Training teaches first aid response to mental health crises

 Kathy Davis, Communications

One in five adults in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness each year. In 2019, less than 45 percent of adults with mental illness received treatment. 

The odds of a WSDA employee encountering someone with a mental illness are high. It may be a customer or member of the public, a coworker or family member, or on the street walking to and from the office. 

The proportion of employees who said in the annual State Safety Survey they would know how to respond to a person experiencing a mental health crisis has grown over the past six years – from 17 percent in 2015 to 40 percent in 2021. 

However, many more employees are confident about their ability to respond to other emergency events, such as fire (91%), earthquake (80%), and active threat (75%). 

First aider response training

Since March 2021 the WSDA Safety, and Health and Wellness programs have coordinated to offer Mental Health First Aid responder training. The online course is taught by Tony Cloud, an instructor certified through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. 

“Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a crisis related to mental illness,” explained Ron Hussung, head of WSDA’s Enterprise Risk Management Services. 

Participants of this course learn to appropriately provide aid to someone experiencing a crisis or challenge, until professional help arrives or the crisis resolves. 

According to the course guide, “first aiders” do not diagnose or treat themselves or others. 

They are able to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a person may be experiencing a mental health challenge, listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance, and know how to refer the person to appropriate professional support and services.

Ron said his team sought out and arranged to offer the Mental Health First Aid training based on the safety survey results, including several comments from staff asking for more support to deal with the rise in homelessness and mental health issues they encounter. 

Course details

Each course offering is limited to 20 participants. Since all are WSDA employees, they bring shared experiences to the interactive training. 

Two hours of online study, videos and knowledge checks are required before attending the four-hour, in-person instruction. 

The agency’s Enterprise Risk Management Services covers the cost. 

Agency staff who have attended the course have offered high praise in their feedback, calling it engaging and applicable to real-life scenarios. 

“Thank you for the opportunity to learn about reducing stigma, raising mental health literacy and creating communities of recovery and hope by advancing Mental Health First Aid preparedness,” wrote one participant. 

If you are interested in taking Mental Health First Aid responder training, contact Stacy Laney, WSDA wellness coordinator. 

In summary: Since March 2021 the WSDA Safety and Health and Wellness programs have coordinated to offer Mental Health First Aid responder training. Participants of this course learn to appropriately provide aid to someone experiencing a crisis or challenge, until professional help arrives or the crisis resolves. Learn more about this training opportunity in the latest Insider blog post. 

Ali Kashani has had broad impact on animal feed regulation

 Kathy Davis, Communications

Dr. Ali Kashani has seen many significant changes and advancements in the field of animal feed regulation over his long career. And he has been an influential contributor to many of them. 

After serving at WSDA for nearly 34 years, Ali will retire from his current position as program manager of the Animal Feed Program at the end of September.

Before his current role, Ali held positions in WSDA as chemical investigator, registration specialist, Feed and Fertilizer Compliance Program manager, and senior feed advisor. 

Ali’s graduate school adviser at South Dakota University encouraged him to pursue a career in animal nutrition. He went on to earn a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in animal science. He also taught many courses at the university and led research projects related to feed technology, nutrition, and livestock and poultry management. 

Among Ali’s many professional accomplishments, he influenced the focus and direction of animal feed regulations that have been adopted on both the national and state levels. He helped develop the Preventive Controls for Animal Food Regulation Implementation Framework for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards that are or in the process of being implemented by nearly half the states in the country. 

He was also involved in developing several rules adopted under the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). 

Change in regulation focus

Ali noted that animal feed regulation has shifted in the last two decades. “We are now placing a greater emphasis on preventive measures rather than reacting to adverse events that occur,” he said. 

“We regulate two segments of the feed industry: one to produce human food through livestock, poultry and aquaculture, and the other to feed companion animals. Both industries have evolved and have become notably more sophisticated during the last several decades. 

“Companion animals are now more part of our families than before, and we pay closer attention to both segments of the industry for product safety,” he said.

Ali with his grandson.

Along with his primary duties with WSDA, Ali has served in leadership roles for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).  And he’s been honored with recognition awards including from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the E.B. Voorhees Award from AAFCO, and Employee of the Year at WSDA. 

Parting advice

This soft-spoken and well respected manager shared some parting advice; “Spend a little more efforts to try to understand others’ points of view – put yourself in others’ shoes, so to speak, to get a better feel of where they are coming from.” 

And he counseled, “Never think you know it all, or else, that is all you will ever know, as someone said once.”

