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Important Information for NMVAHCS Health Care Workers Influenza Procedures September 22, 2009

Background

The novel 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) virus is causing illness in infected persons in the United States and countries around the world. Other influenza strains may also circulate and cause illness. Since not everyone is tested and because some of the tests are not accurate, it is not always known which influenza a person has.

Monitor Your Health Daily

All healthcare workers (employees, volunteers and others working at the NMVAHCS) are requested to monitor their health for symptoms of influenza-like illness (see below) every day before coming to work. To protect patients and co-workers, healthcare workers with influenza-like illness should not come to work.

An influenza-like illness is an illness with fever (temperature >1000 F) and any of the following: cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

NMVAHCS Call-in Procedures

If you need to call-in sick for any reason, call your supervisor as per established routine practice. Your supervisor will ask:

                        Do you think you have H1N1? Answering the question is optional. You are NOT required to answer but tracking influenza illness in employees will help us plan our response to the overall situation.

                        Answer yes, you think you have H1N1 if you have an influenza-like illness with fever (temperature >1000 F) and any of the following: cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

                        If you do NOT have a fever and have not taken fever-reducing medicine (e.g. Tylenol, Ibuprofen) answer no. If you develop a fever before the next shift you are due to work you can revise your answer.

                        Your supervisor will provide information to Employee Health Services (EHS) – you do NOT need to call EHS.

 

If You Have An Influenza-like Illness

Most people can be cared for at home, do not require medical care and can expect to recover within a week. See Care of Influenza at Home Instructions (updated Sept 09).

The CDC recommends that person working in healthcare (with or without direct patient contact) stay home for at least 7 days. Persons with influenza should be considered potentially contagious (able to spread disease) for up to 7 days after illness onset.

If you recover very quickly and believe that perhaps you did not have H1N1 you may be cleared to return to work before 7 days through EHS (call ext 2323).

Since most people do NOT require medical care, the medical documentation typically required for absences greater than 3 days is not necessary.

If You Are In a Group That is at Higher Risk for Complications From Influenza

Serious illness or complications from influenza infection is more likely in young children, the elderly (over the age of 65), pregnant women, and those with chronic heart, lung (e.g. asthma), kidney, liver, Page 2 of 2 22 Sep 09, Infection Control

blood or metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), or weakened immune systems (e.g. taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).

If you are in a high risk category, NMVAHCS can provide anti-viral treatment. This medication may help prevent influenza-like illness or prevent complications. Call EHS at ext 2323 to discuss possible treatment. If anti-viral medication is indicated, the treatment must be started as soon as possible after the onset of illness.

If treatment is indicated, Employee Health will provide instructions about how and when to pick up the medication. It is permitted to have someone else pick up your medication, but they will need to have your ID card with them. Some doses are available in the CBOCs for timely access for high-risk CBOC staff.

If you are NOT in a high risk category, treatment with anti-virals is not recommended.

Other Related Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I am well but someone in my family or another close contact has H1N1 or an influenza-like illness? If someone in your household or a close contact is sick with influenza-like illness you may continue to work and are NOT required to stay home. We ask that you monitor your health closely. The estimated incubation period is unknown and could range from 1 to 7 days, and more likely 1 to 4 days.

What if I am well but need to stay home to take care of someone else who has influenza-like illness? If you need to stay home to care for the ill person refer to the information on the Care of Influenza at Home Instructions (Sep 09)

What should I do if influenza symptoms start while I am at work? If you develop a fever and other influenza symptoms while you are at work, report to your supervisor. Your supervisor will arrange to have you relieved of duties, have you put on a surgical mask, take you to EHS if necessary or have you go home.

What should I do if I am exposed to someone at work who has influenza-like illness? Once influenza is circulating widely in the community, it is difficult to determine individual exposures as persons will be exposed in multiple settings. However, report unprotected exposures to respiratory secretions from a patient with influenza-like illness to EHS.

I am in a health group that is high-risk, can I get treatment so that I don’t get influenza? Influenza vaccination with both the seasonal and pandemic vaccines is the best protection against influenza infection. Antiviral medication will not be available to prevent influenza infection but if you become ill and are at high-risk for complications, antiviral treatment is available through EHS.

