Week of 2/26-3/1

Daily Descriptions 

• Monday 2/26

• Today, I wrote out each of the sections for May’s health education resource on the discovery of penicillin and its impact on the era of antibiotics. I included a section on the incidental finding of penicillin and its historical significance, as well as a brief overview on what antibiotics are. Then, I explained what antibiotic resistance is, the causes and effects, and ways for ACCGov employees and retirees to avoid antibiotic resistance. It took me right around 4 hours to compile the information into logical sections, develop a subsequent Canva handout, and create a corresponding quiz for employees to take for a health credit.  

• Wednesday 2/28

• Today, I attended the New Hire Meet & Greet at the Mary Lyndon House where Kendra explained to new employees all of the benefits and programs the ACC Wellness provides. She explained the importance of adequate health and the available resources to achieve that status. I also was able to engage with each of the attendees and other ACCGov presenters, many of whom I have worked with previously. I also attended our weekly spin class, where I engaged with the regular attendees and began to formulate relationships with various employees. 

• Thursday 2/29

• Today, I attended our monthly Caregiver Support session for ACCGov employees with loved ones experiencing Alzheimer’s and dementia. We had a speaker from the UGA Institute of Gerontology, who I was able to converse with about the various programs and research the institute is working on. The program the speaker presented provides highly valuable information on the genetics and symptoms of the numerous types of dementia as well as beneficial practices for loved ones in the caregiver role. I was able to speak with some of the employees afterwards, thus developing further relationships. 

• Friday 3/1 

• Today, I worked remotely on creating an excel file for our upcoming Allergy and Sleep screening. I emailed with and scheduled numerous employees. I also spent a good amount of time taking notes on why it is beneficial for firefighters to live a healthy lifestyle. This included researching information on adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, etc. for firefighters from various resources. I took several pages of notes as well as compiled the notes into a more straightforward outline. Kendra will use this information in the fire training center course for upcoming fire officers where she will tutor them on how to live a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of doing so. 

Weekly Summary 

This week, I focused on various aspects of health education and employee engagement within ACCGov. I developed sections for May’s health education resource, covering the discovery of penicillin and its impact on antibiotics. This involved explaining antibiotic resistance and ways to avoid it for ACCGov employees. I compiled information into logical sections, created a Canva handout, and devised a quiz for employee health credits. I also attended the New Hire Meet & Greet, where Kendra outlined ACC Wellness benefits and programs to new employees. I engaged with attendees and colleagues, fostering relationships. Also I participated in a weekly spin class, further connecting with coworkers. I joined the monthly Caregiver Support session, discussing Alzheimer’s and dementia with a speaker from the UGA Institute of Gerontology. I was able to engage in valuable conversations about caregiving practices and program initiatives. I also worked remotely on scheduling appointments for an upcoming Allergy and Sleep screening. Lastly, I researched and compiled information on the importance of a healthy lifestyle for firefighters, which will be utilized in training sessions led by Kendra.

Responsibilities & Competencies 

• 6.2.1- Describe the intended outcome of the communication (e.g., raise awareness, advocacy, behavioral change, and risk communication).

• I met this competency by stating the rationale and intended outcome of May’s handout on antibiotic resistance, which was to raise awareness for ACCGov employees. 

• 6.5.6- Use digital media to engage audience(s) (e.g., social media management tools and platforms).

• I met this competency by developing a Canva handout to educate ACCGov employees on antibiotic resistance. 

• 8.1.4- Promote health equity 

• I met this competency by attending the New Hire Meet & Greet, where Kendra explained the purpose of the ACCGov Wellness program, which intends to promote health equity amongst employees. 

• 8.3.4- Build relationships with other professionals within and outside the profession.

• I met this competency by continuing to develop relationships with ACCGov employees I have worked with before, as well as meeting the new hires. 

• 7.1.3- Involve partners and stakeholders throughout the health education and promotion process in meaningful and sustainable ways.

• I met this competency by engaging with partners at the UGA Institute for Gerontology. We have used them for several of the caregiver sessions and they provide valuable health education and promotion for employees with loved ones experiencing dementias. 

• 7.1.5- Evaluate relationships with partners and stakeholders on an ongoing basis to make appropriate modifications.

• I met this competency by having a discussion with Kendra where we compared the previous speaker to the one we had today to assess the effectiveness of each month’s program. 

• 2.1.2- Facilitate collaborative efforts among priority populations, partners, and stakeholders.

• I met this competency by emailing with ACCGov employees to sign them up for the Allergy and Sleep screening. 

• 6.3.1- Use communications theory to develop or select communication message(s).

• I met this competency by tailoring my messages to each employee wanting to register for the screening based off of the last time I was tasked with signing up individuals for a similar screening. I learned to change my writing style to more straightforward to better engage with the audience. 

Reflection 

Throughout this week, my focus was on driving health education and enhancing employee engagement within ACCGov. I dedicated time to developing sections for May’s health education resource, delving into the discovery of penicillin and its profound implications for antibiotic use. In crafting this content, I explored the critical topic of antibiotic resistance and offered strategies for ACCGov employees to mitigate its risks. This endeavor involved organizing information systematically, creating visual aids, and designing interactive assessments to promote employee health awareness. Additionally, I actively participated in events such as the New Hire Meet & Greet, where I collaborated with Kendra to introduce ACC Wellness initiatives to new employees, fostering connections and promoting a supportive work environment. My involvement in activities like the weekly spin class further solidified these relationships, creating a sense of friendship among coworkers. Attending the monthly Caregiver Support session provided a platform to engage in meaningful discussions about Alzheimer’s and dementia, gaining insights into caregiving practices and program advancements. On a practical level, I remotely managed logistical aspects of upcoming health screenings, ensuring smooth coordination. Lastly, I undertook research on the significance of a healthy lifestyle for firefighters, recognizing its importance in training sessions led by Kendra. Reflecting on the week, my efforts have contributed to a culture of wellness and community within ACCGov, reinforcing the organization's commitment to employee well-being.