x-ray and reproductive health services. In addition, we provide anonymous rapid HIV testing at three of our health centers. We also offer integrated mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence services at all FQHC’s (Federally Qualified Health Centers). Four of the clinics are FQHC’s that allow us to serve the uninsured and underinsured regardless of immigration status.
Bobby Lou Moll, Nutritionist
Bobby Lou Moll is a Nutritionist with the Department of Public Health Nutrition Program for San Bernardino County. Over the past two years she has worked with youth groups at community centers in the City of San Bernardino and provides technical assistance for the school/after-school program. She enjoys conducting nutrition and physical activity education classes and doing recipe and spa water demonstrations. Her previous experience as a clinical dietitian and professor of nutrition science has been an invaluable asset in preparing her to conduct trainings for nutrition educators.
She appreciates the opportunities the county provides to collaborate with partners to further nutrition education, physical activity and obesity prevention outreach. Currently she attends County Nutrition Action Partnership meetings and sits on the subcommittees for Mobile Fresh Bus and Summer Meals.
In her free time, Bobby Lou enjoys spending time with friends and family, writing, trying new recipes, reading and hiking. She is excited to begin a new chapter of her life as she is planning her wedding this year.
Nutrition
The Nutrition Program is comprised of a team of professional Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) and Health Education Specialists (HES) that operates as an integral component of the Department of Public Health to deliver the most current and accurate nutrition and health information to county residents.
As part of the statewide Champions for Change effort, we focus on preventing nutrition and activity-related chronic diseases and improving food security among low-income residents by:
• Providing information and education to promote food resource management, healthy eating, and a physically
active lifestyle, and
• Creating supportive food and activity environments in collaboration with community partners in order to make healthy choices easier where people eat, live,
learn, work, play, shop and worship.
Other services provided by RDN and HES staff include:
• Nutrition assessments, education and follow-up for persons treated at the Ontario, San Bernardino, Hesperia and Adelanto Health Centers, as well as
participants in the Child Health & Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program, and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPP),
• Technical expertise and quality assurance for the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Senior Nutrition Program, and
• Participation in state mandated inspections of local correctional facilities.
With the assistance of subcontractors and trained extenders (such as teachers and Community Health Leaders), we serve a large portion of residents that are low-income or eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh across the county.
In San Bernardino County, 72% of adults 18 year or older are overweight or obese compared to 62.5% of adults across the state. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. Healthy eating and physical activity are the building blocks for healthy bodies. Greater consumption of fruits and vegetables and regular physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of obesity-related diseases, as well as improved weight management.
Nishalet “Nish” Wilson, Captain of Shelter Services (Supervising Animal Control Officer II)
Nishalet Wilson is the Captain of Shelter Services with Animal Care and Control and has been with the County for over 21 years. “I started as a Dispatcher in 1996 when I came to Public Health. I promoted up to Animal Control officer in 1999. I promoted up to Supervising Animal Control Officer I (Lieutenant) in 2008. Finally, I promoted up to Supervising Animal Control Officer II (Captain) last year in August.
I enjoy watching movies/television shows (I can be a binge watcher), reading books, good nutritional-health and sharing my healthy finds with friends and family, listening to all types of music. Enjoying life!!!!”
Animal Care and Control
The mission of the San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control Program is to prevent rabies in humans and pets, to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spaying and neutering, to protect and serve the public and pets by enforcing all laws and ordinances pertaining to Animal Care & Control, to care for all animals domestic and wild, to reunite lost pets with their owners, to place unwanted pets into new homes, and to maintain a high quality of service.
Barbara Jean Williams, Office Assistant III
“I am an Office Assistant III in Vital Statistics and have been with the County for 19 years. I started out as a Clerk III for the Teen Pregnancy Reduction Program under Children’s Network. I was transferred to the Department of Public Health Vital Statistics Department in 2000. I was reclassified as an Office Assistant III in December, 2004. I register birth certificates for 10 Hospitals, out-of-hospital births, greet the public by telephone and other duties. Additionally, we are required to go to training twice a year. I have helped to keep Vital Statistics in the 80% of registering Birth Certificates on time. I enjoy doing my work and meeting people.
I enjoy reading and studying my Bible, doing word search puzzles, reading magazines and books, watching movies and television shows. I love greeting, praying, helping and seeing people happy.”
Vital Statistics
Our mission at Vital Statistics is to register all births and deaths and issue burial permits for all events that occur in San Bernardino County in a timely manner. The Vital Statistics Program is a small group of very dedicated staff. We serve our customers during the joyous times and also during some of the most difficult times in their lives. We provide information to the public and guidance to hospitals and mortuaries regarding the registration process for birth and death certificates. We also issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events which have occurred in the current or prior calendar years.
Marleah Moore, Supervising Pediatric Rehabilitation Therapist I
“Marleah is a Supervising Pediatric Rehabilitation Therapist I for the County of San Bernardino California Children’s Services (CCS) at the Siegrist Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) in Hesperia. She graduated from Loma Linda University in 1988 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy with her final clinical rotation at the La Granada MTU in Riverside County CCS. .