I am in a health group that is high-risk, can I be re-assigned to work in a low-risk area (i.e. without contact with patients will influenza-like illness or without direct patient contact)? Re-assignments are not recommended at this time. This guidance is based on the finding that disease severity with pandemic influenza is comparable to that of seasonal influenza. Be sure to follow all Infection Control recommendations such as respiratory hygiene and isolation precautions including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

For more information Contact Infection Control at ext 4551

note: information on the above article is from VAMC 

 

 

The Filipino American community and the Filipno American Foundation of New Mexico are pleased to announce that there will be five Catholic masses for the  "Simbang Gabi" or "Misa de Gallo" in December.

 

SCHEDULED MASSES:

 

December 2, 11, 16, and 23 -- will be at Annunciation Catholic Church, at 7:00PM. The masses will be on Wednesdays except for December 11, Friday. Our very own Fr. Joel Bugas will be the celebrant.

 

December 20 -- will be at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, at 10:30AM.

There will be a reception for the December 20 Simbang Gabi immediately following the mass. We will be accepting donation of $5.00 (or more if you wish to donate more). Proceeds are for the victims of the recent typhoons in the Philippines. Thank you for supporting FAFNM in helping our fellow countrymen.

 

The Acts Community of Prince of Peace Parish cordially invites you to a "life changing weekend" in a Women's ACTS Retreat on November 5-8, 2009 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat Center in Sante Fe. NM. For more information contact Monica Kozlowski, Director, bubble499@yahoo.com, 505-553-8902; Ana Quijano, Co-Director, anaquijano@yahoo.com, 505-270-6726; or Josie Herrera, HERRERA@aa.edu, 505-453-8173.

Our friends at the India Association of New Mexico invites you to the Diwali Festival on November 8, 2009 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Diwali Festival will feature Indian Classical and Bollywood Dance performances as well as Indian food available for purchase. Don't miss this exciting event. Addmission is only $10.00 per guest.Click here (pdf flyer) for more detailed information, and here.  

Congratulations to Jami Abdullah and Sima Greenfield in being the recipients of the Foundation's Fall scholarships. Both students receive $400.00. 

B.O.D. Nominations deadline October 31st

Just a quick reminder that the deadline for your nominations for Election for members to the Board of Directors is TODAY!! Oct. 31st.

 

Your nominee must be a resident of New Mexico for at least one year and who has been a paid member of the Foundation for at least one year and is eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. Please call (505) 903-0202 or email Maida first to confirm membership information. Also, nominator should inform prospective candidate of the nomination and should have candidate’s approval before sending nomination to the Committee. Voting shall be on December 5.  

 

Please get your nominations in by email or regular mail.  Do not call in a nomination.  Again, be sure you have the permission of the person you are nominating and have checked with Maida to see if they are indeed a paid member.  Do not assume your nominee's membership is current as many people forget to bring their membership up to date.

 

Download NOMINATION FORM here

Mail to:

Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico
PO Box 94146
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87198-4146

Or email to: Myrna Samson, Nomination Chair

 

YOU MAY COPY (ctrl+c) AND PASTE(ctrl+v) THIS TO

YOUR EMAIL MESSAGE AND FILL OUT ACCORDINGLY:

 

FILIPINO AMERICAN FOUNDATION OF NEW MEXICO
 
HAVING SECURED HIS/ HER PERMISSION, I HEREBY NOMINATE
 
________________________________________TO STAND FOR

print
 
ELECTION AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
 
THE FILIPINO AMERICAN FOUNDATION OF NEW MEXICO
 
(Signed)______________________________(Dated)____________
            (Your name)

 

Our friends at the India Association of New Mexico invites you to the Diwali Festival on November 8, 2009 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Diwali Festival will feature Indian Classical and Bollywood Dance performances as well as Indian food available for purchase. Don't miss this exciting event. Addmission is only $10.00 per guest.Click here (pdf flyer) for more detailed information. 

 

Important Announcements

There’s an immediate opening for a Development Associate at the Albuquerque Community Foundation.  Interested parties should submit via e-mail only, a statement of interest along with a copy of their resume.  Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.  Interviews will be conducted during the week of July 6 with a final decision to be made by July 10. They are looking for someone to commence the work of the position on July 27. Job description is attached. 


The New Mexico Asian Family Center would like to invite First Generation Filipino Immigrants to an important meeting. The purpose is to put together a manual in which the following topics are discussed:

   1)       Some of the common problem faced by immigrants.
   2)       How do immigrants access help when they face common problems?
   3)       Primary reasons for migration.
   4)       Some inter-generational issues faced by Filipinos.

