HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997/05/01 - Board of HealthMASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997
The Board of Health was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson Cady with Board Members
Olsen and Bolender in attendance.
ATTENDANCE:
Mary Jo Cady, Chairperson
Cindy Olsen, Board Member
John Bolender, Board Member
Dr. Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer.
Brad Banner, Director of Health Services
Steve Kutz, Personal Health Director
Mark Tompkins, Environmental Health Director
Brent Long, Board of Health Clerk
Ann Cole, Mason County Children's Dental Coalition and Kiwanis
Grace Young, Mason County Children's Dental Coalition and Kiwaniannes
Eva Rooks, Mason County Children's Dental Coalition/Health Planning Council
Karen McElroy, Mason County Children's Dental Coalition
Jerri Hawthorne, Mason County Children's Dental Coalition & M-T Headstart/ECEAP
Pamela Johnson, Mason County Health Planning Council & M-T Headstart/ECEAP
Dr. James Penney, Mason County Children's Dental Coalition
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Board Member Olsen/Chairperson Cady moved/seconded that the minutes of the March 25,
1997, meeting be approved as circulated. Motion carried. Vote: C:yes; O:yes; B:abstain.
Board Members Olsen/Bolender moved/seconded that the minutes of the April 3, 1997,
meeting be approved as circulated. Motion carried. Vote: O:yes; B:yes: C:abstain.
HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT
Dr. Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer, reported that during the month of April there were
investigations of one case of pertussis and one case of rubella. Results have not been received
at this time. There were two cases of Hepatitis A, one death from strep pneumonia, and one case
of Hepatitis B.
During 1996, the Mason County Health Department tested 224 individuals for HIV. One of those
tests was positive. Post-test counseling was achieved in 191 cases, or 85 percent. In the past
five years (1991-1996) there have been 1,078 individuals tested for HIV, with 5 being positive.
The type of people being tested are primarily homosexuals, bisexuals, drug users, people with
hemophilia, blood recipients, and heterosexuals with known risk. The positive results have been
found in homosexuals and the drug using communities. Chairperson Cady asked how the prison
population affected these statistics. Mr. Kutz, Personal Health Director, replied that the prison
population was included in the figures presented by Dr. Trucksess.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 2 of 10
Dr. Trucksess commented that there were salmonella outbreaks in our state in 1995-1996, even
though they did not occur in our county. Much of it was transmitted by baby chicks and ducks
which are given as gifts. Another source of salmonella has been found in exotic pets such as
reptiles. Reptiles are popular as pets, but about 90 percent of the reptiles carry salmonella.
Hedgehogs and prairie dogs are also known to carry salmonella and the plague. If a person has
an exotic pet, it is very important for them to wash their hands thoroughly after cleaning the pet
cages. Salmonella is a disease that is manifested by a sudden onset of headaches, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. The disease may be mild or severe. The
infection persists for several days but the bacteria may last for weeks. It can be transmitted
through food and is classified as a food -associated illness. A person tested positive for
salmonella needs to be excluded from handling food until they test negative. There are about
five million cases of salmonella in the United States annually. Sometimes there are epidemics,
which are very large when the bacteria inhabits a municipal water system. Poultry, swine, cattle,
rodents, the pets previously mentioned, and humans are reservoirs for salmonella. The
transmission can be through contaminated food or water, especially uncooked eggs and egg
products. Raw milk, contaminated meat and poultry products, and recently raw vegetables have
been associated with the disease. These facts emphasize the need for foods to be handled and
cooked properly, and the necessity for a good Food Program within the Health Department.
Chairperson Cady asked about the treatment for salmonella. Dr. Trucksess answered that there
was no real treatment; the illness has to be waited out. Mr. Kutz commented that antibiotics can
actually increase the carrier state. Board Member Olsen asked if the pets carry salmonella
indefinitely. Dr. Trucksess replied that the pets are basically carriers.
APPEAL DISCUSSION - DEVIN
Brad Banner, Health Services Director, commented that Carl Devin had initially requested an
Appeal of Water Adequacy but has indicated that he now prefers to work with the Water
Association and the Health Department in an effort to resolve the issues so that an appeal is not
required.