“I immediately fell in love with Pediatrics during this clinical rotation and was hired at the completion of my internship. I worked for Riverside County CCS for five years. In 1993 I came to the county of San Bernardino as a Staff Pediatric Rehabilitation Therapist at the Redlands MTU, then was transferred to the Siegrist MTU later that year. I was a treating therapist at Siegrist MTU for seven years before being promoted to the Unit Supervisor position in 2000. When I first came to Siegrist MTU in 1993 there were four staff members including the supervisor. We now serve 360 clients and have 19 staff and are the largest MTU in the county. The medical therapy units provide physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) to children from birth to 21 years of age with eligible diagnosis.
“CCS is a very special, unique program and I feel so fortunate to have had the pleasure of working for this agency my entire career. We have the opportunity to connect with our patients and their families in a very well-rounded way. Because we serve children from birth to 21 years of age we develop trusting, long-term relationships with the clients we serve and their families. I have had the pleasure of working with the best staff in the world at Siegrist MTU over the past 20+ years! They are a very dynamic team who go above and beyond every day to provide exceptional service to the clients we serve and their families.
“One example of this is the Siegrist MTU Annual Sports Expo and Resource Fair, which is an annual event for the clients and their families in addition to the community as a whole. This May 17th we will be hosting the Annual Sports Expo and will have over 20 vendors in attendance. The staff also started a teenage peer support group called “The Wahooski’s” in September 2005. The name “Wahooski” was one of the suggestions the initial group of kids made and voted on. The term “Wahooski” means “friendships from within.” The teen group has met monthly since 2005 at the therapy unit and provides opportunities for peer interaction, fun conversation, friendships, and group therapy. The goal of this teen support group is to help each child maximize their abilities and provide resources for independence, making it possible for them to rise above the ordinary. One of our staff therapists also started a Baby Group which meets weekly to provide PT/OT in a group setting with parents and grandparents in participation with the therapists. This has been a huge success as well!
“I have a wonderful, large family: five kids and three beautiful grandsons. Our newest arrival was Owen who was born on Valentine’s Day 2017. We all enjoy the outdoors and have taken annual family camping trips to Twin Lakes in Mammoth where we love to go fishing, hiking and bike riding. All of our kids played baseball, softball and football so needless to say we all love sports! WE are die-hard Notre Dame “Fighting Irish” fans (including the grandkids) as well as Denver Bronco fans! We took a trip last December to Mile High Stadium for my first Denver Bronco game in Colorado. My husband Darrin and I enjoy traveling to Cabo San Lucas every year and look forward to being able to travel to new destinations now that we have a nearly empty nest.”
California Children’s Services (CCS)
Under the partnership between the California Department of Health Care Services and the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, the California Children’s Services (CCS) Program is comprised of a team of medical professionals and administrative staff who work together to achieve maximum potential for those with physically debilitating health conditions. Our staff deliver excellent medical case management services: authorizing medical providers to perform diagnostic and treatment services for our eligible children; completing social work assessments and intervention; and providing physical and occupational therapy services to children under age 21 with CCS eligible medical conditions. Examples of CCS eligible conditions include, but are not limited to, chronic medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, cerebral palsy, heart disease, cancer, traumatic injuries, and infectious diseases that may produce major consequences.
Ashley Flores, Medical Emergency Planning Specialist (MEPS)
Ashley Flores is a Medical Emergency Planning Specialist within the Preparedness and Response Program (PRP) and serves in the role as the Pandemic Influenza Coordinator for the County. She is responsible for coordinating with the healthcare community to prepare for a healthcare surge response from a pandemic influenza outbreak. Ashley began her adventures in emergency management back in 2012 as an intern for PRP. Her passion and drive for emergency response planning landed her a consultant opportunity with the program, and from there she flourished into a full-time employee. Ashley is the subject matter expert for Accreditation in PRP, and is committed to helping the Department become accredited.
Throughout her college career, Ashley worked as a certified diamontologist for several large retail jewelry stores. Needless to say, she likes things that sparkle! Her experience in customer service prepared her well for the field of emergency preparedness. She learned how to work in a high stress environment with diverse groups of people, while maintaining a positive attitude. To whomever says that customer service isn’t difficult, they must have never worked until 11:00 p.m. on the night before Christmas Eve with yelling customers trying to get a discount!
Ashley is an alumni of California State University, San Bernardino, where she now holds a part-time lecturer position in the Department of Health Science and Human Ecology. She graduated in 2013 with her Master’s in Public Health with a focus in public health emergency planning.
Ashley is married to her wonderful husband, Derik, and is a fur-Mom to two dogs and two cats. Her favorite hobby is baking, so much that even the PRP team has coined her nickname as “Cupcake.”
Preparedness & Response Program (PRP)
The Preparedness and Response Program works to prepare for emergencies caused by bioterrorism, infectious disease, natural disasters, and other public health threats through the development and exercise of comprehensive public health emergency preparedness and response plans.
Our goal is to provide a coordinated response along with emergency responders and partner health agencies to meet the public health needs of our residents in the event of such a disaster. During an event the Department of Public Health will conduct disease surveillance, provide emergency health information, health precautions, health education, and links to additional public health resources.
To learn more about Preparedness & Response, check out their website.
Lori Geist, Automated Systems Analyst I (ASA I)
Lori Geist is an Automated Systems Analyst I within the Information Services program. After 10 years working with computers in private industry, she began working with the Department of Public Health in 1996 as an Automated Systems Technician then promoted to an ASA I. Lori has worked with Public Health for 18 of her 21 years with the County. Over the years, she has had her hands in everything IT-related from hardware/software installation and troubleshooting, server management, database and application development to most recently being focused on SharePoint utilization by DPH.
