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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-22-09_Joint BOHJOINT BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS September 22, 2009 Mason County Commission Chambers 411 North 5th Street Shelton, WA 98584 Attendance: Mason County Board Members: Lynda Ring-Erickson; Ross Gallagher; Tim Sheldon Thurston County Board Members: Sandra Romero; Karen Valenzuela; Cathy Wolfe Ex-Officio Board Members: Scott Hilburn, Hospital District #1; Peggy VanBuskirk, Hospital District #2; Frank Philips, Fire Commissioner 1. Commissioner Ross Gallagher called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m. 2. Cmmr. Ring Erickson/Sheldon moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as published. Motion carried unanimously. RE-aye; G-aye; S-aye. 3. Correspondence – The Washington State Public Health Association sent an invitation to the Joint Conference on Health. 4. Cmmr. Sheldon/Ring Erickson moved and seconded to adopt the regular meeting minutes of June 24, 2008 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. RE-aye; G-aye; S-aye. 5. Mental Health Services - Sherri McDonald provided an overview of Thurston/Mason Social Services. She explained that the administrative functions of the services take place in Thurston County by virtue of a 30 year old agreement between Thurston and Mason County. There are three services provided: the Regional Support Network, the Developmental Disabilities Program and the Chemical Dependency Program. The Regional Support Network is the mental health portion of the social services. Approximately 20% of the services are provided to Mason County residents, which is consistent with population ratios. Most of these services are aimed at people who are eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid. Cmmr. Gallagher asked if Mason County residents would be turned away if the number of participants exceeded the 20% ratio. Ms. McDonald replied that no one would be turned away. The ratio is important because they want to ensure they are serving at least 20% Mason County residents. Cmmr. Ring Erickson commented that the presentation has been helpful in understanding what mental health services exist and what the opportunities are for enhancement. Cmmr. Sheldon asked if any of any services are provided at the Mason County Jail and if Mason County is billed separately for those services. Ms. McDonald explained that some mental health services and chemical dependency services are provided at the jail. None of the services are billed separately. A small portion of property tax is sent directly to Thurston County for the services. Cmmr. Valenzuela asked for clarification on the out of pockets costs for patients and if it can be a barrier to obtaining services. Ms. McDonald responded that those that do not have Medicaid or other coverage are charged on a sliding fee scale based on their income. Ability to pay can be a barrier. There is a gap in funding for those without insurance that are not very low income. There was a discussion regarding the gap in funding for mental health services. BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS September 22, 2009 - PAGE 2 6. The Future of Governmental Public Health Vicki Kirkpatrick and Sherri McDonald gave a presentation on governmental public health. Public health covers a very broad field of services but most people perceive public health on the basis of what they touch. They described the responsibilities of public health and the differences between individual medical care and public health’s focus on the health of the community. There are variations based on local needs, but population-based health is the primary mandate. There was a discussion regarding partnering opportunities in Mason and Thurston County. 7. Public Comment – None. 8. Adjourn - The meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m. BOARD OF HEALTH MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON _______________________________ Ross Gallagher, Chair _______________________________ Tim Sheldon, Commissioner _______________________________ Lynda Ring Erickson, Commissioner BOARD OF HEALTH THURSTON COUNTY, WASHINGTON _______________________________ Sandra Romero, Chair _______________________________ Cathy Wolfe, Vice Chair _______________________________ Karen Valenzuela, Member ATTEST _______________________________ Shannon Goudy, Clerk of the Board