HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/03/23 - BOH Packet MASON COUNTY
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Building,Planning,Environmental Health,Community Health
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
REGULAR MEETING
Mar. 23, 2021
3:00 PM
Via Zoom
411 North Fifth Street
Shelton, WA 98584
DRAFT AGENDA
1. Welcome and Introductions Peggy VanBuskirk Chair
2. Approval of Agenda—ACTION Board Members
3. Elect Officer Positions (possible vice chair) -ACTION Board Members
4. Approval of Minutes for January 26, 2021 &
March 8, 2021 —ACTION Board Members
5. Health Officer Report Dr. Dan Stein
6. Administration Report Dave Windom
a. Vaccine Rollout
b. Phased recovery
c. Health Officer search
d. Fiscal
7. Environmental Health Report Alex Paysse
8. Community Health Report Lydia Buchheit
a. COVID Report
b. Presentation by Abe.Gardner
9. Other Business and Board Discussion Board Members
(Presentation by Commissioner Trask HB 1152 update)
10. Public Comments
11. Adjourn
If special accommodations are needed,please contact McKenzie Smith,427-9670,Ext.589. From the Belfair area,please dial
275-4467,Ext.589;from the Elma area please dial 482-5269,Ext.589.
Mason County Public Health
415 N 6th Street, Bldg 8,Shelton WA 98584,
Shelton:(360)427-9670 ext 400 ❖ Belfair:(360)275-4467 ext 400 ❖ Elma:(360)482-5269 ext 400
FAX (360)427-7787
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
411 North 511 Street,Shelton,WA
January 26,2021
Virtual Attendance:Randy Neatherlin,County Commissioner;Kevin Shutty,County Commissioner; Sharon Trask,
County Commissioner;Peggy Van Buskirk,Hospital District#2;Dave Windom,Mason County Community
Services Director;Lydia Buchheit,Mason County Community Health Manager;Alex Paysse,Environmental Health
Manager;Keri Davidson, Shelton School Board;Dr.Dan Stein,Health Officer;McKenzie Smith,Clerk of the
Board;Ben Johnson,Public Health Program Coordinator;Carole Beason,City of Shelton Chief of Police;Keri
Gardner;and Brooke Quigly.
1. Chair Peggy VanBuskirk called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda—
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Cmmr.Trask moved and seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion
carried.
3. Resolution to Set Meeting Dates
Cmmr.Shutty/Keri Davidson moved and seconded to approve the Resolution to Set the Board of
Health Meeting Dates. Motion carried.
4. Electing Officer Positions
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Cmmr.Shutty nominated Peggy VanBuskirk for Chair. Motion carried.
5. Approval of Minutes—
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Cmmr.Shutty moved and seconded to approve the November 17,2020 minutes as
presented. Motion carried.
6. Health Officer Report
Dr. Stein reported the focus on spikes in COVID-19 cases and strategizing with the State on vaccine rollout
and safe reopen plans for schools.
7. Administration Report
a. Vaccine Rollout
Vaccine rollouts have been problematic as there is not a reliable estimation on the number of doses
and when they will be received. There are four initial mass vaccination clinic sites and three more
will be added,however none are near Mason County. Cmmr. Shutty inquired about the number of
vaccines given, increasing that number,and the Department of Corrections(DOC)vaccine rollout.
Dave answered the DOC has their own chain of command through the State. Vaccines per day is
about 200. Cmmr.Trask would like to work with distributors to better understand the vaccine
rollout.
b. Phased Recovery
Each Friday we will find out if there is a phase change for Monday.
c. Health Officer Search
Dr. Stein will stay on for fewer hours and it is open for the new Health Officer to work remotely.
BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
January 26,2021—Page 2
It is preferred that the individual is local or understands our community.
d. Fiscal
Many PPEs(Personal Protection Equipment)have been purchased as well as trailers with CARES
Act funding.
e. Other
With Commissioner approval,food permit fees will be postponed.
