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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: February 22, 2017
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: Whitted Building, 3rd Floor Meeting Rooms
300 West Tryon Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
TIME ITEM
7:00 p.m. I. Welcome New Employees
7:00 – 7:05 II. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda
Public Comment for Items ON Printed Agenda will be
handled during that agenda item
(Please sign up for both on sheet near the entrance to room.)
Please limit your comments to 3 minutes.
7:05 – 7:10 III. Approval of February 22, 2017 Agenda
7:10 – 7:15 IV. Actions Items (Consent)
A. Minutes of January 25, 2017 Liska Lackey
7:15 – 7:50 V. Educational Sessions
A. Surgeon General E-cigarette Presentation April Richard
B. Outside Agency Review Process La Toya Strange
7:50 – 8:10 VI. Action Items (Non Consent)
A. 2017-18 Budget Proposal Colleen Bridger
B. Select Topics for BOCC Work Session Liska Lackey
8:10 – 8:20 VII. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action
A. BOH/BOCC Relationship Liska Lackey/Susan Elmore
B. Health Director Report Colleen Bridger
C. Media Items
8:20 – 8:50 VIII. Closed Session to Discuss Health Director Recruitment
8:50 – 9:00 IX. Board Comments
9:00 X. Adjournment
BOARD MEMBERS: To ensure a quorum, SEND E-MAIL to lstrange@orangecountync.gov advising her of
your attendance at this meeting OR CALL 919-245-2411.
Compliance with the “Americans with Disabilities Act” and Title VI - Interpreter services and/or special sound equipment
are available on request. Call the Immigrant and Refugee Health Program Manager at 919.245.2387 to request an interpreter
or other accommodation.
Conforme a la “Ley sobre Estadounidenses con Discapacidades” (ADA) y el Título VI – los servicios de intérprete y/o
equipo de sonido especial están disponibles a solicitud. Llame a la Administradora del Programa de Salud para Inmigrantes
y Refugiados al 919-245-2387 para solicitar un intérprete u otros arreglos o adaptaciones.
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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 January 25, 2017, at the Orange
County Health Department, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC.
BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS PRESENT: Liska Lackey – Chair, Susan Elmore, Vice-
Chair, Commissioner Mia Burroughs, Barbara Chavious, Paul Chelminski, Jessica Frega, Nick
Galvez, Sam Lasris and Reena Mehta.
BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS ABSENT: Timothy Smith.
STAFF PRESENT: Dr. Colleen Bridger, Health Director; Raquel Aamot, PHN I; Coby Jansen
Austin, Director of Programs and Policy; Libby Boudreau, Registered Dietitian/Program
Coordinator; Nicholas Cordeiro, PHN II – CD Nurse; Rebecca Crawford, Finance &
Administrative Services Division Director; Nicholas D’Amico, PHN I; Robin Gasparini, Public
Health Nursing Supervisor; Kathleen Goodhand, Home Visiting Services Supervisor; Karen
Kyes, Clinical Social Worker II, Integrated Behavioral Health Services; Ashley Mercer, Healthy
Carolinians Coordinator; Andrea Mulholland, Family Nurse Practitioner; Dr. Erica Pettigrew,
Medical Director; April Richard, Senior Public Health Educator, Tobacco Prevention and Control
Coordinator; Stacy Shelp, Communication Manager; La Toya Strange, Administrative Assistant
II; Leslie Wilcox, Temporary Administrative Assistant II; Allison Young, Health Informatics
Manager; and Lisa Yourko, Public Health Nurse Supervisor I.
GUESTS PRESENT: Brenda Bartholomew and Dorothy Cilenti.
I. Welcome
Dr. Bridger introduced the new employees in attendance: Raquel Aamot, Libby Boudreau,
Nicholas Cordeiro, Nicholas D’Amico, Leslie Wilcox and Lisa Yourko.
II. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda: None
III. Approval of the January 25, 2017 Agenda
Motion was made by Mia Burroughs to approve the agenda, seconded by Reena Mehta
and carried without dissent.
IV. Action Items (Consent)
A. Minutes of November 30, 2016 Meeting
Motion was made by Sam Lasris to approve the minutes of November 2016, seconded by
Nick Galvez and carried without dissent.
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V. Educational Sessions
A. 2nd Quarter Financial Reports and B. 2nd Quarter Billing Dashboard Reports
Rebecca Crawford, Finance and Administrative Services Director, gave a report on the 2nd
quarter revenue and billing accuracy. Her report is as follows:
• Total Health Department Revenue: Average YTD monthly revenue in FY17 after the
second quarter is $203/month or $1.2M YTD, representing 39.2% of our overall
budgeted revenue for the year. (Multiple sources of revenue from the county and
Medicaid Maximization funds will be transferred in at the end of the fiscal year, but cause
our revenue receipts to look lower than projected at this point in the fiscal year as a
result.) Expenses are higher than revenues but in line with projections for mid-year at
45.4%.
• Total Billing Accuracy: Continuing with the goal of 90% billing accuracy set in FY 14-15,
the average billing accuracy rate for medical after the second quarter is 87% as
compared to 92% in FY 15-16 and the average rate for dental for second quarter FY 16-
17 is 99% as compared to 101% in FY 15-16.
• Dental Earned Revenue by Source: The FY 16-17 average monthly revenue
($37k/month) for the first quarter is below our budget projection ($48k/month) our FY 15-
16 average of $40k/month but is related to lower patient volume in August while the
dental clinic was renovated. FY 16-17 dental revenue totaled $114k at the end of the first
quarter.
• Medical Earned Revenue by Source: Medical earned revenue is currently slightly below
the budgeted projection for FY 16-17 ($58k/month) at $53k/month. Medical clinic
revenue totals $319k for second quarter FY 16-17.
C. FY 2016-17 Fee Schedule & Requested Changes
Multiple procedures in Dental Health and labs in Environmental Health have increased in
frequency of use this fiscal year and it is necessary to add them to our fee schedule in an effort
to recover costs. Rebecca Crawford reviewed those proposed fee changes which were:
Dental Health
• Dental Health requests the addition of two new fees for Provisional Splinting,
intracoronal and extracoronal. These procedures have been used more
frequently this fiscal year and are costly due to the supplies necessary to perform
the procedures. Dental Health estimates performing 2-4 of each of these
procedures per month for the remainder of FY 16-17. The fees were determined
based on the Delta Dental and Cigna reimbursement rates for these procedures
as the Usual, Customary, and Reasonable rates for this area for these fees were
much higher ($252 and $316 respectively) and viewed as cost prohibitive for our
100% payers on the sliding fee scale.
See chart below for proposed fee.
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Name of Fee 2016-17
Current Fee
2016-17 Proposed
Fee
2016-17 Budget
Impact
Provisional
Splinting,
intracoronal
$0 $115 $2,070
Provisional
Splinting,
extracoronal
$0 $115 $2,070
Environmental Health
• Environmental Health requests to add two additional fees for well water testing
for Hexavalent chromium and Coal Ash following the release of the October 2016
study by Duke University. This study noted that Hexavalent Chromium occurs
naturally in the Piedmont area of NC with a higher prevalence than previously
thought. Environmental Health has had 7 requests for Hexavalent chromium
tests and two requests for Coal Ash panels as of December 2016 and anticipates
sending off 6 samples each for these tests for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The cost of the fees were determined based on the cost for sample bottles,
shipping, and staff collection time.
See chart below for proposed fee.
Name of Fee 2016-17 Current
Fee
2016-17 Proposed
Fee
2016-17 Budget Impact
Hexavalent
chromium
$0 $90 $540
Coal Ash
Inorganic Panel
$0 $110 $660
The BOH members had questions that were answered by Ms. Crawford.
Motion was made by Susan Elmore to approve proposed fee changes for 2016-2017 as
presented and forward to the Board of County Commissioners for action, seconded by
Jessica Frega and carried without dissent.
D. Integrated Behavioral Care Update
Karen Kyes, Clinical Social Worker II, Integrated Behavioral Health Services, and Andrea
Mulholland, Family Nurse Practitioner, provided an update on the Integrated Behavioral Health
Program. From July 2016 to mid-January 2017, there were 199 patients referred. Over half
were uninsured. The PHQ-9, an instrument for screening, diagnosing and measuring the
severity of depression, was used to determine clinically depressed patients. On average, the
patients scored 15 which is moderately severe depression. Below is a summary of the highlights
of the first 10 months of the program.
Goals
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Increase client access to and utilization of behavioral and mental health services.
Improve patient health outcomes by integrating behavioral and mental health services as
part of OCHD clinical services.
Conditions and Issues Addressed
Mental health conditions including psychotic disorders, personality disorders and
eating disorders.
Substance abuse.
Anxiety and depression.
Children with family stress, child abuse/neglect, learning disabilities/developmental
delay and trauma.
Medication adherence and healthy goal setting.
Medical Provider feedback
Providing mental health services to marginalized patients.
Overcoming barriers such as cost, transportation and fear.
Improving health and vitality of patients.
They also identified four next steps.
1. Initiate internal work group.
2. Introduce universal screening of all patients for depression and substance use.
3. Develop standard clinical pathways for suicidality, depression, and substance use.
4. Collaborate with community partners to strengthen ties and work collectively to meet the
health needs of marginalized members of our society.
The BOH members had questions that were answered by Ms. Kyes and Dr. Mulholland.
E. Mental Health Survey - Report
Sabrina Willard, a UNC School of Government MPA Intern, along with Rebecca Crawford,
presented an assessment of Orange County mental health and substance abuse services. Ms.
Willard reviewed UNC Emergency Room data, interviewed key stakeholders, surveyed
providers and community advocates, and held focus groups to 1) determine the barriers to
mental health care in Orange County for residents 0-25 years old and then 2) create an action
plan for prioritizing needs and meeting them.
According to youth hospitalization records from 2009-2015, an 18 to 24% increase in ages 0-25
mental health visits as a proportion of all mental health visits. There was also an increase 27-
31% increase in mental health visits due to psychoactive substance abuse. The most common
barriers for those ages 0-25 that need mental health and/or substance abuse treatments
services were affordability and accessibility. Affordability barriers included many low-income
residents with no insurance, inadequate insurance coverage or high deductibles. Accessibility
barriers included citizenship status, language/cultural and location.
On January 17th, the health department hosted 39 survey participants to strategize two
overarching priorities for improving the mental health system in FY 2017-18. The participants
were a makeup of educators, citizen activists, mental health providers, etc. The participants
decided on these two priorities:
Restore funding for early intervention care from birth to age 5.
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In-school services in K-12th grade, having at least 1 mental health therapist per school).
The next steps are to 1) present top 2 priority areas to BOCC at their February 21st
meeting and 2) use BOCC feedback as applicable to seek funding for program and
services that support the priority areas for the FY 17-18 budget.
The BOH members had questions that were answered by Ms. Willard and Ms. Crawford.
VI. Action Items (Non Consent)
A. Selection of New BOH Members
Liska Lackey, Chair, and Susan Elmore, Vice-Chair, reviewed several applications for the
General Public and Pharmacist positions. They recommended Johanna Birckmayer for the
General Public position and Jennifer Deyo for the Pharmacist position. Ms. Lackey expressed
that during Ms. Deyo’s interview, she showed her passion for public health. She also stated that
Ms. Deyo was recommended by recent BOH member, Dan Dewitya. Ms. Lackey read some
highlights from Ms. Birckmayer’s application including that she has worked as an evaluator for a
county health organization conducting community assessments and evaluating health services,
mental health and health promotion programs; directed federal technical assistance projects to
assist State substance abuse prevention agencies design evidence-based prevention policies
and program; and directed an analytical support contract to monitor State compliance with the
SYNAR program, a Federal performance system requiring all States to reduce youth access to
tobacco products.
Motion to recommend Johanna Birckmayer and Jennifer Deyo to the BOCC for
appointment was motioned by Reena Mehta, seconded by Barbara Chavious, and
carried without dissent.
B. Selection of Interim Health Director
Liska Lackey, Chair, introduced Dr. Dorothy Cilenti. Dr. Cilenti was the interim health director
prior to Dr. Bridger’s hire. Previously, Dr. Cilenti served as the health director in Alamance and
Chatham counties. She’s currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Maternal
and Child Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Dr. Cilenti stated that she
is looking forward to being interim health director.
Motion was made by Barbara Chavious to select Dr. Cilenti as Interim Health Director and
delegate to the county manager responsibility for negotiating the terms of employment
and completing the hire, seconded by Paul Chelminski and carried without dissent.
VII. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action
A. Planning for Health Director Recruitment
Dr. Bridger introduced Brenda Bartholomew, Human Resources Director, as she will be the H.R.
expert for the hiring of the next health director. Liska Lackey, Chair, began by stating that we
need to make the process fair, equitable and consistent among all candidates. Ms.
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Bartholomew stated that the position was posted at the beginning of this month and has an
ending date of January 31st. So far, there are 37 applicants. The recruitment process will be
similar to the 2009 process. Ms. Bartholomew will preliminary review the applications to
determine which candidates meet the minimum qualifications. She will send those candidates’
information to the BOH in a spreadsheet with embedded hyperlinks of their CVs/resumes. The
BOH will determine which candidates they’d like to interview. There will be 3 panels that will
include at least one BOH member. The BOH will define the makeup/representation of the
panels. Each panel will have a different set of questions to ask the candidates. Those
questions can be solicited from the BOH, staff, etc. with the goal of making sure to highlight the
core competencies they’d like the new health director to have. Each candidate will go through
3 interviews. When asked about her interview experience, Dr. Bridger stated that she was
interviewed by 3 panels along with 2 final interviews with the full BOH and the Health
Department Leadership.
Dr. Bridger reminded the Board that the BOH needs to inform the Division of Public Health
(DPH) of their desired candidate for the health director position to make sure they’re approved
by DPH before hiring him/her. After hearing Ms. Bartholomew’s timeline of the process which
included reviewing applications, background checks and setting up interviews, the BOH
expressed their desire to have the process move faster. They offered to assist with the process
of completing background checks and as well as any other tasks to ensure a speedier process.
Ms. Bartholomew stated that there would be a quick turnaround time as long as the number of
applicants remains manageable.
The Board had questions that were answered by Ms. Bartholomew and Dr. Bridger.
B. Health Director Report
There were no questions from the Board regarding the Health Director’s Report included in the
packet. Dr. Bridger added that the OCHD passed Reaccreditation with a score of 99%. The
item that wasn’t met was an unsigned document in an employee file. Someone from the OCHD
will attend the Accreditation Board meeting in May to accept the Accreditation letter and gold
emblem. Afterwards, a press release will be sent out. Ms. Lackey thanked Dr. Bridger and the
OCHD staff for their work. She also commended Rebecca Crawford for all of her work during
the Reaccreditation process.
C. Media Items
Media items were in the packet which focused on Orange County’s events and our
involvement in various efforts.
VIII. Board Comments
None.
IX. Adjournment
A motion was made by Nick Galvez to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m., was seconded by
Mia Burroughs and carried without dissent.
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The next Board of Health Meeting will be held February 22, 2017 at the Orange County
Health Department, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen Bridger, MPH, PhD
Orange County Health Director
Secretary to the Board
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: February 22, 2017
Agenda Item Subject: Surgeon General’s Report on E-Cigarettes
Attachment(s): SGR Fact Sheet, BOH Overview PowerPoint, BOH Presentation
PowerPoint
Staff or Board Member Reporting: April Richard
Purpose: ____ Action
_ _ Information only
__X__ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
The presentation will summarize the Surgeon General’s Report on e-cigarette use
among youth and young adults, expressly focusing on the Surgeon General’s Call to
Action which calls stakeholders to use evidence-based strategies to prevent this
generation from a lifelong addiction to nicotine.
Packet contains:
1) Review of background information on electronic cigarettes – will not be covered at
the BOH meeting
2) Surgeon General’s fact sheet
3) April Richard’s presentation to the BOH
Recommended Action: ___ Approve
___ Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___ Approve & forward to ___________________________
___ Accept as information
___ Revise & schedule for future action
_x_ Other (detail): Review & schedule for future action
E-Cigarettes:
A Public Health
Concern
April Richard, MPH
Senior Public Health Educator, Tobacco Prevention and Control
What are E-Cigarettes?
