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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOH minutes 111809MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 1 November 18, 2009 ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT: To enhance the quality of life, promote the health, and preserve the environment for all people in the Orange County community. THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MET ON November 18, 2009 at the Government Services Center, Hillsborough, North Carolina. BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Harlan, Chair; Jim Stefanadis; Paul Chelminsky; Christopher Cooke; Steve Yuhasz; Michael Wood, Jessica Lee; Tony Whitaker BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS ABSENT: Anissa Vines, Vice-Chair, out of town; DeWana Anderson; Mike Carstens, due to illness STAFF PRESENT: Wayne Sherman, Personal Health Services Division Director; Tom Konsler, Environmental Health Services Division Director; Angela Cooke, Dental Health Services Division Director; Letitia Burns, Business Officer; Anne Miles Cassell, Administrative Assistant; Pam Diggs, Youth Tobacco-Use Prevention Program Coordinator GUESTS PRESENT: Student Peer Educators of Orange County TRU: Moriah Cureton, Ashley Edwards, Jasmine White-Bynum, Quentin Lyght, Kaitlyn Stubblefield, Laurel McMullen, Jamaal Hawkins, Jane McMullen, Innes Gamide I. Welcome and Introductions Chris Harlan, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and welcomed the guests. II. Approval of October 22, 2009 Agenda The motion to approve the Agenda of October 22, 2009 was made by Jessica Lee, seconded by Steve Yuhasz, and carried without dissent. III. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda None IV. Update from TRU Project Teens Rosemary Summers introduced Pam Diggs, Youth Tobacco-Use Prevention Program Coordinator and explained that the Orange County Youth Tobacco-Use Prevention Program trains Tobacco Reality Unfiltered (TRU) Peer Educators to teach others about the dangers of tobacco through interactive activities, media literacy, and advocacy. The Orange County TRU Program shares a strong collaboration with both school districts in the County. TRU is a student-led program funded through a grant first received in 2003 from the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF). In June 2009, Orange County Health Department was awarded $274,848 in funding from HWTF to continue the program from 2009-2012. Ms. Diggs stated that during the past six years, the program has trained 130 TRU Peer Educators and made a significant impact on health outcomes in Orange County. MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 2 November 18, 2009 According to local school data, teen smoking rates have steadily decreased over time in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District from 20% in 2001 to 12% in 2007. The percentage of youth who have never smoked increased from 63.2% in 2001 to 72% in 2007. Similarly, the number of high school students who have never smoked increased steadily from 54% in 2001 to 80.7% in 2008 in the Orange County Schools District. TRU Peer Educators pointed out the recent accomplishments from 2008-2009 including: • Orange County TRU program was selected by HWTF to develop 2 statewide media campaigns – 1) TRU campaign message testing for Capstrat, 2) 6 TRU students featured in statewide TRU commercial during Earth Day cigarette butt clean up (to air fall 2009). • Cedar Ridge TRU group planned and hosted a Kick Butts Day Carnival at Wal- Mart Supercenter reaching over 100 community members with tobacco prevention activities and cessation materials. Survivors and Victims of Tobacco Empowerment speaker Reena Roberts, featured in the statewide TRU commercials, cited the event as her first community-based speaking engagement. 13 articles were published about the event. • 5 high school-based TRU clubs completed youth-led prevention activities throughout the year with the assistance of a TRU Club Advisor for each group and the TRU Coordinator. 42 TRU Peer Educators implemented prevention activities throughout the year. • 22 school personnel (13 coaches/health teachers, 9 counselors/nurses) from both school districts trained on 5A’s tobacco cessation method, smokeless tobacco cessation, and/or Quitline NC referral. Quitline NC kits were provided to each of the 5 high schools to assist with 100% Tobacco-Free Schools compliance. • 12 Orange County Health Department staff were trained on 5A’s tobacco cessation method, smokeless tobacco cessation, and Quitline NC referral. Evaluation showed that staff asked and advised clients about their tobacco use at a rate of 100% post-training. • Developed Orange County TRU Facebook Group, Brochure and Peer Educator Manual with assistance from OCHD Health Communications Specialist. 