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Alabama State Society of American Medical Technologists Alabama’s Technological Semi-Annual Journal
Volume: 50 Issue: 1 June 2015
The ALATECH is the official publication of the Alabama State Society of
American Medical Technologists and is published bi-annually. Contributions and
editorial communications should be sent to the editor at [email protected].
Contributions will not be returned unless specifically requested by the author.
Editorial opinions printed in the ALATECH are those of the authors and are not the
official opinion of the ALSSAMT.
ALSSAMT reserves the right to edit all communications to the ALATECH.
Publication Dates: First Issue – May 15th and Second Issue – November 15th.
Advertising Rates: Full pages - $50, half pages - $25 and business cards -$10
1.
CASMET
Biennial
Meeting &
Scientific
Symposium
Paramaribo,
Suriname
October
12 - 16
2015
www.casmet1.org
Reminders
Alabama State Society Fall Educational Meeting
Huntsville Hospital’s Corporate University
Dowdle Center
109 Governors Drive Southwest
September 4, 2015
Huntsville, Alabama 35801 www.americanmedtech.org
Medical
Assistant’s
Recognition
Week
October
19—23, 2015
2.
ALSSAMT Officers & Board Members
VICE-PRESIDENT
Angela Woodson, MA, RMA
523 Melanie Lane
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
PRESIDENT
Rikki Packer, RMA, AAS
17634 Dowley Lane
Foley, Alabama 36535
251-550-8719
TREASURER - JOURNAL EDITOR
Nettie Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA
817 Criterion Street
Prichard, Alabama 36610
251-454-5530
SECRETARY
Salimata Kone-Coulibaly, MS, MT
738 Lundy Chase Drive
Auburn, Alabama 36832
334-887-1388
LEGISLATIVE CHAIR - MLPW
Dr. Paul C. Brown Sr., MT (MT), CLT (HHS)
Past National President/Past State President
2506 South Cobb Loop ircle
Millbrook, Alabama 36054 334-285-3976
Rocella Carlysle, BA, RMA
Board Member
334-220-5844
Michele Gillies, MT
Board Member
256-797-4895
Daniel Benson, RPT, RMA
Board Member
251-214-3993
Audrenia Rogers, BS, RMA
Board Member
334-546-4841
Cynthia Perkins, AAS, RMA
Board Member
257-265-6954
Chasity Jones, ASA, RMA
Board Member
334-318-0841
Photo
Not
Availible
Southern District Councilor
Kaye A. Tschop, MT
4954 Hopedale Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37211-4853
615-833-3427
Table of Contents
1. Reminders - Events and Meetings
2. Officers and Board Members
3. Table of Contents
4. Editor’s Message
5. Presidential Message
6. New AMT Certificants of Alabama
8. American Kidney Fund/ AMT
Pair Up Campaign Fund Raiser
Palace Casino Bus Trip Photos
9. 2015 Delegate Requirements
MLPW Proclamation
10. Facts About Sickle Cell Disease
11. Laboratory Professionals Get Results
12. Five Essential Elements of Leadership (Dr. Paul C. Brown) 13. Spring 2015 Southern District
Councilor’s Message
15. Depression (N L Norphleet)
16. National and State Award Winners
17. West Nile Virus and Other Arboviral
Diseases
18. 2015 Spring Board Meeting Photo and
NVCAF 2014 Winners
19. Articles Continued from pages 15 and 17
20. Articles Continued from pages 10 and 12
3.
June 2015
Did you know about the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) held annu-ally? It is “the culmi-nation of talent com-petitions ….for Veter-ans treated in the Department of VA national health care system.” Well, each year veterans from different facilities compete in areas of art, creative writing, dance, drama and music and have their works judged during the months of April, May and June. The winners in turn com-pete in the NVCAF. The 2015 NVCAF will be held at the University of North Carolina, Sunday October 18th. It will be hosted by the Durham VA Medical Center. For more information contact A m y K i m b l e r (320)255-6486 or v i s i t www.creativeartsfestival.va. Check out some of last year’s winners on page 16. (Information adapted from
materials provided on
www.va.gov)
We often see members of our society leave and move on to bigger and better things
for their lives. We at the Alabama State Society of American Medical Technologists
would like to take this time to bid farewell to one of our beloved board members -
Mrs. Rocella Carlysle. Rocella and her husband will be moving to Texas in June of
2015. Rocella we will miss you very much. We hope life brings you much joy and
happiness in your future endeavors.