8. Environmental Health Report
Alex Paysse shared permitting has increased with the economy and construction and that the department
has been proactive regarding water quality.
9. Community Health Report
a. COVED-19 Report
Lydia Buchheit shared staff has mostly moved to online. For COVID-19 positive tests,we are at
our lowest since mid-to end-November. Department of Health is trying to reconcile the State
dashboard,it shows the Washington Correction Center's cases under our numbers. The first
vaccination clinic in Mason County filled up within half an hour and had 500 people register.
Keri Davidson asked if,at the clinic,they scheduled the registrants for the second dose. Lydia
answered yes. Cmmr.Trask asked for clarification on the timeline between the first and second
dose. Dr. Stein responded as close to 28 days as possible,but the Moderna vaccination can go up
to 90 days.
b. Presentation by Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson shared a presentation on the relaxed cannabis and alcohol regulations and youth.
10. Other Business&Board Discussion
No other business or board discussion.
11. Meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.
BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
January 26,2021—Page 3
ATTEST MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
BOARD OF HEALTH
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
McKenzie Smith,Clerk of the Board
Scott Hilburn,Hospital District#1
Kathy McDowell,City Commissioner
Kevin Shutty,Commissioner
Randy Neatherlin,Commissioner
Sharon Trask,Commissioner
Peggy Van Buskirk,Hospital District#2
Gary Plews,Fire Commissioner
Keri Davidson, Shelton School Board
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
411 North 5"Street,Shelton,WA
March 8,2021
Virtual Attendance:Randy Neatherlin,County Commissioner;Kevin Shutty,County Commissioner; Sharon Trask,
County Commissioner;Dave Windom,Mason County Community Services Director;Lydia Buchheit,Mason
County Community Health Manager;Alex Paysse,Environmental Health Manager;Keri Davidson, Shelton School
Board;Kathy McDowell,City of Shelton Council Member Seat#2;McKenzie Smith,Clerk of the Board;Katie
Hayes; Shelton-Mason County Journal.
1. Keri Davidson called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m.
2. Executive Session—RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)Qualifications of an applicant for public employment—from
3:06 p.m.to 3:18 p.m.
3. Selection of Public Health Officer
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Shutty moved and seconded to move forward with the recommendation to the
Commission to hire Dr.Keri Gardner as the Public Health Officer of Mason County. Motion carried
unanimously.
Cmmr. Shutty/Trask moved and seconded to extend Dr. Stein's employment for an additional month of
service to overlap with the onboarding of our new Public Health Officer Dr.Keri Gardner. Motion carried
unanimously.
4. Public Comments
No public comment.
5. Meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.
BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
March 8,2021—Page 2
ATTEST MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
BOARD OF HEALTH
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
McKenzie Smith,Clerk of the Board
Scott Hilbum,Hospital District#1
Kathy McDowell,City Commissioner
Kevin Shutty,Commissioner
Randy Neatherlin,Commissioner
Sharon Trask,Commissioner
Peggy Van Buskirk,Hospital District#2
Gary Plews,Fire Commissioner
Keri Davidson, Shelton School Board
From the Director's Desk
March 2021 � . !
Time to get that COVID-19 vaccination!
It's hard to believe that it has been a year since our COVID response started!
Since our last board meeting our primary focus has been the delivery of vaccines through mass
vaccination clinics. As of this writing,we've given over 17,890 doses in Mason County with
around 7,000 people fully vaccinated. We've seen the most incredible partnerships with Mason
General, Peninsula Community Health Services, Mason County, and our wonderful volunteers.
We are currently vaccinating in North Mason County at the high school on Wednesdays and at
the Port of Shelton on Thursdays for the foreseeable future. We are moving to Phase 113 Tier 2
on the 17th of March and Tier 3 on April 12.
With the opening of new tiers,we face a challenging time. New tiers will be opening while the
second doses for the previous tiers are not yet complete which will require additional clinics
and patience from the public. Our plan is to use the Johnson and Johnson single dose product
to vaccinate in pop up clinics that would increase access for groups such as congregate workers
and shelters. This will give us a "one and done" response to special populations.