She has been involved with Accreditation through the development of the Public Health Accreditation SharePoint site, as part of the Accreditation Leadership Committee (ALC) and is the subject matter expert for Accreditation in IT.
Lori grew up in the Midwest and is an alumni of Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. Outside of work, Lori is an avid reader, enjoys cross stitch, crochet, quilting, and home renovation projects. She has three small dogs that believe they rule the roost.
Information Services (IS)
Information Services (IS) helps Public Health programs improve their services though the effective use of technology, and ensures access to digital information is efficient, secure and reliable. Business services includes: consulting for technology initiatives; gathering and analyzing business requirements and workflows; and project management. Technical services includes: system and user support for hardware and software; technology inventory and procurement; network maintenance; data security, storage, back-up, and disaster recovery.
Lauren Ortiz, Accountant III
Lauren Ortiz is an Accountant III within the Fiscal & Administration Service Unit (FAS). Lauren graduated from California State University; San Bernardino with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Riverside. She began her career with the County in 2010 as an Eligibility Worker for the Department of Transitional Assistance. In 2012, she was hired as an Accountant I by the Department of Public Health, where she was later promoted to an Accountant II and to her current position as an Accountant III. As an accountant for FAS, she provides fiscal support to various Public Health Programs which includes creating program budgets, tracking expenditures and revenues, and completing fiscal documentation for grant applications.
She has been involved with the Accreditation Committee (ALC) in the early development stages and has assisted in the first and initial gathering and review of documents. Currently she is participating in the Department’s Mentor/Mentee Program as a mentor.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 daughters. She also enjoys baking, completing DIY projects that she finds on Pinterest and never misses an episode of ‘The Walking Dead’
Fiscal and Administrative Services (FAS)
Fiscal and Administrative Services (FAS) is dedicated to assisting Public Health programs in the delivery of services that promote and improve health, wellness, safety, and quality of life. We do so by providing support, and sharing our expertise, in the areas of budget preparation and monitoring, grant monitoring and invoicing, fiscal auditing and fee studies, procurement, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, medical billing, facilities management, and warehouse. FAS employs knowledgeable and professional staff committed to helping the department reach its goals.
Asuncion Williams, Clinic Supervisor
Asuncion Williams “Asun” is a Clinic Supervisor within the Family Health Services section. Asun graduated from the Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Spain in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1986. She moved to California in 1989 and started her career working as a clinic nurse for San Bernardino County in the Public Health Maternal Health Clinic in 1992. At the present time she holds the position of Maternal Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Coordinator, Perinatal Services Coordinator, and Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Supervisor. Asun’s goal is to assure that all childbearing-aged women, adolescents, children and infants in San Bernardino County have access to quality health services, particularly those that reduce the incidence of low birth weight and premature delivery, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and handicapping conditions among children.
In her free time Asun enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Loretta Schnaus, Supervising Public Health Nurse
Loretta Schnaus, has been employed by Public Health for 23 years. Currently, she is a Supervising Public Health Nurse (SPHN) with Family Health Services. She states that, “over the years I have been able to work in several programs that serve clients using a standard of excellence which is a source of pride for continuing to work in Public Health.”
She has been involved in several committees over time, but she states that she has been involved with the Inland Empire Perinatal Maternal Mental Collaborative the longest (for over 8 years). During this time, the Collaborative has been able to bring awareness to the public and training to professionals serving women and families. It also was the catalyst for other more recent groups to address maternal mental health and the need for additional resources for women and families. ”
In her spare time, she enjoys various activities, such as sewing, quilting, gardening, volunteer work, spending time with her two grandchildren and many more activities that she hopes will fill her retirement in the next few years.
Sara Hernandez-Singh, Supervising Public Health Nurse
Sara Hernandez is a Supervising Public Health Nurse (SPHN) with the Family Health Services section. Sara graduated from Loma Linda University School of Nurse with a Baccalaureate in the Science of Nursing, and a Master’s in Public Health. She started working with the County in 1996 as a Public Health Nurse I with the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP), and in 2004 became an SPHN. Throughout her career, Sara has provided supervision for various programs including: the Lead Hazard Control Program, the Coordinated Asthma Referral and Education Program (CARE), SIDS, the Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Team, Jail Facility inspections, the Low Income First Time Mothers (LIFT); and assisted with supervision of some of the staff in the Cal-Learn Program. Sara has also participated in the successful grant writing for Sara is currently the SPHN for CLPPP, and one of two SPHNs in the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPFC), and Rx4 Kids Program. ”
“Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, raising our beautiful and energetic 3 year-old Amandeep, walking our young pit bull, gardening, and going to the movies with my husband. ”
Family Health Services (FHS)
Family Health Services Section (FHSS) specializes in programs that span cradle to career and covers the maternal, child, adolescent and young adult populations. The various programs seek to address conditions in which families and the community can be healthy by providing services in the homes, medical provider offices, hospitals, public and private agencies and in the community. Services include ensuring quality of obstetrical and pediatric health care; assessing for community health concerns and conditions; empowering families to adopt healthy life styles; organizing community efforts to embrace health promotion and core wellness values; advocating for promising, best and evidence based practices and programs; coordinating access to medical care, and working with California counties and California state agencies to advance public health policy. FHS staff is embedded in 14 locations throughout the County. Programs include Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, Fetal Infant Mortality Review, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Child Health and Disability Prevention, Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care, Rx 4 Kids, Black Infant Health, Children Screening, Assessment, Referral and Treatment Program, Childhood Lead Poisoning Program, Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation, School Screening and Jail Inspection.
