On August 11th the Health Action Partnership, a coalition of organizations committed to improving health in Jefferson County, will hold its Annual Summit at the Wynfrey Hotel. Check in and breakfast will begin at 7:00am. This year the focus is on the county’s obesity and tobacco problems, featuring nationally recognized speakers Mari Gallagher and Mark Fenton. Read about both here.
Register online now for the Health Action Summit. We hope to see you there!

New Immunization Requirement for 6th Grade Entry
Change in the Alabama “Blue Card”
Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, a dose of Tdap vaccine will be required for Alabama students ages 11 or 12 years entering 6th grade. Don’t wait until the last minute - be sure your child is up to date on all vaccines and avoid the last-minute rush. For adolescent immunization recommendations, click here.

A Tdap Clinic for students entering 6th Grade will be held at the main Health Department Building (1400 Sixth Avenue South, Conference Room A) from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm daily from August 2nd to 13th. 
 • Students receiving shots must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
 • The child’s shot record is required

 
Erosion & Sedimentation Control Workshop for Homebuilders
On Wednesday, September 8th, the Jefferson County Department of Health Storm Water Program will hold an Erosion & Sedimentation Control (ESC) Certification Workshop. Training on the proper installation and usage of different erosion control devices will be provided, and upon completion of this workshop, individuals will receive Erosion and Sedimentation Control Certification.
The Jefferson County Department of Health Storm Water Program, the Storm Water Management Authority, the Jefferson County Land Planning and Development Services’ Watershed Section, the City of Birmingham Planning, Engineering & Permits, and the City of Bessemer Building and Inspections are cooperating to host the event at Eastern Health Center. For a map - as well as attendee, vendor, and registration information - click here.
 
Be Careful - It’s Hot Outside
Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. The National Weather Service statistical data shows that heat causes more deaths each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined! When the temperature rises you should take steps to stay cool, including: 
   Reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day
   Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
   Drink plenty of water or other nonalcoholic fluids
   Spend more time in air-conditioned places
   Don’t get too much sun
   Don’t take salt tablets unless specified by a physician 

For more information on heat go to: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml
Heat-related advisories and warnings for Jefferson County: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/hazards/bmx