Phases have changed once again in the Roadmap to Recovery plan. Mason County moved
forward with the rest of the state to Phase 3. To remain in Phase three there are two metrics
which we will continue to have to meet, both of which we currently meet easily (cases per
100,000/14 days and hospitalizations per 100,000/7 days). DOH and members of the
Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials worked together to present what
we felt were reasonable measures to the Governor's office. Many of our recommendations
were incorporated into the announced plan.
With the legislature still in session, we follow closely those bills that will most likely impact
public health from either a policy or budgetary perspective. Our bill of most concern is H131152.
Commissioner Trask has been involved in workgroups addressing this bill for the past two
months and will brief the board on the most current changes to the bill as it works its way
through the senate.
There are bills that seek to fund public health through either a tax on covered lives on medical
insurance or through a sugary beverages tax like the Seattle ordinance. We are watching these
bills as the budget cycle at the legislature gets into full swing. The goal is to provide a stable
source of foundational public health funding.
There is no doubt that this past year has been stressful for all of us engaging in the pandemic
response. I cannot express enough how proud I am to work with such a dedicated group of
public health professionals who have worked tirelessly to protect the health of the community.
We have a great team!
David Windom, MSHS
WASHINGTON'S COVID=19 VACCINE PHASES
Phase 1 Estimated Start Dates (Tiers A and B)
Find out if it's your turn at FindYourPhaseWA.org ..
1pA
FUTURES
TIER,:4:
PHASES
n DECEMRER 2020,-°PRESENT 2021 EST. MARCH 17 EST.APRIL 12 EST,.APRIL 26 SPRING/SUMMER
i • High-risk health All people65.yealrs High-risk critical People 50'years People,staff, • Information on
care workers In, or.older workers who or older with 2 or and volunteers in who is eligible
9�hea th°care settings work'in certain more co-morbidities congregate living for Phases 2, 3 &4
All peop-Ie 50 years congregate settings: or underlying settings: Correctional coming soon.
responders,
isk first= or older e. Agriculture;fishing conditions facilities;group
responders mulsehold ,( o menal vessel crews;food homes for people
households,(home '•
• Long-term,care where Individuals from processing;grocery with disabilities;_
facilityAres dents stores, corrections; people experiencing
r or sid of generat- d . ' prisondeten ion centers peO'APRIL 26 homelessness
All other workers � °reside such as"an elder' prisons,fails or
• People 16years` that live in or
at risk in.health .,and agrandchild) public transit; or older with 2 or access services in
care settings . Educators and staffs remaining first more co-morbidities congregate settings
„
:forpre-K through responders or underlying
-12th grade`° people 16'years conditions
Child care'providers 9 or older who are
pregnant or have
a disability that
puts them at,high
risk for severe
COVID-19 illness.
FOCUS ON EQUITY:This approach,prioritizes population groups who have been disproportionately
impacted by COVID-19 due to external social factors and systemic inequities,including people of color;
people with limited English proficiency;people in shared housing,crowded housing,and multigenerational
homes;people in poverty and low-wage earners;people with disabilities that are connected to underlying Vaccinate
health conditions that may put them at higher risk of COVID-19;and people with access barriers to
healthcare,The social vulnerability index is one of several inputs informing equitable vaccine allocation. WA
NOTE*Immigration and health insurance status do not impact eligibility. CovidVaccineWA.org
The timeline represented here is tentative and subject to change based on vaccine supply and demand. DOH 348-785January 2021
Last updated 3/11/21
GLOSSARY OF; TERMS
CO-MORBIDITIES HIGH-RISK WORKERS IN A HEALTH CARE SETTING (CON'T)
Morbidity is a medical term that means illness or disease. • Worker(for example, health care provider, security,
Co-morbidities means more than one illness or disease occurring environmental management) in a setting that provides
in one person at the same time. Phase 1 -Tier 3 includes people direct care for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.
with 2 more comorbidities or underlying conditions that put them • First responder(for example, EMS, police or firefighter)
at increased risk for severe illness if infected with COVID.This list in settings where direct care is provided to suspected or
of these conditions can be found on the CDC website: confirmed COVID-19 patients.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/ • Worker at high risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19
people-with-medical-conditions.html. because of exposure to the general public.