And more often then not with every board member that is lost there is often one wait-
ing in the wings to join us and continue the job of “striving to do no harm while ad-
hering to the qualities and standards of our profession.” Jarrod Packer who has
served this board as an honorary member in the present and the past, in the unwaver-
ing support he has provided his mother - Madam President Rikki Packer - with what-
ever assistance she has needed at board meetings, traveling to and from State and
National meetings and any other assistance needed by other board members. We
welcome his future commitment as a bona fide board member of the ALSSAMT
upon graduation in the Fall of 2015 from Fortis College.
Jarrod has also been selected as ALSSAMT’s 2015 recipient of the Orlando Grier
Academic Excellence Award. Congratulations Jarrod and keep up the great work!
Oh! We want to congratulate all the AMT National and State Award winners this
year. Hip, Hip Hooray to your dedication and consistent loyalty to the advancement
of AMT
In this issue of our Journal we try to help you understand a little more about just what
exactly sickle cell disease (SCD) is, how it is determined and the difference between
it and sickle cell trait (SCT).
We also, delve into the “Five Essential Elements of Leadership” and once again wel-
come the many new certificants who have become new members of AMT.
Well, I do not know about anyone else but, I am so ready for a Hawaiian vacation!
How about you? Aloha! Positive Direction,
N. L. Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA ALSSAMT Editor 4.
Editor’s Message
Dear Members,
We are fast approaching our Annual AMT 2015 National Meeting in Hawaii. I do
hope those of you planning to attend have registered, booked your room, and booked
your flight also. I want to take this time to really thank Mr. Daniel Benson, RPT,
RMA for all the effort and time he’s putting in spearheading Alabama’s American
Kidney Fund, with help from Mr. Paul Brown, D. Min, MT. You both are doing such
a great job teaming up together.
Congratulations to the new AMT members who have reached out to me by way of e-
mail. We’re glad to have you aboard the Alabama State Society! Hopefully, we will
hear more from other AMT members at our annual Scientific Meeting that is sched-
uled for September 4, 2015 at Corporate University, Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville,
Alabama. Registration starts at 8:00-8:30a.m. Continuing education units (CEUs)
will be given at this meeting. If you have any questions regarding this meeting or
hotels nearby, you may contact Michelle Gillies at 256-797-4895 (cell). I would like
to advise you that election of officers will be held at this meeting.
Join me in congratulating Michele Gillies, MT who will be receiving the Pillar Award
at this year’s National Meeting. “Hats off Michele for a job well done!”
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our fall meeting in Huntsville. Take
care and have a safe summer.
Sincerely,
Rikki R. Packer, AAS, RMA
ALSSAMT President
5.
