HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOH Final Minutes of October 27, 2021 MINUTES - Draft
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 27, 2021
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 October 27, 2021 virtually via Zoom.
BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS PRESENT: Sam Lasris — Chair, Bruce Baldwin —Vice-Chair,
Keith Bagby, Brian Crandell, Jessica Frega, Commissioner Jean Hamilton, Aparna Jonnal, Lee
Pickett, and Alison Stuebe.
BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS ABSENT: Shielda Rodgers.
STAFF PRESENT: Quintana Stewart, Health Director; Dana Crews, Community Services
Director; Wendi Everson, Famiily Success Alliance Manager; Micah Guindon, Financial and
Administrative Services Director; Victoria Hudson, Environmental Health Director; Carla Julian,
Compliance Manager; Crystal Kelley, Home Visiting Services Supervisor; Kristin Prelipp,
Communications Manager; Kimberlee Quatrone, Business Officer; Caroline Shumaker, Dental
Clinic Coordinator; La Toya Strange, Administrative Support I; and Latisha Watson, Social
Worker II.
GUESTS PRESENT: Michael Duplisea, Rosalind McDonald and Mary Wurzelmann.
I. Welcome New BOH Member
Sam Lasris, Chair, called the meeting to order. Mr. Lasris introduced new Board member, Tony
Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker gave a brief introduction of himself. The Board members introduced
themselves.
Welcome New Employees
Quintana Stewart began by welcoming Tony Whitaker. Ms. Stewart introduced the new
employees in attendance: Wendi Everson, Micah Guindon, Crystal Kelley, and Latisha Watson.
II. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda: None.
III. Approval of the October 27, 2021 Agenda
Motion was made by Alison Stuebe to approve the agenda, seconded by Jessica Frega
and carried without dissent.
IV. Action Items (Consent)
A. Minutes of September 22, 2021 Meeting
Motion was made by Aparna Jonnal to approve the minutes of September 2021,
seconded by Lee Pickett and carried without dissent.
S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/
October Page 1
MINUTES - Draft
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 27, 2021
V. Educational Sessions
A. Customer Satisfaction Survey
Victoria Hudson, Environmental Health Director, began by stating that 90 responses were
received during the analysis period of October 2020 to September 2021, which included a
hybrid of the old and new consolidated survey. November has the most responses as there
was a new survey invitation link sent. There is also a link to the customer service survey on the
Environmental Health (EH) webpage and in the signature line of all EH staff.
Ms. Hudson stated that she wanted to focus on public perceptions. Below is a summary of the
overall responses:
• Rating of professionalism — predominately good and excellent
• Is EH really making a difference — mostly strongly agreed with 1 strongly disagreed
• Is the Onsite Water Protection Program (OSWP) making a difference —the responses
were varied ranging from strongly agree, neutral to strongly disagree
In relation to the OSWP, Ms. Hudson added she'd like to make the process more streamline
and efficient so that the consumer doesn't feel like they're having to wait.
Targets for 2020-2021 weren't reached; therefore, they've become a part of the targets for
2021-2022, which include to:
• Return to an Environmental Health specific survey
• Include the perception measures form the department survey
• Increase submittal rate by 10% for OSWP AND 25% for FLI
• Use the measures to make policy decision that improve the client experience
Caroline Shumaker, Dental Clinic Coordinator, presented the results from the Dental Health
Services patient satisfaction surveys that were collected. The OCHD switched to a consolidated
survey in November 2020. There was a goal to attempt to collect 20 paper surveys each month
at checkout. Surveys were automatically sent using Solutionreach patient engagement software
via text or email one day after the client's visit. There were a total of 200 responses received
during November 2020 to October 2021.
Some of the results included:
• 96% (English paper surveys), 98% (Spanish paper surveys) were satisfied with overall
experience;
• 96% (English paper surveys), 100% (Spanish paper surveys) agreed front desk staff and
dentists were courteous and responsive to needs; and
• 98% were satisfied with interpretation services.
While majority of the responses were positive, English survey suggestions for improvements
included shorter wait times for appointments and that "the treatment wasn't explained well.
Spanish survey suggestion for improvement also mimics the English ones in that shorter wait
times for appointments.
Quintana Stewart, Health Director, presented the results from the Medical Clinic surveys. The
S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/
October Page 2
MINUTES - Draft
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 27, 2021
Medical Clinic attempted to switch to an electronic survey; there were only 42 responses
received. Some of the known challenges and barriers included a change of clinic leadership
during the original implementation plan, abbreviated clinic schedules and the workflow process
for survey administration was not clearly developed.