HEALTH PLANNING COUNCIL
Eva Rooks, Executive Committee of the Health Planning Council, reported that she was present
today representing the Mason County Health Planning Council. She presented a written copy of
her presentation (Exhibit A). As you know, from Donna VanKirk's appearance here in February,
the Council is a group of concerned community members representing various social service,
health care, education and other agencies who have come together to work to improve the health
of Mason County residents. Steve Kutz, Co -Chair of the Council, has already approached the
Board about the group becoming a formal or informal advisory group to the Board of Health.
The Planning Council is pleased that the Board is willing to work with them on an informal
basis. The Council met on April 24th and discussed ways the Council can work with the Board
of Health to assure the health and well-being of Mason County residents.
First, with the Council's broad spectrum of representation, there is a great likelihood that
recommendations by the Council will be representative of the true needs and values of Mason
County Residents. Secondly, there will be increased opportunity to find alternative funding
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 3 of 10
sources for health care programs which may not be available to the Board of Health. An
example of creative funding which has already happened has been the Dental Grant which made
Ms. Rook's position possible. In her position, she has brought together people who are now
known as the Mason County Children's Dental Coalition. She will talk about this further when
she speaks for the Dental Coalition.
There is an ever-increasing trend that health care funders are asking for collaborative grant
proposals in which two or more agencies cooperative in creating and implementing the grant
proposal and work plan. The Health Care Advisory Council will provide immediate access to
agency representatives when a project, which is appropriate for the county to make applications,
requires collaborative planning with other agencies.
The Health Planning Council can work as a citizen's advisory committee when the Mason County
Public Health Improvement Plan data is completed. The Council can help the Board of Health
prioritize public health issues which should be addressed and help implement a plan of action.
The other members of the Council and Ms. Rooks are excited to work collaboratively with the
Board of Health to work to improve the health and well-being of our community. The Council
would like the opportunity to report to the Board of Health on a quarterly basis, or more often
than that if it is warranted. The Health Planning Council looks forward to working with the
Board of Health, and thanks the Board for this opportunity to serve fellow community members
in this way.
Chairperson Cady thanked the Council for getting together, and noted that the Board appreciates
the fact that they have maintained their momentum. She noted that quarterly reports would be
great, and more often if needed. She stated that the Council members are volunteers and they
should be congratulated. Board Member Bolender stated that whenever the Council believes they
have substantial information, the Board would like to receive the input.
DENTAL COALITION
Eva Rooks, on behalf of the Mason County Children's Dental Coalition, thanked Commissioners
Cady and Olsen for attending their March meeting. The Coalition members were pleased to have
them in attendance. She presented a copy of her prepared statement (Exhibit B).
Ms. Rooks stated she appreciates the opportunity to update the Board on the Healthy Smiles
Dental Clinic. The pilot project was funded by an increase in the Medical Assistance
Administration Grant that originally funded her position. She is pleased to report that in the first
six weeks of operation the Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic was able to treat 201 children with
medical coupons. This Clinic has treated more children on Medicaid than were seen by all
Mason County dental providers in Mason County during the 1995 MAA reporting year. This
shows the tremendous need for Medicaid dental services in Mason County. Unfortunately, the
Clinic has only been funded through June 30, 1997. On May 6, the Access Committee of the
Children's Dental Coalition will be meeting in the Pershing Room at Mason General Hospital to
make plans for continuing Clinic operation beyond June. They welcome the Board to attend this
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 4 of 10
meeting so that plans to continue meeting the dental needs of Mason County Medicaid children
and perhaps begin treating children with no dental insurance can be accomplished. They would
welcome any or all of the Commissioners to attend this meeting.
The Coalition has a second committee which is addressing the status of dental education in our
county. On April 27th, members of the Education Committee personally delivered surveys to
Mason County School Districts asking what dental education is currently being taught and what
issues still need to be addressed. The Committee is sending similar surveys to Mason County
dentists, doctors, clinics and school nurses to get further information on available resources and
gaps in resources which exists in our county. The Committee will use this information to target
areas of greatest need and to develop materials to educate on those needs.
The Director of Personal Health has indicated that there may be some funding for dental
education available through the Department of Health Services. The Committee would be very
appreciative of funding to purchase educational materials to meet these needs. In order to have
time to develop appropriate dental curriculum to be given to schools in September of 1997, the
Committee must have a decision about funding in the very near future. Because of this, the
Coalition requests that they have written information available from the Health Department
informing of the amount of money available, any stipulations to funding, and the date that
funding to purchase materials should be expected by their May 13th meeting. The Coalition
greatly appreciates the possibility of financial support of their endeavors, but they must know
what amount of money they have to work with and when funds will be available so they can
meet their obligations.