President’s Message
“Above all we strive to do
no harm while adhering
to the quality and stan-
dards of our profession”
Welcome Aboard New AMT Certificants To
Your ALSSAMT Family
AHI
Calhoun, Webbie - Selma
Martin, Laurie Suzette - Prattville
Mixon-Carter, Kim - Fort Deposit
CMAS Davis, Ladiyah - Prattville
Hawthorne, Tikila - Montgomery
Mumpfield, April - Wetumpka
Purnell, Sharonda - Coosada
Scott, Brittney - Greenville
Steele, Bridgette - Montgomery
CMLA
Markham, Rebecca - Gurley
MLT Lawhorn, Selena - Alabaster
Moultrie, Zenetta - Calera
Woodard, Lisa - Birmingham
MT
Bynum, Crystal - Gadsden
Chisenhall, Jessica - Fort Payne
Haskew, Emily - Pinson
Nutting, Heather - Pinson
Quizon, Ace - Fort Payne
Robertson, William - Tuscaloosa
RDA Betts, Charity - Brewton
RMA
Bailey, Meosha - Greenville
Barr, Tylir - Pell City
Benson, Daniel - Mobile
Bell, Abby - Valley Head
Biggs, Brittany - Mobile
Black, Sarah - Wilmer
Burks, Christine - Montgomery
Carmon, David - Phenix City
Cecchi, Rebecca - Wilmer
Clobert, Lateisha - Montgomery
Cole, Valerie - Guin
Collins, Jill - Clanton
Collins, Lawanda - Mobile
Conway, Ashley - Fort Deposit
Croft, Brittany - Fort Rucker
Crook, Cintrell, Mobile
Colman, Patricia - Anniston
Colvin, Simone - Mobile
Combs, Amanda - Prattville
Davis, Holly - Eclectic
Deas, Pershima - Montgomery
Dozier, Andrea - Smith
Dumas, Cassandra - Mobile
Durham, Mary - Huntsville
Eaton-Ludgood, Tashonda - Mobile
Ellis, Stephanie, Montgomery
Ezekiel, Connie - Mount Olive
Fields-Sevier, Ashley - Huntsville
Fink, Amanda - Piedmont
Foster, Angel - Mobile
Freeman, Latrece - Montgomery
Fuller, Rhonda - Citronelle
Gaddis, Donovan - Goodwater
Gaddis, Kristine - Montgomery
Garrison, Cayla - Hartselle
Glover, Mary - Tuskegee
Gonzalez, Lisa - Mobile
Greenhouse, Sorsha - Mobile
Griffin, Lacey - Fruitdale
Gutierrez, Kety - Mobile
Halen, Brittany - Wetumpka
Hambright, Jillian - Alabaster
Hampton, Melissa - Florence
Harvey, Kayla - Russellville
Hayles, LaDarian - Montgomery
Henson, Alexis - Mobile
Hinkle, LaTasha - Montgomery
Inwood, Penny - Montgomery
Jackson-Fields, Carmen - Birmingham Jackson, Briana - Tuskegee 6.
Jackson, LaCourtney - Montgomery
Jackson, Sonya - Prattville
Johnson, Ashley - Jacksonville Johnson, Felicia - Birmingham Johnson, Shantrice - Montgomery
Johnson, Tracy - Pinson
Knipp, Deana - Valley
Lynn, Misty - Cullman
Markham, Teresa - Guin
McClintock, Ashley - Cullman
McCoy, April - Montgomery
McIntosh, Olivia - Mobile
McWilliams, Shanique - Minter
McKnight, Lori - Heflin
McSwain, Brittany - Cullman
Morton, Terri - Grove Oak
Nance, Rosina - Hazel Green
Napier, Tosha - Lisman
Oliver, Alda - Coden
Parker, Jacqueline - Berry
Parker, Lori - Enterprise
Pearson, Tracey - Union Springs
Pechar, Brittany - Theodore
Phillips, Pamela - Huntsville
Pitts, Kathryn - Prattville
Powe, Katina - Mobile
Pride-Boswell, Catina - Montgomery
Purnell, Amelia - Shorter
Rawls, Brittany - Montgomery
Rawls, Qwi’shad - Montgomery
Reed, Amanda - McCalla
Robinson, Lashannon - Montgomery
Rogers, Princess - New Market
Russell, Anushka - Montgomery
Sanasith, Khanh - Auburn
Screws, Tiffany - Montgomery
Small, Bertha - Madison
Smith, Diane - Tuskegee
Smith, Nikki - Union Springs
Southall, Vonnice - Montgomery
Spates, Walida - Hoover
Stovall, Anita - Mobile
Stringer, Andread - Hayneville
Stuart, Susan - Elkmont Taylor, Adrienne - Montgomery 7.