Some of the results included:
• Staff were friendly, respectful and helpful —76% agreed, 2% disagreed, 10% 1 don't
know (IDK), 12% does not apply (DNA)
• Staff clearly explained information to me in a way I understood — 79% agreed, 2%
disagreed, 7% IDK, 12% DNA
• 1 didn't have to wait too long to see a staff member—69% agreed, 5% disagreed, 5%
IDK, 21% DNA
• Free text comments included positive comments about their Covid vaccination
experience along with some that praised staff for their kindness and helpfulness.
o Comments about helpful staff
The BOH had questions that were addressed by the presenters.
B. 1St Quarter Financial Reports & Billing Dashboard
Kimberlee Quatrone, Business Officer, gave a report on the 1 st quarter revenue and billing
accuracy. Her report is as follows:
• Total Health Department Budget vs. Actuals:
Average YTD monthly revenue in FY21-22 after the first quarter is $243k/month or
$765k YTD, representing 8% of our overall budgeted revenue for the year. As usual
though, the total first quarter revenue is skewed down due to the majority of state funds
not eligible to be drawn in July (this is typical). Revenues are higher than this point last
fiscal year (FY 20-21 1st Quarter YTD: $584k) due to the clinic being open to see
patients where last year at this time there were limited services due to the pandemic.
Expenses are in line with revenues, at 6% of the overall budget.
• Dental Earned Revenue by Source:
The FY 21-22 average monthly revenue ($49.2k/month) for the first quarter is above our
budget projection ($41 k/month) and our FY 20-21 average of$37.1 k/month due to the
clinic returning to the pre-pandemic appointment length of one hour vs. one and one-half
hours during the pandemic. The dental clinic is also open under the regular schedule of
Monday to Friday whereas they were at a reduced schedule this time last year. FY 21-22
dental earned revenue totaled $148k at the end of the first quarter compared $94k at the
end of the FY 20-21 first quarter.
• Medical Earned Revenue by Source:
Medical earned revenue is currently above the budgeted projection for FY 21-22
($33k/month) at $39.6k/month due to greater than anticipated revenue during the
pandemic. Telehealth visits have been very successful and allowed the clinic to continue
to see patients and bill for services even as in-person visits were limited. We are below
our revenue totals compared to last year at this time as we are on a reduced clinic
schedule due to staffing issues whereas last year the pandemic didn't affect clinic
schedule until mid-March, towards the end of the fiscal quarter. Also, at the time of
S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/
October Page 3
MINUTES - Draft
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 27, 2021
reporting, not all medical revenues had been entered and posted to the accounting
system. Medical clinic revenue totals $119k for first quarter FY 21-22 compared to $133k
in first quarter FY 20-21.
• Environmental Health Earned Revenue by Source:
Environmental Health earned revenue is slightly above the budgeted projection for FY
21-22 ($53k/month) at $56.3k/month. This is due to construction authorizations being up
about 25% and well permitting up about 10%. Environmental Health is now fully open
whereas last year at this time they were working under pandemic protocols.
Environmental Health revenue totals $171 k for first quarter FY 21-22 compared to $149k
in first quarter FY 20-21.
• Grants Fund Revenue:
Last fiscal year, FSA was given the final installment of the $300k for the multi-year
Kenan grant. The Foundation has allowed us to roll the remaining $53k to this fiscal year
where it will be used towards sub-grants and community-based events promoting health
and well-being, interpreter costs and printing materials. We have been awarded
approximately$26k for NC Integrated Care for Kids (NCInCK) program, which will be
used towards staff personnel costs to implement the InCK model in Orange County.
The BOH had questions that were addressed by Ms. Quatrone and Ms. Stewart.
VI. Action Items (Non-Consent)
A. BOH Policy Review
Quintana Stewart, Health Director, began by stating that a robust review of the policies was
completed in 2019. Next, she briefly went over the policies that were sent to the Board
members in preparation for tonight's meeting. There were no recommended changes in:
• Section I. Policy A. Requests for Environmental Health Services and Assessments
• Section I. Policy C. Community Assessment Policy
The Fee and Eligibility Policy (Section I. Policy B.) will be reviewed at the next Board meeting in
November.
Suggested changes:
• Changing the language in the Section I. Policy C. Board Review of Reports and
Documents to generalize the contracted MCO vs including the name of the entity
• Rescinding the separate III.B.d. Evaluation of Health Director policy and incorporate the
language into Policy I.E. Operating Procedures under XVII
• Updating III.B.d. Evaluation of Health Director to mimic the County's new performance
review policy
Motion was made by Alison Stuebe to approve the suggested changes to the policies,
seconded by Aparna Jonnal, and carried without dissent.