This will help the Center when asking for grants which are directed towards helping the community. The meeting shall be held at the Asian Family Center at 619 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:00 am. Dr. Dely Alcantara will facilitate. Lunch will be provided.

 

New Mexico/Western Texas Rotary District Seeking Applicants For 2010 Goodwill Exchange to the Mindanao Area in the Philippines

The Rotary clubs of New Mexico/Western Texas are seeking four outstanding, non-Rotary professionals to visit the Philippines as part of the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

The exchange to the Philippines will take place from April 16 - May 16, 2010. Applications are due by September 16, 2009. All applicants selected to be interviewed must be available for interviews with the selection committee in Santa Fe on September 25 and 26, 2009. All costs associated with the program are covered by Rotary except for passport, travel insurance, and a medical exam.

Applicants must have been in their career for at least three years; be between 25-40 years of age; live in the New Mexico/Western Texas area; and be in excellent health. They cannot be Rotary members or an immediate relative of a Rotary member.

Through the program, teams of young professionals from two different countries exchange visits. For four weeks, team members experience the way of life, customs, and vocational practices of another country, while sharing information about their home country. Team members will be hosted in the homes of local Rotary members.

The purpose of GSE is to promote international understanding and goodwill through personal connection. The Rotary Foundation pays for round-trip airfare, and Rotary members in the host country provide meals, lodging, and group travel in their district

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace.

There are 1.2 million Rotary members in over 31,000 Rotary clubs in more than 165 countries.

For additional information and an application, go to the Rotary District website: (rotary5520.org) and click on GSE in the upper level of the home page and follow the prompts. Or you may email: pedaceabq@aol.com <mailto:pedaceabq@aol.com> for further info.

 

Bro. Stanley Villavicencio visits New Mexico

 We will be treated to a rare New Mexico visit by Bro. Stanley Villavicencio who will be passing through the Albuquerque area to speak and relay his testimony and story of his personal miracle.  

Click here to read his story, "A Testimony on Divine Mercy".

Read Domingo R. Rayco, Jr., PH.D. blog about Bro. Stanley

 

After being declared "clinically dead" in 1993, Brother Stanley Villavicencio has travelled all over the world sharing his amazing spiritual encounters with JESUS, the Divine Mercy.

 

His scheduled venues in New Mexico are as follows: (UPDATED)

 

TALKS AND POTLUCK - WILL BE HELD AT THE EVENT CENTER
1413 EUBANK NE, LOCATED ON THE N.W. CORNER OF EUBANK AND CONSTITUTION IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM
 
WEDNESDAY SEPT 30
        1:00-3:00  TALK (NO POT LUCK THIS DAY)
        5:00-7:00  
 
THURSDAY OCT. 1   
        9:00-11:00 
        2:00-4:00
        5:00-7:00
FRIDAY OCT. 2
        9:00-11:00
        2:00-4:00
        5:00-7:00   POT LUCK FIRST THEN TALK AND QUESTIONS

 

Our friends at the Asian American Association of New Mexico invites you to experience authentic dances and music of India peformed by Kalakriti School of Bharatanatyam. Kala Darpanam, an Offeing of Art, is a treat and a must see. For more information, refer to the flyer above.


 

“Kala Darpanam”, an offering of art, is the first major fund raiser event in support of the Asian American Cultural Center. The event is scheduled for July 18, 2009 at the Rodey Theater (UNM), from 6-8pm. “Kala Darpanam” is a spectacular presentation of “Bharatanatyam” one of the most celebrated traditional dance forms from India that has its roots going back to more than 2500 years. It is based on the ancient treatise of dance “Natya Shastra”: pure dance, facial expressions and a presentation of combined pure dance and facial expressions. The acclaimed artists, Lonika Majithia and Anita Rao, will astound you with their mesmerizing and energetic presentation of Bharatanatyam dances. Tickets: $15 for general admission and $12 for students/seniors. They are available at UNM Bookstore Box Office, online at www.unmtickets.com and select Albertsons Supermarkets. For more information, contact: LMajithia@salud.unm.edu and (505) 688-1202. 

 

 FAFNM Scholarship Application - Spring 2009

To all qualified members:

The application for Spring 2009 semester is now available for download (pdf file). Be sure to read the criteria on the application. The deadline for submission is January 30, 2009. DO NOT DELAY. If you have questions, refer to the contacts on the application. Update: Fall 2009 application form is now available to download at main page.