Lana Cao, Public Information Officer
Lana Cao is the Public Information Officer within the Department of Public Health (DPH). She has been with the County for almost 5 years. “Most of my time at DPH has been with Environmental Health Services. My biggest accomplishment so far was creating my first Learning with Lana educational series on YouTube where my first episode highlighted what an inspection at a landfill entails. I was given the opportunity to present “Learning with Lana” at the 2015 National Environmental Health Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. I was initially embarrassed about the project (I don’t like being in the spotlight!), but I had such positive feedback and so much support from DPH staff that it made my experience more enjoyable!”
To decompress, I love going on food adventures to try new foods, watching LA Kings hockey, doing modern calligraphy and working on arts ‘n’ crafts. I also love the great outdoors and camping. One of my favorite things to do is rock climbing, both indoors and outdoors. The photo on the right is me climbing at the Mount San Jacinto State Park in Palm Springs.
Public Information
The Public Information Officer mainly handles the department’s internal and external communications, which includes being the main point of contact between the department and the media, coordinating news releases and other information provided to the public, and managing the department website and social media. Did you know that the department is on a number of different social media platforms? We’re on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Patricia Bolivar, Supervising Public Health Microbiologist
Patricia Bolivar joined the Lab as the Supervising Public Health Microbiologist in 2013. She brings to the lab a vast array of education and experience. In addition to her certification as a California Public Health Microbiologist, she is a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist, has a Masters in Forensics, and is completing her PhD in Public Health next Spring. In 2015 she was certified as a Public Health Practitioner. She completed the County Management & Leadership Academy in 2014. She came to us from the Los Angeles County Public Health Lab where she served as the Supervisor of the Bioterrorism section. Prior to working in public health, she worked for several years as a clinical supervisor in a hospital lab.
In addition to her education and experience, Patricia brings her positive attitude, high energy and diligence to everything she does in the lab. She has supported the lab mission and the County Vision through several challenges, including relocation, staff shortages, and the addition of new testing. She is an important part of our training program and competency assessment for workforce development. She takes on any job that needs doing and has worked in nearly every lab section.
Patricia was born in Colombia, South America. She is very proud of her four adult children and two grandchildren (with one on the way). She and her husband live in West Covina. She is very active and makes healthy living an important part of her life. She enjoys her family, travel, yoga, and gardening.
Public Health Laboratory
The Public Health Laboratory provides laboratory testing services to support San Bernardino County public health programs including Clinic Operations, Animal Care and Control, Environmental Health Services, and the Communicable Disease Section. The Lab also provides laboratory testing and reference services to local hospitals, medical providers, and law enforcement. The Lab relocated to the Ontario Health Center from San Bernardino in 2014. Our goal is to provide accurate and timely infectious disease testing to improve community health. We are at the forefront of public health practice available to test for a wide variety of diseases including tuberculosis, influenza, rabies, sexually transmitted diseases, enteric pathogens, and newer Public Health threats such as Zika Virus and West Nile Virus.
Laura Moore, Statistical Analyst
In the short 8 months she has been part of the Ryan White Team, Laura has provided data and analysis for a variety of projects including the 2016/2017 Annual Progress Report, 2017 Priority Setting and Resource Allocation (PSRA) Summit, 2017/2018 Core Services Waiver, and the 2018 Part A Grant Application. She has taken over the lead role for the TGA-wide Clinical Quality Management (CQM) Plan 2018-2020, Quality Improvement, and Data Monitoring. She has attended two HIV/AIDS Conferences (Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.) and traveled to contracted agencies throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties to conduct on-site contract monitoring. Laura is currently collaborating with Loma Linda University School of Dentistry on the relationship between oral health and HIV progression for their National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant, which may be used for San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s Accreditation efforts.
“I love 1950s-1960s Rock & Roll and Doo-Wop (The Zodiacs, Dion and the Belmonts, The Ronettes, The Four Seasons, Freddie Cannon, +100 more). I co-authored a chapter on sexual abuse in faith-based communities in Chadwick’s “Child Maltreatment: Cultures at Risk and Role of Professionals” (2013) while working on my PhD in New York City. I absolutely love Halloween and can watch scary movies all year long!”
Ryan White Program (Part A and B)
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Act was first passed by Congress in 1990 with the purpose of improving the quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. The act was named after Ryan White, a teenager from Indiana who brought awareness of the epidemic through his struggle with HIV/AIDS and AIDS-related discrimination. In 1994, the Department of Public Health of San Bernardino County began receiving Ryan White Program Part A funding to support programs in both San Bernardino County and Riverside County. The Ryan White Program office also administers Part B funding that is received from the California Office of AIDS for services in San Bernardino County. The program funds HIV service programs internally in the San Bernardino Department of Public Health as well as contracted services provided by various public and community-based organizations throughout the two-county area. Individuals served are those living with HIV in the two-county area who lack health insurance and the financial resources necessary to obtain the care and support services they need. Ryan White funded services include: Medical Care, Dental Care, Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse Services, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Home Care, Case Management, Housing, Food Services, Transportation Services, Psychosocial Support Services, and Outreach/Linkage Services. The Ryan White Program strives to improve the access, quality, and delivery of Ryan White Part A and B funded services to low income HIV positive individuals in the two-county area, thereby improving their quality of life and the health of the community as a whole.
