Jill Franken, Public Health Director for the City of Sioux Falls and Mary Michaels, Public Health Prevention Coordinator for the Sioux Falls Health Department shared, among other topics, the recent 2017 Ambulance Contract Performance Report as well as the results of the Community Health Needs Assessment.
Franken is responsible for the overall operation and function of the Public Health Department. Among her duties is the administration of the ambulance contract on behalf of the City. Paramedics Plus operates within the EMS system through an exclusive franchise agreement with the City of Sioux Falls. This agreement allows for the provision of ambulance services without a City subsidy. The annual ambulance contract performance report is complete. Franken will share these outcomes, including response times.
Michaels focused on the importance of adopting a community approach to health and well-being as we manage our growth, recruit and retain a qualified workforce to ensure a healthy future for our children. “There are many ways that government, schools, businesses, churches and others can work together to focus on prevention to help people live healthier lives and to reduce the costs of chronic disease” according to Michaels. The Live Well Sioux Falls initiative, a community-based health promotion and prevention effort works with employers and other community partners to demonstrate the “ROI” of a focus on prevention and well-being.
Franken is responsible for the overall operation and function of the Public Health Department. Among her duties is the administration of the ambulance contract on behalf of the City. Paramedics Plus operates within the EMS system through an exclusive franchise agreement with the City of Sioux Falls. This agreement allows for the provision of ambulance services without a City subsidy. The annual ambulance contract performance report is complete. Franken will share these outcomes, including response times.
Michaels focused on the importance of adopting a community approach to health and well-being as we manage our growth, recruit and retain a qualified workforce to ensure a healthy future for our children. “There are many ways that government, schools, businesses, churches and others can work together to focus on prevention to help people live healthier lives and to reduce the costs of chronic disease” according to Michaels. The Live Well Sioux Falls initiative, a community-based health promotion and prevention effort works with employers and other community partners to demonstrate the “ROI” of a focus on prevention and well-being.
Jill Franken has served as the Public Health Director for the City of Sioux Falls since 2010. In her role as Public Health Director, Ms. Franken bears ultimate responsibility for the overall operation and function of the Public Health Department, Falls Community Health (provider of primary health and dental care), and she serves as the City Health Officer. Prior to becoming the Director of the Health Department, Jill was the Assistant Health Director, COO, for over 9 years. Before joining the City of Sioux Falls, Jill was employed at Avera Health, and worked in numerous leadership and staff RN positions in the 15 years she served that organization. Jill has also served on various community non-profit boards and committees.
Mary Michaels is the Public Health Prevention Coordinator for the Sioux Falls Health Department, directing the Live Well Sioux Falls initiative, a community-based health promotion and prevention effort. Live Well Sioux Falls focuses on helping residents Breathe Well, Eat Well, Feel Well, Move Well and Work Well. Prior to joining the City of Sioux Falls in March 2013, she served as the Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association in South Dakota, where she directed public policy efforts related to heart disease, stroke and healthy lifestyles. Mary brings experience in marketing, communications and advocacy to her work from her previous roles with Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Dakota Governor’s Office. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Dakota.
Mary Michaels is the Public Health Prevention Coordinator for the Sioux Falls Health Department, directing the Live Well Sioux Falls initiative, a community-based health promotion and prevention effort. Live Well Sioux Falls focuses on helping residents Breathe Well, Eat Well, Feel Well, Move Well and Work Well. Prior to joining the City of Sioux Falls in March 2013, she served as the Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association in South Dakota, where she directed public policy efforts related to heart disease, stroke and healthy lifestyles. Mary brings experience in marketing, communications and advocacy to her work from her previous roles with Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Dakota Governor’s Office. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Dakota.
Program Highlights July 10, 2017:
- The City has signed a contract with Paramedics Plus. Factors considered were: pricing, compliance reviews, response time, clinical performance, accreditation.
- To be healthy, behavior, lifestyle and the environment are factors. It is difficult to change behaviors.
- Sexually transmitted diseases are alarmingly on the rise in Sioux Falls. The prevalent age group is 18-39.
- A website to access for STD information is: protectyourparts.org
- The City participates in the National Prevention Strategy. Its mission is to build a culture of health by addressing social determinants of health: jobs, education, wages, housing, transportation, access to care & healthy food, quality of life, community engagement.
Facts of concern:
- Millions more are spent on medical care instead of prevention.
- Tobacco products kill 1/2 million people a year; Website to quit smoking: www.sdquitline.com
- In SD, less than 10% of population meets daily requirements for fruit/vegetable consumption
- 67% of the US workforce is overweight or obese
- 66% of SF residents are at risk for or have high blood pressure.
- Contact info: livewell@siouxfalls.org; www.livewellsiouxfalls.org
Next Week’s Program:
Tom Simmons, Author — It’s How We Do Things Around Here: Reflections on Corporate Culture