Battery powered devices that allow for the inhalation of a vapor that
generally contains nicotine, flavorings, and additives
•Tobacco product
•Disposable or refillable
•May have user controls to change voltage to increase amount of aerosol
produced by each inhalation
SURGEON GENERAL’S REPORT:
E-CIGARETTE USE AMONG YOUTH AND
YOUNG ADULTS
A Public Health Concern
1.Considerable increase in usage
2.Usage strongly associated with use of other
tobacco products
3.Nicotine has a detrimental affect on the
developing brain and developing fetuses
4.Aerosol, vapor, produced is not harmless
5.Product marketing mimics that of
conventional cigarettes
Usage Trends
Use of Other Tobacco Products
with E-Cigarettes
•Dual/poly use- use of more than 1 type of
tobacco product
•E-cigarette use associate with use of other
tobacco products
–Conventional cigarettes
–Hookahs
–Cigar products
Youth Trends
•National Youth Tobacco Survey
•Correlation between increasing tobacco products use and
prevalence of e-cigarette use for middle and high school
–Poly users more likely than dual or non-users to use e-cigarettes
•Exclusive use of combustibles has declined over time,
exclusive use of e-cigarettes and dual use has increased over
time
•70% of middle school students who have tried e-cigarettes
have also tried other combustibles
•1 in 5 of high school students have ever been dual users of e-
cigarettes and combustibles
E-cigarette Use and
other Substance Use
•E-cigarette use associated with use of alcohol and
other substances (i.e. marijuana)
•National survey for 18-24 year olds found:
–Odds of alcohol use: 9x as high
–Odds of everyday/some-day marijuana use: 3.5x as
high for those who had used e-cigarettes in
comparison to those who had not.
•National Youth Tobacco Study
–32.5% of those who had ever used e-cigarettes had
used it for a substance other than nicotine
Nicotine and the Brain
•Brain undergoes significant development
during adolescence and young adulthood
–Sensitive and vulnerable
•Harmful effects:
–Increases likelihood of dependence
–Long term modification of the limbic system
•Increase drug-seeking behaviors
•Increased likelihood of developing mood disorders
•Deficits in attention and cognition
Nicotine and the Fetus
•Nicotine can cross the placenta
–E-cigarettes can give as high or higher doses of nicotine than conventional cigarettes
–Aerosol also contains other toxicants that may be harmful
•Harmful effects:
–Increased rates of SIDS
–Altered development of the Corpus Callosum
–Deficits in auditory processing
–Increased obesity
–Increase in nicotine and other drug dependence
Aerosol Not Harmless
Aerosol vehicle, humectant
•mainly propylene glycol, which can lead to acute eye and lung irritation and is a known asthma trigger, and some vegetable glycerin
Nicotine (available without)
•delivered at varying concentrations and doses, depending on device and its operation; level not yet regulated
Flavors
•some with known toxicity
Plus other contaminants with known and unknown potential risks (e.g., ultrafine particles)
References: Schripp et al., 2012; CDC Grand Rounds: E-cigarettes: An Emerging Public
Health Challenges. 10/20/2015 (Presentation).; Wieslander, G., et al. (2001). Occup
Enviorn Med.
Literature on Aerosol:
Systematic Review of the Health Risks from Passive
Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Vapour
•Direct Passive Exposure
–3 studies with small number of human volunteers
•Exposed to E-cigarette aerosol, conventional cigarette smoke, or not exposed
–Key Findings:
•Airborne nicotine levels are significantly higher in homes of E-cigarette users in comparison to nonsmoker homes, but lower than that of conventional cigarette users
•Nonsmoking volunteers had similar levels of elevated Cotinine in urine and saliva samples
•Assessment of a variety of inflammatory markers found no inflammatory response
–1 animal study using mice exposed to 20 minutes of E-cigarette aerosol (+/- nicotine) 1-2 times/day for 10 days
•Mice weighed significantly less than control mice at end of study
•Mice exposed to nicotine– lung function impaired, Cotinine levels were elevated
Hess IMR, Lachireddy K, Capon A. A systematic review of the health risks from passive exposure to
electronic cigarette vapour. Public health Res Pract. 2016;26(2):e2621617.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17061?phrp2621617
Continued: Systematic Review of the
Health Risks
•Indirect Passive Exposure
–11 studies analyzing the chemical and toxicological compounds in the aerosol produced by human volunteers or a smoke machine
•5 with noted conflicts of interest
•3 that did not disclose whether conflict of interest existed
–Key Findings
•Fine and ultrafine particular matter and nicotine levels higher than ambient air
•Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and other carcinogenic carbonyls and hydrocarbons
•Metals from device are emitted into air- nickel, chromium, silver
Literature on Aerosol:
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic
Non-Nicotine delivery Systems -- A WHO Report
•Fewer known toxicants in E-cigarette aerosol
than conventional cigarette smoke
–Metals and formaldehyde levels have been found
to be similar or higher in aerosol versus smoke
–Newer devices with more user controls are
emitting toxicants at the same level or higher than
cigarettes
•New toxicants are being introduced in the
aerosol
World Health Organization. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic NonNicotine Delivery
Systems (ENDS/ENNDS). 2016 11/09/2016; Available from: http://
www.who.int/fctc/cop/cop7/FCTC_COP_7_11_EN.pdf?ua=1.
Literature on Aerosol: Surgeon
General’s Report
•Cited much of the science of the two previous articles, coming to the same conclusion:
–E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless and exposes bystanders to elevated:
•Heavy metals
•VOCs- formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde
•Nicotine
•Fine and ultrafine particulate
•Additional key points:
–Number of e-cigarette users present, type of device and its emission rates, e-liquid ingredients, and amount of aerosol the user exhales all effect what is released into air to bystanders
–Scientific instruments used to analysis particulate matter may not be reliable for e-cigarette analysis
–Studies have not accounted for prolonged and persistent passive exposure
Marketing Strategies
•Same strategies that were employed by
conventional cigarette companies to target
youth and young adults are being used now
–Ad placement– ensuring frequent, high visibility
contact
–Themes of sex, rebellion, independence
–Flavorings to conceal bad tastes--over 7000 flavors
•Leading reason of youth use
Sex, Rebellion, and Independence
Flavors – Attractive To Youth
Source:
MMWR
64(38):1066-
1070
Call to Action
1.Do no harm
2.Provide information about the dangers of e-cigarette use among youth and young adults
3.Continue to regulate e-cigarettes at the federal level to protect public health
4.Promote programs and policies at the state and local levels to prevent e-cigarette use among youth and young adults
5.Curb advertising and marketing that encourages youth and young adults to use e-cigarettes
6.Expand surveillance, research, and evaluation related to e-cigarettes
Questions?
April Richard
arichard@orangecountync.gov
919-245-2424
www.OrangeCountyNC.gov/Health
E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and
Young Adults
A Report of the Surgeon General
Fact Sheet
This Surgeon General’s report comprehensively reviews the public health issue of e-cigarettes and their impact on U.S. youth and young adults.
Studies highlighted in the report cover young adolescents (11-14 years of age); adolescents (15-17 years of age); and/or young adults (18-25 years
of age). Scientific evidence contained in this report supports the following facts:
E-cigarettes are a rapidly emerging and diversified
product class. These devices typically deliver nicotine,
flavorings, and other additives to users via an inhaled
aerosol. These devices are referred to by a variety of
names, including “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape
pens,” “vapes,” and “tank systems.”
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid
into an aerosol that the user inhales.
The liquid usually has nicotine, which comes from tobacco;
flavoring; and other additives.
E-cigarette products can also be used as a delivery system for
marijuana and other illicit drugs.
E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco
product among youth, surpassing conventional cigarettes
in 2014. E-cigarette use is strongly associated with the use
of other tobacco products among youth and young adults,
including cigarettes and other burned tobacco products.
In 2015, more than 3 million youth in middle and high school,
including about 1 of every 6 high school students, used e-cigarettes
in the past month. More than a quarter of youth in middle and high
school have tried e-cigarettes.
Among high school students, e-cigarette use is higher among males,
whites, and Hispanics than among females and African-Americans.
There is a strong association between the use of e-cigarettes,
cigarettes, and the use of other burned tobacco products by young
people. In 2015, for example, nearly 6 of 10 high school cigarette
smokers also used e-cigarettes.
Research has found that youth who use a tobacco product, such as
e-cigarettes, are more likely to go on to use other tobacco products
like cigarettes.
E-cigarette use among youth and young adults has
become a public health concern. In 2014, current use
of e-cigarettes by young adults 18-24 years of age
surpassed that of adults 25 years of age and older.
Among young adults 18-24 years of age, e-cigarette use more than
doubled from 2013 to 2014. As of 2014, more than one-third of
young adults had tried e-cigarettes.
The most recent data available show that the prevalence of past
30-day use of e-cigarettes was 13.6% among young adults (2014)
and 16.0% among high school students (2015).
The most recent data available show that the prevalence of past
30-day use of e-cigarettes is similar among middle school students
(5.3%) and adults 25 years of age and older (5.7%).
Among young adults, e-cigarette use is higher among males, whites
and Hispanics, and those with less education.
The use of products containing nicotine poses dangers to
youth, pregnant women, and fetuses. The use of products
containing nicotine in any form among youth, including in
e-cigarettes, is unsafe.
Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.
The brain is the last organ in the human body to develop fully.
Brain development continues until the early to mid-20s. Nicotine
exposure during periods of significant brain development, such as
adolescence, can disrupt the growth of brain circuits that control
attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction.
The effects of nicotine exposure during youth and young adulthood
can be long-lasting and can include lower impulse control and
mood disorders.
The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can prime
young brains for addiction to other drugs, such as cocaine and
methamphetamine.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Fact Sheet (continued)
Nicotine can cross the placenta and affect fetal and postnatal
development. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can result in
multiple adverse consequences, including sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS).
Ingestion of e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine can cause acute
toxicity and possible death if the contents of refill cartridges or
bottles containing nicotine are consumed.
E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless. It can contain harmful
and potentially harmful constituents including nicotine.
Nicotine exposure during adolescence can cause addiction
and can harm the developing adolescent brain.
The constituents of e-cigarette liquids can include solvents,
flavorants, and toxicants.
The aerosol created by e-cigarettes can contain ingredients that are
harmful and potentially harmful to the public’s health, including:
nicotine; ultrafine particles; flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical
linked to serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as
benzene, which is found in car exhaust; and heavy metals, such as
nickel, tin, and lead.
E-cigarettes are marketed by promoting flavors and using
a wide variety of media channels and approaches that
have been used in the past for marketing conventional
tobacco products to youth and young adults.
E-cigarettes are an estimated $3.5 billion business in the United
States. In 2014, e-cigarette manufacturers spent $125 million
advertising their products in the U.S.
In 2014, more than 7 of 10 middle and high school students said
they had seen e-cigarette advertising. Retail stores were the most
frequent source of this advertising, followed by the internet, TV
and movies, and magazines and newspapers.
The 2012 Surgeon General’s Report on tobacco use among youth
and young adults found that tobacco product advertising causes
young people to start using tobacco products. Much of today’s
e-cigarette advertising uses approaches and themes similar to those
that were used to promote conventional tobacco products.
E-cigarettes are available in a wide variety of flavors, including many
that are especially appealing to youth. More than 85% of e-cigarette
users ages 12-17 use flavored e-cigarettes, and flavors are the
leading reason for youth use. More than 9 of 10 young adult
e-cigarette users said they use e-cigarettes flavored to taste
like menthol, alcohol, fruit, chocolate, or other sweets.
Action can be taken at the national, state, local, tribal and
territorial levels to address e-cigarette use among youth
and young adults. Actions could include incorporating
e-cigarettes into smokefree policies, preventing access
to e-cigarettes by youth, price and tax policies, retail
licensure, regulation of e-cigarette marketing likely
to attract youth, and educational initiatives targeting
youth and young adults.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now regulates the
manufacturing, importing, packaging, labeling, advertising,
promotion, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes.
• In August 2016, FDA began enforcing a ban on vending
machine sales unless in adult-only facilities and a ban on
free samples and sales to minors.
Parents, teachers, health care providers, and others who
influence youth and young adults can advise and inform them
of the dangers of nicotine; discourage youth tobacco use in any
form, including e-cigarettes; and set a positive example by being
tobacco-free themselves.
Citation: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. E-Cigarette Use
Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General—Executive
Summary. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2016.
Website: E-cigarettes.Surgeongeneral.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
E-Cigarette Use
Among Youth and
Young Adults:
Surgeon General’s
Report
April Richard, MPH
Senior Public Health Educator, Tobacco Prevention and Control
A Report of the Surgeon General:
Contents
2
•Chapter 1: Introduction, History, and
Major Conclusions
•Chapter 2: Patterns of Use Among U.S.
Youth and Young Adults
•Chapter 3: Health Effects of E-Cigarettes
Use Among U.S. Youth and Young Adults
•Chapter 4: Activities of the E-Cigarette
Companies
•Chapter 5: E-Cigarette Policy and
Practice Implications
•The Call to Action
E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco
product among youth, surpassing conventional cigarettes
in 2014.
E-Cigarettes: A Public Health Concern
E-Cigarettes: A Public Health Concern
E-cigarette use is strongly associated with the use of other
tobacco products among youth and young adults, including
cigarettes and other burned tobacco products.
E-Cigarettes: A Public Health Concern
•The use of products containing nicotine poses
dangers to youth, pregnant women, and fetuses .
The use of products containing nicotine in any
form among youth, including in e-cigarettes, is
unsafe.
•E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless. It can contain
harmful and potentially harmful constituents,
including nicotine. Nicotine exposure during
adolescence can cause addiction and can harm
the developing adolescent brain.
E-Cigarettes: A Public Health Concern
E-cigarettes are marketed
by promoting flavors and
using a wide variety of
media channels and
approaches that have
been used in the past for
marketing conventional
tobacco products to youth
and young adults.
The Call to Action
•Evidence based recommendations related to
e-cigarettes that can be taken at the state and
local levels to address e-cigarette use among
youth and young adults
•Includes 6 goals with related strategies
Goal 1. First, Do No Harm
STRATEGY 1A
Implement a
comprehensive strategy
to address e-cigarettes
that will avoid adverse
consequences giving
careful consideration to
the risks for youth and
young adults
STRATEGY 1B
Provide consistent and
evidence-based messages
about the health risks of
e-cigarette use and
secondhand exposure
Goal 2. Provide Information about the Dangers of
E-Cigarettes Use Among Youth and Young Adults
STRATEGY 2A
Educate parents, teachers, coaches, and other influencers of youth about the risks of
e-cigarette use among youth and young adults
STRATEGY 2B
Educate health professionals about the risks of e-cigarette use among youth and
young adults
Goal 3. Continue to Regulate E-Cigarettes
at the Federal Level to Protect Public
Health
STRATEGY 3A
Implement FDA regulatory
authority over the
manufacturing, marketing, and
distribution of e-cigarettes
STRATEGY 3B
Reinforce other federal agencies
as they implement programs and
policies to address e-cigarettes
Goal 4. Programs and Policies to
Prevent E -Cigarette Use Among Young
Adults
STRATEGY 4A
Implement population-level
strategies to reduce e-cigarette
use among young adults, such as
including e-cigarettes in
smokefree indoor air policies,
restricting youth access to e-
cigarettes in retail settings,
licensing retailers, and
establishing specific package
requirements
Goal 4. Programs and Policies to
Prevent E -Cigarette Use Among Young
Adults
STRATEGY 4B
Coordinate, evaluate, and share best practices from
state and local entities that have implemented
programs and policies to address e-cigarette use among
youth and young adults
Goal 5. Curb Advertising and Marketing
that Encourages Youth and Young Adults
to Use E-Cigarettes
STRATEGY 5A
Curb e-cigarette advertising and
marketing that are likely to attract
youth and young adults
STRATEGY 5B
Urge the e-cigarette companies to
stop advertising and marketing that
encourages and glamorizes e-
cigarette use among youth and
young adults
Goal 6. Expand Surveillance,
Research, and Evaluation Related to
E-Cigarettes
STRATEGY 6A
Improve the quality, timeliness, and scope of e-
cigarette surveillance, research, and evaluation
STRATEGY 6B
Address surveillance, research, and evaluation
gaps related to e-cigarettes
KEEPING WITH THE MOMENTUM
A BOH Rule
A rule to prohibit use of any form of electronic
cigarettes in restaurants and bars in the County
of Orange, the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill,
Hillsborough and those parts of Mebane in
Orange County
Questions?