2016 Employee & Program Spotlight
- AprilApril
- MayMay
- JuneJune
- JulyJuly
- AugustAugust
- SeptemberSeptember
- OctoberOctober
- NovemberNovember
- DecemberDecember
Ken Johnston, Chief of Quality and Compliance Officer
Ken Johnston has worked for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for 10 years. Much of his career before and after joining the County was in information technology. “I have always enjoyed how technology and project management exposed me to a variety of disciplines and gave me opportunities to work with a diverse group of incredible people. I learn something new every day.
When I first considered our department’s pursuit of national accreditation, I confess that I thought that we could handle it like any other project – an additional assignment, if you will. What I quickly learned is that Public Health Accreditation is an entire culture shift for health departments. It is a change in thought process and a commitment to quality performance at every level in our organization.
I am proud of the leadership and direction from Jennifer Pennell and the Accreditation Leadership Committee, and the tremendous work we have all done in order to submit our Statement of Intent! One of the things that I most appreciate is that we can only be successful as a team. It is exciting to be a part of the first wave of departments that are seeking accreditation and our teamwork extends to helping and receiving help from colleagues in other departments. However, I can’t overstate the importance that each individual in our department has in achieving and maintaining accreditation. This isn’t a project. It isn’t an assignment for a committee to do on behalf of our department. It is a daily commitment that each of us needs to make to show our patients, clients, coworkers, partners, funders, and the rest of the world that when they interact with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, they will experience excellence.
On a more personal note, I have been married for 20 years, I have two daughters in middle school, and we enjoy bowling as a family. I’ve been known to DJ from time to time and I like to record music and perform with synthesizers.”
Administration
Department Administration… Executive Staff… Division Chiefs… What do they do? Located on the third floor at 351 North Mountain View in San Bernardino, the DPH Administrative office is a busy place! It is the home base for Trudy Raymundo, Director; Corwin Porter, Assistant Director; Dr. Ohikhuare, Health Officer; Kelly Welty, Chief Financial Officer; Dr. Meaghan Ellis, Chief of Community Health and Nursing; Daniel Perez, Chief of Disease Control; Public Information Officer, Claudia Doyle; and three Executive Secretaries. The office is also a proxy-home for Brian Cronin, Chief of Animal Care and Control; Josh Dugas, Chief of Environmental Health Services; and Ken Johnston, Quality and Compliance Officer, who are stationed in nearby offices.
The County Administrative Office holds Trudy accountable for effectively leading the Department of Public Health; for achieving its goals, objectives, and performance measures; and to ensure its budget is accurately and efficiently managed. She is often called upon by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to answer questions on a wide array of recommendations presented for their approval. Her time is in high demand from County executives, many committees, staff, and community and partner stakeholders. She is also the Vice President of the County Health Executive Association of California, which lobbies for legislation that will help advance public health and assist local health departments carry out their missions.
Corwin oversees the operations of the department and like Trudy, he and the Division Chiefs must balance many competing priorities to ensure that divisions are achieving their performance objectives. A day in the life of a department executive involves processing a tremendous amount of information in order to make important decisions that affect staffing levels, revenue and expenses, legal matters, program operations, personnel issues, work with other departments and outside agencies, community needs and public relations, just to name a few. Dr. “O” is appointed by the BOS to preserve and protect the public health and is authorized by the State of California to enforce laws and ordinances pertaining to public health. As the Chief Financial Officer, Kelly is responsible for overseeing a $100 million dollar budget. Executives meet together bi-weekly to discuss recent and pending BOS items and to help ensure that they understand and uniformly address a number of topics that may have an impact on the Department.
Jose Marin, Special Projects Coordinator
Jose Marin has worked for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health on and off for 12 years. Jose started as an Office Assistant III with the department and worked his way up to a Special Projects Coordinator. When he left the department in 2011, he went to work for the Recorder/Clerk’s office and for Supervisor Gonzales’ office. However, he returned to Public Health in 2013.
Jose’s current assignments include being a project manager for the San Bernardino County Reentry Collaborative, representing the Department at the San Bernardino Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH), a voting member of San Bernardino’s Domestic Violence Policy Council, a member of United Way’s 211 Advisory Group, project manager for United Way’s 211 Reentry Hotline, contract manager for the Community Recidivism Reduction Grant, and project manager of the Bridging Reentry Integration by Driving Goal-oriented Effective Strategies (BRIDGES) pilot project. Most recently, Jose was a featured panel speaker for San Bernardino’s Community Action Partnership’s (CAP) Poverty Symposium that was held at CSUSB in March 2016.
“I have learned a lot of new skills working with the community in both the Recorder/Clerk’s and Supervisor Gonzales’ offices, but I have always enjoyed and considered Public Health my home. During my time in Public Health, I have had the opportunity to work with a group of wonderful people and work with an incredible leadership. My current assignments help me understand how Public Health intersects with other departments and other County programs. I am very excited and proud to represent the Department in various organizations.
