HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/08/26 - Board of HealthDRAFT 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 (lst year) and $200,000 (2°d
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
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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
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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
ss Gallagher, Chair 44V'
Tim Sheldon, Board Member
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L d Ring Erickson, Board Member