Taylor, Blanche - Anniston
Taylor, Mary - Flomation
Taylor, Shanna - Florence
Tenney, Katherine - Ardmore
Theodore, Zona - Birmingham
Thomas, Claudette - Opelika
Thomas, Pamela - Birmingham
Thornton, Tabitha - Montgomery
Tidwell, Carmen - Mobile
Tillman, Lisa - Irvington
Tranharris, Elizabeth - Mobile
Turner, Brandy - Ohatchee
Vice, Amanda - Ohatchee
Wade, Paisley - Mobile
Ware, Conyona - Montgomery
Walker, Jasmine - Tuskegee
Watts, Kathy - West Blocton
Wheir, Megan - Mobile
White, Amanda - Brewton
Wilson, Christy - Semmes
Woodall, Sarah - Harpersville
Wright, Amanda - Brewton
Young-Rendall, Tatiana - Mobile RPT Alverez, Shawna - Satsuma
Barylski, Lisa - Irvington
Bobeldyke, Denise - Semmes
Cole, Mistie - Muscadine
Crook, Cintrell - Mobile
Daniels, Tamara - Ramer
Davis, Tina - Montgomery
Forman, Mariel - Chickasaw
Foster, Angel - Mobile
Fuller, Rhonda - Citronelle
Jones, Glenisha - Mobile
Kranh, Reasey - Theodore
Moncreif, Courtney - Montgomery
Norman, Dvalencia - Montgomery
Phillips, Jenniffer - Satsuma
Rivers, Chelsea - Chatom
Straight, Arqueida - Phenix City
Swicord, Rebekah Lynn - Montgomery
Trask, Sheryl - Satsuma Verrier, Lisa - Woodland Waters, Sherri - Jackson
AMT New Certificants (continued)
8.
THE GANGS ALL HERE!
Hey! Great job Daniel Benson for his in putting ALSSAMT in the running for 1st Place of the
AKF/AMT Pair Up Campaign. Thanks Daniel for all you do. Keep up the great work! We are so fortunate to have you as part of our family.
1) AMT Resolutions and Meet the Candidates 2) AMT District Meetings
Thursday 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
3) Town Hall Session
Thursday 9:00 AM - 12 Noon (Annual Reports and Legislative
Reports); all delegates must be credentialed before Thursday in
order to participate in the business meeting.
4) AMT Annual Business Meeting - Thursday 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
___________________________________________________________________________________
9.
2015 Delegate’s Requirements
2015 Medical Laboratory Professionals
Week (MLPW) Proclamation Signing
in the Capital
The Students and Staff of Baptist Medical Center School of Medical
Laboratory Science and Mayor of Montgomery Todd Strange
SCD is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.
Healthy red blood cells are round, and they move
through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all
parts of the body. In someone who has SCD, the red
blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a
“sickle”. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells.
Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood
flow. This can cause pain and other serious problems such infection, acute chest syn-
drome and stroke.
TYPES OF SCD - FOLLOWING ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF SCD:
HbSS - People who have this form of SCD inherit two sickle cell genes (“S”), one
from each parent. This is commonly called sickle cell anemia and is usually the most
severe form of the disease.
HBSC - People who have this form of SCD inherit a sickle cell gene (“S”) from one
parent and from the other parent an abnormal hemoglobin called “C”. Hemagobin is a
protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. This is usu-
ally a milder form of SCD.
Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) - HbAS - People who have SCT inherit one sickle cell gene
(“S”) from one parent and one normal gene (“A”) from the other parent. This is called
sickle cell trait (SCT). People who have SCT usually do not have any of the signs of
the disease and live a normal life but, they can pass the trait on to their children. Ad-
ditionally, there are a few, uncommon health problems that may be potentially related
to sickle cell trait.
Cause of SCD - SCD is a genetic condition that is present at birth. It is inherited when
a child receives two sickle cell genes - one from each parent.