On a more personal note, I have been living here in the San Bernardino County for over 28 years. My family moved to Highland soon after its incorporation. I attended Curtis Middle School, San Gorgonio High School, San Bernardino Valley College, and California State University San Bernardino. So it’s safe to say that San Bernardino County is my home.”
Reentry
The San Bernardino County Reentry Collaborative (SBCRC) is a partnership of agencies, organizations and individuals committed to making our communities safer through the successful reentry and long-term success of the formerly incarcerated. San Bernardino County has long been home to a disproportionate number of parolees. The City of San Bernardino (the County seat) is home to only 10% of the County’s total population, but houses 23% of the County’s parolees. The County ranks second in the number of persons currently incarcerated and on parole in California, and third in the nation. Of California’s 58 Counties, San Bernardino County is ranked third for the number of adult probationers.
The Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE) is an Inland Empire organization that focuses on building the capacity of clergy, laity, and community leaders in African American congregations to engage in public policy initiatives that lead to innovative programs and stronger communities. COPE became interested in the formation of a Public Health Re-Entry Initiative in 2007, due to a concern that the health care needs of recently released parolees were being ignored, causing a negative impact on the families and communities that receive them. In response to the concerns posed at the State level, by other Counties, and the community at large, the Department of Public Health (DPH) formed a San Bernardino County Re-Entry Task Force in collaboration with COPE and its member congregations.
In September 2011, the Department of Public Health received funding through the Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Planning Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to develop a set of collaborative and evidence-based strategies to respond to the unmet needs of the reentry population. SBCRT was renamed the San Bernardino County Reentry Collaborative (SBCRC) in 2011. The new name encompasses a comprehensive approach with community organizations and local government building upon past efforts and forging new partnerships to develop a comprehensive plan successful reintegration of ex-offenders returning to the community.
The SBCRC has continuously met on a bi-monthly basis to work on its Strategic Plan. Because of the continued collaboration by the community (federal, state, and local government agencies and community- and faith-based organizations) and the disproportionate number of ex-offenders, the Department received a second grant from the Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Planning Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2013. The Department was one of four entities in California and one in 16 entities in the entire nation to receive this grant. The Department proposed, as a demonstration project, the Bridging Reentry Integration by Driving Goal-oriented Effective Strategies (BRIDGES). The BRIDGES Project Provided Sustained Case Management in the Community through Intensive Case Management Services provided by “Reentry Peer Advocates” (RPA). The RPAs worked with a cohort of 89 individuals to coordinate the pre-enrollment of services such as CalFRESH (Food Stamps) and Housing and coordination with GHRC staff on reentry planning. Engagement began with contact inside the Sheriff’s Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center (GHRC) three months prior to release to engage and build trust with individuals. Upon release, the RPAs followed the individuals six months post-release to enhance the Probation Department’s supervision by actively linking reentrants to services. The RPAs targeted criminogenic needs that affect recidivism by working with Probation to ensure that reentrants were linked to needed cognitive behavioral classes, mental health/substance abuse treatment, and other resources provided at Probation’s Day Reporting Centers (DRC) as well as services from other SBCRC partners. The result of this project resulted in an achievement of a recidivism rate of 11.5% – only nine participants recidivated. The baseline recidivism rate was 21%. The 11.5% recidivism rate represents a reduction of 45.2% decrease when compared to the baseline recidivism rate.
The Department continues to chair the SBCRC. More information can be found on the SBCRC website.
Suzie Soren, Human Resource Officer
I’ve been assigned to Public Health as the Human Resources Officer (HRO) since July 2014. Prior to that I was assigned to Human Services and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Previously, I worked for Stater Bros. Markets as a Courtesy Clerk, moving up to Labor Relations before coming to the County. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2001 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in December 2012
Life experience has led me towards a career and leadership role in the field of Human Resources. I have over 15 years of experience in Human Resources with an emphasis in employee and labor relations. As an HRO for the County, I serve as a human resources generalist where my primary responsibility is advising management on employee relations inquiries, investigations, corrective actions and bargaining agreement interpretation for the Department of Public Health and Real Estate Services Department. In my personal time I enjoy spending time with my family, watching Golden Age of Hollywood films, listening to Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli and playing tennis.
Human Resources
We are so excited to have been selected for the Program & Employee Spotlight!!! Together, Donna Kentnor and I attend to various Human Resources related issues. For example, Donna’s daily responsibilities, aside from being an excellent information resource to everyone, include day to day questions related to finger printing, EAP’s, Blood Borne Pathogen training, just to name a few. Donna has been with the Public Health for 16 years and has enjoyed every second of it! Aside from assisting employees, visitors, and the public, Donna enjoys spending time with her pet companions, Sparkle and Skittles, as well as reading and studying American and European history.
Caryn Nunley, Supervising Health Education Specialist
Caryn Nunley has worked for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for 8 years. Caryn started as a Health Education Specialist I with the department and worked her way up to a Supervising Health Education Specialist. Caryn’s current assignments include oversight of health educators stationed in 14 various programs and management of the Alcohol and Drug Prevention & the HIV Prevention grant.
“My interest in the health of others began early in life, mainly through family trips overseas. Along with cultural richness and natural beauty were also the effects of extreme poverty, mostly with the health and well-being of both individuals and communities. These experiences sparked my interest in the complexities of human health and shaped my world to make a difference by serving others. In addition to my love for public health, I also have a love for the arts. In my spare time I enjoy going to musicals, plays and ballets with my family.”