He also reflected on what he has valued about his long WSDA career. 

“Making lifetime friendships with extremely talented, professional, and caring people within our state, as well as with agencies around the country and beyond, has been the one of the most enjoyable parts of my job,” he said. 

Ali looks forward to spending more time with family, such as his grandchildren, in retirement, as well as gardening, charitable work, and maybe a cross-country trip “when we have better control of the infamous virus.” 

Ashlee-Rose Ferguson, will step into the interim program manager role after Ali’s last day on September 30. 

In summary: Dr. Ali Kashani has seen many significant changes and advancements in the field of animal feed regulation over his long career. And he has been an influential contributor to many of them. After serving at WSDA for nearly 34 years, Ali will retire from his current position as program manager of the Animal Feed Program at the end of September. Read more about him in this Insider blog post.

State employee vaccine mandate; requesting exemption and accommodation

 WSDA Human Resources Office

Gov. Jay Inslee’s Aug. 10, 2021 Proclamation 21-14 requires state cabinet agency employees to be fully vaccinated with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine by Oct. 18, 2021, as a condition of employment.  

This mandate applies to WSDA. Employees will work with WSDA Human Resources if they request an exemption from the vaccination mandate for a medical or religious accommodation. 

After requesting an exemption, expect an interactive process to determine whether your circumstances qualify under the exemption requirements. If the exemption is approved, you will continue the interactive process to determine whether an effective reasonable accommodation would allow you to perform the essential functions of your job. 

Each case will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to whether an effective reasonable accommodation does or does not exist. Following the process, you will be notified what accommodations, if any, are available to permit you to continue in your position without vaccination. While separation could result if no accommodations are available, each accommodation is evaluated uniquely.

WSDA Human Resources will ask employees to provide documentation to support a request for a medical and religious accommodation. 

Medical request

To the extent permitted by law, WSDA must obtain documentation from an appropriate and state-authorized health care or rehabilitation professional stating that the individual has a medical requirement for an accommodation and how long the need for accommodation is likely to last. 

If qualified with appropriate medical documentation, WSDA will approve reasonable accommodations, unless providing such accommodations would pose an undue hardship to the agency, such as financial or disrupting business operations. The requesting employee must participate in the interactive accommodation process and provide all information reasonably needed to evaluate the request.

For an employee to remain unvaccinated after Oct. 18, 2021, WSDA must receive documentation from the employee’s medical provider. 

Religious request

WSDA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with religious beliefs who request an exemption, unless providing such accommodations would pose an undue hardship to the agency, such as financial or disrupting business operations. The requesting employee must participate in the interactive accommodation process and provide all information reasonably needed to evaluate the request.

The proclamation requires WSDA to document the request for accommodation. The document must include a statement about the way in which the requirements of the mandate conflict with religious observance, practice, and/or belief of the employee. 

The requesting employee will be asked to complete a “COVID-19 Vaccine Religious Accommodation Request” form no later than Oct. 4 to help assure timelines for response can be met.  

The form contains two questions about your sincerely held religious belief, based on the Proclamation 21-14 exemption. In most circumstances, WSDA will need additional follow-up information about your strongly held religious belief(s).  

The form asks the requesting employee to affirm or agree that they have never received a vaccine or medicine from a health care provider as an adult. 

Forms

Employees may request a medical or religious exemption by completing and emailing the appropriate form to Human Resources at hresources@agr.wa.gov.  

Employees may ask HR for a form, or links to the forms are available on the intranet, Human Resources homepage:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Accommodation Request Form
• COVID-19 Vaccine Religious Accommodation Request Form

Vaccine verification

For instructions on how to verify your COVID-19 vaccine status, see the Insider blog post State employee vaccine mandate; how to verify your vaccination.

To be considered fully vaccinated by Oct. 18, 2021, you must have received your second dose of a two-dose vaccine or a single-dose vaccine by Oct. 4. If you get a two-dose vaccine series, you need get your first dose of Moderna by Sept. 6 or Pfizer by Sept. 13.

Vaccine information

Do you have questions about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines? Consult credible, official sources for information about safety, effectiveness and other concerns. 

From Washington State Department of Health:

• Answers to frequently asked questions 
• Myths vs. facts – What’s what and how to tell the difference 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

If you have additional questions you may contact WSDA Human Resources at hresources@agr.wa.gov. 

In summary: All state cabinet agency employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18 as a condition of employment. The WSDA Human Resources Office will process requests for exemptions from the mandate and reasonable accommodation. This Insider blog post describes that process. 