CONGREGATE SETTING LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY
An environment where individuals work and/or reside in an enclosed For the purposes of the vaccine allocation guidance, long-term care
space and where they are interacting with a high volume of people facilities are defined as community-based, congregate living settings
over an extended period of time and not able to consistently where most individuals over 65 years of age are receiving care,
maintain physical distance. supervision, or assistance and are unable to reside independently
in the community.
CRITICAL WORKERS
Individuals working in an industry that maintains critical MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLD
infrastructure for social and economic systems in our state. Household where individuals from 2 or more generations reside
(See reverse side for detailed list.) such as an elder and a grandchild. Does not include a parent or
guardian caring for a child or teen.
HIGH-RISK WORKERS IN A HEALTH CARE SETTING
Workers who are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection because WORKERS IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
they meet one or more of the following criteria: This includes the full spectrum of workers at health agencies
• Administer COVID-19 testing or handle COVID-19 specimens including all types of staff(e.g., contracted, part-time,
• Administer COVID-19 vaccine or have patient contact in a unpaid/volunteer)and the spectrum of staff who provide services
COVID-19 vaccination site. (e.g., ambulatory, direct patient care,support services). It is inclusive
• Work at a community-based, congregate living facility of Community Health Workers, home care aides, health care
(for example, long-term care facility, adult family home interpreters, doulas, caregivers, and personal care providers.
or residential care community)where people over
65 years old receive care, supervision or assistance. To request this document in another format, Vaccinate Ak
• A professional care provider to someone who is a at higher call 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing �A/�
risk of severe outcomes if infected with COVID-19 customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) {/{/
;�f
(for example, home health aide, dialysis provider, or email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov.
or cancer treatment provider). CovidVaccineWA.org
DOH 348-785 January 2021
Last updated 3/11/21
Environmental Health Report
For Board of Health March 23rd9 2021
EHManager Updates:
Environmental Health staff continues to serve Mason County residents with its various programs throughout COVID-
19. Since January, our EHS staff and myself have been very busy supporting our vaccination efforts. We are
attempting to do these weekly,as vaccine allotment and availability allows. I have been extremely proud of the
support and determination provided by our EH staff on these efforts,we truly have an amazing team.
EH permitting does not appear to have slowed down in January and February of 2021. EH staff received,reviewed,
inspected, issued 250 permits these past two months over the 186 done in 2020. As previously reported,this is
primarily tied to new construction related to onsite sewage and well permitting. So far we have been successful in
keeping permit review times to about 2 weeks, including EH review of building permits. 341 EH licenses have also
been processed thus far in 2021. These licenses include food establishments,sewage contractors,pools/spas, and solid
waste facilities. We continue to work with food establishment owners on various complications related to COVID-19
restrictions.
Environmental Health Permits (mo/yr)
2021 EH Permits
2020 EH Permits --�- -- - .�
2019 EH Permits -
.. ..
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
®February Wanuary
Addition items or actions for BOH review:
none at this time
V
E�
g w°
January-February 2021
Communicable Disease & Notifiable Conditions(3 programs-CD,TB, STD)Staff:Audrey O'Connor,
Back up: Elizabeth Custis&Lydia Buchheit
January and February our communicable disease(CD)program nurse received 39 reports requiring data entry into
the State database,and/or investigation and follow-up.* Hepatitis C cases being directly entered into new WDRS
database by DOH. This does not include their work in COVID-19 case investigations.Year total for COVID-19
included in this update.