April Richard
arichard@orangecountync.gov
919-245-2424
www.OrangeCountyNC.gov/Health
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: February 22, 2017
Agenda Item Subject: FY 2017-2018 Outside Agency Funding Application
Evaluation Process
Attachment(s): Application Process, Advisory Board Evaluation and Scorecards
Staff or Board Member Reporting: La Toya Strange
Purpose: __X_ Action
____ Information only
____ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
A review along with a completed scoring sheet needs to be available to the Health Director for
presentation to the County Manager when the departmental budget is presented for her review.
The Health Department received 9 applications. We need several groups with 2-3 BOH members
to carefully review and score the applications. The applications, financial information, score cards,
and instructions are on the Board of Health Webpage link,
Funding Applications\Copy of FY 2017-18 Evaluator Scorecard.xlsx
The scorecards will need to be sent back to La Toya Strange by Friday, March 17, 2017.
Financial Considerations: There is no immediate financial consideration with performing this
task.
Applicants BOH Reviewers
Compass Center for Women and Families Liska Lackey, Reena Mehta, Susan Elmore
Duke Homecare & Hospice Susan Elmore, Timothy Smith, Jessica Frega
El Futuro Barbara Chavious, Paul Chelminski, Jennifer Deyo
Kidzu Children’s Museum Liska Lackey, Jessica Frega, Timothy Smith
OC Disability Awareness Council Barbara Chavious, Paul Chelminski
OC Food Council Sam Lasris, Jessica Frega, Paul Chelminski
OC Rape Crisis Center Reena Mehta, Jennifer Deyo, Sam Lasris
Piedmont Health Services, Inc. Sam Lasris, Jennifer Deyo, Barbara Chavious
(contract with department)
Planned Parenthood Liska Lackey, Timothy Smith, Reena Mehta
Recommended Action: ___Approve
___Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___Approve & forward to ___________________________
_X_ Accept as information
___Revise & schedule for future action
___Other (detail):
1
FY 2017-18 Orange County Outside Agency Funding
Advisory Board Assignments
Aging Advisory Board/Janice Tyler
1. A Helping Hand
2. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Meals on Wheels
3. Charles House
4. Senior Care of Orange County
5. Orange County Rural Alliance
Arts Commission Director/Katie Murray
1. Hillsborough Arts Council
2. The Arts Center
County Manager’s Office/Travis Myren
1. Chapel Hill Training Outreach
2. Club Nova
3. Freedom House
4. OE Enterprises, Inc.
5. Orange County Living Wage
6. Public Gallery of Carrboro DBA: WCOM-LP Radio
7. The Arc of the Triangle
8. The Art Therapy Institute
9. Voices Together
Criminal Justice Resource Office/Caitlin Fenhagen
1. Behavioral Insights, Inc.
2. Dispute Settlement Center
3. Volunteers for Youth
DEAPR Advisory Boards/David Stancil
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle
2. Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Piedmont
3. Bridge II Sports
4. Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association
5. Farmer Foodshare
6. Historic Hillsborough Commission
7. Historical Foundation
8. Piedmont Wildlife Center
9. Rogers Eubanks Neighborhood Association
10. Triangle Bikeworks
11. United Voices of Efland Cheeks
2
Health Advisory Board/Colleen Bridger
1. Compass Center for Women and Families
2. Duke Homecare & Hospice
3. El Futuro
4. Kidzu Children’s Museum
5. Orange County Disability Awareness Council
6. Orange County Food Council
7. Orange County Rape Crisis Center
8. Piedmont Health Services, Inc. (Contract with Department)
9. Planned Parenthood
Homeless/Corey Root
1. Community Empowerment Fund
2. Youth Community Projects
Housing, Human Rights, & Community Development Advisory Boards/Annette Moore
1. Community Home Trust (Contract with Department)
2. EmPOWERment
3. El Centro Hispano
4. Habitat for Humanity
5. Human Rights Center (Human Relations)
6. Marian Cheek Jackson Center (Human Relations)
Library Services/Lucinda Munger
1. Orange County Literacy Council
Social Services Advisory Board/Nancy Coston
1. Boomerang Youth
2. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Public School Foundation
3. Child Care Services Association
4. Interfaith Council
5. Ligo Dojo of Budo Karate
6. Movement of Youth, Inc.
7. Orange County Partnership for Young Children
8. Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM)
9. St. Joseph CME Church
10. TABLE, Inc.
11. The Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center
12. Tides Center
Notes:
• Applications are located on the T Drive (Outside Agencies 2017-18 Folder).
FY 2017-18 Outside Agency Funding Requests
Outside Agency
FY 2016-17
Approved
Budget
FY 2017-18
Agency
Request
Change from
Approved Budget
A Helping Hand 5,000 8,000 3,000
Behavioral Insights, Inc.4,000 40,000 36,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle 4,000 10,000 6,000
Boomerang Youth 10,000 13,450 3,450
Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Piedmont 5,000 10,000 5,000
Bridge II Sports 5,250 6,500 1,250
Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association - 20,000 20,000
Chapel Hill/Carrboro Meals on Wheels 15,000 15,000 -
Chapel Hill/Carrboro Public School Foundation - 1,125 1,125
Chapel Hill/Training Outreach 75,000 124,000 49,000
Charles House 20,000 25,000 5,000
Child Care Services Association - 35,000 35,000
Club Nova 95,000 120,000 25,000
Community Empowerment Fund 7,500 20,000 12,500
Community Home Trust 200,026 205,353 5,327
Compass Center for Women and Families 64,500 65,900 1,400
Dispute Settlement Center 80,000 83,000 3,000
Duke Homecare & Hospice 1,000 1,200 200
El Centro Hispano 28,810 35,000 6,190
El Futuro 27,500 35,000 7,500
EmPOWERment 25,000 30,000 5,000
Fairview Community Watch 6,000 - (6,000)
Farmer Foodshare 2,500 10,000 7,500
Freedom House 35,000 37,000 2,000
Habitat for Humanity 25,000 50,000 25,000
Hillsborough Arts Council 7,500 12,000 4,500
Historic Hillsborough Commission 8,857 10,000 1,143
Historical Foundation 6,600 7,260 660
Human Rights Center 2,000 15,500 13,500
In FY 2016-17, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appropriated $1,176,763 for 55 agencies,
an increase of $48,448 above the FY 2015-16 appropriation. Funding included $83,530 for twelve new or
previously unfunded agencies. .
In the FY 2017-18 application process, Orange County Finance & Administrative Services recevied 60
applications. Requests totaled $ 1,887,153 an increase of $ 710,390 above the current year's
appropriation. Nine, currently unfunded agencies requested $246,475; one of those agencies applied last
year. .
On December 13, 2016 the Board of County Commissioners approved a funding target of 1.2% of the
County's General Fund expenditures, less the appropriation for education expenses, for the purpose of
funding outside agency operations. The County has historically funded Outside Agencies at 1% of the
County Budget (Less Appropriation). Based on the FY 2016-17 Approved Budget (Less Education
Appropriation), 1.2% equates to $1,345,761.
FY 2017-18 Outside Agency Funding Requests
Outside Agency
FY 2016-17
Approved
Budget
FY 2017-18
Agency
Request
Change from
Approved Budget
Interfaith Council 50,000 50,000 -
Kidzu Children's Museum - 20,919 20,919
Ligo Dojo of Budo Karate 2,000 4,000 2,000
Marian Cheek Jackson Center 10,000 12,500 2,500
Movement of Youth, Inc. - 134,750 134,750
OE Enterprises, Inc.51,100 58,000 6,900
Orange Congregations in Missions 50,415 92,415 42,000
Orange County Disability Awareness Council 7,000 9,500 2,500
Orange County Food Council 16,030 45,000 28,970
Orange County Literacy Council 15,000 17,000 2,000
Orange County Living Wage 16,750 20,000 3,250
Orange County Partnership for Young Children 3,500 7,500 4,000
Orange County Rape Crisis Center 35,000 70,000 35,000
Orange County Rural Alliance - 25,000 25,000
Piedmont Health Services, Inc.11,000 22,000 11,000
Piedmont Wildlife Center 3,500 10,000 6,500
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic 20,000 20,000 -
Public Gallery of Carrboro dba WCOM-LP Radio 1,000 1,000 -
Rebuilding Together of the Triangle 10,000 - (10,000)
Rogers Eubanks Road Neighborhd Assoc.20,000 30,000 10,000
Senior Care of Orange County 30,000 40,000 10,000
St Joseph CME Church - 7,500 7,500
TABLE 5,000 12,000 7,000
The Arc of the Triangle 6,000 7,500 1,500
The Art Therapy Institute 3,000 5,000 2,000
The ArtsCenter 10,000 15,000 5,000
The Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Ctr.6,175 13,100 6,925
Tides Center - 5,000 5,000
Triangle Bikeworks 1,000 5,000 4,000
United Voices of Efland Cheeks - 32,181 32,181
Voices Together 15,000 20,000 5,000
Volunteers for Youth 7,500 10,000 2,500
Youth Community Project 4,750 20,000 15,250
Total 1,176,763$ 1,887,153$ 710,390$
This is an unfunded agency which did apply in 2016-17
This is a new agency that did not apply for funding in 2016-17
1
FY 2017-18 Orange County Outside Agency Funding
Advisory Board Assignments
Aging Advisory Board/Janice Tyler
1. A Helping Hand
2. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Meals on Wheels
3. Charles House
4. Senior Care of Orange County
5. Orange County Rural Alliance
Arts Commission Director/Katie Murray
1. Hillsborough Arts Council
2. The Arts Center
County Manager’s Office/Travis Myren
1. Chapel Hill Training Outreach
2. Club Nova
3. Freedom House
4. OE Enterprises, Inc.
5. Orange County Living Wage
6. Public Gallery of Carrboro DBA: WCOM-LP Radio
7. The Arc of the Triangle
8. The Art Therapy Institute
9. Voices Together
Criminal Justice Resource Office/Caitlin Fenhagen
1. Behavioral Insights, Inc.
2. Dispute Settlement Center
3. Volunteers for Youth
DEAPR Advisory Boards/David Stancil
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle
2. Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Piedmont
3. Bridge II Sports
4. Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association
5. Farmer Foodshare
6. Historic Hillsborough Commission
7. Historical Foundation
8. Piedmont Wildlife Center
9. Rogers Eubanks Neighborhood Association
10. Triangle Bikeworks
11. United Voices of Efland Cheeks
2
Health Advisory Board/Colleen Bridger
1. Compass Center for Women and Families
2. Duke Homecare & Hospice
3. El Futuro
4. Kidzu Children’s Museum
5. Orange County Disability Awareness Council
6. Orange County Food Council
7. Orange County Rape Crisis Center
8. Piedmont Health Services, Inc. (Contract with Department)
9. Planned Parenthood
Homeless/Corey Root
1. Community Empowerment Fund
2. Youth Community Projects
Housing, Human Rights, & Community Development Advisory Boards/Annette Moore
1. Community Home Trust (Contract with Department)
2. EmPOWERment
3. El Centro Hispano
4. Habitat for Humanity
5. Human Rights Center (Human Relations)
6. Marian Cheek Jackson Center (Human Relations)
Library Services/Lucinda Munger
1. Orange County Literacy Council
Social Services Advisory Board/Nancy Coston
1. Boomerang Youth
2. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Public School Foundation
3. Child Care Services Association
4. Interfaith Council
5. Ligo Dojo of Budo Karate
6. Movement of Youth, Inc.
7. Orange County Partnership for Young Children
8. Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM)
9. St. Joseph CME Church
10. TABLE, Inc.
11. The Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center
12. Tides Center
Notes:
• Applications are located on the T Drive (Outside Agencies 2017-18 Folder).
FY 2017-18 Outside Agency Funding Requests
Outside Agency
FY 2016-17
Approved
Budget
FY 2017-18
Agency
Request
Change from
Approved Budget
A Helping Hand 5,000 8,000 3,000
Behavioral Insights, Inc.4,000 40,000 36,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle 4,000 10,000 6,000
Boomerang Youth 10,000 13,450 3,450
Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Piedmont 5,000 10,000 5,000
Bridge II Sports 5,250 6,500 1,250
Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association - 20,000 20,000
Chapel Hill/Carrboro Meals on Wheels 15,000 15,000 -
Chapel Hill/Carrboro Public School Foundation - 1,125 1,125
Chapel Hill/Training Outreach 75,000 124,000 49,000
Charles House 20,000 25,000 5,000
Child Care Services Association - 35,000 35,000
Club Nova 95,000 120,000 25,000
Community Empowerment Fund 7,500 20,000 12,500
Community Home Trust 200,026 205,353 5,327
Compass Center for Women and Families 64,500 65,900 1,400
Dispute Settlement Center 80,000 83,000 3,000
Duke Homecare & Hospice 1,000 1,200 200
El Centro Hispano 28,810 35,000 6,190
El Futuro 27,500 35,000 7,500
EmPOWERment 25,000 30,000 5,000
Fairview Community Watch 6,000 - (6,000)
Farmer Foodshare 2,500 10,000 7,500
Freedom House 35,000 37,000 2,000
Habitat for Humanity 25,000 50,000 25,000
Hillsborough Arts Council 7,500 12,000 4,500
Historic Hillsborough Commission 8,857 10,000 1,143
Historical Foundation 6,600 7,260 660
Human Rights Center 2,000 15,500 13,500
In FY 2016-17, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appropriated $1,176,763 for 55 agencies,
an increase of $48,448 above the FY 2015-16 appropriation. Funding included $83,530 for twelve new or
previously unfunded agencies. .
In the FY 2017-18 application process, Orange County Finance & Administrative Services recevied 60
applications. Requests totaled $ 1,887,153 an increase of $ 710,390 above the current year's
appropriation. Nine, currently unfunded agencies requested $246,475; one of those agencies applied last
year. .
On December 13, 2016 the Board of County Commissioners approved a funding target of 1.2% of the
County's General Fund expenditures, less the appropriation for education expenses, for the purpose of
funding outside agency operations. The County has historically funded Outside Agencies at 1% of the
County Budget (Less Appropriation). Based on the FY 2016-17 Approved Budget (Less Education
Appropriation), 1.2% equates to $1,345,761.
FY 2017-18 Outside Agency Funding Requests
Outside Agency
FY 2016-17
Approved
Budget
FY 2017-18
Agency
Request
Change from
Approved Budget
Interfaith Council 50,000 50,000 -
Kidzu Children's Museum - 20,919 20,919
Ligo Dojo of Budo Karate 2,000 4,000 2,000
Marian Cheek Jackson Center 10,000 12,500 2,500
Movement of Youth, Inc. - 134,750 134,750
OE Enterprises, Inc.51,100 58,000 6,900
Orange Congregations in Missions 50,415 92,415 42,000
Orange County Disability Awareness Council 7,000 9,500 2,500
Orange County Food Council 16,030 45,000 28,970
Orange County Literacy Council 15,000 17,000 2,000
Orange County Living Wage 16,750 20,000 3,250
Orange County Partnership for Young Children 3,500 7,500 4,000
Orange County Rape Crisis Center 35,000 70,000 35,000
Orange County Rural Alliance - 25,000 25,000
Piedmont Health Services, Inc.11,000 22,000 11,000
Piedmont Wildlife Center 3,500 10,000 6,500
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic 20,000 20,000 -
Public Gallery of Carrboro dba WCOM-LP Radio 1,000 1,000 -
Rebuilding Together of the Triangle 10,000 - (10,000)
Rogers Eubanks Road Neighborhd Assoc.20,000 30,000 10,000
Senior Care of Orange County 30,000 40,000 10,000
St Joseph CME Church - 7,500 7,500
TABLE 5,000 12,000 7,000
The Arc of the Triangle 6,000 7,500 1,500
The Art Therapy Institute 3,000 5,000 2,000
The ArtsCenter 10,000 15,000 5,000
The Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Ctr.6,175 13,100 6,925
Tides Center - 5,000 5,000
Triangle Bikeworks 1,000 5,000 4,000
United Voices of Efland Cheeks - 32,181 32,181
Voices Together 15,000 20,000 5,000
Volunteers for Youth 7,500 10,000 2,500
Youth Community Project 4,750 20,000 15,250
Total 1,176,763$ 1,887,153$ 710,390$
This is an unfunded agency which did apply in 2016-17
This is a new agency that did not apply for funding in 2016-17
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
200 South Cameron Street Phone (919) 245-2151
Post Office Box 8181 Fax (919) 644-3324
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Email: acoleman@orangecountync.gov
To: Orange County Advisory Board Groups From: Allen Coleman, Budget and Administrative Coordinator Date: February 13, 2017 Re: FY 2017-18 Outside Agency Funding Application - Evaluation Process Thank you for your participation in this year’s Outside Agency funding evaluation process. Your feedback is critical in assessing program performance, potential success and making funding recommendations. This memo provides background information and guidelines to aid Advisory Board evaluation of FY 2017-18 funding requests. Advisory Board members should carefully review these procedures and selection criteria prior to application review. Please email application scorecards and written feedback, in MS Excel format, by Friday, March 24, 2017 to acoleman@orangecountync.gov.
