HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/01/23 - Board of Health MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
411 North 5`h Street,Shelton,WA
JANUARY 23,2018
Attendance: Randy Neatherlin,County Commissioner;Kevin Shutty,County Commissioner;Scott Hilburn,
Hospital District#1;Peggy VanBuskirk,Hospital District#2;Vacant,Fire Commissioner
Absent: Tem Drexler County Commissioner;Kathy McDowell,City of Shelton Commissioner.
Others in attendance:Lydia Buchheit,Alex Paysee,Christina Muller-Shinn,Alison Smallwood,Abe Gardner
and Audrey O'Connor,Mason County Health Department.
1. Peggy VanBuskirk called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda—Cmmr. Shutty/Scott Hilburn moved and seconded to approve the agenda as
presented.All in favor,motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes November 21,2017—Cmmr.Neatherlin/Cmmr. Shutty moved and seconded to
approve the November 21,2017 minutes as written.All in favor,motion carried unanimously.
4. Selection of 2018 Chair-Cmmr.Neatherlin/Cmmr.Shutty nominated Scott Hilburn as 2018 chair.All in
favor,motion carried unanimously.
5. Nomination/appointment of Gary Plews-Dave gave a brief biography on Gary and stated that he
believes this would be a good appointment to fill the Fire Commission position on the board.
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Shutty moved and seconded to appoint Gary Plews to the Board of Health.All in favor,
motion carried unanimously.
6. Health Officer Report—(3:08)Dr.Yu addressed the influenza outbreak noting that it has been a
challenging year so far. She said that the flu vaccine is still encouraged for those that have not received it.
She noted that more children than adults have died from the virus this year.Dr.Yu cautioned the other
virus to watch this time of year is the Norwalk virus.
Scott questioned if flu shots have been given at food banks or community dinners for the homeless.She
said they have in the past,but did not this year because of the cost.Cmmr.Neatherlin said he believed this
would be beneficial to offer in the future.Dave Windom stated that there was only around a 15%response
when he had pop up clinics in the past.Discussion was had on how to make the vaccines available by the
next flu season.
Dr.Yu addressed the need for a syringe exchange and asked the board what they think should be
implemented. She stated that one of the biggest complaints she receives is the amount of used syringes
found in various locations.Cmmr.Neatherlin commented that he would like to implement a program to not
only protect those addicted,but the community as well.He said that an exchange may keep the used
needles off the streets.Dr.Yu said that in 2017,there were at least 100,000 syringes exchanged in Thurston
County by Mason County residents.She went on to say that that numbers were not given to the Health
Department from exchanges in Grays Harbor County or Kitsap County.
Christina Muller-Shinn discussed issues with not having access to needle exchanges and also talked about
her experience working at a needle exchange in Califomia.
Scott said that up at Mason General,they were having issues with boxes being forced open by those
stealing needles.
Dr.Yu said that the exchange program works to prevent infection,make connection with users,and to keep
the needles off the street.Christina added that currently,though there is an outbreak of Hepatitis C and HIV
in various rural counties around the nation,Mason County has not been affected and numbers are still low.
She suggested beginning a program quickly.
BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
January 23,2018-PAGE 2
Dr.Yu talked about educational materials and programs noting that it will take staff and extra resources.
She said she would have a proposal ready by the March meeting.
7. Community Health Report—Lydia introduced Christina Muller-Shinn,Alison Smallwood,Abe Gardner
and Audrey O'Connor and discussed their positions within the Health Department.
8. Administration Updates—Dave Windom talked about the Hirst water decision noting that there is much
work to be done within the Building and Planning Department.One of the main changes is a fee of$500
for new wells which is better than the previous proposals.He explained that the County only receives$150
of that fee;the rest goes to the State.
Dave asked for board input on raising the age to 21 for tobacco and vaping.He discussed the pros and cons
of raising the age.Cmmr. Shutty said that he understands the goal,but doesn't believe this is the answer at
this time.No support from the Board of Health at this time.
The Sugar beverage tax in Seattle was reviewed to see if there was interest in implementation within Mason
County.Dave spoke to the issues with the tax.No support from the Board of Health at this time.
Dave closed by discussing abbreviated birth certificates.He explained that all of the current information
would still be sent to the Health Departments,but the actual certificate issued would only have relevant
information to prevent identity theft.
9. Environmental Health Updates—Alex Paysee briefed the report from Debbie Riley which touched on
numbers from 2017.He then discussed some WAC's being changed in regards to food preparation and also
septic.
10. Other Business and Board Discussion-Dave announced that the new software is soon to be implemented
which will make online permitting possible.
11. Public Comments-none
12. Adjourn-Meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.
BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
January 23,2018-PAGE 3
ATTEST MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
BOARD OF HEALTH
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
Me ' sa ,Clerk of Le Board
c i urn,Hospital District#1
KAY-McPowell,City Commissioner
AkSer-'
Kevin Shutty,Commissioner
Randy a rlin,Commissioner
Terri Drexler,Commissioner
P ggy 40%11askirk,Hospital District#2