24 students trained using the Peer Educator manual. • 6 local businesses received NC Red Flag materials during TRU Merchant Education presentations at non-compliant stores. • Reached over 1500 youth and adults during health fairs and school and community outreach events. • 545 youth and adults reached through TRU Peer Educator, 5A’s, 100% Tobacco- Free Schools trainings, Tobacco 101 presentations, and other formal presentations. • Received 2009 Kathy Kerr Outstanding Health Education Project Award, NC Society for Public Health Education. Each year, Orange County TRU plans activities for national tobacco awareness days such as the Great American Smokeout. This year the 34th Great American Smokeout is on Thursday, November 19, 2009. In collaboration with both school Districts and Central Region TRU Programs, plans for this year include a multitude of similar activities. Each member took turns pointing out the enormous strides that have been made in tobacco legislation in North Carolina and the nation and the various projects they have MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 3 November 18, 2009 been involved in locally. Changes at the national level include the largest tobacco tax increase in history and the enactment of legislation giving the FDA new authority over tobacco products and tobacco marketing. North Carolina legislators passed House Bill 2 banning smoking in restaurants and bars, and the law gives local governments the authority to make all public areas smoke free. Michael Wood asked how the various students got involved in the TRU organization and cause. Rosemary Summers inquired whether any of the TRU students had smokers in their families. One student reported an older sibling and another said their grandmother had smoked. Christopher Cooke asked if any of the students had ever smoked. Pam Diggs explained that to be a member of TRU a student was required to be a non-smoker before they could join, although it was permissible to have smoked in the past. None of the students present at the meeting had ever smoked. Jessica Lee asked how common smoking currently is among high school students today. Since the enforcement of smoke-free campuses, a student noted that smokeless tobacco products were observed around school because those products were easier to hide. Rosemary Summers pointed out the impressive decrease in the number of teen smokers in Orange County was due in large part to the efforts of the TRU students. V. Action Items on CONSENT Agenda A. Minutes approval of October 22, 2009 meeting. B. Accept Additional Funds for Implementation of Tobacco Free Restaurants and Bars The NC General Assembly passed House Bill 2 that bans use of tobacco products in restaurants and bars beginning January 1, 2010. The CDC through the Health and Wellness Trust Fund is making funds available to assist local health departments in communicating with establishments on the new requirements and in assuring that establishments understand their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance. The Orange County Health Department has been awarded a total of $3,213.60 in two separate categories. Amounts allocated were based on the number of restaurants in each county and a set amount of $450 for purchasing drink coasters through the state that will be distributed to restaurants and bars. Staff will be focusing efforts on bars in Orange County as restaurants are more accustomed to complying with the Board of Health’s locally adopted rules. The notification of violation and compliance measures are similar to the ones already in place in Orange County. These funds will be used to purchase media ads, construct web page information and conduct awareness campaigns with restaurants and bars. This will be a joint effort between Health Promotion and Environmental Health. MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 4 November 18, 2009 C. Draft 2010 Board of Health Meeting Schedule Board members were provided with a draft meeting schedule for 2010. Rosemary Summers noted that the schedule was shifted to the 4th Wednesday of each month with the exception of April, November, and December to avoid conflict with the Board of Commissioners scheduled meetings. It was also noted that we still have not heard about a joint Board of Health/Board of Commissioners meeting. Motion to accept items on the Consent Agenda was made by Steve Yuhasz, seconded by Paul Chelminsky, and carried without dissent. IV. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action A. State of the County’s Health Annual Report Each year the Health Department is required to submit an annual State of the County’s Health (SOTCH) Report to the NC Division of Public Health. The purpose of this report is to provide a snapshot of any significant changes in health statistics and to give an update on activities and progress in meeting the high priority items selected for implementation through the last Community Health Assessment. Rosemary Summers stated that due to staff constraints and other events, the SOTCH report has been delayed. The SOTCH Report is the responsibility of the Healthy Carolinians Coordinator. This position has been frozen since the current coordinator left in September. Staff will request an extension from the state for the December 1, 2009 deadline. B. December Board of Health Meeting Sometimes the Board chooses not to meet in December if there is no