Finally, the Coalition wishes to give an update on the Portable Sealant Equipment Grant. At the
February 6th meeting, when the Coalition originally addressed the Board of Health, Chairperson
Cady directed the Department of Health Services to apply for sealant equipment funds right away.
She met with the Director of the Department of Health Services on February 1 lth to discuss the
Department of Health Sealant Grant application. At that time, they felt it would be easier if the
Coalition would apply for the equipment in their dental grant increase request instead of the
Health Department completing the sealant proposal separately. Subsequent funding was only
granted on the dental clinic portion of the grant increase request. It was denied because of
limited funding and the availability of dental sealant equipment funds from the Department of
Health.
Due to the decision of approaching DSHS instead, another year has passed without the
Department of Health Services receiving available Department of Health funding for the sealant
equipment. The Thurston County Health Department, Pixie Needham who is the President of the
Washington State Dental Hygienist Association, and Kathy Kelso who currently supervises and
administers the Community School Sealant Program in Thurston County, have offered assistance
to Mason County Department of Health Services in planning for a sealant program. As she
mentioned in her last appearance before the Board of Health, dental sealants are a cost-effective,
preventative treatment. As much as prenatal care prevents bad birth outcomes, so do sealants
result in lower costs to taxpayers than resulting restorative costs for unprotected teeth.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 5 of 10
Their inability to obtain funding for sealant equipment represents another lost opportunity for the
children of Mason County, and they are concerned. The Coalition still feels it is in the best
interest of the community that a Dental Sealant Program is implemented in Mason County. They
wish to know if this is also a priority of the Board of Health.
The Coalition appreciates the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Board of Health to
improve the overall dental health of children. Children are our future, and they must assure their
health and well-being so the children can be successful in their daily lives.
Ms. Rooks asked that members of the Coalition introduce themselves. Jerri Hawthorne stated
she was a representative from the Mason -Thurston Headstart, ECEAP Program at Pioneer and
Belfair. Anne Cole, Kiwanis and Coalition Member; Grace Young, Kiwanianne and Coalition
Member; and Jim Penney, Access Committee for the Coalition, were also present.
Pamela Johnson, Member of the Mason County Health Planning Council and Health Coordinator
for the Mason -Thurston Headstart/ECEAP stated she had been approached by telephone by two
concerned individuals regarding the Maternal Child Health Contract. Because she has worked
collaboratively with Beth Hines over the last three years both at the state level on the Washington
State Oral Health Coalition and on the local level with the Thurston County Childen's Dental
Health Coalition, as well as with issues relating to baby bottle tooth decay, etc., she offered to
call her to see if she, as a concerned person who is also trying to access dental services for the
Mason County population, could get some idea of clarification on where the contract stood.
She made notes of her telephone conversation with Ms. Hines on April 29 (Exhibit C) which she
will give to the Board, but she also wanted to share them aloud. Ms. Johnson stated that Ms.
Hines had a long meeting with Mr. Kutz on April 3rd to discuss the Maternal Child Health
Contract for Oral Health Services which the state gives to the Mason County Health Department
(MCHD). This is an ongoing contract to do education in schools, screenings, referrals, and
community assessment activities. At this meeting, they discussed an amendment to this contract
which would allow MCHD to hire Eva Rooks as their Oral Health Coordinator. Ms. Rooks
would need to be supervised by a dentist or dental hygienist in this capacity, and Mr. Kutz was
going to explore resources for this. It was also discussed to hire Pixie Needham, Registered
Dental Hygienist, to do .a Smile Survey.
As of today, Ms. Hines has not had follow-up from Mr. Kutz. She is concerned that MCHD has
had a year to do something with the funding from the contract, and so far has not presented a
written action plan to the state. She is in agreement with the Dental Coalition that the bulk of
the education piece should be happening at the MCHD level. As there are a number of agencies
and individuals actively working to improve the dental health of children in this county, Ms.
