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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes of March 22, 2023 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH March 22, 2023 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 March 22, 2023, at the Orange County Health Department, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, INC. BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS PRESENT: Keith Bagby— Chair, Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford, Brian Crandell, Lee Pickett, Shielda Rodgers, Alison Stuebe, and Tony Whitaker. BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS ABSENT: Bruce Baldwin and Aparna Jonnal. STAFF PRESENT: Quintana Stewart, Health Director; Dr. Stephanie George, Dental Director; Victoria Hudson, Environmental Health Director; Carla Julian, Compliance Manager; and La Toya Strange, Administrative Support I. GUESTS/VISITORS PRESENT: None. I. Welcome New Employees Quintana Stewart, Health Director, introduced the new employees in attendance: Amber Benner — Registered Dietitian Program Coordinator, Ana Chavez— Patient Account Tech, Folayemi Olawolu-Adeleke — PHN II CD, Jacqueline Verrier— PHN II CD, and Lena Wegner— Communications Manager. Ms. Stewart also acknowledged Dr. Stephanie George, the new Dental Director, who was also in attendance. II. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda: None. III. Approval of the March 22, 2023 Agenda Motion to approve the agenda of the March 22, 2023 BOH meeting with an amendment to move the order of the Board Comments to before the Action Items was made by Sheilda Rodgers, seconded by Dr. Brian Crandell and carried without dissent. IV. Board Comments Tony Whitaker Mr. Whitaker commented about his fairly expansive view of what is considered public health. He mentioned that there is a broad range of topics for the Board to consider when thinking about public health. He has become more impressed with the way society misuses guns which leads to all kinds of negative health outcomes — intentional and unintentional. He stated that 60% of gun-related deaths are suicides. He also voiced that when a person attempts suicide with a gun; they are 85% more successful. This has led him to be more concerned with the mental health of our youth and their access to guns. He read the NC Child Fatality Task Force Report that identified some disturbing trends amongst guns and youth. Poor mental health with easy gun access equals a bad combination. He'd like to start thinking about the way we live with guns as a public health issue. He mentioned that S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2023 Agenda &Abstracts/ March Page 1 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH March 22, 2023 both, President Biden and Governor Cooper recently spoke about this issue. He'd like to the Board and other local boards of health to attempt to shape attitudes and conversation around this issue. He believes that if other societal drivers start to push the issue in a positive direction, maybe, our voice can add leverage to that. Quintana Stewart Ms. Stewart responded by stating that, at the Public Health Leaders' Conference in Raleigh, there was mention of the creation of a new Office of Violence Prevention whose purpose includes reducing violent crime and tackling both intentional and careless gun injuries and deaths. Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, State Health Director and Chief Medical Director for DHHS, was pushing the aforementioned NC Child Fatality Task Force report. There's going to be some intentional work performed regarding guns and public health. Tony Whitaker Mr. Whitaker replied by mentioning that he hopes the newly created office focuses on accidents as well — not just intentional violence. Shielda Rodgers Ms. Rodgers expressed her agreeance with Mr. Whitaker by mentioning a recent news story about the 2 teens killed and also mentioned the suicides at NC State & UNC. She stated that we must determine how we deal with this issue as a group as it's a great public health issue. Keith Bagby Mr. Bagby stated that he agreed with the comments. He gave an example of how getting youth together for activities, not just for sports, discourages them from being elsewhere. He suggested that we talk with law enforcement and other organizations— possibly having activities for them and having someone talk to the youth. Dr. Brian Crandell Dr. Crandell mentioned that he is not a fan of daylight savings time. He believes that this is a potential public health issue. He's been doing some reading on this subject and found published articles noting that there is an increase in strokes, heart attacks and motor vehicle accidents as a result of the change in time. There was a bill to get rid of daylight savings time but it never progressed. Dr. Alison Stuebe Dr. Stuebe and Health Director