State employee vaccine mandate; how to verify your vaccination

 WSDA Human Resources Office

Photo courtesy of USDA

Gov. Jay Inslee’s Aug. 10 Proclamation 21-14 requires state cabinet agency employees to be fully vaccinated with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine by Oct. 18, 2021, as a condition of employment. This mandate applies to WSDA, and our Human Resources (HR) Office will verify employees’ vaccination status. 

The Attorney General’s Office has advised agencies not to retain digital images of individual’s vaccination cards. Therefore, HR will need to verify employee vaccination status by viewing each employee’s documentation in real-time over Microsoft Teams. 

Book an appointment

Employees will schedule a Teams video appointment with HR, using the “Bookings” scheduling tool set up for this purpose: WSDA Vaccination Verification Bookings. IT has also provided a direct link to the Bookings site via an icon loaded on computer desktops and agency-issued mobile devices.  

Attached is an instruction guide that walks you through the process of making an appointment with Bookings. Note that Bookings will not work properly on the Internet Explorer web browser. Use either Edge or Chrome to schedule your appointment.  If you have trouble opening Bookings, contact the IT Service Desk at ServiceDesk@agr.wa.gov or call 360-902-2008. 

Those who do not have easy access to Teams, or have other special circumstances (remote, shift schedules, etc.) will receive instructions from their division or program. 

How to verify

Each verification appointment will last no more than seven minutes. During the appointment, a member of HR staff will confirm your name, position and personnel ID numbers, division, and date of final COVID-19 vaccination. 

To verify vaccination status, you will need to show HR your proof of vaccination over video. Types of proof permitted: 

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.
• Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider or electronic record.
• State immunization information system record. 

Personal assurance of vaccination without documentation will not be accepted.

To efficiently process the volume of agency staff, these verification appointments will be kept brief. The HR reps will not be able to answer employees’ questions or take comments during these appointments. 

Questions and comments may be sent to the Human Resources Office mailbox at hresources@agr.wa.gov.  

Vaccination card questions

If you’ve lost your vaccination card, create an account and log in to MyIR (“My Immunization Registry”) to look up your COVID-19 vaccination record. Take a screenshot or photo of the information. You can also get help with your vaccination record by calling 833-VAX-HELP or emailing waiisrecords@doh.wa.gov.

Creating or purchasing unauthorized vaccine cards is illegal and punishable under federal law with penalties that may include fines and prison time.

Act now

If you are already fully vaccinated, schedule your verification appointment with HR as soon as possible. Please do not schedule an appointment until after receiving your last shot. 

Do not schedule a verification appointment if you plan to request an exemption from vaccination. That is a separate process. See more details in the Insider blog post State employee vaccine mandate; requesting exemption and accommodation. 

If you are not yet vaccinated, schedule a vaccination appointment or visit a drop-in clinic soon. Contact your health care provider, or find an appointment through the Department of Health’s Vaccine Finder tool. 

To be considered fully vaccinated by Oct. 18, you must have received your second dose of a two-dose vaccine or a single-dose vaccine by Oct. 4. If you get a two-dose vaccine series, you need get your first dose of Moderna by Sept. 6 or Pfizer by Sept. 13.

Vaccine information

Do you have questions about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines? Consult credible, official sources for information about safety, effectiveness and other concerns. 

From Washington State Department of Health:

• Answers to frequently asked questions 
• Myths vs. facts – What’s what and how to tell the difference 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

If you have additional questions you may contact WSDA Human Resources at hresources@agr.wa.gov. 

In summary: All state cabinet agency employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18 as a condition of employment. The WSDA Human Resources Office will verify employees’ vaccination status. This Insider blog post describes the process for verifying employees’ vaccination. 

Five win prizes in latest QUICK Award drawing

 Kathy Davis, Communications

Robert Flores

Five WSDA employees became eligible to select a prize because their names were randomly selected from the full list of all those receiving a QUICK Awards during the second quarter of 2021. Agencywide, employees handed out 48 awards to their coworkers, with 32 awarded in Eastern Washington and 16 in Western Washington.

QUICK Awards are presented by employees who see their peers demonstrating good work and service to others – either inside or outside the agency. Below are the prize recipients from the most recent drawing.

