Month: November 2021

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Statement on B.1.1.529 Omicron variant

~ John Rochford

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529.   It is named Omicron. No cases of this variant have been found in the U.S. to date. CDC is following the details of this new variant. It was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by South Africa. CDC is working with other U.S. and global public health and industry partners to learn more. CDC will continue to monitor its path.

CDC is always watching variants. The U.S. variant watching system has reliably detected new variants in this country. We expect Omicron to be identified quickly, if it emerges in the U.S.

CDC knows what it takes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They recommend people follow prevention strategies: 

  • Wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of high transmission areas
  • Washing your hands frequently
  • Physically distancing from others

 CDC also recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. CDC encourages a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for those who are eligible.

CDC Omicron info

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) How to Protect Yourself and Others

~ John Rochford

COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the US.  It is important to be safe.  You can protect yourself and others by following some simple guidelines. This is critical during the holiday season.

Protect Unvaccinated Family Members

Some people in your family need to continue to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19, including

    • Anyone not fully vaccinated, including children under 5 years of age who cannot be vaccinated yet
    • People with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions
  • Get Vaccinated
  • Wear a Mask
  • Stay 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect
  • Monitor your health daily

These tips can help people to stay safe and healthy.

How to Protect Yourself & Others

 

 

 

National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation Disability, Health Equity & COVID-19

~ John Rochford

1 in 4 adults in the United States has a disability.

What is a disability?

  • A disability is when a person’s body, mind and/or emotional functions intersect with a physical or social environment.  This results in  limitation in activities or restrictions in full participation for the person.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  data outlines the disability status of U.S. adults. It shows that:

  • 12.0% of adults have a Cognitive Disability
  • 5.9% of adults have a Hearing Disability
  • 12.8% of adults have a Mobility Disability
  • 5.0% of adults have a Vision Disability
  • 3.8% of adults have a Self-care Disability
  • 7.0% of adults have an Independent Living Disability

People with disabilities are  diverse  and have a wide-range of healthcare and support needs.

This infographic highlights the challenges facing the disability community. It shows clear steps that can be taken to support the health and well-being of this community.

Disability, Health Equity & COVID-19  Infographic

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clear Communication Index – A Tool for Developing and Assessing CDC Public Communication Products 

~ John Rochford

The Clear Communication Index (Index) provides research-based criteria to develop and assess public communication products. The Index supports the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.  Helps to achieve goals set forth in the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy and the CDC Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.

The 20 items in the Index build on and expand plain language technique    described in the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.

The Index at a Glance
Why Was the Index Developed?
The Index was developed to:
1. Identify the most important communication characteristics that enhance clarity and aid understanding of public messages and materials.
2. Provide a research-based tool for staff to develop and assess communication products for CDC’s audiences, no matter the format or distribution channel.

Who Should Use the Index?
CDC designed the Index for:
– CDC staff who write, edit, design, and review communication products for the public
– Contractors who produce materials for CDC
– Anyone who develops public health communication materials can use the Index.

How Does the Index Work?
The Index contains 20 items, each with a numerical score of zero or one. The individual scores are converted to an overall score on a scale of 100. Although 100 is an ideal score, 90 or higher is passing.

The Index assesses materials in these 7 areas:
1. Main Message and Call to Action
2. Language
3. Information Design
4. State of the Science
5. Behavioral Recommendations
6. Numbers
7. Risk

Estimated time required to complete the Index: 15 minutes.

CDC Clear Communication Index User Guide (.pdf)