I. FUNDING PROCESS OVERVIEW
Application Process: On November 29, 2016, Orange County, in collaboration with the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, opened the FY 2017-18 funding process, with a deadline of January 31, 2017. This year all three jurisdictions used the same funding application. In total, 60 agencies submitted funding requests totaling $1,887,153, an increase of $710,390 above the current year’s appropriation.
Advisory Board Evaluation: Ten Advisory Boards and Committees review funding applications, for program content and viability, in February and March. While funding recommendations (i.e. dollar amounts) are not provided, the groups can share whether they think a group should or should not receive funding. Finance and Administrative Services reviews the supplemental documentation and prior agency performance, for currently funded agencies.
County Manager Evaluation and Recommendation: In February and March, the County Manager along with the appropriate county staff will meet with each of the Outside Agencies to discuss the submitted funding application. The County Manager, reviews Advisory Board feedback and consults with the Department Directors prior to making the final recommendations. Funding recommendations are included in the Manager’s Recommended Operating Budget, published in May.
Board of County Commissioner’s (BOCC) Decision: Two Budget Public Hearings, in May, provide direct engagement opportunities for outside agency staff and supporters. The BOCC will also discuss funding, during a June Budget Work Session. Final funding decisions will be included in the FY 2017-18 Approved Operating Budget, adopted in late June.
II. ADVISORY BOARD EVALUATION PROCESS
Scorecards. Advisory Boards should review Funding Applications, only. However, agency supplementary materials are available, if they help you to understand information within the application. Advisory Boards will assess the applications using the Application Scorecard, which rates the program’s mission (Section I), customer value (Section II), prior year results (Section III) and implementation plan (Section IV). The first worksheet in the Application Scorecard file explains how the scorecard should be completed. Please complete the Scorecard in MS Excel format, as it
will tally the scores for you. Also, include any written feedback on this form.
• Written Feedback: This year we highly encourage additional feedback. Written feedback enhances the ratings, and is helpful to the County Manager. In addition, the BOCC often asks about advisory board feedback, during their deliberations. However, please note
that scorecards and feedback are public record information, so be mindful in how
you construct your comments.
• Points Distribution: A few of the application questions and sections have changed since last year. To accommodate changes to the application, as well as the rescaled scorecard, the point distribution was altered in each section.
III. FILE LOCATIONS
• All files can be found on the Countywide T Drive (T Drive Outside Agencies 2017-18), unless otherwise specified by your Lead Evaluator.
Applications (2017-18Submitted Applications) Each agency has a folder; within each folder, is an Application folder that contains an agency’s funding application files. Agencies must submit a single agency budget and separate program budgets for each program outlined in its funding application.
Evaluation Materials (2017-18Evaluation Materials) In this folder, Advisory Boards can find the Evaluation Group Assignments, a funding request list and the Application Scorecards.
Miscellaneous (2016-17Miscellaneous) This folder contains blank copies of the application forms, application instructions and orientation materials, for your reference.
Scorecard Instructions
Using the Application Scorecard, pleases assess the four categories of each agency's application
(Mission, Customer, Results, and Plan).
Each category contains evaluative components (column A), with references (column B) on where to
find the responses in the application. Then, determine whether the agency responded to the
question and place an "X" in the appropriate box (columns C or D). If the agency did answer the
question to some degree, award an appropriate number of points (column F) out of the total
number of points possible for that question (column E). Advisory Boards should use the Rescaled
Scorecard for Agencies with New Programs lacking FY 2016-17 program results (Section 3 - M Work
Statement). The Rescaled Scorecard will calculate that agency's total score out of 75 rather than
100.
Microsoft Excel will calculate any entries in Column E for each category, subtotal and the grand total.
If completing the form by hand, please calculate the totals manually and enter amounts in the
appropriate fields.
Return the completed scorecards in Microsoft Excel format and comments to Allen Coleman at
acoleman@orangecountync.gov, by Friday, March 24. Submit ONLY
one scorecard per outside agency.
Outside Agency Scorecard Page 2
OUTSIDE AGENCY EVALUATED:
PROGRAM NAME: (If applicable):
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMITTEE:
I. What is the program’s MISSION?
EVALUATIVE COMPONENT REFERENCE YES NO MAX
SCORE SCORE
a. Program's identified need fit
organization’s mission statement.
Section 1 – Cover Page
(B)
Section 2 - Agency
Information (B)
5
b. Agency/program engages in coordination
and collaboration activities within the
community.
Section 3 – Program
Information (I)5
c. Agency/program makes use of community
volunteers.
Section 2 – Agency
Information (F, G)5
15 0
II. Who is the program’s CUSTOMER and what does the customer value?
EVALUATIVE COMPONENT REFERENCE YES NO MAX
SCORE SCORE
a. Agency demonstrates County funds will be
used for program purposes that benefits
customers, clients, participants who are Orange
County Residents
Section 3 - Program
Information (L, M,N)10
b. Client data suggests that the
agency/program supports the value of reaching
diverse constituencies. (gender, ethnicity, age,
geography, income level)
Section 3 - Program
Information (L, M,N)5
c. Client data suggests appropriate growth in
the program over time.
Section 3 - Program
Information (L, M,N)5
c. Agency explains the importance of funding
this program and the direct community
investment.
Section 3 - Program
Information (I, J)5
25 0
FY 2017-18 ORANGE COUNTY OUTSIDE AGENCY
APPLICATION SCORECARD
TOTAL SCORE FOR CUSTOMER
TOTAL SCORE FOR MISSION
Outside Agency Scorecard Page 3
III. What are the program’s RESULTS?
EVALUATIVE COMPONENT REFERENCE YES NO MAX
SCORE SCORE
a. Actual Results for FY 2015-16 appear
consistent with the program's goals and actives.
Section 3 - Program
Information (M)5
b. Actual Program Results for FY2015-16
indicate a reasonable volume of program
activities.
Section 3 - Program
Information (M)5
c. Actual Results for FY2015-16 support a
positive impact on program
customers/participants.
Section 3 - Program
Information (M)10
d. Actual cost per program unit for FY2015-
16 appears fair and appropriate for Orange
County resident customer benefits and program
outcomes.
Section 3 - Program
Information (M)10
30 0
IV. What is the program’s PLAN for implementation and improvement?
EVALUATIVE COMPONENT REFERENCE YES NO MAX
SCORE SCORE
a. Stated Program Goals and Activities for
FY2017-18 appear consistent with the
program's mission and clearly indicate how
services will be provided.
Section 1 - Cover Page
(B ) Section
2 - Agency Info. (B,C,
D) Section 3 -
Program Info. (G,H,M,)
5
b. Anticipated Results for FY2017-18 appear
attainable by 6/30/2018 and will have positive
impact on program participants.
Section 3 - Program
Information (M)5
c. A realistic program budget with
reasonable cost for providing services is
outlined.
Section 2 - Agency
Information (Hii.)
Section 3 - Program
Information (N)
5
d. Agency budget projects a diversified
funding base and supports program
sustainability.
Section 2 - Agency
Information (Hii.)
Section 3 - Program
Information (N)
5
e. There is a sufficient rationale to justify
need for Orange County funding.(Entire application)10
30 0
0
0
0
0
0
SUB TOTAL: SCORE FOR PLAN
TOTAL APPLICATION SCORE
TOTAL SCORE FOR PLAN
SUB TOTAL: SCORE FOR MISSION
SUB TOTAL: SCORE FOR CUSTOMERS
SUB TOTAL: SCORE FOR RESULTS
TOTAL SCORE FOR RESULTS
Outside Agency Scorecard Page 4
ADVISORY BOARD COMMENTS
Instructions: Type comments in the box below. To begin a new paragraph, press the Alt and Enter keys.
Rescaled - Outside Agency Scorecard Page 5
OUTSIDE AGENCY EVALUATED:
PROGRAM NAME: (If applicable):
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMITTEE:
I. What is the program’s MISSION?
EVALUATIVE COMPONENT REFERENCE YES NO MAX
SCORE SCORE
a. Program's identified need fit
organization’s mission statement.
Section 1 – Cover Page
(B)
Section 2 - Agency
Information (B)
5
b. Agency/program engages in coordination
and collaboration activities within the
community.
Section 3 – Program
Information (I)5
c. Agency/program makes use of community
volunteers.
Section 2 – Agency
Information (F, G)5
15 0
II. Who is the program’s CUSTOMER and what does the customer value?
EVALUATIVE COMPONENT REFERENCE YES NO MAX
SCORE SCORE
a. Agency demonstrates County funds will be
used for program purposes that benefits
customers, clients, participants who are Orange
County Residents
Section 3 - Program
Information (L, M,N)5
b. Client data suggests that the
agency/program supports the value of reaching
diverse constituencies. (gender, ethnicity, age,
geography, income level)
Section 3 - Program
Information (L, M,N)5
c. Client data suggests appropriate growth in
the program over time.
Section 3 - Program
Information (L, M,N)10
c. Agency explains the importance of funding
this program and the direct community
investment.
Section 3 - Program
Information (I, J)10
30 0
TOTAL SCORE FOR MISSION
FY 2017-18 ORANGE COUNTY OUTSIDE AGENCY
RESCALED APPLICATION SCORECARD (FOR NEW PROGRAMS, ONLY)
TOTAL SCORE FOR CUSTOMER
Rescaled - Outside Agency Scorecard Page 6
Rescaled - Outside Agency Scorecard Page 7
III. What is the program’s PLAN for implementation and improvement?
EVALUATIVE COMPONENT REFERENCE YES NO MAX
SCORE SCORE
a. Stated Program Goals and Activities for
FY2017-18 appear consistent with the
program's mission and clearly indicate how
services will be provided.
Section 1 - Cover Page
(B ) Section
2 - Agency Info. (B,C,
D) Section 3 -
Program Info. (G,H,M,)
5
b. Anticipated Results for FY2017-18 appear
attainable by 6/30/2018 and will have positive
impact on program participants.
Section 3 - Program
Information (M)5
c. A realistic program budget with
reasonable cost for providing services is
outlined.
Section 2 - Agency
Information (Hii.)
Section 3 - Program
Information (N)
5
d. Agency budget projects a diversified
funding base and supports program
sustainability.
Section 2 - Agency
Information (Hii.)
Section 3 - Program
Information (N)
5
e. There is a sufficient rationale to justify
need for Orange County funding.(Entire application)10
30 0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL SCORE FOR PLAN
SUB TOTAL: SCORE FOR MISSION
SUB TOTAL: SCORE FOR CUSTOMERS
SUB TOTAL: SCORE FOR PLAN
TOTAL APPLICATION SCORE
Rescaled - Outside Agency Scorecard Page 8
ADVISORY BOARD COMMENTS
Instructions: Type comments in the box below. To begin a new paragraph, press the Alt and Enter keys.
Agenda Item Number
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: February 22, 2017
Agenda Item Subject: FY 2017-18 Fee Schedule
Attachment(s): Fee Schedule & Requested Changes
Staff/Board Member Reporting: Dr. Colleen Bridger, Health Director
Purpose/Recommended Action: ___ Action/Approve
_x_ Action/Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners
___ Information with possible action
___ Accept as information
___ Revise & schedule for future action
Summary Information:
In reviewing Health Department fee schedules, which are done on an annual basis, the
Department would like to make multiple fee changes in Personal Health, add a fee in Dental
Health, and continue with Phase III of the planned fee increases in the Environmental Health
division. The proposed changes are detailed below:
Personal Health
Personal Health requests fee increases for three child health fees required by NCDHHS and
Medicaid and scheduled adjustments to our fees for 340B drugs (Family Planning drugs not
including birth control pills) to make them match the county’s cost to purchase them, as
required by the state and federal government. This will have very little impact on both the
department and patients as only 10% of self-pay patients pay more than $0 for Family
Planning drugs or procedures and of that 10% we had no patients in prior years that have had
to pay 100% of the cost.
Personal Health Fee Changes
Name of Fee 2016-17 Rate 2017-18 Proposed
Rate
Anticipated Revenue from
Fee Change
Adolescent Risk
Screening
NEW $9.20 $1,398.40
Maternal
Depression
Screening
NEW $9.20 $1,398.40
Social Screen NEW $6.00 $1,398.40
Depo Provera $25.30 $24.00 ($39.00)
Mirena $297.46 $235.00 ($198.72)
Nexplanon $364.00 $399.00 $371.00
Paragard $233.34 $264.43 $49.74
Skyla $488.00 $235.00 $101.20
Dental Health
Dental Health requests to add an additional fee for scaling as this is a fee this has just been
added to the approved Medicaid list of fees. This will have very little impact on anticipated
revenue as staff projects only 30 procedures will be performed per fiscal year.
Dental Health Fee Changes
Name of Fee 2016-17 Rate 2017-18 Proposed
Rate
Anticipated Revenue from
Fee Change
Scaling in presence
of generalized
moderate or severe
gingival
inflammation – full
mouth,
after oral evaluation
NEW $95.00 $3,325.00
Environmental Health
The Board of Health voted to enact Phase I of a three year phased Environmental Health fee
increase in order to reach full cost recovery for on-site and well services during the FY 15-16
budget process. Due to declining rate of development in Orange County, we will not reach full
cost recovery by FY 2017-18 but will do a full fee review during the fiscal year to study the
impact.
Phase II Fee Increases (11% over FY 16-17 rates)
Name of Fee 2016-17 Rate 2017-18 Proposed
Rate
Additional Revenue from
Fee Change
Septic-Const Authoriz
$325 $360 $5,070
Septic-Est Syst Inspect
$155 $175 $5,655
Septic-Mob Home Prk
Insp
$155 $175 $795
Septic-Mob Home Prk
Insp
$215 $240 $300
Septic-Mob Home Prk $280 $310 $125
Insp
Septic-Site Ins/Imprv
Perms
$435 $485 $9,880
Septic Contractor
Registr Fees
$250 $280 $1,850
Septic Tank Manuf Yard
Insp
$310 $345 $210
Contractor Education
Regis Fee
$35 $40 $350
Wells
$535 $595 $8,500
WTMP Fees
$155 $175 $8,370
Public Pool Inspections $280 $310 $3,400
Public Pools Plans
Review
$280 $310 $80
Tattoo Parlor Est Fees $280 $310 $330
Recommended Motion:
To approve all fee changes for FY 2017-2018 as presented and forward to the Board of
County Commissioners for action.
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: February 22, 2017
Agenda Item Subject: FY 2017-18 Budget Request
Attachment(s): Budget Request & Summary
Staff/Board Member Reporting: Dr. Colleen Bridger
Purpose/Recommended Action: ___ Action/Approve
_X_ Action/Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners
___ Information with possible action
___ Accept as information
___ Revise & schedule for future action
Summary Information:
The proposed FY 2017-2018 budget for the Health Department shows an increase in
expenditures of $1,037,687 from the FY 2017-2018 Base Budget; $228,173 of which are
expenditure increases related to the FY 16-17 wage increase and county-initiated increases to
the staff salaries for compression adjustments, market rate changes, FLSA wage increases,
and a temporary position made permanent, which are outside of the control of the department.