Cassie Cichorz – Plant Protection, Pest Program, Olympia
Cassie's leadership and dedication was essential for WSDA's first ever Asian Giant Hornet Seminar as she assembled a robust group of speakers with great topics for upcoming AGH season for 91 state workers, education employees and volunteers from 26 states, and three countries for this two-day virtual meeting. Job well done Cassie! - Jason Gambill

Cassie Cichorz with an 
Asian giant hornet nest.

Robert Flores – Administrative Services, Information Technology, Olympia
Robert went out of his way to try to restore a much needed software program on my computer. A lot of great detective work and amounted to a successful outcome. Thanks Robert. - Ashlee-Rose Ferguson

Richard McCabe – Commodity Inspection, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Othello
For following up on F&V staff safety concerns in the Othello/ Royal City/ Moses Lake areas during the COVID 19 event. Dealing with difficult customers and providing a safe work environment for staff. Thank you Richard! – Brenda Buckmiller

John Rivas – Commodity Inspection, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Pasco
For working with a new auditee, making them feel comfortable during their first audit. Quoting from this customer’s email: “Thank you so much for your help in sending the paperwork and scheduling the audit in the middle of your busy schedule. John Rives was respectful and patient and friendly, making me feel more comfortable and able to focus on the audit… Overall I had a pleasant experience with your outfit, very professional and responsive.” – Lonnie Marlin

Richard McCabe

Maria Valle – Commodity Inspection, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Yakima
Maria assisted the Seed Program by offering two (staff) from F&V to work for us to issue phytosanitary certificates. The staff are conscientious workers with the seed stakeholders and were proficient, accurate and timely… I appreciate having the open door with F&V to assist with our needs during an unforeseen vacancy… Thank you for being so easy to work with and know that we are here to assist as a good neighbor anytime. – Paula M. Moore

Congratulations to all WSDA employees, listed below, who were recognized with a QUICK Award from a colleague between April 1 and June 30, 2021. 

Eastern Washington
Lonnie Marlin, Michael Romias, Addie Siebol, Ricardo Cisneros, Oli Silva, Anthony Pleasant, Mike Daniels, Amanda King, Kevin Sauve, Jeff Sterbenz, Kim Gohl, Julie Barboza, Annette DeLong, Mark Buechler, Ken Crow, Brianna Hallenbeck, Brandy Thompson, Casey Litt, Larry Southard, Claudia Lozano-Saucedo, Sarah Pugh, David Bryson, Erin Coyle, Jim Nelson, Robert Newell, Tracy Boosinger, Kevin Melone

John Rivas

Western Washington
Kathy Bernard, Sidney Black, Cody Buchanan, Sapphitah Dickereson, Rachel Furth, Nick Johnson, Stacy Laney, Candice Lyall, Robin Mesier, Carol Schmidt, Eddie Simons, Roger Smith, Cajsha White 

September 30 next drawing deadline

When you catch one of your coworkers doing something special for staff or customers, why not let them know with a QUICK Award? You can find the award form on the intranet. Forms are also available from your division coordinator or agency receptionists.

In summary: WSDA staff presented 48 QUICK Awards during the second quarter of 2021. Five names were randomly drawn to receive prizes. See who they are and why they were recognized by their colleagues. Insider now also lists all employees who received QUICK Awards during the previous quarter.

New rules aim to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke

 Kathy Davis, Communications 

Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Natural Resources.

With nearly double the rate of wildfires reported across Washington State still early in this fire season, new rules aim to help protect outdoor workers from the health risks of being exposed to wildfire smoke. 

On July 16, the state Department of Labor & Industries filed emergency rules that spell out responsibilities for employers, including state agencies like WSDA, to identify harmful smoke risks, notify employees, and eliminate or reduce workers’ exposure. The rules took immediate effect, while L&I proceeds with the process to make them permanent. 

“In past wildfire seasons, we’ve had little guidance to address our workers’ concerns about smoke exposure,” said Ron Hussung, WSDA’s Safety Program manager. “These L&I rules give us clarity around when we’re most at risk and specific steps we need to take as an employer.” 

These new rules apply specifically to people working outdoors. They exempt worksites within enclosed buildings and vehicles with windows and doors mostly kept closed (except for entry and exit) and air-filtration systems. 

The rule sets the standard for dangerously poor air quality at 2.5 PM (particulate matter), which means suspended solid or liquid particles are at or below 2.5 micrometers in diameter. The fine particles at this level are the most concerning hazard because they get deep into the lungs, worsening conditions like asthma, and affecting heart health.