Diagnosis - SCD is diagnosed with a simple blood test. It is most often found at birth
during routine newborn screening tests at the hospital. In addition, SCD can be diag-
nosed before birth. Because children with SCD at an increased risk of infection and
other health problems early diagnosis and treatment are important. You can call your
local sickle cell organization to find out how to get tested. (continued on page 20)
10.
Facts About Sickle
Cell Disease
11.
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care
System (CAVHCS) East Campus &
Tuskegee University Celebrations
Dr. Felton, Dr. Paul Brown and Dr. Frederick Tippett at the
Christen Veterinary Fellowship Breakfast
Clinical Laboratory Science Program Students/Staff Cele-brating the MLPW Gubernatorial Proclamation
Tuskegee University’s (TU) School of Veterinary Medicine’s Clinpath Laboratory Celebrating MLPW
TU’s Elma Williams & Dr. Paul C. Brown
For anyone who pursues the position of leadership, it is of the utmost importance that
several vital elements be manifested. I would like to discuss five such elements.
The first is honesty. To lead others one must be a person of integrity. Someone once
said, “Integrity is what you do when no one else is looking.” I am inclined to agree.
Nowadays we need people, especially those in leadership to be honest. If one is honest
and speaks the truth, you never have to guess what you said the last time because your
story will be consistent. Honesty is crucial if one leads others.
Secondly, I feel humility is another key element of leadership. One may demonstrate
humility, modesty and meekness and one can still make an impact as a leader. One of
the greatest examples of humility was Jesus who washed the feet of his disciples. He
took the lowest form of a servant and demonstrated that true leadership comes by way
of serving. It is humbling; yet, a very powerful lesson in leadership. We need more
humility to be demonstrated amongst those in leadership positions.
Another significant element of leadership is purity. Three things that directly impact a
person’s demeanor are actions, thoughts and words. As a leader one need to employ
purity in these three areas. I have often heard stated, “that whatever is in the bucket
will come out when shaken.” If a leader wants to improve his thoughts he or she needs
to think and meditate on things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely and of good
report. You will cover a lot of miles in your leadership when purity is modeled in these
areas.
The fourth element is that of good works. Nothing bothers me worse than an individual
who performs work that is mediocre. Likewise in a leadership position one must ensure
that their performance is exceptional and not “middle of the road.” I recalled training
some medical technology students. My philosophy was insuring that they are trained to
perfection because one day they may end up working for you. Thus, leadership sets the
tone and standard of what sort of product is generated under his or her leadership. One
should seek to raise the bar of excellence by patterning good works.
The fifth and final element I feel is necessary is that of faith. As a leader you must be-
lieve in whatever product your business is producing.
(continued on page 20)
12.
Five Essential Elements of Leadership
Hope your 2015 has gotten off to a good start and this message finds everyone well
and in good health.
My message below contains all the most recent updates for your information.
Hawaii will be the site of the 2015 National Meeting at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
in Kohala Coast, Hawaii June 22-25, 2015. Make sure you make those flight reserva-
tions to fly into Kona International airport.
It is very important you register for the meeting in advance. The only option available
this year is the full package. Remember you must preregister in order to get your
$350 dollar reimbursement. Preliminary program should be coming out in the March
Events magazine.
Room rates are $169 plus tax brings your room rate to $191.67 per night. Every
room has an ocean view and your very own lanai. Rooms are spacious and beautifully
decorated and include marble bathrooms with separate tub and walk-in shower. Each
room includes a coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, iron and ironing board, hair dryer,
safe, complimentary internet in guestrooms, admission to the fitness center and self
parking. However there will be a charge for valet parking. There is an outdoor pool
with cabanas and a heated whirlpool.
Attire is casual wear for the entire week. No formal attire please! Also, no swim
suits or bikini's allowed in the meeting rooms. For you golfers, there is the 18 hole
Hapuna Golf Course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. There are 10 restau-
rants to choose from on the premises! Free transportation to the sister resort or for a
$ 5-$10 fee you can hop on the shuttle to the Hilton Waikoloa and shop till you drop
at the connected shopping mall. Please plan on spending a few extra days on the is-
land so you can visit Volcano National Park or the Kona Coffee Plantation.