 

Nathan and Vanessa Alter are proud parents of baby girl

 

FAFNM President Cora Romillo's daughter Vanessa gave birth to a 7lb, 7oz baby girl, Mia, on January 30th. Congratulations to dad Nathan and grandma Cora and big brother, Sean. Happy Mother's day to Vanessa.

 

 

 

 New Addition to the Malby Family

FAFNM Secretary Maida Ruaza-Malby and husband Brian Malby are the proud parents of Steven Edward Malby, who was born on December 2nd 2008 at 6:42 PM weighing at 8.4 lbs. Congratulations. Maida also serves as the Treasurer for the Asian American Association of New Mexico. 

 

 

 

Asian American Youth Recognition at the

State Legislature on Feb. 26th

 

26 Feb 09 is Asian American Heritage Day at New Mexico State Legislature, in the Rotunda, Santa Fe.  Please submit your nominees and their bio for the Asian American Youth Award to Bobbie Nobles.  Deadline for submitting bios is 15 Feb 09.  Please forward to your associations/groups.

Here is the criteria for nominees for the Asian American Youth Recognition at State Legislature on Febraury 26, 2009. 
         - Ages:  Mid school (13/14 minimum) to 21
         - Ethnic:  Asian American 
         - Biography should include the following:            
1.      Youth Name
2.      Youth Date of Birth
3.      Parents/guardians names
4.      Contact telephone number and email address
5.      Asian American ethnic ancestry (country of origin)
6.      Include academic and community service activities and achievements (include any outstanding achievements or awards)

 

Parents/Guardians/Youth need to know the following:
1.      Selected youth will be introduced on the floor of the State Legislature on Asian American Heritage Day, Thursday 26 February 2009—time to be announced but will be in the morning, maybe as early as 8:30 AM.  
2.      The Legislature has a dress code—youth must be dressed neatly and appropriately.  We suggest Asian costume or attire.  
3.      Youth 17 or under must be escorted by an adult.

 

 

BOD Meeting

BOD meeting will be on February 22, Sunday, at 4:00PM at Myrna Samson's home, 6419 Mendius NE in Albuquerque. Coming up on March 21st is the General Membership meeting, please check the Calendar tab for more information.

 

Mass for Dick at Prince of Peace Catholic Church

The Mass for Heddy Long's late husband, Dick, will be ths Saturday, February 14 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at 2:30pm. Heddy's nephew, Fr. Gabriel Gonzales, SJ, will be celebrating the mass. We invite all friends and members of the Fil-Am Community.

 

Important Announcements

APIAVote is now accepting applications for interns in the Washington, D.C. office. The APIAVote Internship Program strives to encourage and cultivate young AAPI student leaders to explore a career in the public sector or the political arena.  This internship program will also provide hands on experience and training on how to organize and implement civic engagement activities to increase the participation of AAPIs in the electoral process.    

Download the application form. (.pdf)

General Internship - Year-round

The internship program is tailored per organizational needs and intern skills.  Interns may work on any of the following areas: Communications/Technology (new media and traditional), Field (working with APIAVote partners in field campaigns),  Policy (research and advocate for  policy recommendations), Training (Norman Y. Mineta Leadership Training Institute), or Youth (engaging and organizing our youth coalitions.)

Requirements:
•    College or graduate student
•    Oral and written communication skills
•    Dedicated to promoting civic participation of AAPIs in the electoral and public policy processes

Applications must include:
•    Application form
•    Resume including Education, Work Experience, Political Experience, Extracurricular Activities, Awards/Honors
•    Copy of most current academic transcript
•    One page typed essay on your interest in the internship program and describe "What does civic engagement meant to you?"
•    Two letters of reference

Send your complete application via e-mail or snail mail to: APIAVote Attn: Alvina Yeh 1666 K St NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20006.  alvina@apiavote.org

Deadlines: 

Rolling Deadline - Fall, Winter & Spring Internships

2. Applications may now be submitted for the 2010 awards of the Department of Defense's Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Program.  The SMART Program aims to increase the number of scientists and engineers in the DoD. The program is particularly interested in supporting individuals that demonstrate an aptitude and interest in conducting theoretical and applied research.  The program primarily targets "hand-on-the-bench" researchers and engineers.  Individuals applying to the program should have a strong interest in working for the DoD as a civilian research scientist or engineer.  Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the STEM degrees listed on the website below.