Hines is willing to meet with representatives of the Board of Health, Health Department and the
Dental Coalition to discuss the work methods for the Oral Health Services Contract. Ms. Hines
would like to see the outcome of this meeting to be a written action plan of what will happen
with the county contract. Also included would be an action plan time line with target dates for
accomplishments specifically outlined. By bringing all the players to the table at the same time,
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 6 of 10
the uncertainty of knowing what has happened at the meetings with the state will be resolved and
progress toward a collaborative plan can begin. This written action plan would then be given to
the Board of Health so progress on contract goals can be followed.
She and Ms. Hines also spoke briefly about the Sealant Equipment Grant. Ms. Hines said this
opportunity has been offered to the Health Department each of the last three years. Successful
applicants must demonstrate organization and planning for implementation of the equipment.
This would involve collaboration with other agencies and resources. At the present time, Mason
County has not demonstrated the organization and planning necessary to be a successful
applicant. The importance of developing a Sealant Project as a preventative measure had been
discussed several times over the last two years at the Health Planning Council, and there had
certainly been ample interest and opportunity to work toward such a goal. Given the dental
access crisis for Medicaid children this seemed like a wonderful way to protect at least some of
the children's teeth, and Ms. Hines agreed.
She and Ms. Hines completed their conversation with the agreement that she would get
information to Ms. Rooks to integrate into her presentation to the Board of Health meeting on
May lst. Ms. Hines reiterated her willingness to meet with representatives from various
committees and agencies to develop a written action plan for the Maternal Child Health Contract
and to advise others about the importance of doing so.
Mr. Kutz commented that pursuant to his discussions with the Board of Health approximately one
month ago regarding hiring a dental coordinator, it was decided by the Commissioners that he
would look at sub -contracting for these services. That required a letter which he received two
weeks ago. Chairperson Cady noted that the advertising has been done. Mr. Kutz stated that the
advertisements did not receive any applicants for a dental hygienist. He, now, has an
authorization to sub -contract. Regarding the components within the sub -contract, there are some
assessment requirements to do a Smile Survey. He has contacted Ms. Needham who has agreed
to do some sub -contracting as a dental hygienist. He has talked with a consulting firm about
helping them come up with a sampling scheme. It needs to be decided who will write the report
afterwards. He has been in contact with Ms. Rooks about sub -contracting with Communities in
Schools in do some of the education pieces and some of the other components which were
mentioned, and they have been waiting for the Communities in Schools Director to return from
sick leave, which was last Monday. He and Ms. Hines have been playing phone -tag for quite
some time. She left a message last Monday, and they did not make contact until today because
she had been unavailable. They have tentatively scheduled a meeting for May 22nd to pull the
interested parties together to look at how the sub -contracting could be done and come up with
an action plan to address the requirements under the consolidated contract.
Chairperson Cady asked what the dates of the consolidated contract were. Mr. Kutz replied that
the funding goes from January through December. Chairperson Cady noted they could still
address this in order to get it in place in the fall for the kids. Mr. Kutz stated that the real issue,
that Ms. Johnson really did not bring out, was that if they do not do something with this money,
and very little was used last year, the $10,000 will be lost. They have a requirement that there
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 7 of 10
be a Dental Health Coordinator, so it is not a simple issue to just sub -contract out these
components because it becomes a complex management process to address all of the reports and
things that are required under this contract. It is not something that will happen over night, but
there are some things that can be sub -contracted for. He does not know if he will have an
amount of money he can bring to the Coalition at their next meeting on May 13th.
Chairperson Cady asked for explanation regarding the decision to apply for the sealant equipment
through DSHS rather than going through the contract. Mr. Kutz responded that if they put it
in the sealant contract, they have to have a program that would have some dental oversight and
it had to be done in two weeks. At that point, there was no time to put together pieces to meet
all the requirements of each component. He believes Ms. Johnson was incorrect, because in
previous years, he was not notified that there was sealant money available. The last time he was
notified of that was in 1995. That was when the decision was made not to apply for it.
Chairperson Cady asked about the two -week time frame. Mr. Kutz replied that was when he
received the paper work stating the grant was available but had to be applied for within two
weeks. Chairperson Cady asked if that was when the choice to go to DSHS was made. Mr.
Kutz replied yes, they asked for money through their contract.
Chairperson Cady asked what could be done to get this project rolling. Mr. Kutz responded that
it was his recommendation that on May 22nd discussion be held about dental oversight, so it
would be helpful if Dr. Penney was present. He has talked with Ms. Rooks about being at the
meeting, and he needs to talk with Ms. Needham. If the community education is going to be
addressed, they need representatives from that sub -committee also.