Stewart are working on a project to address maternal mortality. The project will involve nine other counties in NC to implement a set of interventions that will tackle maternal mortality. The application for the 6 year, 21 million grant will be submitted by the end of April. Keith Bagby Mr. Bagby stated that he'd like to get info on infant mortality, especially in the African- S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda&Abstracts\2023 Agenda &Abstracts/ March Page 2 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH March 22, 2023 American community. He'd like more info on this topic including why is it happening and what's being done to prevent it. Dr. Stuebe offered to provide a presentation, adding that she had colleagues that would be happy to assist. Mr. Bagby also expressed that this was what he envisioned —the board speaking about different topics vs listening to someone at a podium. Keith Bagby Mr. Bagby mentioned an event that occurred at Stanback Middle School in which the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT) invited OHCD and OCPYC. Rita Krosner, Tobacco Prevention and Control Coordinator, was very knowledgeable and did a great job presenting to the teens. V. Action Items (Consent) A. Minutes of February 22, 2023 Motion to approve the minutes of the February 22, 2023 BOH meeting was made by Dr. Alison Stuebe, seconded by Tony Whitaker and carried without dissent. VI. Educational Sessions A. Local Cigar Bar Update Health Director, Quintana Stewart, shared an update on a local cigar bar that received complaints from neighboring businesses in OC. Back in October 2022, a local pizza shop in Carrboro submitted a complaint stating that there was smoke entering their establishment. The first step that Ms. Stewart and Ms. Krosner took after consulting the DHHS Tobacco Branch, County Attorney and the School of Government was to educate the establishment with a letter sent explaining the smoking laws and general statute. A formal letter notating the exemptions to have a cigar bar in a shopping strip mall were also sent. The establishment met Chapter 55A in the exemptions (e.g. private club, membership). The pizza shop owner has closed his dining room as they do not want to expose their clientele to the smoke. In response to Mr. Whitaker's question asking whether the establishment is considered a private club vs a cigar bar, Ms. Stewart confirmed that they are a private club. Dr. Stuebe mentioned the hazard of second hand smoke and encouraging the general assembly to alter the statute. VII. Action Items (Non-Consent) A. Proposed Fee Schedule and B. FY 2023-24 Budget After last month's presentation of the proposed fee schedule and next fiscal year's budget, the Board members asked questions and discussed the information presented. Afterwards, an official vote wasn't obtained. Chair Bagby asked if there were any outstanding questions. Dr. Crandell asked how unexpected expenses are handled. Health Director Stewart replied, a budget amendment would be prepared to request the additional needed funds. First, it would be discussed with the County Manager, then it would go to the BOCC for final approval. S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda&Abstracts\2023 Agenda &Abstracts/ March Page 3 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH March 22, 2023 Commissioner Bedford responded that the BOCC has the ability to move funds. The Board decided to combine the vote to approve the proposed fee schedule and FY 2023-24 budget. Motion to approve the total budget requested in the amount of$8,431,535 for FY 2023- 2024 as presented, to approve all fee changes for FY 2023-2024 as presented, and forward to the Board of County Commissioners for action was made by Dr.Rachel Royce, seconded by Dr. Lee Pickett, and carried without dissent. Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford abstained. B. BOH Appointments The Board of Health voted to recommend Dr. Rachel Royce to her 1st full term, Dr. Lee Pickett to her 1 st full term and Dr. Rodgers to her 1 st full term. In order to allow each appointee to vote, the Board decided on three different motions for the reappointment of the members with each of them abstaining on the vote in regards to their own reappointments. Motion to reappointment Dr. Rachel Royce and forward to the Board of County Commissioners was made by Dr. Alison Stuebe, seconded by Dr. Brian Crandell, and carried without dissent. Dr.Rachel Royce abstained. Motion to reappointment Dr. Lee Pickett and forward to the Board of County Commissioners was made by Tony Whitaker, seconded by Dr. Alison Stuebe, and carried without dissent. Dr. Lee Pickett abstained. Motion to reappointment Dr. Shielda Rodgers and forward to the Board of County Commissioners was made by Dr. Lee Pickett, seconded by Dr. Rachel Royce, and carried without dissent. Dr. Sheilda Rodgers abstained. C. BOH Nominations Committee Keith Bagby, Chair, mentioned forming a nominations committee to look at applications and conduct interviews to fill the Dentist Representative seat left vacant by Dr. Allessandra Lowery's departure. Board members, Dr. Jonnal, Dr. Baldwin, will join Mr. Bagby on the nominations committee. Dr. Crandell asked if unofficial help can be obtained from the current Dental Director, Dr. George, to which she agreed. It was also mentioned that they would reach out to prior Board member, Dr. Sam Lasris. Board member, Dr. Royce, will forward the information of her recommended persons to the Chairs and Health Director Stewart for them to make contact. Vill. