Tulsa Health Department Annual Report Financial Year 2023-24

Epidemiology

• Conducted 10 outbreak investigations related to community establishments

• 20 media interviews regarding COVID-19, Mpox, Influenza, general respiratory pathogens and prevention, RSV and West Nile

Community Outreach

• Participated in over 80 events where approximately 5,090 individuals were educated on topics such as general disease prevention, hand hygiene, preparedness, immunization, food safety, safer sex, vector and respiratory disease prevention.

• 15 community presentations to over 300 individuals covering West Nile virus (mosquito prevention), infant mortality, syphilis grant activities, emerging infectious disease, COVID-19, Measles, H5N1, Hepatitis and the Epidemiology program.

Holistic Arboviral Case Investigation and Support for Immigrant Family

The Epidemiology team investigated an arboviral case involving a family of six who recently immigrated to Tulsa. The family faced extreme hardships with limited access to resources and no external support during their three-month journey which included traversing jungle terrain. Recognizing the family's unfamiliarity with local resources, the case investigator took additional steps to provide the family with support and access to essential services such as health services and food assistance. This case underscores public health's vital role in not only investigating and managing infectious disease cases but also offering holistic support that addresses both health and social needs of vulnerable populations.

Disease Investigations:

• COVID-19: Removed

• Cryptosporidiosis: 18

• Campylobacter: 231

• E. Coli: 33

• H. influenzae: 32

• Hepatitis A virus: 3

• Hepatitis B virus: 110

• Hepatitis C virus: 859

• Meningitis: 1

• Measles: 0

• Mumps: 0

• Pertussis: 8

• Salmonellosis: 121

• Shigellosis: 31

• Tickborne (RMSF and Ehrlichiosis): 2

• Malaria: 3

• Mpox: 2

• West Nile Virus: 7

*This case count only reflects the number of confirmed and probable cases. Case count can vary based on classification changes and surveillance review.

Partnership with UMA Tulsa

The THD Epidemiology team collaborated with UMA Tulsa to host a culturally relevant event at Plaza Santa Cecilia, aimed at informing East Tulsa's Latinx community about emerging sexually transmitted infections (STIs) impacting Tulsa County. A key goal of the event was to break the stigma surrounding sexual health topics within the Latinx community, fostering regular and open conversations with partners, friends and family. By raising awareness of the impact of sexual health on overall well-being, the event sought to promote better prevention, treatment and management of STIs. Throughout the event segments, on-demand, electronic surveys were used to anonymously assess the audience's understanding and field questions.

Syphilis Grant from the National Association of City and County Health Officials

The Tulsa Health Department was awarded a grant from the National Association of City and County Health Officials in April 2023 to develop a Tulsa-centered syphilis reduction plan by engaging the community and individuals with lived experiences. As part of the grant activities, 385 surveys were collected from residents in Tulsa County. The survey addressed important issues related to access and awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The survey results revealed that while 28% of respondents would go to their doctor, primary care provider, OBGYN, or hospital for STI testing, 17% of them did not have insurance which limits their options for care. Additionally, 72% of participants recognized STIs as a problem in our community, 74% believed they can be cured, and 87% felt that STIs can be prevented.

Based on the survey findings, four key goals were identified for the community reduction plan: promoting awareness and education about syphilis, increasing access to screening and treatment, improving client autonomy and continuity of care, and enhancing accessibility for pregnant individuals. The plan has been shared with community partners to champion moving forward. These efforts highlight the success of the grant and are essential in addressing the rising rates of syphilis, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for our community. The grant concluded in July 2024.

Educational Events For Students

The Epidemiology team, along with other THD programs, participated in several events aimed at providing insights and inspiring young Tulsa students to pursue a career in public health.

• The Tulsa Health Department hosted a Public Health Career Showcase for middle school students in the OSU United/Unidos Summer Program on June 13, 2024. The students were introduced to diverse career pathways in public health and engaged with various departments of the Tulsa Health Department such as Emergency Preparedness and Response, Environmental Health Services, Food Protection, Personal Responsibility Education Program, School Health, Water Lab and Preventive Health Services.

• The Junior Achievement Career Exploration Fair was a two-day event held on February 28 and 29, 2024 that provided career exploration for students in grades 8-12. The epidemiology program coordinated activities and marketing materials that were engaging and relatable to students, offering an in-depth look at a career in public health. The goal of the career fair-style event was to guide students on which classes to focus on to prepare for future jobs.

• The Epidemiology program participated in Monroe Demonstration Academy's first-ever science fair on May 2, 2024 which showcased science fair projects from their 6th to 8th-grade students. Representatives from Epidemiology, Water Lab and Emergency Preparedness and Response provided students and families with a hands-on activity to learn more about STEM careers in public health.

• On June 28, 2024, the epidemiology program and immunization staff attended the Pride Karaoke Party hosted by Youth Services of Tulsa which serves homeless and at-risk youth aged 16 to 24. The event provided a safe space where attendees could receive resources and services while watching performances by local drag queens.