Ann Cole commented that the Education Committee has already implemented the surveys going
into the schools, and this can be continued to be talked to death, but now they need to act.
Chairperson Cady agreed. Ms. Cole suggested that they sit down and decide what money is
available and go to work with it.
Jerri Hawthorne stated the Education Committee has met, has compiled goals, and they were
presented to the Dental Coalition for feedback on April 1st, and they were instructed by Mr. Kutz
to come up with concrete ideas and come up with a curriculum, which is fine, but to develop a
curriculum takes an awful lot of time, and sometimes a year. They do not have a year. They
are looking at a couple of months before Ms. Rooks' position is gone and there may be no more
Coalition. The problem, too, is when you look through catalogs to develop curriculums, prices
can be anything from free to $200 per item depending upon the age group being targeted. She
can come up with concrete ideas that may run into the billions of dollars, but if she doesn't have
that kind of money to spend, then all the time she has used to develop a curriculum is gone, and
she has to start over from square one. They are at a standstill. They have talked about this and
they know what materials they would like to purchase. They are trying to get information from
dental providers and educational providers about what is already out there. They certainly do not
want to replicate what is already being implemented.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 8 of 10
Chairperson Cady stated she wanted to attend the May 22nd meeting. Board Member Bolender
noted that several components of the consolidated contract need to be addressed with the $10,000.
Mr. Kutz agreed, stating the Smile Survey and the education component, and then the
coordination piece of the programming in Mason County. There are three components. Board
Member Bolender asked if it was a matter of allocating that $10,000 to those three activities and
that is what would be accomplished on the 22nd of May. He noted it would be hard to put
together an action plan without knowing what the resources were. Mr. Kutz answered that
$10,000 does not go very far, and they need to address all the parts of the contract.
Ms. Cole commented that they would have more information when the surveys were returned.
After that, they will have an idea of the scope of the education needs. Service organizations are
also being asked for donations. Mr. Bolender stated that they may be a good source of funding
for the education component.
Mr. Kutz stated that they also need to discuss what will be done with the $10,000 for next year.
Chairperson Cady wondered when these funds would be received. Mr. Kutz replied that the new
money would be available in January. Chairperson Cady asked if there were any Department of
Health funds available. Mr. Kutz replied he did not know. Board Member Bolender noted that
this funding possibility should be explored, and the department should be prepared in advance.
Mr. Kutz stated that some counties used the money to purchase the equipment and utilized their
staff dental hygienist to do the sealant program in the schools.
Dr. Penney asked Mr. Kutz if it was a total of $10,000 for the sealant program, the hygienist and
the educational program. Mr. Kutz responded there was $10,000 for whatever was done with it.
Mr. Penney asked if the other counties were able to pay for a dental hygienist for a year to
perform the sealant program. Mr. Kutz replied there are different amounts of funding received
depending upon the size of the county. There are reimbursements that come in also. He stated
he called the Dental Program at St. Peter's Hospital to see about sub -contracting with them for
the sealant program, and they could not do it because they were loosing their shirt on this deal.
He believed this was due to the way they had structured it. They go into a school and do
everybody. The parents do not cooperative about the private insurance because they were told
it was free, and kids with no insurance are done. If they go forward, they need to look at how
they can make it work and be financially viable.
Ms. Rooks informed that they were only seeing DSHS kids in the clinic and they are making a
good amount of money. They are projecting, right now, to have a sizable profit in four months,
and they are open for only two days a week. Chairperson Cady asked if a hygienist could be
brought in. Ms. Rooks replied that they have someone who is not a hygienist but who works
under the direction of a dentist. It does not have to be a hygienist so a considerable amount of
money can be saved. Chairperson Cady stated that there is a sealant program running now that
is perpetuating itself without using a hygienist. She asked how the sealants were being done.
Dr. Penney answered that the equipment is in Dr. Dana Larson's dental office and they are using
her equipment and personnel. They have contracted with her two days a week to see nothing
but DSHS kids and Dr. Emery, her associate, is overseeing it. He takes a certain percentage for
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 9 of 10
his costs and then above that, the money goes to pay the contract. The remainder is a net profit.