The remaining $809,514 of the total increase is the amount the Health Department requests
from the county, which is made up of increases in staffing and service levels increases such as
for the Family Success Alliance and enhanced medical services. This also includes budget
increases approved during the FY 16-17 budget process for the FY 15-16 wage increases, a
Public Health Educator, a men’s Primary Care program, and FSA-related programming among
others. Staff projects a $525,116 increase in revenues for FY 17-18, which will offset much of
the $809,514 requested expenditure increase. The total FY 17-18 Health Department request
for County General Funds is $512,571.
The proposed total budget is $10,101,460 which includes $32,168 in grant funding for the
Susan G. Komen program.
New Staff Requests
The Health Department requests a total of 4.5 FTE; a new 1.0 FTE Data Systems Manager to
provide ongoing data analysis for FSA and Personal Health Services, a 1.0 FTE Senior Public
Health Educator to assist FSA, and a 1.0 FTE Public Health Program Manager to Coordinate
Behavioral Health Services for the county. In addition, the Health Department requests to
make a temporary 0.5 FTE Communications Specialist permanent (as recommended by HR),
and to make a time limited 1.0 FTE Property Development Tech permanent. The Health
Department will fund all of these new positions with non-County funds except for the Property
Development Tech.
State Funding
The state has provided us with the FY 17-18 Consolidated Agreement Addenda. Even though
we will no longer receive funding for Ebola or Prescription Drug Prevention as we did in FY 16-
17, we will receive additional funding for Family Planning and Speech and Hearing. Changes
in funding for all other, ongoing Health Department programs equals out to the prior fiscal year.
Fee Changes
The FY 2016-2017 requested budget includes fee changes for the Personal Health, Dental
Health, and Environmental Health divisions. Staff recommends multiple fee changes for
Personal Health to add three new fees for Child Health as required by DHHS and Medicaid,
and adjust the fees for 340B drugs according to changes in the state and federal policies
around 340B drugs. In addition, Medicaid has recently added a new Dental fee to their
allowable fee schedule for scaling, which staff would like added to the Dental Health fee
schedule. Also, during the FY 15-16 budget cycle, the Board of Health voted to enact Phase I
of a three year phased Environmental Health fee increase in order to reach full cost recovery
for Environmental Health. Staff recommends enacting Phase III of the three year fee increase
by raising fees an additional 11% over last year’s increases. All proposed fee increases are
described in more detail in a separate Fee Change abstract.
Recommended Motion:
To approve the total budget requested in the amount of $10,101,460 for 2017-2018 as
presented which includes $32,168 in grant funding for the Susan G. Komen project, and
forward to the County Manager or Board of County Commissioners for action.
Family Success Alliance Budget Detail
TYPE OBJ ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
Sum of FY 16/17 ORIGINAL
BUDGET
Sum of FY 16/17
ACTUAL YTD
(JANUARY)
Sum of FY 16/17
PROJECTION
Sum of FY 17/18
BASE
Sum of FY 17/18
REQUEST
Difference
Request vs.
Original
Budget
Revenue 443080 MEDICAID MAXIMIZATION FUNDS 0 0 (27,720)(25,000)(150,000)150,000
476020 DONATIONS/OTHER REV 0 (11,302)(13,882)0 (5,314)5,314
Revenue Total 0 (11,302)(41,602)(25,000)(155,314)155,314
Expenditures 510000 PERMANENT SALARIES 94,650 54,567 96,396 102,584 126,322 31,672
511000 NON-PERMANENT PERSONNEL 0 242 484 2,372 0 0
520000 SOCIAL SECURITY 5,869 2,883 5,131 8,818 7,832 1,963
520001 MEDICARE 1,373 674 1,200 1,487 1,832 459
520100 MEDICAL INSURANCE 22,621 11,834 20,394 22,772 27,146 4,525
520110 HSA CONTRIBUTION 0 991 1,982 991 991 991
520150 DENTAL INSURANCE 590 303 525 573 741 151
520160 LIFE INSURANCE 231 116 201 235 300 69
520200 RETIREMENT 6,862 3,961 6,989 7,694 9,474 2,612
520305 NON-SWORN 401(K) 1,251 2,027 3,537 1,216 1,573 322
530000 TRAVEL 200 0 0 78 400 200
530100 TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT 866 7,409 9,160 1,094 2,000 1,134
530500 PERSONAL MILEAGE 2,000 726 1,291 1,658 2,300 300
540000 TELEPHONE 420 140 1,000 420 3,420 3,000
590000 DUPLICATING 200 200
591000 PRINTING 700 0 500 497 1,500 800
600000 ADVERTISING 300 358 300 500 300 0
610000 DUES 225 0 225 225 325 100
620000 DEPARTMENTAL SUPPLIES 500 0 715 552 1,000 500
620050 EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES 245 10 245 352 490 245
621000 OFFICE SUPPLIES 300 216 432 202 600 300
630000 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,500 179,496 360,220 8,073 566,523 564,023
Navigators 378,119
Summer Literacy 76,659
Kindergarten Readiness 83,610
After School 10,000
Development Consultant, Interpreters, YouthWorx Space 18,135
680007 COMMUNITY PROJECT SUPPORT 32,015 30,000 4,647 54,144 54,144
Parent workshops, family celebrations, stipends 6,028
ETO licenses, Equity Training & other partner support 5,314
School Innovation Funds 10,000
Working Group Recommendations 3,500 32,802
681000 FAMILY SUCCESS ALLIANCE 355,000 0 0 183,857 0 (355,000)
800100 IT EQUIPMENT 7,676 7,676
801000 FURNISHINGS 3,225 3,225
Expenditures Total 500,203 297,967 540,928 350,897 820,314 320,111
Grand Total 500,203 286,665 499,326 325,897 665,000 164,797
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: February 22, 2017
Agenda Item Subject: Select Topics for BOCC Work Session
Attachment(s):
Staff or Board Member Reporting: Liska Lackey
Purpose: __X__ Action
_ _ Information only
____ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
The Board of County Commissioners will review the Annual Work Plan reports from
their advisory boards and commissions, including the Board of Health, at their Tuesday,
March 28th Work Session. The Board has invited the Board of Health, support staff
and/or Department Heads to attend. The March 28th work session will be held at the
Richard Whitted Meeting Facility, 300 West Tryon Street in Hillsborough, starting at
7:00pm and this item will be the first item on the agenda.
ACTION: The Board of Health will review highlights from the year and select topics and
BOH representatives to participate in the meeting.
Recommended Action: _X_Approve
___Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___Approve & forward to ___________________________
___Accept as information
___Revise & schedule for future action
___Other (detail):
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: February 22, 2017
Agenda Item Subject: BOH/BOCC relationship
Attachment(s):
Staff or Board Member Reporting: Liska Lackey/Susan Elmore
Purpose: ____ Action
_ _ Information only
__X__ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
Board of Health members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, but
these boards have distinct responsibilities and are accountable to a different set of
statutes and by-laws. The BOH Chair and Co-Chair will discuss the relationship
between the Board of Health and the County Commissioners and consider any relevant
action.
Recommended Action: ___Approve
___Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___Approve & forward to ___________________________
_X__Accept as information
___Revise & schedule for future action
___Other (detail):
Health Director’s (Final…) Report
February, 2017
• I had the following items on my list of things to finish/shore up prior to my departure:
o Accreditation – Done
o Annual Report – Done
o Mental Health Gap Analysis – Done with report to the BOCC on 2-21
o BUILD Grant – Due 2-21. Great work/plan being overseen by Coby
o Gateway HUD meeting – Scheduled 2-23
o Budget – Being presented to BOH 2-22
• I met with Dorothy last week to orient her to any pending issues/changes since she was
here last.
• I met with our newest Board member, Jennifer Deyo (pharmacist rep) and conducted
her new BOH member orientation. I also sent her the latest on the HD recruitment, so
she is in the loop. She will be joining us for the meeting next week. There was an issue
with the BOH’s recommendation for the at-large appointment. I hope we’ll have that
resolved by the 21st.
• #OWASAWATER as it is affectionately known has dominated things since 2-3. I sent you
an update last week and the bulk of the work now is: 1) supporting OWASA in their
community presentations (Chamber meeting last week and Chapel Hill Town Council
Monday night, BOCC 2-21); 2) dealing with the anti-fluoride cabal and 3) working with
the EOC to identify lessons learned and how to improve our next response.
Orange County Health Department Releases Annual Report
Posted by Bruce Rosenbloom | Feb 2, 2017 | Health | 0
The Orange County Health Department released its annual report to the public on Wednesday.
Dr. Colleen Bridger, the health director of the facility, cited a number of trends in the data gleaned
from the report.
“The first is that, overall, we continue to have really high satisfaction among clients who use health
services,” stated Bridger.
According to the report, the satisfaction rate of medical patients at the facility in 2016 was 89
percent.
Bridger also brought attention to rising employee satisfaction rates as a second major trend.
“That’s really neat to see both clients and employees being highly satisfied with health department
programs and services.”
The report claims that 90 percent of employees at the facility attested to getting satisfaction from
their jobs every week.
The third trend outlined by Bridger is the increasing number of services that the facility provides for
the community.
“We were fortunate enough, two years ago, to expand our dental clinic,” noted Bridger. “We doubled
the number of dental teams that we have.”
According to the report, the number of primary care consults performed at the facility decreased in
2016 by over 400.
Bridger speculated that the decrease may be associated with the prevalence of the federal health
insurance marketplace.
“Our theory is that as more and more people were able to get insurance through the marketplace,
they had less need for safety net primary care services.”
The report also presents data on mandatory health screenings for refugees, with nearly 160
completed at the facility in 2016.
“It’s a comprehensive assessment of their immunization status of any sort of communicable disease
risk,” explained Bridger. “[Refugees] have to have this completed shortly after their arrival to their
host community.”
Among the health concerns outlined by Bridger, sexually transmitted infections were foremost.
“We are seeing an increase in syphilis in gonorrhea, both in Orange County and in the southern
United States.”
Bridger also praised a syringe exchange program established at the facility to address problems that
arise from injection drug use.
“We now can give out clean syringes to anybody who comes to the health department who says that
they would like it, and we did that in response to an increase in the number of people with hepatitis
C.”
The report states that used syringe collection bins have been emptied twice since April of 2016.
INDY Week
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INDY Week's news blog
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017
NEWS / ORANGE COUNTY
Developing Story: Businesses Closed, Water Not
Safe
Posted by Sarah Willets on Fri, Feb 3, 2017 at 12:24 PM
OWASA is urging its customers not to use its water following a water main break and the shutdown of a Chapel
Hill water treatment plant—and said residents should consider the water unsafe for at least the next twenty four
hours.
Customers are being asked to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and even flushing toilets. So,
stock up.
The strain on the water supply prompted Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools to dismiss students early today.
Elementary students were dismissed at 1:30 p.m., middle school students at 2:10 p.m., and high school
students at 2:55 p.m.
click to enlarge
In addition, UNC announced that it, too, was canceling afternoon classes and closing offices beginning at 1
p.m.
Follow
UNC-Chapel Hill
Due to @OWASA1 water shortage & safety concerns, #UNC is canceling classes &
closing offices beginning at 1 pm. More info to follow
12:58 PM - 3 Feb 2017
Both Chapel Hill and Carrboro are under states of emergency.
Officials said while some customers may see water flowing from their taps, they should not consume it because
they can’t be sure it is safe. The utility also needs to build its water supply back up so that there is sufficient
pressure in the system to send water out to OWASA’s approximately 80,000 customers.
At the news conference, they also said it “would be extremely difficult” for UNC to host its scheduled men's
basketball game against Notre Dame Saturday. The Orange County Health Department ordered all restaurants
served by OWASA closed this afternoon. UNC Hospitals and clinics are operating normally with a supply of
bottled water.
Amid the outage, OWASA is bringing in roughly six million gallons of water via tanker from Durham. (Durham
officials say that isn’t a strain on the city's supply)
Customers have been asked to conserve water since yesterday, when OWASA began receiving water from the
Durham because too much fluoride had been pumped into the water- treatment system, forcing OWASA to
shut down the Jones Ferry Road plant, where the fluoride-heavy supply was contained.
To get updates on the system, OWASA customers can text OwasaWater for 888777 or call a hotline at 919-
245-6111. Donations of bottled water can be dropped off at 210 South Estes Drive.
StarTribune
Water shutdown hits North Carolina college
town
Associated Press
FEBRUARY 3, 2017 — 6:49PM
BERNARD THOMAS, ASSOCIATED PRESSAn Orange Sewer and Water Authority employee look at the water break damage in
Chapel Hill, Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, in N.C., officials in Chapel Hill are asking everybody to stop using water after the water main break
and a low tank levels. Bottled water is being rushed to student dorms at North Carolina’s flagship public university and nearby
nursing homes after a series of malfunctions shut down the municipal water system. Restaurants, schools in Chapel Hill and
Carrboro and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill closed Friday after a water treatment plant was shut down by a m iscue
in chemical treatment and a water main broke
CARRBORO, N.C. — Bottled water was rushed Friday to student dorms at North Carolina's
flagship public university and nearby nursing homes after a series of malfunctions shut
down the municipal water system.
Restaurants and hotels were shuttered, schools in Chapel Hill and Carrboro closed early and
operations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shut down after a water
treatment plant quit operating. It would be at least Saturday evening and possibly Sunday
before normal water service was restored, Orange Water and Sewer Authority Executive
Director Ed Kerwin said.
Although some water remained in pipes around the neighboring towns of Chapel Hill and
Carrboro, it may be unsafe, he said. The towns have a combined population of about 77,000.
"Do not use it under any circumstance," Orange County Health Director Coleen Bridger said
at a news conference. "Do not drink it; do not use it."
Health department employees were visiting every restaurant and hotel directing them to
close, Bridger said. The men's basketball game between North Carolina and Notre Dame
scheduled for Saturday night was postponed to Sunday afternoon and moved to Greensboro.
Bottled water was being delivered to nursing homes, county emergency services director
Diana Jeffries said.
University housing officials said they were delivering portable toilets and bottled water to
on-campus residence halls.
The municipal water agency said supplies were critically low after an early morning break in
a major water delivery pipe. The utility had been getting its water from Durham after too
much fluoride was released into the water at one treatment plant Thursday.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reports (http://bit.ly/2l6Agkk) that federal guidelines
recommend adding 0.7 parts per million of fluoride to water supplies to help protect teeth
from cavities. OWASA normally adds that amount, said Dr. Tim Wright, chairman of the
department of pediatric dentistry at the UNC School of Dentistry.
The problem at the water treatment plant was adding up to 5 parts per million to the water.
At 2 and 3 parts per million, chronic or long-term fluoride exposure can damage tooth
formation prenatally and in children up to teenagers, Wright said.
At 4 parts per million, fluoride has been associated with hip fractures in post-menopausal
women, he said, adding that it takes years of exposure to high levels of fluoride for most
people to see such effects. Even people who drink fluoridated water, use fluoride toothpaste
and get fluoride treatments at the dentist are not getting enough of it to cause problems, he
said.
Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger declared an emergency. The town said its fire
department has contacted nearby agencies to be ready to bring water to fire scenes.
OWASA issues urgent message to stop using
water
BY FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS | PUBLISHED 02/03/17 11:09AM
Photo by Nile Iverson / The Daily Tar Heel
UPDATE (4:49 p.m.): It will be about 24 hours before OWASA will know if the water in
Chapel Hill and Carrboro is safe to drink, Executive Director Ed Kerwin said.
The Orange County Health Department asks that OWASA customers not use the water
under any circumstances, because its safety cannot be gu aranteed.
Because of the break in the water main Friday morning, storage tanks dropped to a very
low level. OWASA is asking that customers not drink the water because there is a
possibility that it is contaminated. They will have test results back in abou t 24 hours.
OWASA will continue to receive drinking water from the City of Durham to increase their
storage of safe drinking water. In the meantime, OWASA is working to move in drinking
water from the Town of Hillsborough and the Chatham County system.
Kerwin said he expects it to be at least 48 hours before the OWASA plant in Carrboro is
producing drinking water.
Orange County Emergency Services is working to set up points of distribution of bottled
water. Donations can be taken to Chapel Hill Community Center at 120 S. Estes Dr.
UPDATE (2:37 p.m.): According to an Alert Carolina, Lenoir Dining Hall is closed, but
Rams Head Dining Hall will stay open until 5 p.m.
UPDATE (2:15 p.m.): Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger issued a state of emergency
at 1:15 p.m. Friday for the Town of Chapel Hill due to the OWASA water shortage.