VII. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action
S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/
October Page 4
MINUTES - Draft
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 27, 2021
A. November BOH Meeting — Hybrid Model
Board Chair, Sam Lasris, led the conversation regarding having a hybrid Board meeting. Topics
in the discussion included:
• Legislative statute requirements
• Social distancing and spacing concerns
• Indoor mask wearing
• Contingency plans for public not adhering to indoor masking policy
• Who would attend in person
Motion was made by Jessica Frega to have the November 171 meeting in a hybrid format,
seconded by Alison Stuebe and carried without dissent.
B. BOH Chair and Vice-Chair Slate
The Board members shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair by majority vote each year at the last
meeting of the calendar year. It is customary for the current Vice-Chair to occupy the Chair
position because of the experience gained as Vice-Chair. There was a nomination for Keith
Bagby for Vice-Chair. Mr. Lasris informed the Board to email him if there are any other
nominations. The vote for Chair and Vice-Chair will take place, next month, at the November
17th meeting.
C. Health Director Annual Evaluation
Ms. Stewart informed the Board that the County changed their performance evaluation process.
All County employees will undergo a focal review. There will no longer be workplans. Position
specific competencies and goals are to be uploaded into the new PERFORM system. Ms.
Stewart's supervisor, chair of the Board, will need to go into PERFORM, grade her performance
and then share it with the remainder of the Board. The offer of sharing feedback was given;
although, it won't be in a written format. All County staff will have their focal review between
October 1 st and December 1 st; no longer their anniversary date. A mid-point review will need to
be completed in March.
D. Health Director Report
In addition to her report, some of items Ms. Stewart briefly highlighted are below.
• A robust and complex public records request from NC Citizens for Constitutional Rights.
Information was requested for the period January 2020 thru September 2021 and all
COVID-19 related. As a result, the NC Association of Local Health Directors retained an
attorney to work with their counsel to figure out what they truly wanted to see with regard
to public records. Fortunately, most of the information requested has already been
posted on public websites. There are still a few items the OCHD will need to gather to
respond to the request.
• LME/MCO transition date of Cardinal Innovations to Alliance has changed, at the
request of Alliance to DHHS, from December 151h to December 1st
S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/
October Page 5
MINUTES - Draft
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 27, 2021
• We are down 20% with staffing, as there are 23 vacancies at the OCHD that are spread
out across all of the divisions with the OCHD. Several departments in the county are
experiencing similar staffing vacancies including Human Resources, which has slowed
the process a little. Interviews are ongoing. Ms. Stewart thanked all of the staff and
stated that we are focused on trying to fill all of the vacant positions. The staff was
praised as they're dealing with staffing shortages while still responding to Covid-related
tasks. Ms. Stewart has also stated that in her 1:1 s with staff, she is having
conversations pertaining to what it will take to keep staff.
• We're having an All Staff meeting this Friday at Fairview Park, weather permitting. While
there will be a costume contest, we will have work to do including reviewing some
policies with the staff. Invitation to attend was extended to the Board; however, Ms.
Stewart asked that they let her know if they're coming to prevent a quorum from forming.
E. COVID-19 Update
Quintana Stewart, Health Director, gave an update on the COVID-19 status in Orange County
(OC) as well as took questions from the Board. Some highlights are below.
• The Delta variant is still dominant in NC.
• According to the county alert system, OC went from high to substantial community
spread. Substantial range is 50-99 new cases per 100K people. OC is currently in the
mid-60s.
• As of today, there were 18 new cases and 110 total deaths. Most of the deaths were in
those unvaccinated.
• OC has 70% fully vaccinated and 73% partially vaccinated.
• In regards to boosters, we completely used all of the Moderna vaccines, which were
being offered at SHSC, but there are more on the way.
• We are awaiting final approval for the 5-11 year olds to be eligible to be vaccinated.
We're engaging in planning with partners and school districts. We're also looking to
offer clinics in the evenings as the children will be out of school.
• As of Tuesday, there is only one outbreak at the OC Detention Center.
F. Media Items
Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager, mentioned that the articles in the Board packet were
just a selection of the numerous COVID-19-related articles. Included in the Board's packet were
articles regarding a CBS 17 article on Orange County testing efforts, Chapelboro article on the
state's vaccination data error, and a Herald Sun article on the Orange County jail Covid-19
outbreak. Ms. Prelipp also mentioned that will be Halloween guidance posted on the Health
Department's website.
Media items were in the packet which focused on Orange County's events and our
involvement in various efforts.
VIII. Board Comments
No comments.
S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/
October Page 6
MINUTES - Draft
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 27, 2021
XI. Adjournment
Jessica Frega moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50pm and Alison Stuebe seconded.
The next Board of Health Meeting will be held November 17, 2021 at 7:00pm via Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Quintana Stewart, MPA
Orange County Health Director
Secretary to the Board
S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/
October Page 7