Army Public Health Nursing
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Army Public Health Nursing can be the link to inform, educate and bridge the gap between community resources and people in need.
Our Mission:
WBAMC APHN - One team with one purpose; inspiring trust through caring, commitment and excellence. |
Prevention, Education and Follow-up Services provided for:
Sexually Transmitted Infection
What are STIs?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually transmitted Infections (STIs), are infections that can be passed from human to human during sexual activity. These diseases are caused mainly due to bacteria, viruses, and / or parasites. STI’s often go undiagnosed because these infections usually do not exhibit visual symptoms (CDC, 2021).
What are the symptoms?
Changes in urination, pain during sex, unusual discharge from the penis, abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, bumps or sores, pain in the pelvic or abdominal region, burning or itching in the vaginal area are most common symptoms for STIs. Proper evaluation and further testing procedures must be performed in order to get an accurate diagnosis (CDC, 2021).
If you suspect you may have one of these symptoms please call Army Public Health Nursing of Ft. Bliss to schedule an appointment at (915)742-1343
APHN (STI) Clinic Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Training Holidays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Federal Holidays: Closed
Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a preventable virus that can be fatal.
How is it spread?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), It can spread to humans and pets if they are bitten or scratched by an animal infected with the rabies virus. Experts from the CDC state that in the United States, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. On the other hand, in other countries, dog bites are the main cause of death for humans. (CDC, 2021).
Experts from the CDC state that the virus attacks the central nervous system of the human body. If a person does not receive proper medical attention after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can affect the brain and cause death
How is it diagnosed in humans?
Several tests are needed to diagnose rabies in humans (CDC, 2021). Tests are performed on the following samples:
- Saliva and Serum
- Spinal fluid
- Skin biopsies of hair follicles at the back of a person’s neck.
What does APHN offer for Rabies?
We offer the rabies PEP vaccine series of 4 vaccines during business hours by appointment. We also offer the two dose Rabies Booster vaccinations if deemed necessary. We do not offer the Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG), this needs to be set up through the Emergency Room or Adult Immunization Clinic (AIC).
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html
Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, avoid wildlife, and seeking medical attention after a potential exposure (CDC, 2021)
Tobacco Cessation
Our four-step system will ensure you receive the care and attention you need during tobacco cessation process.
Nicotine replacement therapy is proven to be most successful when paired with support group programs such as our Tobacco Cessation Program. Participation in the program will maximizes your chances of success.
Maintenance is the key to remain tobacco free. Continual support in celebrating your success is what out program will do!
How to enroll?
- Tell your doctor you want to quit
- Walk into our clinic
- Call our clinic at 915-742-1343
Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result two TB – related conditions exist; latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. TB disease can be fatal but curable with treatment.
Army Public Health Nursing (APHN) coordinates TB program management and implementation, including TB disease reporting, surveillance, quality assurance of TB testing and treatment, and nursing case management.
For more information regarding the therapies and prevention of tuberculosis, please contact us at 915-742-1343.
CYS Child-care consultants
Child Youth Services (CYS):
Army Public Health serves as a Community Health Nursing Consultant for the FT. Bliss and White Sands installations Child Youth Service programs including Family Child Care (FCC) homes. The Community Health nurse reviews special need’s applications for ages 4 weeks-12th grade to assess child’s health in order to attend a Child Development Center (CDC), Youth program, or attend a FCC home, in order to make recommendations in providing supervision and guidance in the areas of child care practices and physical care procedures, pertinent to health, safety and welfare of your child. The nursing consultant serves on the Multi-disciplinary action team (MIAT) to assist in evaluating children who are medically, physically and mentally challenged in order to determine the appropriate place of care and to ensure their special needs are met. The nurse also educates and trains the CYS personnel concerning the special care needed in health related matters such as medication administration and communicable diseases. They provide monthly/quarterly monitoring and inspection of facilities and the FCC provider homes to ensure they are safe for your child.
For more information in regards to Army Public Health’s role in CYS please call:
(915) 742-1343
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a STI in the form of a virus. It can make a person very sick. HIV care is about prevention. Here at Army Public Health, we offer HIV screening as part of our STI labs that can be collected during our office hours. Our goal is to reduce the number of people who become infected with HIV through prevention. Our nurses are available to speak with you pertaining to any HIV concerns, or if you are interested in HIV treatment through prevention by using Pre-exposure prophylaxis known as PrEP, we are here to assist.
We offer education and referral services to assist any person 18 years or older desiring to start on PrEP. This medication regimen is taken daily and when taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.