Health Education and Promotion Section
The Health Education and Promotion Section provides community based prevention and education programs in many areas including Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention(ADAPP), HIV Prevention and Child Passenger Safety. ADAPP serves residents to prevent underage drinking and drug use. The program builds resiliency skills in high school and middle school teens and increases parental/community involvement. ADAPP promotes community policy changes to reduce substance abuse. It runs the San Bernardino County Friday Night Live (FNL) Partnership, a youth development program to engage youth as a drug-free lifestyle advocates.
The HIV Prevention Program maintains an alternate testing site in each of the County’s three health planning regions, performs rapid and conventional HIV tests through a mobile testing unit, provides hepatitis C screening to eligible high-risk persons, provides health education/risk reduction services to HIV positive individuals in clinical settings, offers partner service sessions to new and existing HIV positive individuals, provides linkage to care services for newly identified HIV positive individuals and to those who have fallen out of care, and participates in health care reform issues related to HIV/AIDS.
The Child Passenger Safety program conducts English and Spanish classes to educate parents on the proper use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts. New car seats are distributed for children at low-cost to income eligible families who reside in San Bernardino County. The program also conducts a Violator Intervention Program (VIP) for those cited for non-use of child restraints and referred by the courts.
Adela Evans, Supervising Registered Environmental Health Specialist
Adela Evans has worked for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for six years. Adela started as an intern with the Division of Environmental Health Services, and worked her way up to a Supervising Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Adela’s current assignments include oversight of Registered Environmental Health Specialists for various programs within the Community Environmental Health Program section. She also manages and facilitates a comprehensive training program for 15 Environmental Health Specialist trainees.
“I’m a Florida native that moved to California in the summer of 2008 in pursuit of a Masters of Public Health. My heart was set on joining the Masters Internationalist Program at Loma Linda University and helping people around the world as a Peace Corps Officer. Little did I know that there is much that I can do to help people in my own neighborhood. The MPH curriculum at Loma Linda University sparked my interest in Environmental Health, and eventually paved the way for my career. People in our county, including my family and friends, eat at restaurants, stay at hotels, drink water, swim in public pools, discard trash that go into the landfills, etc. My job is to protect public health by working with Registered Environmental Specialists to make sure that these types of operations are safe – ultimately to make sure our residence and visitors are safe.”
Outside of work, I spend my spare time with my wonderful family. I have been happily married to the love of my life for about 7 years now, and we have been blessed with 2 beautiful kids. Although my life has changed a lot since I moved to California, I’m incredibly grateful for my wonderful job, my loving family, and all of God’s continuous blessings.
Division of Environmental Health Services (DEHS)
The Division of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) is dedicated to improving the quality of life by protecting public health, promoting safety and preventing environmental hazards so those who reside, visit, and invest can prosper and achieve well-being.
DEHS serves the public in the prevention of disease and illness through the use of education, enforcement and collaboration. The DEHS Food Protection Program conducts food facility inspections, provides consultation services to food facility operators that would like to improve their safety standards, trains food service workers on safe food handling practices and investigates complaints on facilities at which food-borne illnesses are suspected. The Recreational Health Program inspects public swimming pools, spas, water slides, lakes and lagoons for possible health and safety hazards. The Housing & Property Improvement Program inspects and assesses environmental hazards, as well as responding to complaints at apartments, motels/hotels, camps, detention facilities and bed and breakfast facilities. DEHS Land Use Protection Program (LUPP) serves the public in the prevention of disease and illness caused by environmental factors through effective environmental management, which includes disease surveillance, routine inspections, education and enforcement. LUPP regulates water, wastewater, land use, medical waste, body art facilities and practitioners, solid waste entities and mosquito and vector control.
Star Garcia, Program Specialist
Star began her County career with the Sheriff’s Department in September 2002 as a Clerk at the Yucaipa station. Shortly after, she promoted to Fiscal Clerk with the Department of Child Support Services and then to a Child Support Officer I. In 2007, she departed from Child Support Services to attend college full time. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2011 and returned to her position as a Child Support Officer in 2012. Since returning to County employment, Star promoted to Child Support Officer II, and most recently to Program Specialist with the Department of Public Health in 2015. Meanwhile, she has continued her education and obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration in June 2016
Compliance
The Compliance unit provides program and policy development support services to DPH. The services provided include: development and maintenance of departmental policies and forms; HIPAA compliance; coordinate and conduct analytical studies of operational activities; create reports and recommendations based on studies, research, and regulations; special projects; and assist with Quality Management (QM) activities. The Compliance unit is also responsible for investigating, managing, reporting and recording privacy incidents/breaches to the appropriate agencies.
“As part of the Compliance Unit, I develop and update policies and related documents to ensure compliance with HIPAA and state regulations, lead and participate in special projects, and mentor others that wish to promote. In addition to my duties with the Compliance Unit, I am also involved in accreditation and quality improvement efforts. My time at DPH has taught me that there is always room for improvement and always something new to learn. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful group of people who have graciously shared their knowledge, experiences, and have fully supported my growth as a Program Specialist. In my personal time, I enjoy completing home improvement projects, spending time with my two beautiful daughters and with friends, trips to the beach or a museum, and an occasional musical production.”