Disease Jan-Feb Total to date
COVID-19/2021 * 467
Campylobacteriosis 3 3
Cryptosporidiosis 1 1
Giardiasis 0 0
higa Toxin 2 0 0
higellosis 0 0
Mumps 0 0
Haemaphilus Influenza 0 0
Hepatitis B-Acute 0 0
Hepatitis B-Chronic 0 0
Hepatitis C-Chronic
Hepatitis C-Acute 0 0
Hepatitis D 0 0
Lyme 0 0
Pertussis 0 0
almonellosis 0 0
Coccidioidomycosis 0 0
1
Anthrax—Ruled out 0 0
Hepatitis A—Ruled out 0 0
Meningitis-Ruled out 0 0
ibrio-Ruled out 0 0
Listeriosis-Ruled out 0 0
Q—Fever-Ruled out 0 0
Mumps-Ruled out 0 0
Tuberculosis-Ruled out 0 0
Tuberculosis-Latent 0 0
Tuberculosis-Active/open cases 0 0
ibriosis(non-cholera) 0 0
Listeria 0 0
ersiniosis 0 0
Chlamydia 25 25
Gonorrhea 7 7
Syphilis 0 0
Herpes 3 3
HIV 0 0
Totals 39 39
Hepatitis C Screening Staff: Christina Muller-Shinn
MCPH has been working with Department of Health epidemiology staff to get the most available up-to-
date numbers of newly reported and/or diagnosed HCV positive cases in Mason County that exclude
Department of Corrections(DOC) cases. Current available data include DOC cases, which does not give
an accurate portrayal of the of cases within our community.We will be using these numbers to estimate
prevalence and current burden.
Staff has been working with the Hepatitis C Free Washington (Hep C Free WA 2030) Community
Engagement/Community-Based Service workgroup to learn,strategize, and guide State initiatives
surrounding HCV elimination. Hep C Free WA is a "collective impact initiative seeking a multisector
response to the public health threat of hepatitis C."
Maternal Child Health Staff: Elizabeth Custis
Providing work in this grant via approved COVID work.Assisting with guidance to childcare agencies
regarding COVID.
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Maternal Child Health Parenting Program
No parenting classes were offered in Jan-February due to COVID Mass Vaccination work.
ABCD Dental Program
Elizabeth continues to provide telephone assistance for families needing a dental home. Dental
outreach provided at the Early Learning Coalition drive through event. All other work is on hold during
COVID.
Breastfeeding Coalition of Mason County
Breastfeeding Coalition meetings and support group are on hold during COVID.
Early Learning Coalition of Mason County
Provided dental and immunization information at the Early Learning drive through event.
Immunization Improvement Grant
Most work in this grant has been on hold due to COVID priorities. Elizabeth continues to encourage
parents to apply for online access to their child's Immunization Information System records. There have
been more phone calls from parents needing guidance, answers to questions, and assistance to get their
child's immunizations in compliance for school attendance.
Children with Special Health Care Needs
Priority work has been in COVID mass vaccination and other COVID work. Elizabeth has provided some
consultation and care coordination via phone to families with children that have special health care
needs in the Mason County area. Outreach has been on hold during COVID. Referrals continue to be
submitted to RN. RN has been unable to participate in monthly Pediatric Care Coordination Meetings
that include Mason Health Pediatricians, Birth to Three Early Intervention,School and Mason Health
Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy,and Developmental Preschool and Special Services staff.
Social Service Programs
Housing($2,434,817 Annually: 12 funding sources—grants,tax, local recording fees,12 subcontracts,
and 20 programs)Staff:Todd Parker
Rental assistance continues to be the hot topic in the Homeless Crisis Response System. Washington
State has received almost$1 billion dollars toward rent assistance.
