In the Community

Metro Health partnered with the mighty San Antonio Spurs to help increase AIDS Awareness. April marks Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Awareness Month, aimed at increasing safe sex practices. Metro Health partnered with the Greater than AIDS Campaign at the Spurs game against the Pistons on March 9, 2011 at the AT&T Center. The Kaiser Family Foundation's "Greater Than AIDS" campaign has entered into a partnership with the NBA to promote HIV prevention in cities around the league. A major component of this partnership is in-arena activations. Metro Health was highlighted at the game, having its logo showcased and hotline/referral information on promotional materials. Volunteers staffed the concourse table at the game and shared information with game attendees.

Featured Employee

KATHY SHIELDS

Years of service with SAMHD: 12

Title: Chronic Disease Prevention Manager, Population-Based Services

What she enjoys most about her job:
I love the dedicated and talented staff that I work with every day.

Background: Community health education. "I am proud to work in public health in San Antonio and committed to serving the community."

Favorite TV shows: "The Biggest Loser" and "Law and Order: SVU"

Favorite Cuisine: I love San Antonio's world famous Tex-Mex cuisine...in moderation of course!

Something you may not know about Kathy: I live for family vacations! Even though I don't get to take too many of them.

Did you know...?

Metro Health provides free tobacco cessation kits? Bexar County residents who want to quit using tobacco can receive telephone counseling and may be eligible for a free 2-month supply of nicotine replacement therapy medicine by calling the Texas Quitline at 1-877-YES-QUIT. City of San Antonio employees and their spouses can call a dedicated employee Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE.

Snapshot of Health

Charles Pruski, interim deputy director of SAMHD, was one of four community leaders that responded to the 2010 Health Assessment Summary presented on February 23, 2011 by the Bexar County Community Health Collaborative. Both Mayor Julian Castro and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff participated in the annual event and shared their concerns about the health of our community. More than 200 people from area health systems, hospitals, clinics and other organizations attended the breakfast.

Healthy Link

Quitting tobacco is challenging but not impossible. For free help and information, call the quit line at 1-877-YES-QUIT. Quit now, and you may add more than 10 healthy years to your life.