UPDATE (2:01 p.m.): Town of Hillsborough water customers are not affected by the
emergency OWASA situation. The town of Hillsborough uses a separate water system
from the OWASA system, so the water is safe to use. But customers are asked to
conserve water as the town of Hillsborough is trying to provide water to the OWASA
system.
UPDATE (1:45 p.m.): Here is a map showing the availability of bottled water at local
grocery stores. We will be updating it as we hear back from stores.
UPDATE (1:12 p.m.): According to a message from Alert Carolina, the University
canceled classes and closed offices effective at 1 p.m. Friday.
UPDATE (12:49 p.m.): Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools closing early Friday due to
water situation.
The Harris Teeter on North Greensboro Street in Carrboro is running low on bottled
water.
UPDATE (11:50 a.m.): The Orange Water and Sewer Authority issued an emergency
message telling customers to stop using water.
There has been a water main break on the northeast side of Chapel Hill near Dobbins
Drive. Due to this break and the shutdown of the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment
Plant, water supply in the OWASA system is very low.
Because the water supplies are so low, using water could con taminate the water
system. OWASA encourages customers to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and
personal hygiene.
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority issued an urgent message Friday morning
asking customers to limit water use to only essential tasks due to reduced water levels
in their storage tanks.
OWASA said in a statement the best ways to conserve water includes flushing toilets
only when necessary, taking short showers and using paper plates and plastic utensils
to reduce dishwashing.
The shortage is caused by an accidental overfeed of fluoride within the water treatment
process at OWASA's Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant, acco rding to the
statement. No water with higher than normal fluoride reached the pipe system, so the
water is safe to drink.
OWASA started receiving water from the City of Durham late Thursday afternoon, but
the water flow between the Durham and OWASA system s was not adequate to fill
OWASA's tanks to normal levels, which caused the shortage, according to the
statement.
OWASA has not said when operations will be back to normal but is working to restore
the Jones Ferry plant as soon as it is safe to do so.
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EDITOR'S PICK FEATURED
PERFECT STORM: OWASA main breaks
prompting ban on drinking, using OWASA water
ANNA JOHNSON, TAMMMY GRUBB, RAY GRONBERG, ZACHERY EANES and MARK SCHULTZ,
news@heraldsun.com
Feb 3, 2017 Updated Feb 4, 2017
CHAPEL HILL -- What started as a water-plant problem for the Orange Water and
Sewer Authority escalated Friday into a full-blown, community-wide emergency for
residents of southern Orange County.
The utility and the Orange County Health Department advised customers of OWASA --
the primary source of drinking water for Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC Chapel Hill --
both to avoid using and avoid drinking the public supply.
One of those orders addressed conservation, the other the preservation of public health
and prevention of disease.
OWASA Executive Director Ed Kerwin said it would be late Saturday afternoon before
the utility will know when the water is again safe to drink, and late Sunday, at the
earliest, before customers can again use tap water.
Even before Friday's do-not-drink order went out, the situation prompted officials at
UNC to close the university.
They told non-essential workers to go home or stay home, and took the additional step
of advising students who live in campus housing to “consider leaving campus for the
weekend if they are able.”
Housing officials Tweeted late Friday that the dorms will not close, as they're bringing in
portable toilets and bottled water.
Off campus, the situation forced schools, restaurants and other business to close, and
prompted a run on bottled water.
The Wal-Mart off U.S. 15-501 was out of water before 2 p.m. with several shoppers
saying they'd already tried their luck at nearby grocery stores. Popular substitutes were
milk, juice, soda and beer.
Jordan Thomas, a senior at UNC, was on his way to his first mid -term when he was told
classes and the campus was shut down early. His girlfriend works for the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and is deployed in T exas. When he told her about the
water shortage, she told him to drop everything and find water.
“It's really strange," he said. "I've been here for four years and this is the first time
anything like this has happened. Even down on the coast, nothing like this happened. If
there was a water main break, it was usually local and you'd be able to get to the store
relatively easily.
“If it goes on for more than three, four or maybe five days, I'll start to get worried, but
right now I'm not too concerned,” Thomas added. “I trust the system will work."
Matt Peretin, a Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools employee, was shopping for
beverages at Walmart and said he learned about the water shortage when students
were dismissed early.
"They were worried about having enough water, engineering-wise, just making sure
there's enough water for the sprinkler system," he said. "I'm not worried. The
technicians know what they’re doing. The biggest problem is they're going to test and
retest to make sure it's safe before they send it out. That's going to take more time than
the work.”
As Peretin observed, fire safety was a triggering motive for UNC’s closure.
Officials there weren’t sure there’d be enough water in the OWASA system if a major
fire broke out. Additionally, the shortage meant there wasn’t necessarily enough water
available for campus facilities to be “fully operable,” said Joanne Peters, the university’s
communications director.
The trouble began earlier this week at OWASA’s Jones Ferry Road water treatment
plant, with what utility officials termed “an accidental overfeed of fluoride within” the
treatment process.
They hadn’t said, as of about 3:30 p.m. on Friday, how large the overfeed was.
But James Groves, Durham County’s emergency management director, told officials in
Durham’s governments his information is that “about half of their total fluoride stock”
went into the mix, essentially rendering all the water that was in the Jones Ferry Road
plant at the time “un-usable and unfit for consumption.”
OWASA was able to prevent that from reaching its distribution network, and contacted
Durham city officials, to tap into two emergency interconnections to secure a backup
supply of water.
By Friday, Durham was sending OWASA water at the rate of about 7 million gallons a
day, said Vicki Westbrook, the city’s assistant director of water management.
Still, with the Jones Ferry Road plant offline, water levels in OWASA’s storage tanks fell.
And then on Friday, things took a turn for the worse when a water main broke off
Dobbins Drive, along U.S. 15-501 near the old Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North
Carolina headquarters.
The loss of 1.5 million gallons from the break torpedoed water pressure, a health
concern because without pressure, water doesn’t flow and harmful bacteria can more
easily grow in the mains. The water loss itself also meant there wasn’t enough supply.
“Due to low pressure in the OWASA service area, we are not sure if the water is safe for
consumption,” the county health department told the area’s residents. “Unt il testing has
been completed, we are issuing a ‘do not drink’ order. Boiling water is not
recommended. Only bottled water is recommended.”
As of mid-afternoon, OWASA was working to restore the Jones Ferry Road Water
Treatment Plant to normal operation as soon as it is safe to do so, and to repair the
water main break. But the treatment plant’s output will require testing, and the utility
can’t process water from its two reservoirs until the plant’s back on line.
The problem didn’t have any direct effect on Hillsborough’s water system, which is
separate from OWASA’s with its own treatment plant and reservoir.
Hillsborough officials nonetheless advised their customers to conserve water because
the town was working to provide water to OWASA. Engineers were flushing a line that
connects to the OWASA system and reckoned they’d able to deliver water to OWASA
by Saturday morning.
The flow from Durham will continue, Westbrook said.
“The initial timeframe they gave us yesterday was 72 hours,” she said. “We haven’t had
a discussion since then that it would be any longer, but for sure it won’t be any shorter.”
She added that sending 7 million gallons a day to OWASA “is not a stretch” fo r the
Durham system, given that it’s midwinter. Between Durham’s own use and the OWASA
draw, “for us it’s like summertime demand,” she said.
Both Chapel Hill and Carrboro declared formal states of emergency, which will allow
emergency steps to be taken and funding to be used where needed, officials said. It
also is the first step in seeking state and federal support, if necessary.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools officials announced early Friday they would close
schools, releasing elementary students at 1:30 p.m., middle school students at 2:10
p.m., and high school students at 2:55 p.m. All after-school programs also were
cancelled.
Parents picking up their students and high school students who walk or drive to school
were being encouraged to leave earlier, officials said.
The Orange County Schools system, in Hillsborough and rural Orange County, isn't
impacted by the water shortage, according to Seth Stephens, its chief communications
officer.
The Chapel Hill and Carrboro fire departments contacted their mutual-aid partners
about provide additional water in case of a fire, town officials said in a news release.
Orange County Health Department spokeswoman Stacy Shelp said emergency officials
were meeting to plan a response and have trained in similar situa tions.
“I think the main concern is not depleting the water supply to (UNC’s) hospital,” Shelp
said, adding that the hospital does have some backup supplies.
UNC Hospitals officials said their facility would remain open, with instructions to staff to
use water for patient care as they normally would. But they urged employees to cut
back on other, non-essential uses. Officials said water tankers will be used to keep the
hospital supplied.
In Carrboro, the town's Fire Rescue Department contacted what it deems "high risk
locations with non-ambulatory persons" to figure out what they need and help them
secure "necessary provisions including water and bathroom facilities."
Utilities like OWASA, Hillsborough and Durham add fluoride to treated water to prevent
tooth decay.
Though its use is controversial and some European countries do not add it to their water
supplies, “the reality is fluoride is the 13th most common element in the earth’s crust,”
said Tim Wright, chairman of the department of pediatric dentistry at the UNC School of
Dentistry.
“It’s a naturally occurring element” already present in water and many of the foods we
eat, he said.
Federal guidelines updated in 2011 recommend adding 0.7 parts per million of fluoride
to water supplies to prevent dental caries, the process of de-mineralization of the teeth
that can lead to cavities or holes in the teeth.
This is the amount that OWASA adds, Wright said.
At 2 and 3 parts per million, chronic or long-term fluoride exposure can damage tooth
formation prenatally and in children up to teenagers, Wright said.
At 4 parts per million, fluoride has been associated with hip fractures in post -
menopausal women, he said.
But Wright said it takes years of exposure to high levels of fluoride for most people to
see such effects. Even people who drink fluoridated water, use fluoride toothpaste and
get fluoride treatments at the dentists are not getting enough of it to cause problems.
-- The Herald-Sun's Anna Johnson, Zachery Eanes and Ray Gronberg contributed to
this story from Chapel Hill and Durham. The News & Observer's Mark Schultz and
Tammy Grubb contributed to this story from Carrboro, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill.
News & Observer staffers Tammy Grubb and Mark Schultz contributed to this story. Contact Anna
Johnson: ajohnson@heraldsun.com, 919-419-6675.
CHAPEL HILL NEWS
FEBRUARY 3, 2017 8:53 AM
Tap water in Chapel Hill-Carrboro off limits until
later this weekend
1 of 9
A broken water main discovered Friday leaked up to 1.5 million gallons of water a day after the utility
began getting water from Durham following a fluoride overfeed at its drinking water plant. UNC
remains in Condition 3 (closed) until further notice. All university operations remain temporarily
suspended, and only mandatory employees must report to or remain at work Travis
Long tlong@newsobserver.com
BY TAMMY GRUBB AND MARK SCHULTZ
tgrubb@newsobserver.com
mschultz@newsobserver.com
CARRBORO
It will be at least late Saturday or Sunday before OWASA will know whether its drinking
water is safe and customers in Chapel Hill and Carrboro can start using it again, officials
said Friday.
A broken water pipe discovered Friday morning leaked up to 1.5 million gallons after a
fluoride overfeed at the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant on Thursday forced
OWASA to start getting water from Durham.
[UNC-Notre Dame moved to Sunday in Greensboro amid Chapel Hill water shortage]
[Chapel Hill residents stock up on bottled beverages and hope for the best]
[Water woes leave Franklin Street bars and restaurants empty]
That water is going into storage tanks until OWASA can make sure its water is safe and
can refill its tanks to provide sufficient pressure to operate the system.
That will take “at least one or two days,” spokesman Greg Feller said Friday evening.
“We do not have an estimate.”
The towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon.
The declaration allows emergency steps to be taken and funding to be used where
needed, officials said. It also is the first step in seeking state and federal support, if
necessary.
Town and county officials are working to bring bottled water and portable toilets to local
shelters and public housing and senior housing residents, who may not be able to bring
in their own emergency supplies. Residents may also donate bottled water by bringing it
to the Chapel Hill Community Center at 120 S. Estes Drive.
Harris Teeter said Friday evening that water would be available free at three Chapel Hill
stores and one in Carrboro. One- or three-gallon jugs would be limited to three per
person, the grocery chain said.
Orange County Health Department Director Colleen Bridger ordered all restaurants to
close Friday afternoon. She stressed that OWASA customers should use only bottled
water until further notice.
“Do not drink the water. Do not use it for personal hygiene,” Bridger said at a press
conference Friday afternoon. “Do not use it under any circumstance.”
Residents with questions can call Orange County emergency officials at 919-245-6111,
send a text message to 888777 with the phrase “owasawater” in the message line, and
get updates on Twitter @ocncemergency.
Hillsborough, which has its own water supply system, was not affected by the shutdown.
Officials also issued news releases Friday advising that Orange County Schools, Durham
County and Chatham County were not affected.
Hillsborough officials have asked their water customers, however, to conserve water as
the town is working to provide water to OWASA.
Water main break
Orange Water and Sewer Authority officials asked customers around noon Friday to
stop using water after discovering the broken 45-year-old water main on Dobbins Drive
in northeast Chapel Hill.
OWASA issued an earlier notice asking customers to limit their water usage because
supplies were low.
OWASA is working to restore the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant to normal
operation, and crews are working to repair the pipe, which cut water service to 250
customers in the immediate area, OWASA executive director Ed Kerwin said.
Tap water in Chapel Hill -Carrboro off limits,
causing state of emergency
Ed Kerwin, executive director of OWASA explains that a 12-inch water-main break came a day after a fluoride overfeed forcing
OWASA to start getting water from Durham.
Other Orange County fire departments will deliver water to Chapel Hill and Carrboro
fire departments in tankers if there’s a fire, Chapel Hill Emergency Management
Coordinator Barry McLamb said.
UNC Hospitals has a limited backup water supply.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and UNC closed early Friday. The university asked
students who live on campus to consider leaving for the weekend.
The water shortage has moved Saturday’s scheduled UNC-Notre Dame men’s basketball
game to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Greensboro Coliseum. The game will not be televised.
Chapel Hill and East Chapel Hill high schools postponed their Friday night basketball
games, and Carrboro has moved Saturday’s wrestling championship match to
Northwood High School in Pittsboro.
Fluoride overfeed
OWASA began getting its water from Durham when the fluoride overfeed forced it to
shut down the Jones Ferry Road plant, its only drinking water plant.
“We don’t know whether it was equipment error. We don’t know if it was human error
or both,” Kerwin said. “That is certainly something we need to get to the bottom of.”
The utility stressed the overfluoridated water was contained at the plant and did not go
out to customers.
Fluoride is added to water to prevent tooth decay.
Though its use is controversial and some European countries do not add it to their water
supplies, “the reality is fluoride is the 13th most common element in the earth’s crust,”
said Dr. Tim Wright, chairman of the department of pediatric dentistry at the UNC
School of Dentistry.
“It’s a naturally occurring element” already present in water and many of the foods we
eat, he said.
Federal guidelines updated in 2011 recommend adding 0.7 parts per million of fluoride
to water supplies to prevent dental caries, the process of demineralization of the teeth
that can lead to cavities or holes in the teeth.
This is the amount that OWASA normally adds, Wright said.
The problem at the water treatment plant was adding up to 5 parts per million to the
water.
At 2 and 3 parts per million, chronic or long-term fluoride exposure can damage tooth
formation prenatally and in children up to teenagers, Wright said.
At 4 parts per million, fluoride has been associated with hip fractures in post-
menopausal women, he said.
But Wright said it takes years of exposure to high levels of fluoride for most people to
see such effects. Even people who drink fluoridated water, use fluoride toothpaste and
get fluoride treatments at the dentist are not getting enough of it to cause problems, he
said
Contamination concern
Durham is supplying OWASA with about 6 million gallons per day, with additional
water set to come from Hillsborough once the pipe connecting the systems is cleaned
out, Feller said.
Until OWASA’s tanks return to normal levels, the utility has told customers to use
bottled water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.
Customers also can use bottled water to flush toilets, after pouring water into the tank.
If a toilet does not have a tank, it may be possible to pour water into the bowl before
flushing.
Grubb: 919-829-8936
Schultz: 919-829-8950
CANCELED & CLOSING
These are just some of the cancellations and closings reported Friday:
▪ Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA after-school programs
▪ Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools closing early: Elementary, releasing at 1:30 p.m.;
middle school at 2:10 p.m.; high school at 2:55 p.m.