pressing business. At this time, the staff does not anticipate that there will be pressing items for the Board to address. It is anticipated that the budget process will begin in January and the Commissioners are pursuing a different methodology for their strategic planning that will not necessitate input from various Boards. Should a pressing need arise for the Board to meet, the Chair and Vice-Chair could call a special meeting in accordance with the Board’s adopted procedures. Another alternative the Board has chosen in some years is to keep the scheduled meeting, but meet at a local restaurant for dinner. If there is business to conduct it is handled briefly before dinner and then after adjournment, members have dinner and have the opportunity to socialize. The cost of dinner is paid by each participant. If the Board chooses to cancel the meeting, a motion is required to cancel the regularly scheduled December meeting of the Board of Health. If a dinner MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 5 November 18, 2009 meeting is chosen no action is necessary other than agreeing on a venue. Steve Yuhasz stated he was looking forward to no more evening meetings after the final December BOCC meeting and his preference would be to cancel the BOH December meeting. Several other Board members concurred with cancellation of the December BOH meeting. Jim Stefanadis asked if there were any items that would need action by the Board. Rosemary Summers stated that at this time there was nothing pressing that would need Board action. The budget process will not begin until January. Motion to cancel the December 17, 2009 Board of Health meeting was made by Michael Wood, seconded by Jessica Lee and carried without dissent. C. Board Officer Nominations The Board is required to vote on nominations for the position of Chair and Vice- Chair at their last meeting of the year. Chris Harlan reported that last year the Board discussion on Officer Nominations centered around the “end term” of service of Board members and the limitations that places on those members whose term expires on June 30. It was decided last year by the Board that for calendar year 2009 Chris Harlan would serve as Chair and Anissa Vines would serve as Vice Chair and that in 2010 Anissa Vines would serve as Chair and Chris Harlan would serve as Vice-Chair to allow new Board members a chance to fully orient themselves before committing to a leadership role. Both Dr. Vines and Ms. Harlan have agreed to serve in this capacity if the Board chooses to elect them to these offices. If the Board chooses otherwise, Jim Stefanadis and Jessica Lee have terms that expire June 30, 2010 and would only be able to serve 6 months. Board members were offered the opportunity to volunteer to serve in the Vice-Chair capacity. Christopher Cooke asked about the preparation needed to serve as Chair or Vice-Chair. Chris Harlan explained the various activities the officers perform. There were no volunteers. Motion to confirm Anissa Vines as Chair and Chris Harlan as Vice-Chair for 2010 was made by Steve Yuhasz, seconded by Jessica Lee and carried without dissent. D. Committee Minutes for October Meeting Committees meet when there is business to conduct. This affords each committee to bring forward topics of interest for the entire Board to discuss as needed. The Clinical and Community Programs Committee met on October 14 and the minutes were provided to the Board. Rosemary Summers offered some details regarding the funding of repairs and replacement for broken dental equipment. MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 6 November 18, 2009 The department has had difficulty obtaining funding for capital improvements. Christopher Cooke asked what impact on services the broken equipment caused. Angela explained that it caused some delays in treatment and additional staff time to sterilize equipment for reuse. The Environmental Health and Quality Committee did not meet. E. H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza Update Wayne Sherman reported that the Department has been working hard to provide seasonal flu vaccinations including the special project to vaccinate school age children and to distribute and re-distribute H1N1 vaccine to the community and to community medical providers. The H1N1 vaccine is being shipped in variable amounts weekly and it has been difficult to plan when it is not known how many doses we will receive weekly. The Department has used a combination of methods for providing the limited number of vaccinations available, including walk-in, appointments and a mass clinic. Wayne Sherman presented the latest update to the Board along with a report on the mass vaccination clinic held on November 14, 2009 at Cedar Ridge High School and the strategies for moving forward. He stated that the H1N1outbreak began in April 2009 with an initial major public health response through early summer. There were concerns at that time about a serious Pandemic. In the fall of 2009 there existed a combination of traditional Seasonal Flu Vaccine and Novel H1N1 Flu Vaccine initiatives. The additional effort