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In 2018, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH)
launched the Champions for West Nile Virus (WNV) Prevention
challenge to reduce the local risk of WNV by partnering with LAC
cities and Los Angeles city neighborhoods. Eighteen cities and
neighborhoods participated by completing a variety of outreach
activities to promote WNV prevention practices in their communities.
These communities were awarded scrolls at the December 18, 2018
Board of Supervisors Meeting to recognize their participation and
achievements. The City of Lakewood took top honors as the Ultimate
Champion for West Nile Virus Prevention, completing the challenge in
an exemplary manner. Other cities honored included Whittier, Rolling
Hills Estates, Diamond Bar, Northridge (City of LA), Covina,
Torrance, and Hacienda Heights. Additional participants included
Lancaster, La Mirada, Paramount, Carson, El Segundo, Bellflower,
Signal Hill, Glendale, Azusa, and La Habra Heights.
LAC DPH once again invites LAC cities and Los Angeles
city neighborhoods to participate in Champions for WNV
Prevention from June through November 2019. The LAC
Board of Supervisors will honor winners in January 2020.
Cities or LA city neighborhoods that stand out for
innovation and community engagement activities will also
be specially recognized.
The following are frequently asked questions about this challenge.
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
Can any city
in LA county participate in Champions for
WNV Prevention?
Yes! We encourage all interested cities and LA
city neighborhoods to complete the outreach activities as WNV is
spread all throughout LA County. Exceptions are the Cities of Long
Beach and Pasadena which have their own public health departments.
Should I
notify LAC DPH that our city/LA neighborhood is participating?
Yes. Please notify LAC DPH of your participation by providing the name and information of a contact person
to
acdcvector@ph.lacounty.gov
any time through August. To be considered for an award, a completed
Champions for WNV Prevention
reporting form must also be submitted by the December 6, 2019 deadline.
Can neighborhoods in cities
other than the City of Los Angeles participate in Champions for WNV
Prevention?
No. Due to its large geographic size and
population, LAC DPH is offering participation in the challenge to
individual neighborhoods only in the City of Los Angeles.
Neighborhoods in other cities may participate through their
respective cities.
Where can I
receive more information on outreach activities to be
completed for Champions for WNV Prevention?
Promotional activities are
described on the Champions for Prevention
reporting
form. Some activities are further described in this FAQ. City and neighborhood officials can also reach out to
acdcvector@ph.lacounty.gov.
What is the
digital toolkit?
A multimedia campaign
toolkithas been developed and is accessible without charge.
The toolkit is designed to make it easy to
distribute information through anyone’s social
media, websites, and newsletters. The toolkit
contains materials in English and Spanish including:
·
Sample social media
posts
·
Web graphics
·
Videos
·
Campaign fliers and
printer-friendly materials
What kind
of events can be held to fulfill the Yard Clean-up or Tire Recycling
outreach activity?
Any event that encourages and facilitates residents to discard containers and debris on their property that can hold water will fulfill this challenge requirement. In addition to tire recycling, examples include general recycling and community clean-up events. Events should also include the distribution or displaying of educational materials that raise awareness of mosquito-borne disease prevention.
Where can
I get more information about organizing a tire recycling event?
A tire recycling program is coordinated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (DPW). Tire recycling events with DPW must be requested at least 4 months in advance. Contact
acdcvector@ph.lacounty.gov
to reach out to the DPW tire recycling coordinator. For additional information, including a list of facilities that accept tires for recycling, visit
WASTE
TIRE RECYCLING.
How can a
city or neighborhood request presentations on WNV from LAC DPH?
A city/neighborhood can request for a speaker for general community audiences through
the
LAC DPH's Speakers' Bureau. The presentation will provide an overview of WNV including risk factors for WNV, places where mosquitoes live, disease symptoms and prevention methods.
Requests can also be made through
acdcvector@ph.lacounty.gov.
How will the
completion of activities be monitored?
Completed promotional
activities occurring from June through November should be documented on the Champions for
Prevention
reporting form. Use the form to describe the event or
action by name and/or location/site and the date or
time it was completed. One event or action may
accomplish more than one measure. For example, if
flyers were distributed at tire recycling event,
this will count towards 2 measures. Any activities
occurring prior to joining the challenge can be documented
retrospectively. Forms are to be
submitted to
acdcvector@ph.lacounty.gov by December
6, 2019.
What are
the participation dates of Champion for WNV Prevention?
The Champions for Prevention challenge runs
from June through November. If a city or neighborhood conducted
promotional activities prior to joining the challenge, you may
retrospectively document them in the
reporting form.
Can a
city/neighborhood do more than what is listed by
LAC DPH?
Yes! All activities done to
prevent the spread of WNV and other mosquito-borne
diseases are encouraged. Complete as many activities
as possible to promote awareness and prevention of
mosquito-borne diseases in LAC. LAC
DPH and Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors will recognize cities
and neighborhoods
that stand out for innovation and
community engagement activities with
special awards.
Why is it important to participate?
LAC is one of the highest risk areas for
mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in the United
States. Over the last 5 years, LAC has experienced
yearly outbreaks of WNV with an average of 197 cases per year, approximately 10% of the national burden. Over three-fourths of cases are reported with neurological complications including paralysis, meningitis, encephalitis and death. Milder cases often remain unrecognized. Despite significant health risks, the practice of mosquito prevention behaviors is low among residents in the county. LAC DPH is committed to increase awareness of WNV and keep our residents healthy, safe and productive. Your partnership will provide vital support to spread this important health message and enhance mosquito-borne disease prevention in LAC.
For more information contact:
Acute Communicable Disease Control Program
Vectorborne Disease Unit
Direct: 213-240-7941
Fax: 213-482-4856
acdcvector@ph.lacounty.gov