State gift baskets will be taking a hiatus for the 2015 Hawaii meeting due to ship-
ping logistics. They will continue in 2016 in Memphis, TN. In its place state socie-
ties are asked to bring a gift card that can be used by anyone in any state.
Diane Powell has arranged for a discount with Delta and United. There is a special
code. Watch your AMT Events magazine or go to the AMT website for update infor-
mation. Robert's Hawaii Express Shuttle is a private shuttle service you can use at a
discounted price. $58.65 round trip, arrival or departure only will be $32.30.
(continued on next page)
13.
Spring 2015 Southern
District Councilor’s Message
Please visit the AMT annual meeting 2015 Hawaii site for all information. Make sure
you read the frequently asked questions. Answers to your questions just may be
found there.
Let’s not forget to recognize and celebrate National Dental Assistants Week March 1-
7, 2015 and Medical Laboratory Professionals Week April 19-25, 2015.
American Medical Technologists (AMT) has partnered with The American Kidney
Fund (AKF) to spread the word about kidney disease. Kidney disease is quite often
preventable and affects over 31 million Americans. Together AKF and AMT will
work hard to make the public aware of this chronic disease and help raise funds to
support the many programs and services available through AKF. Watch for email
blasts with updated information.
Remember to record all your continuing education credits in AMTRAX. Make sure
you retain your documentation in case of an audit. The program is free to all AMT
members. Those AMT members that fall under Certification Continuation Program
(CCP). Please make sure you have the proper points to remain certified. Paper ex-
ams will no longer be given after January 1, 2016. All exams will be given by elec-
tronic means.
As we begin another year remember, if you need anything please do not hesitate to
contact me at [email protected] or phone me at (h) 615-833-3427 or (c) 615-424-
0550
Respectfully submitted,
Kaye A. Tschop, MT Southern District Councilor
14.
Spring Southern District Councilor’s Message (continued)
Woooooo! Heavy subject. Let me take a moment to reflect.
Looking at a patchwork tapestry - one of the 2014 National Veterans Creative Art
Festival’s (NVCAF) first place winners (“Beyond the Darkness”) - got me to thinking
about Depression. When I think of depression I think of clinical depression. Not the
here-again Monday blues or the extra twenty pounds you wish-you-could-lose kind of
depression. But, you know, that sense of slipping into a darkness so deep the light of
day can never find you kind of depression.. Like when the credit card bills become an
endless cycle of monumental balances and the finances are continually coming up
short. This can be the kind of depression that is quite difficult to recover from. Some-
times it takes years of therapy and treatment. Although I think therapy is the cure all
to beat all, I do not think medications should be the first line of defense.
Something triggered the regression, some life altering occurrence that is usually still
present in the daily thoughts of that depressed individual. How does one get to such a
point in life? It could be any number of things from divorce to job layoff, from fam-
ily traits or low income to physical and mental abuse. But in the majority of all cases
of depression the one common denominator is a sense of deep loss and in grieving
that loss is where one begins to slip. Here is where therapy plays its part.
There are so many antidepressants ( Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor ) on the market
today I am sure there is a feel good pill out there for just about any stage of depres-
sion that presents itself. But, I think these drugs are over-prescribed in their over-use.
A few years ago I was at one of my many doctors’ office and I was going through a
really hard time. My doctor mentioned how tired I looked and that was all it took for
the flood gates to open. He looked as though he had seen a ghost. He actually looked
like he did not know what to do. I quickly collected myself and remembered why I
was there in the first place and that I was in the presence of someone untrained in this
area of community health. He quickly diagnosed (mis-diagnosed) me as depressed
and wrote me a prescription. Well, needless to say I did not get it filled.
(continued on page 19)
15.
