What’s
Up
NEWSLETTER
Director’s Message
APRIL 2023
Peer-to-Peer
José Valdez
Dear OC Health Care Agency
“I see my role as an educator within my team and to my business partners.
(HCA) Team,
I also see my role as a dependable lead who can be trusted to resolve complex or sensitive situations.” Peer-to-Peer recipient José Valdez said
This is one of the most difficult
he enjoys the many opportunities he’s presented with as an Environmental
messages I’ve ever sent to you.
Health Specialist III in the Environmental Health Division (EH). “I’m motivated
I’m filled with incredible joy
by the opportunity that this role offers to continuously learn, problem solve,
for each and every one of you
team build, network and collaborate.”
and what we’ve accomplished since I joined the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) in May 2020, nearly 3 years ago to the month.
José joined the HCA nearly seven years ago after working in the food industry and in vector control with San Bernardino County
You can and should be proud
Environmental Health. In addition to
of all we’ve done to serve our
the opportunities, José said there is
wonderful community during
clear purpose in what he and his EH
the most stressful and difficult
colleagues do. “Our work is mean-
health challenge of any time. You
ingful because we help ensure that
are part of a wonderful team
food offered to the public is safe.
and it has been an honor to lead
Our line of work affects the young,
such an Agency.
elderly, healthiest and most vulnerable members of the public.”
At the same time, it does hurt to leave a job that I desired to have. . . . continued on page 2
Public safety is the focus of his work said José. It’s a focus that includes various aspects whether serving the public or EH teammates.
FEATURED ARTICLES Public Health Week...................4 Public Health Nurses and Child Abuse Prevention Month.........6 Recognizing and Celebrating Social Workers ........................8
“The most enjoyable part of my job is seeing my teammates develop . . . continued on page 3