▪ Chapel Hill Public Library and Parks and Recreation facilities are closed
▪ Hargraves Center is holding afterschool activities, but parents are asked to pick up their
children as early as possible
▪ The Chapel Hill License Plate Agency is closed
▪ Seymour Center is closed
RELATED CONTENT
Chapel Hill, Carrboro under water emergency; UNC suspends operation
Bottled water distributed to Chapel Hill residents during emergency
Tap water in Chapel Hill-Carrboro off limits, causing state of emergency
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/chapel-hill-
news/article130518219.html#storylink=cpy
CHAPEL HILL NEWS
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 8:22 AM
OWASA restarts water treatment plant, advises
customers to conserveaergency 1:53
A broken water main discovered Friday leaked up to 1.5 million gallons of water a day after the utility began getting water f rom Durham
following a fluoride overfeed at its drinking water plant. UNC remains in Condition 3 (closed) until further notice. All university operations
remain temporarily suspended, and only mandatory employees must report to or remain at work Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
BY ANNA JOHNSON AND MARK SCHULTZ
ajohnson@heraldsun.com
mschultz@newsobserver.com
HILLSBOROUGH
OWASA started up its water treatment plant Saturday night, hours after water
service was mostly restored to about 80,000 residents in Chapel Hill and
Carrboro.
Residents and businesses, who spent a day-and-a-half without running water,
were encouraged to continue limiting their use because supplies remain low.
“We regret that the community has been challenged in this way the last day and a
half,” said Ed Kerwin, executive director of the regional water utility. “We very
much appreciate everyone’s cooperation following the do-not-use directive and
very pleased to report we have made substantial progress in the last 24 hours and
able to confidently say our water is safe.”
Orange County officials announced the water was safe again Saturday afternoon.
“All of the tests came back safe earlier this afternoon,” Orange County Health
Director Colleen Bridger said in a news release. “In light of these results, Orange
County Health Department is rescinding the Do Not Use order.”
The Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant was restarted at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday. The plant was shut down Thursday after a higher than normal amount
of fluoride was added to water at the plant. The over-fluoridated water did not
make it into the pipe system that serves customers, OWASA officials said.
They have temporarily suspended the addition of fluoride to the area’s drinking
water, pending a review of the incident. OWASA officials are investigating the
overfeed and will make a report to the community at a later date, they said.
The OWASA board of directors meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at 400 Jones Ferry
Road, and the meeting is open to the public, but Kerwin said they would not
likely have the after-action report finalized by then.
Officials were hopeful Saturday but couldn’t say with certainty that things would
be “business as normal” by Monday.
“Based on everything we know today, we don’t anticipate any potential
problems,” Kerwin said. “Of course, we also didn’t appreciate one of the worst
water main breaks we have experienced in 40 years of service to the community.”
Restaurants and hotels were told at 2 p.m. they were able to reopen, Bridger said.
“The only exception to (the do not use/drink order was) for the Apartments at
Midtown 501,” she said. “There are approximately 250 residents that are still
under a boil water advisory and we will notify them once their water is safe to
drink.”
A broken water main on Foxcroft Drive that triggered the water emergency has
been repaired and service restored to the roughly 250 customers there.
“We will know by 7 a.m. Sunday if the boil water advisory can be rescinded,”
Kerwin said.
The broken main leaked up to 1.5 million gallons of water a day after the utility,
Orange Water and Sewer Authority, began getting water from Durham following
a fluoride overfeed at its Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant. Fluoride is
added to water to prevent tooth decay but can be harmful in excessive amounts.
The utility kept the over-fluoridated water from reaching its distribution network,
and by Friday Durham was sending OWASA water at the rate of about 7 million
gallons a day, said Vicki Westbrook, the city’s assistant director of water
management. Chatham County also began sending water, and OWASA said it was
working with Hillsborough as well. The water coming from Chatham County was
discontinued Saturday evening.
Still, with the Jones Ferry Road plant offline, water levels in OWASA’s storage
tanks fell. And then on Friday, the water main broke off Dobbins Drive, along
U.S. 15-501 near the old Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
headquarters.
The loss of 1.5 million gallons from the break torpedoed water pressure, a health
concern because without pressure, water doesn’t flow and harmful bacteria can
more easily grow in the mains. The water loss also meant there wasn’t enough
supply.
The utility began working to restore the treatment plant to normal operation and
to repair the water main. But the plant’s output required testing before the utility
could safely advise customers to use their water again.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the community during this incident, and we
are grateful to our partners at the City of Durham, Chatham County and the town
of Hillsborough for their assistance,” Kerwin said.
The water emergency sent residents to friends and hotels outside the affected
area. UNC told students living on campus, where 100 portable toilets had been
set up, to leave if they could until the water was safe to use again.
Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents, in addition to those on campus, were told to
use bottled water for all purposes, including flushing toilets.
County officials said 33 pallets of bottled water were being distributed per hour
Saturday morning across southern Orange County.
Four distribution sites were set up in Chapel Hill and Carrboro to give residents
bottled water that remained open until 6 p.m. Saturday. Officials said they were
did not know how many organizations or volunteers participated during the
water shortage but would compile the information for a report.
“There were a lot of moving parts behind the scene and one of the great things
about working and being involved in Orange County,” Bridger said. “Probably
one of the most common phone calls we got was, ‘How can I help?’”
OWASA and the county were not sure of the financial impact of the water
shortage.
Staff writer Ray Gronberg contributed to this story.
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/chapel-hill-
news/article130754894.html#storylink=cpy
WRAL.com
Water safe again but limit to essential use, Orange
County officials say
Posted 12:00 p.m. Friday
Updated 2:57 p.m. Saturday
MORE ON THIS
UNC moves men's basketball, other home athletic events off campus due to state of emergency
8
Officials provide update on Chapel Hill water crisis
ORANGE COUNTY, N.C. — The do-not-use order for Orange County water customers was lifted
Saturday afternoon after tests results across the service area showed the water was safe to use and
consume.
Officials said customers should still limit use to essential purposes because water levels remain
below normal. The order has been in place since Friday when a water main broke near Chapel Hill,
causing severe shortages in the county's water supply.
Residents in the Foxcroft Drive area are under a boil water advisory due to the broken water main.
County officials said they will know by 7 a.m. Sunday if the water is safe to drink.
Due to a shutdown of the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant and a major water main break
Friday morning on the northeast side of Chapel Hill, near Dobbins Drive, the water supply in the
OWASA system reached very low levels, officials said. A state of emergency was declared for
Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
Officials said using water could result in contamination of the OWASA system. Customers were
encouraged to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. Bottled water can also
be used to flush a toilet after pouring the water into the tank, officials said. Ice made after 11:00 a.m.
should be discarded.
Patients, guests and employees at UNC Hospitals are also unable to drink tap water or use it to
wash their hands. But they say they have adequate supply of bottled water on site.
Ed Kerwin, executive director of OWASA, said he estimated that 1.5 to 2 million gallons of water was
lost in the break, and that at least 80,000 customers were affected – 250 customers were without
services entirely.
"This is essentially a worst case scenario," he said.
UNC Housing @unchousing HALLS WON'T CLOSE. Students are encouraged to leave if possible, but port -o-johns
are coming & bottled water is being delivered to Rams Head
3:23 PM - 3 Feb 2017
Kerwin also said that it could be at least 48 hours before the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment
Plant was once again producing clean drinking water.
Due to the water main break, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Chapel Hill-Carrboro
City Schools dismissed students early.
According to a tweet by UNC Housing, dorms will not close, but students were encouraged to leave
campus if possible.
The UNC men's basketball game against Notre Dame was moved to Sunday at 1 p.m. at the
Greensboro Coliseum.
View image on Twitter
Alison Stuebe @astuebe
Water sold out at Harris Teeter. #owasa
2:26 PM - 3 Feb 2017 · Chapel Hill, NC
All restaurants served by OWASA were ordered closed by the Orange County Health Director Friday
afternoon. Colleen Bridger, the Orange County health director said health department staff were
going door-to-door to alert hotels and restaurants.
Instead of a bustling start to the weekend, restaurants on Franklin Street and other parts of Chapel
Hill are shut down.
"Especially tonight, that's a lot of money we're missing out on and a lot of people are disappointed,"
said Isaac Park, owner of Ms. Mong restaurant. "It's just going to be devastating for all the
businesses around here. The whole town is going to lose so much money from this."
Many restaurant and bar owners said before the water crisis, this weekend could have been a
lucrative weekend with the UNC basketball game, which will now be in Greensboro, and crowds from
Super Bowl Sunday.
"We are going to weather this just fine, I think most places will," said restaurant owner Chris Carini.
"It is one weekend out of many. Typically when this happens you see a resurgence the following
week when everyone wants to get out."
GoTriangle said an additional bus on route 800 will be sent to Chapel Hill to pick people up who are
at the South Road at Fetzer Gym stop. The bus will continue on to Streets at Southpoint, where
passengers can transfer to other locations.
Regular route 800 service between Chapel Hill, South Point and the Regional Transit Center will
continue for the remainder of the afternoon and early evening, following the usual schedule.
According to a spokesperson for the town of Hillsborough, the town operates under a separate water
system and customers in Hillsborough are unaffected by the water main break.
The water main break comes one day after an accidental overfeed of fluoride in the water treatment
plant forced the utility to get drinking water from the City of Durham. The excess fluoride was
contained to the Jones Ferry Road plant.
It is unclear is the water main break is related to the fluoride overfeed.
EMERGENCY--OWASA DIRECTS CUSTOMERS NOT TO USE OWASA WATER
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. More information: http://www.owasa.org/emergency-do-not-
use-owasa-water-until-further-notice …
11:29 AM - 3 Feb 2017
Residents with questions about the water shortage can contact Orange County emergency officials
at 919-245-6111. Customers can also text "owasawater" to 888777 for information.
Public water distribution sites will open at 10 a.m. Saturday for residents in Chapel Hill and Carrboro
who have been impacted by the water shortage. Chapel Hill has sites at Hargraves Community
Center and Southern Community Park. Carrboro has sites at McDougal Elementary School and
Carrboro High School.
Search
Orange County officials say water is safe,
residents asked to conserve
By CBS North CarolinaPublished: February 4, 2017, 2:27 pm Updated: February 4, 2017, 8:12 pm
CARRBORO, N.C. (WNCN) — Authorities in Orange County said Saturday afternoon that
water is now safe for drinking and other uses, however about 250 residents are still under a boil-
water order in an area where a pipe broke Friday morning.
Officials stressed Saturday that customers should limit the use because supplies are still low
following the crisis that first developed Thursday when too much fluoride was pumped into a
tank.
Orange County authorities said Saturday night only Durham water is now being pumped to help
restore supplies after workers they restarted the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant
following the fluoride problem.
“(Officials) tested samples from across the service area to ensure the water is safe for public
consumption,” Orange County Health Director Colleen Bridger said in a statement on Saturday.
“All of the tests came back safe earlier this afternoon. In light of these results, Orange County
Health Department is rescinding the do not use order. Restaurants and hotels are free to re-open.
However, we encourage our residents to continue to practice water conservation strategies until
OWASA’s storage has been replenished to normal levels.”
PREVIOUS STORY:
Chapel Hill, Carrboro declare state of emergency over water shortage
Despite the all clear for nearly all areas, officials said that residents in the Foxcroft Drive area are
under a boil water advisory because they are close to the water main that broke on Friday.
Residents will be notified when this precaution is no longer needed, officials said.
The boil water area includes 250 residents at the Midtown 501 apartments, officials said
Saturday afternoon.
“Affected customers will be receiving a notice advising them to boil water before consuming it
until we can confirm that the water quality is acceptable,” said Ed Kerwin, OWASA Executive
Director. “We will know by 7 a.m. Sunday morning if the boil water advisory can be rescinded.
Kerwin said the water crisis was a rare incident.
“Based on everything we know today, we don’t anticipate any future problems, but, of course,
we also didn’t appreciate one of the worst water main breaks we have experienced in 40 years of
service to the community,” said Kerwin.
Saturday morning residents were flocking to distribution sites for bottled water to help them
through the crisis, which canceled schools Friday and even postponed a Saturday UNC Chapel
Hill college basketball game.
Authorities said that 98,000 bottles of water were handed out to Orange County residents during
the crisis. The water distribution site McDougle Elementary ran out of supplies in just two hours
Saturday morning.
Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger and Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle issued states of
emergency for their towns on Friday.
On Saturday, authorities released a lengthy explanation of two incidents that combined to create
the crisis.
The problems began Thursday when too much fluoride was pumped into an Orange County
Water and Sewer Authority on-site tank, officials said in the statement.
“We immediately shut down water distribution from the water treatment plant, containing the
fluoride overfeed at the plant,” officials said.
Orange County then began receiving water from Durham through a pipeline and called for
conservation efforts.
Then, on Friday morning, a major water line broke and was not repaired until around noon.
The incident happened on the northeast side of Chapel Hill near Foxcroft Apartments, which was
very close to the pipeline from Durham.
“The main break led to a rapid and large loss of water, dropping water pressure in some areas to
very low levels, and also dropping water levels in the community’s elevated water storage tanks
to critically low levels,” Orange County officials said.
At 2:15 p.m. Friday, the Orange County Health Department issued a notice directing residents
not to use the water.
During this incident on Friday fire protection was not affected, authorities said.
Officials managed to open a water connection with Chatham County on Friday afternoon, which
helped bring in at least 200,000 more gallons per day.
By Saturday evening, all distribution points were closed and a hotline was shut down because the
crisis was over.
North Carolina water system lifts do-
not-use status
The Associated Press
Feb 4, 2017
CHAPEL HILL — The water that serves North Carolina’s flagship university is safe to
drink after a broken water main and problems at a water treatment plant forced the
school to cancel classes and led restaurants and hotels to close, health and utility
officials said Saturday.
The Orange County Health Department and Orange Water And Sewer Authority
announced that the water is safe for all uses, but also told customers to limit use because
supplies remain below normal.
Additionally, one Chapel Hill neighborhood is under a boil water advisory because of the
broken water main, which has since been repaired.
The water problems forced athletic officials to move Saturday’s men’s basketball game
between UNC-Chapel Hill and Notre Dame to Greensboro, where it will be played on
Sunday at 1 p.m.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reports (http://bit.ly/2ktxQNQ) the problem began
with a fluoride overfeed at a treatment plant. Fluoride is added to water to prevent tooth
decay but can be harmful in excessive amounts.
In addition, a broken main leaked up to 1.5 million gallons of water a day after the utility
began getting water from Durham following the overfeed.
Orange Water and Sewer Authority kept the over-fluoridated water from reaching its
distribution network, and by Friday Durham was sending water to the Orange Water
And Sewer Authority at the rate of about 7 million gallons a day, said Vicki Westbrook,
the city’s assistant director of water management. Chatham County also began sending
water, and the Orange authority said it was working with Hillsborough as well.
With the water treatment plant offline, water levels in the Orange storage tanks fell. And
then on Friday, the water main broke.
The loss of 1.5 million gallons from the break reduced water pressure, a health concern
because without pressure, water doesn’t flow and harmful bacteria can more easily grow
in the mains. The water loss itself also meant there wasn’t enough supply.
The Orange Water And Sewer Authority began working to restore the treatment plant to
normal operation and to repair the water main. But the treatment plant’s output
required testing before the utility could safely advise customers to use their water again.
SECTIONS TRAFFIC WATCHRaleighDurhamFayettevilleSurrounding Area
HEALTH & FITNESS
ORANGE COUNTY OFFICIALS: WATER IS NOW
SAFE TO USE
Email
Sunday, February 05, 2017 04:06PM
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (WTVD) --
The Orange County Health Department and Orange Water And Sewer Authority (OWASA) said
Saturday afternoon that OWASA water is safe for drinking and other uses, but customers should
limit use to essential purposes because water supplies remain below normal levels.
If you have questions about water issues, text OWASAWATER to 888777 or call 919-245-
6111.
"OWASA tested samples from across the service area to ensure the water is safe for public
consumption," said Orange County Health Director Colleen Bridger. "All of the tests came back
safe earlier this afternoon. In light of these results, Orange County Health Department is
rescinding the Do Not Use order."