Depression
Michele Gillies, MT - The Pillar Award
Daniel Benson, RPT, RMA - The Chester B. Dziekonski Grant
Dr. Paul C. Brown Sr., MT (AMT), CLT (HHS) - President’s Award
Rocella Carlysle, BA, RMA - Exceptional Merit Award
Nettie L. Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA - RMA of the Year
Daniel Benson, RPT, RMA - Distinquished Achievement Award
Salimata Kone-Coulibaly, MS, MT - Technologist of the Year
16.
2015 National Award Winners
2015 Alabama State Award Winners
Medical Assistant’s Recognition Week
October 19 - 23, 2015
Medical Assistant’s Recognition Day
October 21, 2015
Don’t forget your observance packets
Contact
www.americanmedtech.org
In 2013, West Nile Virus (WNV) was the most common cause of neuroinvasive (anthropod-borne viruses) arboviral disease in the United States. However, LaCrosse Virus (LACV) was the most common cause of neuroinvasive arboviral disease among children. More Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) cases were reported in 2013 than in any previous year and included the first cases reported from eight states. This increase is likely related to the initiation of routine immunoglobulin M testing for JCV at the CDC in 2013 and suggests that the incidence of JCV infection in prior years might have been underestimated. Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease, al-though rare, remained the most severe arboviral disease, with four deaths among eight patients. More than 90% of arboviral disease cases occurred during April–September, emphasizing the importance of focusing public health interventions during this period. Reported numbers of arboviral disease cases vary from year to year. Weather (e.g., temperature and precipitation), zoonotic host and vector abundance, and human behav-ior (e.g., repellent use, outdoor activities, and use of air conditioning or screens in the home) are all factors that can influence when and where outbreaks occur. This com-plex ecology makes it difficult to predict how many cases of disease might occur in the future and where they will occur. Increased numbers of reported cases and the identifi-cation of cases in new locations might reflect actual changes in incidence and epidemi-ology or increased disease awareness. The incidence of WNV neuroinvasive disease declined substantially in 2013 (incidence of 0.40 per 100,000 population) compared with 2012 (0.92 per 100,000 population), when a large multistate outbreak occurred, with incidence nearing the levels observed in 2002 and 2003 (4). However, the incidence in 2013 was similar to that during 2004–2007 (median = 0.43; range = 0.39–0.50) and was higher than that during 2008–2011 (median = 0.18; range: 0.13–0.23) (3–5). WNV activity remained focalized in 2013, with more than half of the neuroinvasive disease cases being re-ported from just six states. The findings in this report are subject to at least two limitations. First, ArboNET is a
passive surveillance system that relies on clinicians to consider the diagnosis of an
arboviral disease and obtain appropriate diagnostic tests, and on health-care providers
and laboratories to report laboratory-confirmed cases to public health authorities. Sec-
ond, testing and reporting are incomplete, leading to a substantial underestimate of the
actual number of cases (6). For example, data
from previous studies suggest there are 30–70
nonneuroinvasive disease cases for every
reported case of WNV neuroinvasive disease
(7–9). Extrapolating from the 1,267 WNV
neuroinvasive disease cases reported, an esti-
mated 38,000–88,500 nonneuroinvasive dis-
ease cases might have occurred in 2013. (Photos courtesy of the C.D.C)
(article continued on page 19)
17.
West Nile Virus and Other Arboviral Diseases
(All NVCAF Photos courtesy of The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs)
18.
2015 Board Meeting Photo O’Charley’s Foley, Alabama
ALSSAMT Board Members from left to right: Dr. Paul C. Brown (Legislative
Chair/MLPW), Salimata Kone-Coulibaly (Secretary), Madame President Rikki
Packer, Jarrod Packer (Hon. Board Member), Rocella Carlysle (Board Member)
Cynthia Perkins (Board Member), Daniel Benson (Board Member)
“The Blues”
“Beyond the Darkness”
“Creative Writing” “Forest Dream”
“Musical Guitar”
“Dragon”
If he had just taken a few extra minutes to sit down and listen to me he would have
realized that all I needed was someone to talk to as well as someone to listen.
