Health departments are a key element of every community’s success, providing a multitude of resources to keep the public protected. So in this episode of Thrive Y’all, Rocket IT shines the spotlight on Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Health District Director, Dr. Audrey Arona to hear how her team is keeping the metro-Atlanta area prepared.

Throughout this discussion, Dr. Arona also shares how parents can keep children safe during the summer and how increased handwashing and mask wearing has led to a reduced number of flu cases.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about:

• The significance of the Latin American Association‘s Pacesetter Award
• Services offered by the Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments
• How the health department interacts with the Department of Public Health
• The three “E’s” of the health department
• Gwinnett County’s rising HIV diagnoses and the initiative to end the HIV epidemic
• The health department’s initiative to increase maternal and child health
• Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments‘ partnership with View Point Health to address mental health and substance abuse challenges brought on by the pandemic
• How an emphasis on handwashing and wearing masks reduced the number of flu cases
• The importance of training staff members to prepare them for the unexpected
• How parents can ensure the health of children this summer
• The importance of getting vaccinated

Resources Mentioned:

Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale County Health Departments

View Point Health

CDC

The Latin American Association

Department of Public Health

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