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action A. Health Directors Report Health Director Stewart began by thanking the Board for a wonderful retreat and for spending their Saturday with her and the Leadership Team. Some highlights of her report included: • On March 1st, the OCHD hosted a delegation of doctors from Ukraine. Director Stewart, The Personal Health Services Director, Carla Julian, EMS Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Glover, and the OCHD Medical Director, Dr. Erica Pettigrew, spoke to the group about S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2023 Agenda &Abstracts/ March Page 4 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH March 22, 2023 public health in NC and provided details about the services offered in the OCHD medical clinic • Association of NC Boards of Health (ANCBH) are looking to recruit members. Ms. Stewart referenced the email that she sent to the Board. • OCHD vacancy rate is 13% with 15 vacant positions; although, there are some job offers pending. • COVID-19-related o The entire state of NC is green (low risk). o State-supported testing sites will closed on March 31 st. Home test kits are widely available via mail and the OCHD. • The Opioid Advisory Committee met last night. They heard proposals from community partners and county staff on potential use of opioid settlement funds. The committee plans to recommend funding support for grant-funded positions for the Lantern Project, Freedom House and the NC FIT Program. The current grant supporting these positions will that are ending June 30t". There is also a request for funds to cover Narcan and fentanyl test strips through next fiscal year. Board member comments — In response to Dr. Rodgers' question whether law enforcement reports their usage, Ms. Stewart stated that they report their reversals. In response to Dr. Royce's question regarding whether Narcan is available for non-law enforcement, Ms. Stewart replied that free kits are available via the OC Detention Center, which has a vending machine, and at the OCHD Medical Clinics and tracking is currently not being conducted. The OCHD also has a safe syringe initiative that provides free clean syringes and syringe packages that includes various items to assist with drug abuse and overdose prevention. Dr. Stuebe mentioned how some patients used to receive a large amount of opioids upon discharge. Dr. Crandell mentioned that there is a drop box at UNC Hillsborough for discarded medications. Dr. Stuebe added that there are charcoal packets in which medications can be dropped into for discarding. Dr. Royce asked if anyone tracked what types of medications are actually placed in the droboxes. Ms. Stewart replied that she can ask Tiffany Barber, a pharmacist member on the Opioid Advisory Committee. Dr. Rodgers commented that the drop boxes are for all types of medications, not just opioids. Dr. Royce would like to better understand the impact of the drop boxes. Mr. Bagby informed the Board that on last week, at the Passmore Senior Center in Hillsborough, there was a free OTC medication event. He said that it was a very successful event resulting in some people being turned away after 2pm due to the volume of people. He praised the Family Success Alliance for their participation. In response to Dr. Pickett's question about the mission and vision statements that were discussed at the Board Retreat, Ms. Stewart stated that she'd send them out in advance as they may be on the April Board agenda. S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda&Abstracts\2023 Agenda &Abstracts/ March Page 5 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH March 22, 2023 XI. Adjournment A motion was made by Dr. Lee Pickett to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. was seconded by Dr. Shielda Rodgers and carried without dissent. The next Board of Health Meeting will be held April 26, 2023 at the Orange County Health Department, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Quintana Stewart, MPA Orange County Health Director Secretary to the Board S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda&Abstracts\2023 Agenda &Abstracts/ March Page 6