has consumed the time of a number of staff fueled by increased medical interest and public concern. The Department ordered 1,670 for-pay seasonal flu vaccine doses. These have been provided through scheduled clinics at Orange County Senior Centers. The Department made special efforts to assure vaccination of higher-risk groups through Project Homeless Connect. Due to widespread availability of seasonal vaccine and the push to vaccinate earlier, by mid-November the clinics were not well utilized, therefore extra seasonal vaccine is available. $44,000 in federal funds was received to be applied toward development of a vaccination program for school aged children. OCHD focused on 3rd – 8th grades in both school systems, a total of 24 Elementary and Middle Schools. Temporary personnel were hired with the funds to complete the vaccination program between October 19, 2009 and December 2, 2009. It was anticipated that 75% of students would be eligible and want vaccine. Only 30% of those children eligible participated. 6,700 free vaccine doses for children were ordered. Steve Yuhasz asked why the numbers were lower than anticipated. Wayne Sherman replied that the numbers were lower in Chapel Hill and that they possibly used their private providers and many people preferred the thimerisol-free vaccine which we did not have available. Rosemary Summers explained that we did not have an option of ordering thimerisol-free vaccine from the state. MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 7 November 18, 2009 Christopher Cooke asked if it was possible to tell how effective the seasonal vaccine is at this point. Rosemary Summers and Wayne Sherman stated that it is impossible to determine because the seasonal flu is not circulating yet. Christopher Cooke commented that people may be waiting to see how effective the vaccine is before committing. Rosemary Summers stated that it takes 2 weeks after the shot to build up immunity and that in the past the flu vaccines have had an effective rate of 70%. Jessica Lee asked if the department was planning to include nursing homes as had been done in the past. Wayne stated that in the past we have done that, however, many broken appointments occurred and staff was not fully utilized. Dr. Chelminsky stated that his practice had given out 20% more flu shots than in previous years and were unable to order more from the supplier. This is due to manufacturers switching to H1N1 production. Wayne Sherman reviewed some of the problems that have arisen from the federal supplies provided for the H1N1 program. No gloves were provided and he cited numerous instances of syringes leaking. In addition, it has been difficult to determine how much vaccine we would receive and when. Staff burnout has been a serious issue as staff tries to attend to their regular duties in addition to the H1N1 and seasonal flu clinics. Dr. Summers concurred and stated that we do not have enough core staff to handle the daily work and that if we had another outbreak, for example a food-borne illness, the department simply would not have the staff to handle it. Steve Yuhasz asked how many positions the department lost due to budget cuts. Rosemary Summers stated that due to loss of staff due to retirement and restructuring the department was down 7 positions. Dr. Chelminsky asked how many vaccines could be given in an hour on an appointment basis. Wayne stated that 10 per hour is the average. At the mass event Rosemary Summers stated that we averaged 4 minutes per shot, however that was a different system. F. Informational Items a.) Awards to Staff: 1) Candice Watkins-Robinson received a first place “Excellence in Communication Award” from the North Carolina Association of Government Information Officers; 2) Health Department webmasters Tom Konsler, Anne Miles Cassell, and Candice Watkins-Robinson each received a “You Can Count On Me Award” for their work as Webmasters in updating and restructuring of the Orange County web site. b.) Staff Realignment Update: The County Manager approved the plan for staff realignment for the Family Home Visiting Section and the “unfreezing” and placement of staff from that section into Central Administrative Services Division. No staff lost their jobs as a result of this realignment but there were significant MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH November 18, 2009 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 8 November 18, 2009 changes in duties as review with the Board in October. c.) Pending and Recurring Items: A table of pending and recurring Board of health agenda items is provided to the Board for reference and future planning. d.) Media Clips: Media clips relative to current issues were provided as information. V. Board Comments/Announcements A. None VI. Adjournment Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Christopher Cooke, seconded by Paul Chelminsky, and carried without dissent. The next Board of Health meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina at 7:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Rosemary L. Summers, MPH, DrPH Health Director Secretary to the Board