Jennifer Pennell, Program Coordinator
Jennifer has worked for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for over 15 years. She began her career as a Health Education Specialist I with the HIV/AIDs program while she was completing her field practicum as part her Masters of Public Health (MPH) for Loma Linda University. Jennifer has worked for a variety of programs including the Perinatal & Adolescent Life Section (PALS), Animal Care & Control (ACC) Program, Preparedness & Response Program (PRP) and for the past two years she has served as the Accreditation Coordinator for the department. Jennifer is responsible for working with all of the department’s 20+ programs to obtain documentation to meet accreditation requirements. She is extremely grateful for her Accreditation team members. “It is such a pleasure and honor to work alongside such creative people who are not afraid of challenges or change because we all want to see our department succeed.”
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have been married to my soul mate for almost 24 years. We were married for 15 years before having our son who is our pride and joy. My son is very active and thus I am the true baseball, soccer and bowling league mom. My family also includes our dog “Maccy”, a Great Pyrenees/Lab mix and our cat “Missy” who is the result of my one and only fostering attempt from when I worked as a Health Educator for ACC. I just couldn’t bear to let her go! Anyone who truly knows me knows how much I love animals. I will never stop being an advocate for our 4-legged friends who cannot speak for themselves. I am one of the original co-founders of the Animals Are First Fund (ARFF), which is the non-profit organization that supports our County Animal Shelters via contributions received from the County’s Combined Giving Campaign as well as other donations.
I am extremely thankful for my career, my beautiful family and friends and most of all for the life I have been blessed with.
Accreditation
The Department of Public Health is currently in the process of seeking national Accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Accreditation is the measurement of the health department’s performance against a set of national standards. These standards assess the department’s capacity to deliver the core functions and essential services of Public Health. To learn more about these and Accreditation in general, I encourage you to take some time and view the Accreditation website. As Public Health employees we all fit somewhere into this process.
Accreditation is not a project, it is not a program and it is not an assignment. Accreditation is a commitment from each and every one of us to strive to be the best that we can be. There is always room for improvement and we owe it to our clients, partners, stakeholders, co-workers, and most importantly to ourselves to make San Bernardino County a better place to live, work, and play.
Tracie Hernandez, Supervising Health Services Assistant
Tracie Hernandez has worked for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for 23 years. Tracie began her career with the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program as a Heath Services Assistant. She is currently the Supervising Health Services Assistant/Team Leader of the Fontana WIC office. The Fontana WIC office is the largest WIC office in the County, serving an approximate average of 2,400 families a month.
“I was 22 years old when I started with the WIC Program; in those days, you went to a different city every day, from Yucca Valley to Needles and everywhere in between. We all piled in a van with chart boxes and took WIC to the masses in various community centers and churches. Over the years, things have changed – as they always do with WIC! We are now eagerly awaiting the rollout of EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and anticipate this to be a very positive change for the program.”
“I started with WIC many years ago and I stayed because of the good work WIC does for families in our community. I have been able to help and educate thousands of moms over the years. That is the type of job that I wanted, and WIC has been a perfect fit! I am so proud to be a part of the DPH and WIC family and look forward to our Accreditation. I want to acknowledge my team and thank all of them for their compassion, flexibility and enthusiasm! You inspire me!”
Tracie adds, “On a personal note, I am a lifelong resident of Colton, where I live with my husband of 22 years, Tom Hernandez (DBH), and my 16 year old daughter Kaitlyn. We are blessed in work and in life; we enjoy traveling and our time together.”
The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program
The WIC Program is a federally-funded nutrition education and supplemental food program that helps lower income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to the age of 5 eat well and stay healthy. The program promotes, supports and protects exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for at least the first year. WIC offers free nutrition and health education in an interactive “participant-centered” environment. Participants receive education through one-on-one contacts, interactive group settings, and available on-line options which allow participants to learn on their own time, at their own pace. WIC also plays a significant role in providing referrals to healthcare and other community services.
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health offers WIC services at 17 locations throughout the county, employs 149 people, and is funded to serve a caseload of 73,980 participants per month. In addition, San Bernardino County has over 200 authorized WIC vendors serving our participants. In October 2020, California State WIC will be rolling out EBT which will allow participants to shop with an EBT card instead of paper checks. The program is grateful to have dedicated, hard-working staff, like Tracie, who strives every day to make a positive difference in their community.
Patricia Castillo, Office Assistant III
Patricia “Patty” Castillo is an Office Assistant III with Community Outreach and Innovation. She has supported the Healthy Communities component essentially since its inception. She has been with the department since 2006 and has supported various programs, including Vital Statistics, Preparedness & Response (PRP), Community Vital Signs (CVS), Information Services, and Accreditation.
Patty enjoys spending time with her family and helping her husband coach softball.
Fun Fact: She owns a goat. Actually… Several goats.
Community Outreach and Innovation Program
The Community Outreach and Innovation Program is comprised of Healthy Communities, Community Vital Signs, Reentry, as well as the departments Statistical Analysts and GIS (geographic information system) staff.
Healthy Communities was created as a central point of contact for health related issues throughout the County and collaborates with several jurisdictions.
CVS is charged with implementing the wellness element of the County Vision.
The Reentry Program works in partnership with organizations working toward the long-term success of the formerly incarcerated and seeks to decrease recidivism rates.
Four Statistical Analysts and one GIS Technician II provide support to multiple department programs via their specialized skillsets.