Press Release

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For release May 3, 2005

What are the hazards that people in Contra Costa should look out for, and what is County government doing to prepare for disasters and health emergencies - those are the topics of the new episode of the cable TV show "Get Ready, Get Healthy."

The new episode, titled "Local Hazards and Disaster Planning," will have its premiere broadcast at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 9, on Contra Costa Television, which is on Channel 27 for Comcast cable viewers and Channel 32 for Astound viewers. It will rerun the following Monday at the same times, as well as at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 12 and 19, and other times in the future.

The show is produced through a partnership between the county health department, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), and county public access station, Contra Costa Television (CCTV). First unveiled last year on CCTV, it stars local TV and radio veteran Doug Spangler as host.

"This episode showcases excellent presentations and interviews by both guests," said Victoria Balladares, writer/producer of the 30-minute show for CCHS. "People can really learn a lot about what to expect in a disaster."

The new episode features guests Erika Jenssen, the Health Emergency Coordinator for CCHS, and Chris Boyer, Senior Emergency Planning Coordinator for the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff.

"It is a great combination of guests, with Erika able to talk about health emergencies like flu or other infectious disease outbreaks, while Chris will describe how he and other Sheriff staff work with school districts and other agencies to develop emergency plans," said Balladares. "I think the show is very reassuring that Contra Costa County is preparing for whatever might happen in the future, and residents can do the same."

For more information about "Get Ready, Get Healthy," call Victoria Balladares at 925-313-6817 or visit the CCHS website at cchealth.org and click on Health Topics, which also has information about bioterrorism and emergency readiness.

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