FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17,2001

Contact:             Pat Libbey, Thurston County Health Director, 360-786-5581

                        Susan Kent, Public Relations Director, Capital Medical Center, 360-956-1415

HOSPITAL RECOGNIZED FOR INNOVATIVE CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

OLYMPIA -- Thurston County Commissioners are presenting Capital Medical Center with a "Community Partner Public Health Award" for a pioneering effort to protect children found in homes containing illegal drug labs.  Pat Libbey, director of the county's Public Health and Social Services Department, says the west Olympia hospital is deserving of the recognition for being a statewide leader in designing the program.  "Doctor Cynthia Wolfe of Capital's emergency department and county health officer Doctor Diana Yu worked closely together to establish medical and developmental screenings for kids who are exposed to the highly toxic chemicals used in manufacturing methamphetamine.  The program not only assesses the immediate health of the children, but also establishes a baseline of information to evaluate future impacts that may develop.  The fact that the hospital does the screenings without concern for reimbursement demonstrates their commitment to the children and the Thurston County area."

Planning for the program began in 1999 and the first screenings were done early in 2000.  Since then, 10 children have been evaluated for their exposure to methamphetamine and the chemicals used to make the highly addictive drug. 

Capital Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Joseph Sharp says the screening of affected children is necessitated because of the illegal drug problem.  " When we began to develop the program, we saw it as a vital response to an unfortunate situation.  Whether we receive payment is not a concern, because it is part of our service to the community.  We are pleased to be able to assist county residents in this way."

The award will be presented to Capital Medical Center on Monday, August 20^th at the Board of Health meeting at the Thurston County Courthouse.  Libbey says, "This type of collaboration is an outstanding reminder that it takes all sectors of the community, working together, to achieve good public health.

The Board of Health meets at 1:30 PM in room 280 of Building One.