LAKEPORT
E Center promotes Kim Schott as new Lake County WIC Program Director
E Center announced Friday that Kim Schott has been appointed as the new Program Director of E Center’s Lake County Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. A Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Educator, Kim will succeed Helaine Moore, who retired after 30 years working for E Center as the WIC Program Director.
Schott began working for E Center in 2018 after graduating Summa Cum Laude from San Diego State University. During the same time, she completed her dietetic internship through San Diego WIC. Schott is United State Navy veteran where she served six years as Petty Officer Second Class aboard the USS Harpers Ferry.
“Kim is the perfect fit for our diverse and ever‐changing community in Lake County,” said Sharon Zoller, E Center Board of Directors Chair and Lake county farmer “Both her private sector background and understanding of the important role nutrition plays in the wellness and health of new mothers and young children, fits with E Center’s Mission of Building Healthy Communities through Education, Employment and Environment awareness.”
Schott has been in the military, owned her own business, and helped with the startup and management of other small businesses.
“Kim is excited at the opportunity of building new relationships and strengthening current collaborations,” said E center’s CEO Raj Samra “We have full trust in Kim’s ability to meet the new federal and state WIC regulations, as the community recovers from the pandemic, and lead her team to new heights.”
In her spare time, Schott enjoys working out, boating, camping, home improvement projects, cooking, and most of all spending quality time with her family.
About E Center
E Center is a private nonprofit agency with more than four decades of proven effectiveness in serving the most at‐ risk children and families in northern California. E Center’s mission is to “Build Healthy Communities through education, employment, and environmental awareness.” E Center programs include Women’s Infant and Children (WIC) in Lake County; and Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, and Migrant Early Head Start programs. The Head Start programs are located in Northern California in eight (8) counties: Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Lake, Colusa, and Yolo, serving over 1,800 children (ages: 0‐5) and 1,500 families annually. E Center is well known for its strategic and collaborative regional and state‐level partnerships to make a significant social impact in serving and creating healthy communities.
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LAKE COUNTY
First 5 Lake holds Scheduling Commission meeting on Wednesday
First 5 Lake is holding it’s regularly scheduling Commission meeting next Wednesday, August 25 at 2 pm via Zoom. As always, the public is welcome and encouraged to join and offer comment. On the agenda is an action item to approve the organization’s 2021-22 budget revision, approval of a one year grant extension process and a presentation on head start enrollment, among other items. Meeting login details are as follow:
Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 2 pm
Join via Zoom: https://lakecounty.zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 981 9532 7888
Passcode: 515548
Join by phone: (669) 900-6833
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LAKE COUNTY
Promoting health and well-being in the face of wildfire-related stress
Many in our county are once again facing loss and displacement due to wildfire. Despite the fact that Lake County has seen more than its fair share of fires, Lake County residents remain remarkably resilient. However, it is common for folks who endure these situations to experience strong emotions during and after the event.
Wildfires, in particular, can be stressful due to the fact they are unpredictable, and can gain strength and change direction at any moment. Suddenly, communities that seemed to be clear of any danger need to evacuate. Although well-orchestrated firefighting must be recognized and appreciated, sometimes destruction of property and even loss of life is unpreventable.
Denial and shock are common reactions to natural disasters, particularly immediately after the event. These are normal protective reactions. However, once the shock subsides, people react differently from one another. These are common reactions to a traumatic event such as a wildfire:
- Recurring emotional reactions are common. Reminders such as sirens, fire engines, ash and smoke can create anxiety. Flashbacks may occur for no obvious reason, and could lead to negative mental and physical reactions. It can make it difficult to make rational decisions and some may become disoriented or confused. Eating and sleeping patterns can also be disrupted.
- Feelings can become unpredictable and intense. Moods may dramatically change back and forth. Some individuals experience depression and anxiety.
- Relationships can become strained, especially if living in a shelter or temporary housing.
It is critical to remember there is no one “standard” reaction to the stress. There are a number of things one can do to restore health and well-being including:
- It’s okay to allow time to mourn any losses you or your loved ones have experienced.
- Take a break. Manage your intake of news about the disaster. While getting updated information is important, being over-exposed can potentially increase stress levels.
- Healthy behaviors. Avoid drugs and alcohol, as they can suppress feelings rather than helping manage and ease stress. Eating well-balanced meals and getting exercise along with proper rest are further best practices to minimize stress and restore normalcy and security.
“Some folks are able to deal with the emotional demands brought on by wildfires by utilizing their own support systems. Deeper problems can persist and can get in the way of everyday living,” says Todd Metcalf, Lake County Behavioral Health Services Director. “People experiencing prolonged stress should consult with a mental health professional.”
For help and more information, please visit the Lake County Behavioral Health Services website at http://lcbh.lakecountyca.gov/ or call 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090. If in crisis, please dial 800-900-2075.
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—Compiled by Ariel Carmona Jr.
