The State Fair and Blueberries

The Alaska State Fair began this past Thursday with huge vegetables, farm animals and rain. On Saturday both Travis and I helped to represent the public health department and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). We handed out information and spoke to individuals and families on how to properly prepare for an emergency situation. We met numerous Alaskans and tourists throughout the day and provided a great deal of information and free prizes. In addition, we were able to explore the fair.

On Sunday we visited Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine and Historical Park. Wild blueberries grow everywhere on the mountain and are available for picking. They are different from eastern wild blueberries but equally as delicious.

Week 1: Orientation

Week 1

Mat-Su Valley Public Health Department

Monday: Orientation to the Mat-Su Valley, the state and borough government structure &

Tuesday: staff communication workshop

Wednesday: Site visit to Talkeetna for participation in meeting regarding immunization rates.

Background: Talkeetna's Sunshine Clinic has determined the area's current immunization rates for preschool aged children to be less than 15%, a serious public health concern. Two years ago the percentage of immunized preschool aged children was approximately 40%. Serious risks accompany

vaccine preventable diseases such as chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella, among others. The public health department of the Mat-Su Valley is working to identify why families are not vaccinating their children and how to appropriately address this concern now and prevent these rates in the future.

Thursday: Begin gaining information and compiling task list for my involvement in the borough's Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Friday: Observe immunization clinic at satellite clinic in Palmer

Saturday: ALASKA STATE FAIR! Work with health department to provide family emergency preparedness planning education to fair goers! YAY... giant vegetables <--- that's what happens with 19+ hours of sunlight in the summer.