Eviction Rent Assistance Program (ERAP): Governor Inslee approved additional ;.Location Waitlist
state funds for rental assistance to prevent eviction. Mason County is in the Allyn 5
process of receiving an additional$227,668. Crossroads Housing has 175 people Belfair 49
on a wait list and Shelton Youth Connection has 15 households under the age of Hoods port 8
25 on their wait list. The table to the right represents the geographic distribution Shelton 95
on Crossroads Housing waitlist. Union 3
Tahu a 6
Gta eview 3
3
Treasury Rent Assistance Program (T-RAP): Mason County should be receiving a contract from the
Department of Commerce in the amount of$3,459,027 in federal funds to further provide rental
assistance to prevent eviction. The contract will have an end date of December 31, 2021.
Behavioral Health
Treatment Sales Tax(TST) ($900,000 Annually: 4 subcontracts and 8 programs)--Treatment Sales Tax
(TST) Funded Staff:Todd Parker, Lydia Buchheit
The focus of the behavioral health treatment efforts has been a community coordination effort. With
the addition of grants such as LEAD and RCROP and piloting programs such as the Navigator program,
additional community staff have been added through various funding sources and are joining meetings
to better coordinate care, access to service and case conference. Dr.States recently joined a case
conference meeting and has been a great asset to help find solutions and care for those with high needs
behavioral health conditions.
Mason County Mental Health &Substance Use Disorder(SUD) Response(6 programs) Staff:Abe
Gardner,Christina Muller-Shinn,Audrey O'Connor
Overdose Data to Action (OD2A)
Since COVID has prevented many outreach activities from taking place, staff have reached out to other
agencies who are in contact with people who use drugs or are in early recovery to help Public Health get
a naloxone kit to the people most likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose.OD2A staff did a
"train the trainer"workshop with the case managers of Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP)so they
can train their clients on overdose prevention and response and get them a naloxone kit. OD2A staff
also did an overdose workshop with the staff of Shelton Youth Connection and gave them a naloxone kit
to have on hand.
In total, Mason County Public Health distributed 358 naloxone kits to 73 people, including to 28 newly
trained individuals during this reporting period.There were 15 reported overdose reversals using
naloxone distributed through the OD2A program.
Substance Use Mobile Outreach of Mason County
During the reporting period of January and February,Substance Use Mobile Outreach had 86
interactions between 69 unduplicated individuals, including 19 new participants. 12 people reported
experiencing or knowing someone who has experienced an overdose in the last 30 days. Participants
exchanged 48,280 syringes,were given naloxone during 53 visits(including to 13 new people), and
received 19 referrals for treatment, recovery supports, navigation, medical, and/or dental including two
warm handoffs.
One story highlights the successful partnership between MCPH and Peninsula Community Health
Services.An individual visited this program for the first time and said yes to wanting a referral for
treatment.They had previously been on the medicated assisted treatment program with PCHS and was
interested in returning.The PCHS Peer/Community Health Worker who helps staff the Mobile Outreach
was able to go into their system and book them a medical appointment for that very afternoon.This
truly epitomizes seamless linkages to care!
4
COAP/COSSAP(Community partnerships,Systemic change, Program coordination)
The COAP/COSSAP program continues to help facilitate overall system coordination. The program
coordinator continues to stay plugged into the behavioral health system in Mason County, attending
local meetings and engaging with key stakeholders. As gaps and needs are assessed and identified,the
program coordinator explores solutions and potential partnerships so that Mason County's behavioral
health system continues to pursue the overall goal of"no-wrong door."
The COAP/COSSAP program also continues to collect data from the local SLID provider partners and will
continue to do so for the foreseeable future. This data has helped inform decisions that impact
programs and funding and has also helped in supplying data for other grant applications.
MCLEAD (Mason County Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion)
Mason County's LEAD program is continuing to exceed original program expectations. With three
months remaining on the original grant contract,the goal for program referrals, has almost been
surpassed. All parties involved with the program have reported that they are pleased with progress at
both the operations level as well as the policy level.
The community referral mechanism has been fully implemented and the program has seen multiple
referrals sent in this way. Mason County is one of only a few LEAD programs in the state that has three
active referral pathways.
Program sustainability is a current priority,and the program coordinator is currently seeking short and
long-term funding for the Mason County LEAD program.