The program offers the following benefits:

·          Full tuition and fee coverage

·          Portable scholarships and fellowships (can switch universities)

·          Cash award up to $41,000 depending on prior educational experience

·          Paid summer internships

·          Health Insurance reimbursement allowance up to $1,200 per calendar year

·          Book allowance of $1,000 per academic year

·          Mentoring

·          Employment placement after graduation

For more information and to apply, please see:  http://www.asee.org/fellowships/smart/

New Mexico NRCS has a Student Career summer program, the following positions will be open for 2010. Please share with any interested young folks looking for a career in agriculture, thanks.

Student, Trainee-Engineer, Location -Clovis, Supervisor -Brian Schwebke

Student, Trainee (Soil Conservationist) Location: Roswell, Supervisor:Tim Henry

Student, Trainee (RangelandManagement) Location: Mora Supervisor: Richard Jones

Jean E Foster~NRCS~SCT Asian American Pacific Islander-SEPM 6200 Jefferson NE Rm 125, ABQ NM 87109

505-761-5445

 

General Membership Meeting on September 19th

Just a reminder to mark your calendar for September 19, Saturday, will be our Membership Meeting at Cesar Chavez Community Center at 11:00 AM. Everyone is welcome and join us for potluck lunch during the meeting. Surprise special guest will be entertaining us with songs.

 

 

Other Announcements: Student Job Opportunity at the

New Mexico Office of the State Historian   

 

New Mexico Office of the State Historian Announces
Call for Proposals FY 2009 Scholars Program
 
    Santa Fe, NM - December 10, 2008. The Office of the State Historian is accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2009 Scholars Program. This program was established to promote an understanding and appreciation of New Mexico history by providing financial incentive to scholars who conduct research in New Mexico archives. Deadline for applications is January 30, 2009 and research must be completed by June 15, 2009.
    Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program in an accredited college or university and must be conducting research toward a graduate degree at that institution; hold a graduate degree in a field or discipline from an accredited college or university; or be an independent scholar. An applicant may be studying or working in any field or discipline, provided that the research proposed will foster an understanding and appreciation of New Mexico history and that the applicant's academic or work experience qualifies him or her to conduct the proposed research.
     Successful candidates will be awarded a maximum of $1,000 per month.  Research projects must use primary sources available in New Mexico archival repositories containing material relative to the history and cultures of New Mexico. A minimum of 80 hours per month of on-site research in our archival repositories is required ($1,000/80 hours research, $2,000/160 hours research, $3,000/240 hours). Each award winner will be required to meet post-award requirements.

     New Mexico Scholars Program Awards are supervised by the Office of the State Historian and funded through the Commission of Public Records, the Historical Society of New Mexico, and the Friends of New Mexico History Foundation.

For application information and forms, please go to "Scholars" or download an application by clicking here.

      Questions regarding applications and deadlines should be directed to Dr. Dennis P. Trujillo, Assistant State Historian 505-476-7998 dennis.trujillo@state.nm.us

~from press release, NM Office of the State historian


2009 NAAAP Verizon Leadership Scholarships

 

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Yuman So, Scholarship Committee Chair
scholarship@naaap.org
National Association of Asian American Professionals


2009 NAAAP Verizon Leadership Scholarships
Offer $4,500 to Six Asian American Students

 
We Make Leaders! It's as simple as that. If you know of a good student with great ideas about leadership, then we want to hear from them. He or she could have a shot at winning $4,500 in scholarship money! The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), through the generosity of Verizon, is offering six (6) scholarships each worth $4,500 to Asian American students with the most innovative ideas on how to create, support, and nurture more leaders within our Asian American communities. The scholarships total $27,000.

How to apply? Go to the NAAAP Scholarship website at http://www.naaap.org/scholarship and download the scholarship application.

Two Letters of Recommendation are required.
Academic School Teacher/Advisor
Community Service Leader/Organizer
Eligibility:
Full-time student at an accredited college/university (United States)
Must have accumulated at least 30 credit hours at time of application
Must have a cumulative GPA 3.00 or higher
Must be Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander
Must be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen
Applications and recommendations must be submitted online no later than 11:59PM (EST) on Saturday, January 10, 2009.

The NAAAP National Scholarship committee will review all applications. A personal or telephone interview may be scheduled. Winners will be notified during the 4th week of February 2009. Additional information may be required before completing the award process. Good luck!

####

The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership-based organization and is the largest and fastest-growing Asian professional association with representation in over 25 cities across the United States and Canada. Its vision is "We Make Leaders!". For more information about the NAAAP, go to www.naaap.org.

 

Note: This press release is from NAAAP