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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-26-08 BOH DRAFT BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS August 26, 2008 Attendance: Board Members: Lynda Ring-Erickson; Ross Gallagher; Tim Sheldon Ex-Officio Board Members: Scott Hilburn, Hospital District #1 (absent) ; Peggy VanBuskirk, Hospital District #2; Frank Philips, Fire Commissioner; Tim LeClair, Skokomish Tribe (absent) Staff in Attendance: Vicki Kirkpatrick, Debbie Riley, Heidi Iyall, Lydia Buchheit. 1. Chairperson Ross Gallagher called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. at Building 9 Conference Room. 2. Board Members Sheldon/Ring Erickson moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as published. Motion carried unanimously. RE-aye; G-aye; S-aye. 3. Correspondence - None 4. Board Members Ring Erickson/Sheldon moved and seconded to adopt the regular meeting minutes of July 22, 2008 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. RE-aye; G-aye; S-aye. 5. Administrative Issues 5.1 Health Officer’s Report – Dr. Yu is not present as she is attending the statewide conference in Spokane. 5.2 Director’s Report – Vicki Kirkpatrick discussed School Rules and public health safety which has not been updated since 1971. Statewide Accreditation The Health Department is looking into statewide accreditation and what it means to be accredited. They believe they are a long way before implementing this. The State of Washington is staying involved in this process. Areas they are looking into are prevention and treatment of diabetes. The board questioned if Mason County is ahead of the rest of the state in the process. Mrs. Kirkpatrick did not think the county is ahead of other counties, but Mason County has good enthusiasm. There are broad issues about public health in Mason County. They need to work on nutrition and physical education as well. Journal – Monthly Public Health Articles Dr. Yu and the Director of Health Services met with the publisher of the Shelton Mason County Journal to establish a schedule of monthly articles on public health. The first article was written with the topic “ Going back to school and immunizations”. The monthly articles will be specific to Mason County and will not necessarily duplicate what Dr. Yu is doing in Thurston County. Oakland Bay Open House - Reminder October 8, 2008; 4- 8 p.m. at the Pioneer School Re: Oakland Bay Open House Strategic Health Alliance Grant They anticipate hearing back about the grant in the amount of $50,000 (1st year) and $200,000 (2nd through 4th years) These funds would support the Community Health Task Force program. There are 1 out of 3 to receive this grant and Mason County would be expected to mentor other counties. Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO) is working on talking points regarding public health funding. The Washington State Association of Counties BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS August 26, 2008 - PAGE 2 (WSAC) has two priorities that they are looking for support on emphasis of physical education and nutrition. Board Member Ring Erickson asked that they try to obtain money that allows flexibility in funding for public health in Mason County. Mrs. Kirkpatrick noted that under school rules they do food service inspections but do not inspect labs or playgrounds. They respond to complaints. With the new rules they can charge feed to schools, but the schools financially are typically not in a position to cover the cost of the expenses. The question is how to finance the school rules implementation. They met with the Washington State Dept. of Ecology, Jay Manning, and they are trying to get flexibility in the spending. Mr. Manning is talking with the Attorney General’s office as to how to push the dollars to help local communities. Mason County is looking at a comprehensive approach to Oakland Bay. Next Month’s Meeting Reminder: Next month is a Joint Board of Health meeting at Mason County on September 23, 2008. They will report on Human Services such as Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Board Member Sheldon stated he would like to know more about the administration of the programs and how the funds are divided between the counties. Environmental Public Health Tracking Work Group Appointment - Riley It was announced that Debbie Riley has been appointed to the Environmental Public Health Tracking Work Group for the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and has been asked to Chair the national committee. Health Task Force Lydia Buchheit added that the Health Task Force is looking at nutrition at schools with emphasis in areas such as obesity and nutrition. Fairgrounds Smoking There was discussion about the Fairgrounds and smoking. It appeared there might have been more smokers this year at the fair. They will be putting up more signs and trying to flood the community with education. Will work to provide more education for events such as the upcoming Oysterfest at the Fairgrounds. 6. Community and Family Health Issues 6.1 Tobacco Compliance Checks – Heidi Iyall Results of Compliance Checks – 92% compliance of the 48 checked during April - June 2008. Four establishments sold tobacco to minors. They are really working on educating the establishments and public with informational brochures. 6.2 News Release – Heidi read aloud the news release discussing the results of the tobacco compliance checks. 7. Environmental Health Issues 7.1 West Nile Virus Update – Debbie Riley, Environmental Health Manager – Reported on the statewide status to be aware it is in the state. People can take precautions for contracting the BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS August 26, 2008 - PAGE 3 disease by wearing long sleeves, long pants and hat and using insect repellant with DEET or stay indoors during times when mosquitoes are out such as early morning or evening. 7.2 Environmental Health Waivers – Information only 8. Public Comment - None 9. Adjourn - The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m. HEALTH OFFICER _______________________________ Diana T. Yu, MD MSPH Mason County Health Officer BOARD OF HEALTH MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON _______________________________ Ross Gallagher, Chair _______________________________ Tim Sheldon, Board Member _______________________________ Lynda Ring Erickson, Board Member