“ T o e n s u r e t h a t o p p o r t u n i t i e s e x i s t f o r q u a l i t y d i a l o g u e b y c i t i z e n s o f t h e
C o a s t a l B e n d o n t h e i s s u e s i m p a c t i n g h e a l t h , s a f e t y , e n v i r o n m e n t , a n d l i f e q u a l i t y . ”
DATE:
TO:
January 15, 2015
Ron L. Olson, City Manager
SUBJECT: REGIONAL HEALTH AWARENESS BOARD (RHAB) 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
The Regional Health Awareness Board (RHAB) is a joint board established by Nueces County, San Patricio
County and the City of Corpus Christi. Its mission is to address community health issues, to respond to inquiries from elected officials and the public and to increase awareness of health issues in the Coastal Bend. RHAB is made up of representatives from the public, local industry, area universities, the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency. The board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 4-6 pm in the City Hall 6 th floor meeting room or at the Public Health Department.
The RHAB authored and published press releases on issues that impact the Coastal Bend. Topics included: New
Findings from Diabetic Research: A Cure for Diabetes?, Flu Vaccine; it’s not too late to get it and 2014 Pediatric
Immunization Schedule Changes. Other press releases were completed and will be released in 2015.
RHAB continues to actively monitor Falcon, Encycle, Ballard Sand Pits and Brine Service Company. In addition, the RHAB is monitoring the long term affects of Eagle Ford Shale, birth defects near refinery row and air/water quality. It also keeps a track of industrial companies that receive their permits.
The Board began working on a folic acid project which aims to incorporate the vitamin into the school system via the lunch program. Dialog has begun with the San Patricio County Department of Health in order to get some feedback on the proposed project. Asthma has also become a fixed item on the agenda for the Board. Current information and updates are being discussed. Also the Board is working on getting asthma spacers sold over the counter in pharmacies. Currently, physicians has to prescribe one to their patients.
The RHAB welcomed Diane Prime in November, as the Board’s new Program Coordinator.
James A. Mobley, MD, MPA, FAAFP
Chair, Regional Health Awareness Board c/o City of Corpus Christi
1701 Leopard St. P.O. Box 9277
– Corpus Christi, TX 78469
Phone: (361) 826-3370 – Fax (361) 826-8282