Keep in mind, more than likely you are not clinically depressed. We all have a ten-
dency of going through a rough patch and might just need a willing ear where there are
steps you can take to help yourself recover from the sadness. If you do not mind talk-
ing to strangers and you have medical insurance, there are a few insurance companies
that will provide for a certain amount of sessions with a therapist or there are some
community based programs that provide for mental health assistance.
Although if you are more of an introvert like me you will opt for a bit more privacy.
Starting an exercise program at a gym or schedule a couple of massage sessions a
month or even planting a garden can bring back the pep your life has been lacking . Be
aware of friends and co-workers who experience drastic changes in their lives. Suspi-
cious behaviors such as giving away personal items or sleeping for extended amounts
of time are classic depressive behaviors. And try not to be alarmed when a friend starts
to tell you about suicidal thoughts. Just ask them what they have been going through
or what you can do to help them. Above all, do not take it lightly! Being even mildly
depressed can be hazardous to your mental health.
By Nettie L. Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA
Arboviruses continue to cause substantial morbidity in the United States. However,
cases occur sporadically, and the epidemiology varies by virus and geographic area.
Surveillance is essential to identify outbreaks and guide prevention efforts aimed at
reducing the incidence of these diseases. Health-care providers should consider arbovi-
ral infections in the differential diagnosis of cases of aseptic meningitis and encephali-
tis, obtain appropriate specimens for laboratory testing, and promptly report cases to
public health authorities (2). Because human vaccines against domestic arboviruses are
not available, prevention of arboviral disease depends on community and household
efforts to reduce vector populations (e.g., applying insecticides and reducing mosquito
breeding sites), personal protective measures to decrease exposure to mosquitoes and
ticks (e.g., use of repellents and wearing protective clothing), and screening blood do-
nors.
Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC
(Corresponding author: Nicole Lindsey, [email protected], 970-221-6400)
19.
Depression (continued from page 13)
West Nile Virus…(continued from page 15)
Complications and Treatments - People with
SCD start to have signs of the disease during the first year of life, usually around 5
months of age. Symptoms and complications of SCD are different for each person and
can range from mild to severe. There is no single best treatment for all people with
SCD. Treatment options are different for each person depending on the symptoms.
Cure - The only cure for SCD is bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Bone marrow is
a soft, fatty tissue inside the center of the bones where blood cells are made. A bone
marrow or stem cell transplant is a procedure that takes healthy cells that form blood
from one person—the donor—and puts them into someone whose bone marrow is not
working properly. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are very risky and can have
serious side effects, including death. For the transplant to work the bone marrow must
Article obtained from: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC 24/7: Saving Lives. Protecting People
A group of twelve people were asked to scout out a new terri-
tory. This new region produced among other things a cluster of
grapes that took two people to carry. Yet ten of them refused to
take advantage of this opportunity. They lacked faith! It is said that “opportunity does
not have a face, but wings on the feet.” It is short-lived and one must take advantage of
it when it comes into view. It is imperative that leaders demonstrate faith in its purpose,
personnel and product.
I conclude, that honesty, humility, purity, good works and faith are a few elements.
Yet, when they are internalized, exercised and implemented it is unlimited in how high
one can attain in their quest to lead.
John C. Maxwell affirmed, “If you can become the leader you ought to be on the in-
side, you will be able to become the leader you want to be on the outside. If you are
able to do that you’ll find there’s nothing in this world you cannot do.”
By Dr. Paul C. Brown, Sr., MT (AMT), CLT (HHS) 20.
Facts About Sickle Cell Disease (Continued from pg. 8)
Five Essential Elements of Leadership (Continued from pg. 10)
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day June 19, Every Year
The date was chosen to commemorate the
day on which a resolution was officially
adopted by the general assembly of the United Nations, recognizing SCD as a
public health concern
www.americanmedtech.org
“Relax ALATECH is here to inform you”