Community Outreach: Pride Events

The epidemiology program, alongside other THD programs, participated in Pride events in May and June 2024. These events offered valuable opportunities to engage with the LGBTQ+ community and allies, celebrate diversity and provide health education. Booth activities centered on health awareness, community interaction, and outreach reinforced the Tulsa Health Department's commitment to inclusivity and health equity.

On May 25, 2024, the Tulsa Health Department participated in the 3rd Annual Pride Fest in Broken Arrow. A "What Are You Proud Of?" board was placed at the booth, inviting attendees to write messages celebrating what they were most proud of. The epidemiology team focused on Mpox awareness and safer sex education, addressing questions and distributing materials to encourage informed health practices.

Various Tulsa Health Department programs also participated in the first friday Pride event at Guthrie Green in Downtown Tulsa on June 7, 2024. The team offered health resources, Mpox prevention information and Pride-themed giveaways. The Tulsa Health Department's presence at these events highlighted THD’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, health equity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Newsletters

The epidemiology team sends out the following newsletters to the community. The THD Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Newsletter focuses on enhancing health communication by providing timely information on local events, resources and topics that impact the maternal and child health population. Topics covered included injury prevention, the role of doulas, infectious diseases, healthy relationships, thriving families, and the impact of fathers on infant health. Over 105 community members have signed up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter.

The THD Epidemiology Stakeholder Newsletter is a quarterly newsleter designed to improve communication of epidemiological topics for professionals serving Tulsa County residents. It provides timely data-driven public health recommendations, empowering the community to make informed health decisions. Topics covered in 2024 included vector prevention, respiratory season precautions, safer sex and hepatitis, and end-of-school health considerations. More than 60 community partners have subscribed to the newsletter.

Tulsa Regional Prevention Coordinator

Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa

The Regional Prevention Coordinator in partnership with the Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT) has made significant strides in its mission to prevent opioid and stimulant substance use in the Tulsa community during the fiscal year. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach and innovative programming, CAPSAT has successfully distributed essential harm reduction and prevention supplies, hosted impactful events, and collaborated with various organizations to address the complex issue of substance use.

Harm Reduction Initiatives

In collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the Tulsa Health Department is registered as a Narcan Hub for Tulsa County. The Regional Prevention Coordinator program was able to secure free Narcan, fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips for distribution to those community members in need. Almost all THD locations have a supply of the above-mentioned free resources.

Community Events and Outreach:

• Four prescription take-back events including a community event with LIFE Senior Services, resulting in the safe disposal of over 100 pounds of medications among Tulsa's senior population. This fiscal year, thousands of pounds of unwanted, expired, and unused were safely and properly disposed of.

• Forums and Workshops: CAPSAT hosted a forum Empowering Women: Let's Talk about Domestic Violence and Substance Use on April 30, 2024 and hosted an art and spoken word event The Unspoken Word on December 15, 2023. CBPS Prevention Specialist Netta Jamieson, on behalf of CAPSAT, conducted a workshop at the Prevention First Conference on connecting with marginalized communities.

• Media and Public Relations: Conducted three radio interviews, and three local news interviews and secured advertising on Metrolink buses and bus shelters.

• Community Partnerships: Established partnerships with A New Life Sober Living, Sunshine Community Services of Tulsa, Fresh Rx, Center for Therapeutic Interventions, CREOKS Health Services, and Brook House Sober Living.

Resource Distribution:

• 525 Fentanyl test strips

• 380 Narcan

• 1,059 medication disposal bags

• 632 medication lockboxes/lock bags

• 2,451 informational resources

Stop DUI Task Force

The Regional Prevention Coordinator, in partnership with the Stop DUI Task Force, strives to educate, prevent and end drunk driving, adult binge drinking and underage drinking across Tulsa County. By employing a multifaceted approach that includes education, advocacy, community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders, the Stop DUI Task Force works to reduce drunk driving accidents and fatalities. Continued commitment and adaptation to emerging challenges are crucial in this ongoing effort.

Live Mocktail Tutorials

The creation of live mocktail tutorials encouraged Tulsa County residents to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages that closely resembles a cocktail, allowing people to participate in social drinking situations without consuming alcohol. Offering a substitute option for those looking to cut back or abstain from alcohol while still feeling included in social settings may help prevent adult binge drinking. Several live tutorials for various mocktails were hosted on the Regional Prevention Coordinator Facebook to showcase mocktail recipes. Key partners include Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, Ascension St. John Medical Center and the ABLE Commission. The three mocktails created for the audience were Circus of Love, Stop in the Name of Love, and Kandy Koated Punch.

Outreach: One mocktail tutorial video was shared by multiple viewers and reached 800 people with 96 reactions and 14 shares. The success of the Facebook live was well received by viewers and THD employees that the program continued with the live mocktail tutorials in March and June that were centered around spring and summer holidays.