Follow
Downtown Chapel Hill @CHDPartnership Restaurants can OPEN: http://bit.ly/2l8ZGi8 #MeetDowntown for dinner &
drinks! @SpankysCHNC @CarolinaChamber#ComeOnInTheWatersFine
2:42 PM - 4 Feb 2017
Bridger also said hotels and restaurants can re-open.
Residents who were affected by the water shortage were able to claim free water supplies in
Chapel Hill and Carrboro Saturday morning.
Follow
Orange County NC Gov @OCNCGOV Great thanks to our volunteers from the Civil Air Patrol who have been sta nding in the
cold to hand out water all morning. #owasawater
12:31 PM - 4 Feb 2017
Orange Water and Sewer Authority said it started getting water from the City of Durham late
Thursday after an accidental overfeed of fluoride within the water treatment process at the Jones
Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant.
Then there was a major water main break Friday morning on the northeast side of Chapel Hill
near Dobbins Drive, and officials say the alternative water supply was able to keep up with
demand.
WATCH: Officials give update on water emergency
UNC postponed the men's basketball game against Notre Dame to Sunday at 1 p.m. at the
Greensboro Coliseum. Visit GoHeels.com for more information.
Do NOT drink campus water! @OrangeHealthNC has issued a Do Not Drink order
Elaina Athans @AthansABC11
Water fountains are bagged at @UNC & Student Center's closing early. There's water
shortage in Chapel Hill, State of Emergency issued #abc11
3:11 PM - 3 Feb 2017
The Chapel Hill Public Library and all Parks and Recreation facilities are closed Saturday.
Transit and public safety services are operating normally.
Business owners affected by the emergency were clearly frustrated.
"Very disappointed, very frustrated, especially for me because I am a 24-hour business. I never
ever, ever closed the door. I don't even have a key to the door. I don't even know how to lock it,"
said Eddie Williams/Owner Of Time Out.
ABC news
North Carolina Water System Lifts
Do-Not-Use Status
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Feb 4, 2017, 5:50 PM ET
Email
The water that serves North Carolina's flagship university is safe to drink after a broken water
main and problems at a water treatment plant forced the school to cancel classes and led
restaurants and hotels to close, health and utility officials said Saturday.
The Orange County Health Department and Orange Water And Sewer Authority announced that
the water is safe for all uses, but also told customers to limit use because supplies remain below
normal.
Additionally, one Chapel Hill neighborhood is under a boil water advisory because of the broken
water main, which has since been repaired.
The water problems forced athletic officials to move Saturday's men's basketball game between
UNC-Chapel Hill and Notre Dame to Greensboro, where it will be played on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reports (http://bit.ly/2ktxQNQ) the problem began with a
fluoride overfeed at a treatment plant. Fluoride is added to water to prevent tooth decay but can
be harmful in excessive amounts.
In addition, a broken main leaked up to 1.5 million gallons of water a day after the utility began
getting water from Durham following the overfeed.
Orange Water and Sewer Authority kept the over-fluoridated water from reaching its distribution
network, and by Friday Durham was sending water to the Orange Water And Sewer Authority at
the rate of about 7 million gallons a day, said Vicki Westbrook, the city's assistant director of
water management. Chatham County also began sending water, and the Orange authority said it
was working with Hillsborough as well.
With the water treatment plant offline, water levels in the Orange storage tanks fell. And then on
Friday, the water main broke.
The loss of 1.5 million gallons from the break reduced water pressure, a health concern because
without pressure, water doesn't flow and harmful bacteria can more easily grow in the mains.
The water loss itself also meant there wasn't enough supply.
The Orange Water And Sewer Authority began working to restore the treatment plant to normal
operation and to repair the water main. But the treatment plant's output required testing before
the utility could safely advise customers to use their water again.
Pipe break, fluoride excess leaves water shelves
empty in town
MEGHANA SRIKRISHNA | PUBLISHED 13 HOURS AGO
Photo by Nile Iverson / The Daily Tar Heel
Schools and restaurants in Chapel Hill and surrounding areas were forced to close
Friday following a water main break on the northeast side of Chapel Hill.
The issues began Thursday afternoon when there was an accidental overfeed of
fluoride within the water treatment process at OWASA’s Jones Ferry Road water
treatment plant.
OWASA began receiving water from the city of Durham late Thursday afternoon, but the
water flow was not high enough to fill water storage tanks to normal levels, resulting in a
water shortage.
OWASA calls for Chapel Hill to stop water usage
View Full Gallery
Friday morning, a break occurred in the water main near Dobbins Drive in Chapel Hill,
water in OWASA’s storage tanks dropped to critically low levels and OWASA informed
customers to limit use of water to essential purposes only. Soon after, at 11 a.m. on
Friday, the Orange County Health Department issued Do Not Drink and Do Not Use
directives for OWASA water, and OWASA sent customers an emergency message
instructing them to halt all water use immediately.
Because water storage supplies were so low, using water could contaminate the
system. OWASA couldn’t guarantee that the water was safe to drink without testing.
During the shortage, OWASA encouraged residents to use bottled water for personal
hygiene, cooking and drinking.
The Orange County health director ordered restaurants to close Friday afternoon.
Several restaurants said their business was affected.
“It was on Friday, which is you know one of our two busiest days of the week,” said
Ashley Cohn, general manager of Mellow Mushroom. “It was more like a Wednesday
crowd than a Saturday crowd.”
Cohn said it did not help that students were encouraged by the University to leave the
town.
“Every restaurant closed pretty much, and there just weren’t enough people,” she said.
“It was like we all stuck our straw in a pack full of soda.”
Linda’s Bar and Grill owner Chris Carini said Linda’s got an order from the health
department that said all restaurants must close.
Carini said business was affected by the closures and loss of students on campus,
along with the movement of the men’s basketball game out of Chapel Hill.
“We’re talking about a Friday night, in the middle of s pring semester, not to mention the
loss of the game on Notre Dame, which was a massive game,” he said.
Several grocery and convenience stores ran out of water Friday as residents rushed to
stock up. Some people had to drive to Durham or other nearby towns and cities to
purchase bottles and jugs of clean water.
“We took a lot of water from our overstock so everyone could come in and get as much
as they could,” said Ross Young-Wright, a shift lead at the 1500 E. Franklin St.
Walgreens Pharmacy.
Young-Wright said they had to close their bathroom, but other than that, business
continued as normal.
Students at St. Thomas More Catholic School in Chapel Hill were excited to be released
from school a couple of hours early on Friday.
“I didn’t shower for three days and we had to leave school two hours early, because no
bathrooms,” said Emma Kang, an eighth grader at St. Thomas More.
UNC canceled classes around 1 p.m. Friday and encouraged students to leave campus
until the water levels returned to normal, according to an Alert Carolina message.
Some students were unsure how long the water crisis would last and tried to prepare for
days without being able to shower in dorms or eat in on -campus dining halls.
“One of my friends has a car and we went and got like six cases of bottled water on
Friday and kind of just made do with that,” sophomore Kristen Roehrig said. “Then we
went to somebody’s house to shower yesterday because their house runs on well
water.”
The water main was repaired and tests results showed that water was safe to drink
Saturday afternoon. By Saturday evening, the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant
resumed operations and OWASA stopped receiving water from Durham and Chatham
County.
OWASA posted another statement Sunday to alert customers that all OWASA
operations had returned to normal with water storage tanks being full and normal water
use being allowed. They are investigating the fluoride overfeed and water line break and
plan to report back to the community at a later date.
Helping hands plentiful
By the editorial board
Feb 6, 2017
The trouble started slowly, with a message Thursday evening from the Orange Water and Sewer
Authority asking its customers to “use water wisely” because an overfeed of fluoride at its
treatment plant had curtailed supply and forced the authority to turn to Durham for water.
By mid-day Friday, the situation had worsened considerably. A water main break near Dobbins
Road was disgorging water, dropping pressure in the system and raising health concerns. The
Orange County Health Department said the water was unsafe and ordered residents not to
drink it or use it for any purpose.
Businesses throughout southern Orange County shut down. The University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill closed in the early afternoon and urged any students that could to leave campus for
the weekend.
While by Saturday afternoon the water supply was again usable, the disruption in and around
Chapel Hill was significant. Bars and restaurants lost a busy Friday night’s worth of business,
and Saturday’s sales were impacted, too. Residents rushed to secure bottled water; traffic out
of town, especially toward Durham, was heavy through Saturday afternoon. UNC’s basketball
game with Notre Dame was postponed to Sunday and moved to Greensboro.
As the work week began, things were pretty much back to normal, although it remained unclear
how the break could have shut down an entire system serving more than 80,000 customers.
OWASA officials will meet Tuesday with business owners to no doubt get an earful of dismay.
But there were, as often happens in events like this, plenty of reasons to be reassured about
people’s resilience and eagerness to help others. UNC administrators helped students stuck on
campus by distributing bottled water and setting up portable toilets. Volunteers rushed to help
distribute water at several sites in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
Alejandro Alick III, a Chapel Hill resident, was at the Hargraves Community Center Saturday. “I
wanted to help because I know my community is in crisis,” he told The Herald -Sun’s Anna
Johnson. “I thought since my family -- we have enough to get where we need -- I thought I
would come out and be a help to the rest of the community.”
Orange County Health Director Colleen Bridger praised residents’ cooperation and willingness
to help one another, noting “there were a lot of moving parts behind the scenes.” She called
the response “one of the great things about working and being involved in Orange County.”
She said one of the most common questions from callers was “How can I help.”
For that response, we’re proud of the community.
County Health Department Promotes Local
Initiatives
Posted by Bruce Rosenbloom | Feb 7, 2017 | Health | 0
The Orange County Health Department will continue with initiatives to address public health concerns while
taking an active role in local communities.
The department released an annual report on data trends and patient satisfaction last Thursday, which
prompted director Colleen Bridger to promote those initiatives.
“What the health department has done exceptionally well over the last couple of years is form partnerships,”
she stated. “These partnerships are what are allowing us to address some of these public health issues at the
root cause level.”
Organizations partnered with the department include the Family Success Alliance and the Campus and
Community Coalition to Reduce the Negative Impacts of High-Risk Drinking.
“The health department is partnering with other important community organizations to make sure we can really
address some of these issues with all of the resources we have available in Orange County,” explained Bridger.
The Family Success Alliance was created with assistance from the department in 2014 to provide support for
local children in financially unstable living situations.
“We have 20-some community-based organizations that are working with us in these two neighborhoods to
really make sure that these kids have everything they need,” stressed Bridger.
Bridger is also a member of the Coalition, which was formed in 2013 to mitigate the risks inherent to local
drinking culture without dampening the vibrancy of the community.
These initiatives are intended by Bridger to maximize the organic footprint of the department while enabling it
to surpass its status as “a bureaucratic entity.”
OWASA meets privately with business community
CHAPEL HILL — Officials from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority and Orange County held a
private meeting with the business community on Tuesday to discuss the impacts and experiences of
a water crisis that caused businesses in Chapel Hill and Carrboro to close for more than 24 hours.
The meeting was organized by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, which barred the
media from attending the event. It was held at the Hampton Inn in Carrboro.
Chamber President and CEO Aaron Nelson said that around 90 members of the business
community came to the event to speak with OWASA Executive Director Ed Kerwin, Orange County
Health Department Director Colleen Bridger and Orange County Emergency Services Director Dinah
Jeffries.
On Thursday night, OWASA will present a preliminary report during a meeting that begins at 6 p.m.
in the Chapel Hill Town Council Chambers at Chapel Hill Town Hall, 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Community members may comment at the meeting or send comments in advance to
info@owasa.org or to Andrea Orbich, Clerk to the Board, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, N.C.
27510.
Nelson described Tuesday’s meeting as positive and said it was good for the business community to
get detailed information from OWASA about the water problems. He said he was “not sensing that
anybody who had heard the information [from OWASA] would think the water ban didn’t need to be
issued.”
The discussion centered around different ways to improve communication and expectation
management between OWASA and the business community, Nelson said, with ideas such as a
separate communication channel for area businesses being brought up.
Kerwin added that the meeting was “very productive” and that the feedback the utility got was
important. “I think anything and everything we can do to improve communications … would be worth
doing,” he said.
Another issue brought up was whether OWASA could be responsible for covering any of the
damages caused by the water-related closures. Kerwin said it was too early to know if that would be
a possibility.
“Until we complete our investigation, particularly in regard to the fluoride overfeed and water main
break, only then would we be able to answer that,” Kerwin said.
Robert Epting, an attorney at the Chapel Hill law firm Epting and Hackney and legal counsel for
OWASA who was present at the meeting, did not immediately return a request for comment.
Nelson said that the Chamber is helping companies file insurance claims, but that it doesn’t look like
many plans will cover the event — though he added there was some optimism as well.
“This was a multi-million dollar hit on the business community,” Nelson said, noting that it was hard
to provide a concrete estimate on the economic impact of the closures. He said that one hotel told
him it estimated losses at $150,000 and another hotel said it was $60,000.
Scott Maitland, owner of TOPO Distillery and Top of the Hill restaurant in Chapel Hill, attended
Tuesday’s meeting. He said there were concerns, especially about how information was updated. As
a business owner, he would have liked more progress reports on the repairs and the timeline for
completing them, he said.
“The upshot is this was a freak occurrence, and I think that in general, things were handled pretty
well, and when you get all the facts, you realize why decisions were made the way they were,”
Maitland said. “I think particularly we realized, in the future, different constituencies need different
communications. A household can just turn the taps on and be back in action. A business can’t. A
business has to think about scheduling and that kind of stuff.”
While the water ban didn’t affect production at the distillery, TOPO did have to suspend tours of its
plant at 505 W. Franklin St., and business at the downtown restaurant was “an existential disaster,”
he said, estimating the two-day losses at $80,000.
He noted that Chapel Hill restaurants, bars and hotels “had some pretty hard luck this year,”
including Hurricane Matthew last fall and the N.C. State game postponed by a January snowstorm.
Jay Patel, general manager of The Franklin Hotel, was also at the meeting and said that insurance
will cover the hotel’s losses. He described the meeting as positive and that it centered around how to
improve communication.
“It was really just more of a chance to talk with folks [about what happened],” he said.
Bret Oliverio, the owner of Sup Dogs, a popular restaurant with UNC students on Franklin Street,
said the weekend’s closures cost the restaurant tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.
Oliverio, who was not at this morning’s meeting, agreed that the weekend’s closures were tough,
especially since the university asked students to leave town. He added that his insurance plan would
not cover the losses because it requires the restaurant to be closed more than 36 hours.
“It was bad timing that there was a big basketball game,” he said. “... All things considered, I thought
communication was fine. But for me, it was important to know if the ban was called because of a
shortage or because the water would make people ill. I think people were confused about that, and
we need to know 100 percent what it is.”
— The News & Observer’s Tammy Grubb contributed to this story
Orange County Animal Services reports 2nd positive
rabies test
FROM STAFF REPORTS
11 hrs ago
CHAPEL HILL -- Orange County Animal Services has received its second positive rabies test result
of the year.
A Chapel Hill resident spotted an injured raccoon on the roadside earlier this month and she
removed it from the road and drove it home where she called Animal Control to have it
removed and tested for rabies.
“We are relieved to hear that the resident was not harmed by the animal itself,” said Bob
Marotto, Director of Animal Services. “We do not recommend the public handle injured wildlife
and, depending on the species involved, would instead advise people to call the North Carolina
Wildlife Resource Commission, a certified wildlife rehabilitator, or Animal Control to remove an
animal that may be injured and in need of human intervention.”
A communicable disease nurse from Orange County Health Department will contact the
resident to evaluate her risk of rabies exposure and see if there’s a need for post -exposure
prophylaxis, which protects people from rabies.
Raccoons are a host species to rabies in the Orange County area and dogs, cats, groundhogs,
skunks and foxes are the other species most susceptible to getting rabies through raccoons. The
other host species of rabies in Orange County is bats and of the few cases of rabies in humans
in the county in recent years, bats have been blamed.
A low-cost rabies vaccination clinic will be held from 3 -5 p.m. Thursday at Orange County
Animal Services, located at 1601 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill. Animal Services will offer one and
three-year rabies vaccines for $10 and microchips for $25. Clinic dates for all of 2017 and clinic
requirements are posted at bit.ly/22B7Ejj online.