Employer responsibilities 

WSDA managers and supervisors will now be responsible for monitoring air quality conditions in the areas where employees are working outdoors. They can check websites such as the EPA's AirNow website or state Department of Ecology's Air Monitoring Network and download mobile apps like "EPA AirNow" or "Air Quality WA." 

When workers are at risk of exposure to hazardous levels of wildfire smoke, employers must take actions to eliminate or reduce their exposure. These measures may include:

• Moving work to enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles where the air is adequately filtered.
• Moving employees to areas with lower smoke exposure.
• Reducing work intensity.
• Providing additional rest periods.
• Providing employees with respirators, such as an N95 or a KN95 disposal mask, at no cost for voluntary use when levels of particulate matter are high.

The WSDA Safety Office is contacting agency supervisors to help them obtain the supplies they need to keep workers safe from smoke exposure, according to Ron. Since use of respirators for this purpose is voluntary, no medical exam or fit test is required, he noted.

Although it’s not required, WSDA and L&I recommend taking action to reduce employee exposure to dangerous air at even lower levels of particulate matter, especially for workers with asthma or other lung conditions.

The new rules also require employers to train employees and supervisors about wildfire smoke. WSDA staff should view the 15-minute wildfire smoke training video on L&I’s website.  

In summary: With nearly double the rate of wildfires reported across Washington State still early in this fire season, new rules aim to help protect outdoor workers from the health risks of being exposed to wildfire smoke. On July 16, the state Department of Labor & Industries filed emergency rules that spell out responsibilities for employers to identify harmful smoke risks, notify employees, and eliminate or reduce workers’ exposure. Learn more in this Insider blog post. 

Produce Safety Program celebrates five years and a new leader

Kathy Davis, Communications

Dr. Connie Fisk

In 2017, WSDA welcomed a brand new program to the agency. Funded by a five-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Produce Safety Program was created to help Washington State comply with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. 

When FSMA was signed into law in 2011, it represented sweeping reform to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it. 

The Produce Safety Program just received approval for another five years of FDA funding. And the program heads into their next phase with a new leader at the helm. Dr. Connie Fisk started as the program manager on June 28. 

Connie is a recognized national leader in produce safety extension and outreach. She most recently supported growers, trainers, and regulators as the Northwest regional extension associate for the Produce Safety Alliance at Cornell University where she worked on curriculum and resource development and mentored PSA trainers about best practices. 

Connie said, “I am passionate about equipping produce growers with the information and skills they need to provide safe, high-quality crops for market, and to comply with government requirements.”

Along with training and outreach, the Produce Safety Program inspects farms and enforces the federal rule. The Produce Safety Rule includes requirements for on-farm practices to reduce risks associated with the quality of water used on produce, soil amendments, animals (domestic and wild) on the property, and worker health and hygiene. 

Karen Ullmann and Kelly Morales compare inspection notes.

In just five short years, this committed program team has taken great strides in carrying out their purpose. Below are some key accomplishments. 

Education

• Conducted 65 On-Farm Readiness Reviews, non-regulatory, educational assessments that help farms comply with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.  
• Trained approximately 1,700 growers on FSMA through the program’s support of 60 FDA-recognized trainings statewide. 
• Conducted 30 additional produce industry presentations and attended over 150 statewide conferences, regional workshops and grower meetings.

Compliance 

• Established the agency’s first produce safety inspection program and began compliance activities in 2019  
• Conducted over 90 Produce Safety Rule inspections in just two years, including one shortened by the pandemic and wildfires
• Developed an inventory of 2,740 produce farms from multiple public sources, along with individual outreach and mass-mailer campaigns 
• Verified compliance status of 43% of farms in the new database, FoodPro, shared with the Food Safety Program. FoodPro provides greater customization and enables electronic on-farm inspections.

Looking ahead, the program’s strategic priorities include continued education, outreach, and technical assistance to the state’s produce industry, and focusing regulatory inspections on quality and national consistency.

Jill Wisehart and Beth Lorence offer educational material
at an outreach event.

“As WSDA’s produce safety role grows in national influence, Connie is the right leader for the job,” noted Steve Fuller, assistant director of the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. 

So the next time you enjoy some fresh Washington-grown produce from a farmers market or grocery store, consider the importance of the Produce Safety Program. As they gear up for the future, they will continue to help state fruit and vegetable growers safeguard the food supply for all consumers. 

In summary: Five years ago, WSDA welcomed a brand new program to the agency. In that time, the Produce Safety Program has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. And the program heads into their next phase with a new leader at the helm. Meet Dr. Connie Fisk, who started as the program manager on June 28.