Distribution of Valentine's Day cards

The Valentine's Day cards featured prevention messaging around binge drinking, drunk driving and promoting Oklahoma's social host law. The cards feature play on words and local data points on the back of the cards for the purpose of educating and increasing awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. The cards were displayed at counters, left on car windshields and put into bags as patrons purchased their items. 600 cards were distributed across 23 liquor stores and alcohol outlet retail stores/establishments.

Red Ribbon Week

The Tulsa Health Department Regional Prevention Coordinator and the Stop DUI Task Force celebrated Red Ribbon Week at three Tulsa-area schools, encouraging students to be alcohol and drug free. Coloring sheets and pledge cards were handed out to students and signs were displayed to encourage students to live their best life by staying substance-free.

The events took place at:

• Bell Elementary on October 23, 2023
• Drexel Academy on October 25, 2023
• Kendall Whittier Elementary on October 26, 2023

Annual Tree of Life holiday display

The Tulsa Health Department Regional Prevention Coordinator Program and the Stop DUI Task Force partnered to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of drunk driving in Tulsa County through the annual Tree of Life holiday display in December 2023.

Since 2014, the Tree of Life has served as a reminder of the number of Tulsa County families who are missing a loved one during the winter holiday season due to a drunk driving accident. The tree contained wrapped gifts as a symbolic reminder of the gifts that won’t be opened due to a family member who is no longer here. The number of gifts corresponds to the number of lives lost in Tulsa County due to drunk driving.

Visitors to Woodland Hills Mall could sign a pledge card near the Tree of Life to make a personal commitment to abstain from drinking and driving. People who consume alcohol should do so responsibly, and make a plan for a sober driver or use a ride share service.

TSET Healthy Living Program

The TSET Healthy Living Program is a community-based grant that strives to prevent and reduce tobacco use and obesity across Tulsa County.

• 100 Tobacco Retail Education Visits

• Smoke-Free Policy at the Tulsa Exodus House

Implemented a smoke-free policy for the 25 residents at the multi-unit housing on December 15, 2023.

• Partnership with Keystone Elementary to increase physical activity through cycling

Purchase of 20 bicycles, helmets and reflective vests for students in Kindergarten through 4th grade in February 2024. The PE teacher will lead the curriculum, teaching students how to ride bicycles.

• Gardening event with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma on April 13, 2024

TSET Healthy Living program partnered with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma to host a gardening event to educate and promote individuals to grow their own food. It was attended by 25 people.

• Crosswalk Painting Project with Glenpool Middle School and Glenpool Public Works

Five crosswalks in the city of Glenpool were painted in April and May 2024.

Smoke-free Policy at the Tulsa Exodus House

Partnership with Keystone Elementary

Crosswalk Painting Project

Emergency Preparedness and Response Program

Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps

• Maintains a cache of 1,560 Volunteers for Tulsa County and received $191,645 in grants

• Won the National Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Innovator Award for our Fit for Duty Program and is considered to be one of the top 10 MRC units in the nation

• Participated in 5 emergency response activations around the state due to severe weather

• Offered 69 trainings to the community, volunteers and THD staff

• Supported 28 Community Events

Community Outreach

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Program (EPRP) and Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) were at 76 community events that were participated by over 2,000 individuals. This includes trainings, presentations and information booths.

15 Designated Point of Dispensing (POD) in Tulsa County

Onboarded 'The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges' as a new Tulsa County POD site that caters specifically to the access and functional needs (AFN) community. The Center will become Tulsa Health Department's 15th designated Point of Dispensing (POD) in Tulsa County.

The Center is a community space that provides opportunities for youth and adults with physical challenges to enhance the quality of their lives by creating a community that fosters physical, mental and cognitive wellness.

The EPRP participates in the annual Center Experience team-building event to connect with the members and staff of The Center and learn about working with individuals with physical challenges.

Conducted 11 Operations-Cased Exercises/Drills

• THD Staff achieved the 75% success rate for all four quarterly staff notification drills, reaching an average of 265 staff each drill

• 12 POD Sites participated in drills and annual POD Site visits

Offering surplus and expired supplies to THD staff and community partners

1,320 boxes of gloves, 192 units of disinfecting wipes and 2,000 boxes of alcohol wipes were made available to THD staff as of January 12, 2024. Though some health and safety supplies may lose their full effectiveness after expiration, many still maintain a reasonable degree of efficacy for non-medical purposes. In many cases, these items are still safe to use after their expiration dates for purposes such as cleaning personal items, wiping down surfaces at home, or using them in less critical settings.

Public Health Emergency Operation Center

The THD Emergency Operations Command Center (EOCC) has been reconfigured and named as the Public Health Emergency Operation Center. The goal for for the reimagined space was to provide greater flexibility for hosting larger meetings, conducting presentations, collaborative sessions with community partners, and to modernize THD/EPRP's National Incident Management System compliance which improves alignment with Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A wall between the ICS Command Room and the Video room was taken out to provide a large meeting area, dedicated work spaces and a wall of dry erase boards for planning and large maps of Tulsa County.