Local nurse wins national honor for innovation
Registered Nurse Sheila Thompson of Solvang has received the Luc R. Pelletier Healthcare Quality Award from the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).
sheila thompson
The honor recognizes a NAHQ member who develops a performance improvement program or initiative that directly affects the quality of healthcare for a defined group of patients and improves organizational performance.
NAHQ is the leading organization for healthcare quality management professionals, comprising more than 7,500 active members worldwide.
Since 2008, this award has been presented annually to a single healthcare quality management professional during the yearly NAHQ conference. At the recent conference in Minneapolis, the award was presented to Thompson, an 18-year employee of CenCal Health, the local public agency that provides comprehensive health coverage to nearly 180,000 residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Thompson and her team initiated a Performance Improvement Project by collaborating with providers at a local federally qualified health center to increase the rate of diabetic retinal eye exams for patients enrolled in Medicaid. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults from 20 to 74 years old in the United States.
Thompson received her nursing degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, N.Y. She is accredited through NAHQ as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
Solvang approves rules for marijuana dispensary
People who want to operate a medical cannabis dispensary in Solvang can apply from Jan. 21 through Feb. 22 on the city’s website, www.cityofsolvang.com.
The Solvang City Council approved in December the application and selection process. Only one such dispensary will be allowed.
Questions should be directed to Lisa Martin at 805-688-5575.
Nature Center sets talk on bees and beekeeping
The Neal Taylor Nature Center’s “Food for Thought” series will host beekeeper and master gardener Jim Rice from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6.
Rice is the co-founder of the Lompoc Valley Beekeepers Association. His presentation will cover the origin of the honey bee, beehive social structure, how to become a beekeeper, and a discussion on challenges in modern beekeeping. Comb honey will be available for tasting.
Admission to the lecture is free after paying a $10 per vehicle admission to Lake Cachuma County Park.
Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, the nature center offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children.
For more information, visit www.clnaturecenter.org.
