By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
The Community Health Outreach Workers in Health Education and Outreach at the Garrett County Health Department promote health messages throughout the county to encourage wellness and the prevention of risky behaviors so that residents live longer, healthier lives. This is accomplished by emphasizing health messages that prevent or reduce four priority risk factors: obesity, tobacco use, alcohol use, and misuse of opioid and other prescription drugs.
New to the Health Education and Outreach team is Jamie Spano. She recently completed the Community Health Worker training as part of the Maryland certification process.
“You can find me in the Friendsville and Grantsville areas as I do my work for the Health Department,” Jamie said, “but I also volunteer in my home area. In fact, I served as President of The Friendsville Community Watch prior to joining the Health Department team.”
Jamie was honorably discharged after serving 13 years in the U.S. Navy as a Fire Controlman. She worked primarily with weapons and advanced electronic systems.
- I am technical minded and not afraid to ask questions.
- I believe there’s always room for improvement and you should never stop learning.
- I have extensive experience in diverse cultures.
- I am a single parent to a wonderfully inquisitive daughter.
“Family has always been my priority, and my plan is to extend that value to all of our neighbors, friends, and relatives,” Jamie said. “Through education and prevention, I believe we can build happier, healthier communities.”
As an Outreach Worker, Jamie assists local businesses with providing worksite wellness opportunities for employees, where she brings in the prevention message for the month, offers blood pressure checks, maps out walking trails, sets up challenges that employees can complete to win prizes, and promotes healthy behaviors to help build up workplace morale.
Some examples of other ways in which Jamie promotes health and wellness include prescription drug take backs, Naloxone (Narcan) distributions, and The Friendsville Community Watch events.
The Friendsville Community Watch is one of four Health Department sponsored community planning groups throughout the county which host fun, educational activities for families and residents of all ages. These activities include events such as annual Christmas and Easter celebrations, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Senior Center, Back to School Night at the Fire Hall, and Fun in the Park at the Friendsville Community Park.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that The Friendsville Community Watch is always looking for volunteers!” Jamie said. “Feel free to contact me any time to discuss the possibilities. I am excited and highly motivated to offer opportunities and resources to our communities.”
“Our team strives to increase access to, and use of, prevention screening and support services,” said Venessa Stacy, Outreach Coordinator. “That makes our outreach members the ideal first person to contact when you aren’t sure where to go for help or need more information about any of life’s challenges.”
If you, your community, or your workplace could benefit from collaboration with an Outreach Worker, contact Venessa Stacy at Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Cutline: Community Health Outreach Worker Jamie Spano mainly works in the Friendsville and Grantsville areas. Pictured above is Jamie with her daughter, Elijah Spano, during the holiday season.
Contact: [email protected]
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