Behavioral Health Navigator Program with Mason County Sheriff's Office
Mason County Public Health has recently partnered with the Mason County Sheriff's Office,to develop
and implement a Behavioral Health Navigator program. This program began on February 1st and has
already seemed to have a positive impact, both for the deputies using and referring to the program, but
also for the individuals that are being referred to the program.
The main objective of the navigator program is to provide support and a connection to services,to
individuals that deputies are interacting with and responding to in the field. The navigator is
coordinating with local resources and programs to find the best support for individuals needing help.
The goal is to focus on program implementation over the next six months,the program coordinator over
that time will be gathering and collecting data and information to then discuss options for program
sustainability.
RCORP (Rural Communities Opioid Response Program)
The RCORP grant, a partnership between Public Health (who is leading and coordinating this grant),
Mason Health, Peninsula Community Health Services(PCHS),and North Mason Regional Fire Authority,
has been in planning stages and will be moving into implementation in March.
This grant increases the peer workforce in Mason County, a vital bridge between vulnerable individuals
who may have barriers to engaging in treatment and medical care.
5
Mason Health has hired their Certified Peer Coach/Community Health Worker(CPC/CHW),who will
begin in March.This position will be embedded in the emergency department and will connect with
individuals experiencing substance-related emergencies, like overdose and soft tissue/bacterial
infections,to provide linkages to harm reduction, prevention,treatment,and recovery services.
Substance Use Prevention Staff: Ben Johnson &Melissa Casey
Community Prevention Wellness Initiative
The Shelton and North Mason Substance Abuse Prevention Coalitions have continued to meet via zoom.
Both the North Mason and Shelton youth prevention groups have started their respective youth
outreach programs in their communities.The Shelton and North Mason PEER2PEER youth groups have
been very active with student training and presentations in Jan and Feb 2021. As of now, all prevention
activities will be conducted by zoom.They plan to begin in person training if allowed in the spring. Both
groups are committed to continuing outreach messaging that focus on social norms campaigns, drug
take bake boxes and the North Mason Safety Days event.
The Shelton and North Mason Substance Abuse Prevention Coalitions continue assisting a Washington
State project called Prevention Voices to develop policies that would not extend temporary rule changes
on alcohol and marijuana retail sales during the COVID pandemic.
A 6 week Strengthening Families Parenting class will begin on March 11, 2021 and a Winning at
Parenting class specifically for our Hispanic community is currently in progress.
We sponsored a "Hidden in Plain Sight"Training on Jan 27, 2021 6:30PM-8:30PM. 24 participants
attended. Including a couple from the Mason County Sheriffs dept.
We are partnering with Regional the Youth Marijuana Project to provide a Science of Alcohol and
Marijuana training with Dr.Jason Kilmer on April 12, 2021 at 3;30PM and May 11, 2021 at 6:30 PM. Both
trainings will be the same.
Community Health Education,Assessment and Data Staff: Melissa Casey, Lydia Buchheit
The Mason County Health Coalition has been temporarily on hold as staff are focused on COVID-19 mass
vaccination clinics. In the interim,work groups have been encouraged to continue meeting as they are
able.
We invite community members interested in joining the coalition,to get more information and to be
added to the coalition contact list, please contact: Melissa Casey at 360-427-9670 ext 406 or
mcaseV@co.mason.wa.us .
Emergency Preparedness Staff: Lydia Buchheit,Alex Paysee,Sunni Evans(plus all Public Health Staff)
COVID-19 Response
Mason County Public Health (MCPH), Mason Health (MH)and Peninsula Community Health Services(PCHS)have
been busy at work for the past few months on getting Covid Vaccines out to those community residents eligible in
the priority groups. MH has been conducting clinics on-site as well as pop-up clinics in the community, PCHS has
been offering a weekly Mass Clinic in Belfair and MCPH has been doing weekly Mass Drive-thru clinics,in Shelton.
Together over 17,000 have been vaccinated through these efforts. We are thankful for all staff and volunteers
who have helped to in these clinics.
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