Right now they are only seeing DSHS kids, but they want to start seeing the other kids who do
not meet DSHS criteria but cannot afford dental care. However, this is where they could start
loosing their shirt. Chairperson Cady wondered if a certain percentage could be seen. Dr.
Penney agreed, commenting they have been contemplating this. They have the clinic until the
end of June.
Ms. Rooks stated they were there to find out how the county really feels about this project and
the options available. They want to benefit the most Mason County children in this process.
Dr. Penney commented that they may not be able to use the space they are right now after the
end of June, which would mean an additional cost, plus the cost of equipment. Chairperson Cady
wondered if the $10,000 would be better used for equipment. Ms. Rooks noted there are creative
ways to accomplish this, and they are looking for leadership from the Commissioners so the
Coalition is not out their on its own. They are working for the good of all Mason County
children, and meeting their needs. There will be a transition period in June, and may not have
funding for her position, but she would be willing to volunteer to some extent. They want to
plan for the future. It was noted that the dentist overseeing the clinic, will be moving from the
area. Chairperson Cady suggested that a retired dentist be sought.
Chairperson Cady thanked the members of the Coalition for being present. She stated she
appreciated their efforts. The Board definitely wants to see this project going, and do not want
them spinning their wheels and talking it to death. There is a lot of potential. And, possibly
more money from the state. Dr. Penney remarked that they are seeing that it can be a successful
program, and that is what the state looks at.
Ms. Johnson stated that she was at the meeting last week when they talked about the financial
piece, and yes, there is a financial concern, but she does not want the Board to take the
comments of Mr. Kutz to be the reality of the situation. Since she was at that meeting, she
knows there are concerns but there are ways to work it. They are addressing the concern one
way. But if you could apply those sealants in-house and not have folks go out to the schools,
that would be another way to do this. She is really excited about what Thurston County is doing
and thoroughly support it, and they are doing very good work and are working out the bugs in
an effort to serve those children in those targeted schools. They are being targeted based on free
and reduced lunches. They are looking at expanding it next year. They are not looking to close
it. They will be including third graders in the targeted schools next year, and will be adding two
more schools.
Board Member Bolender wondered if bringing the service to a single location would limit the
access of those who cannot get to the program. Ms. Johnson replied probably not any more than
in Thurston County. There they are targeting second graders in eight schools, and there are
certainly more than eight elementary schools. There is a limited access in their plan. They are
addressing the eight schools with the highest percentage of free and reduced lunches. Here, you
would have the opportunity for anyone to come that fell in the Medicaid eligibility.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
May 1, 1997 - Page 10 of 10
Karen McElroy noted that people are directing families to this service, and also following up to
see that the appointment is kept. Board Member Bolender stated that it makes very good sense
in reducing your costs by scoping it down to a central location as long as it does not restrict
access, which it appears there are mechanisms in place to assure, as much as possible, that it does
not happen. He noted that was encouraging.
Chairperson Cady thanked them again, and stated the Commissioners would be represented at the
next Coalition meetings. She would like to see it fully on track by September when school starts.
OTHER BUSINESS
Chairperson Cady called for other business. None heard.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Chairperson Cady adjourned the Board of Health meeting at 11:00 a.m.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
'27«��(�
Mary .4C7Cadj, Chairper qn
John Bolender, Board Member
Cindy 1 sen, Board Member
Respectfully submitted,
dimat.LL
Lorraine Coots
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
MAY 1, 1997
Members Present: Mary Jo Cady, Chairperson; John Bolender, Board
Member; Cindy Olsen, Board Member
Staff Present: Dr. Mark Trucksess, Health Officer; Brad Banner,
Director of Health Services; Steve Kutz, Personal Health Director;
Mark Tompkins, Environmental Health Director; Brent Long, Board of
Health Clerk
Others Present: Ann Cole, Grace Young, Eva Rooks, Karen McElroy,
Jerri Hawthorne, Pamela Johnson, Dr. James Penney
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Cady called the meeting to order at 10:03AM.
2. CORRESPONDENCE
None
3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved/seconded by Board Member Olsen/Chairperson Cady that
the minutes of the March 25, 1997 meeting be approved. Motion
passed with Board Member Bolender abstaining.
It was moved/seconded by Board Members Olsen/Bolender that the
minutes of the April 3, 1997 meeting be approved. Motion passed
with Chairperson Cady abstaining.
4. HEALTH OFFICER REPORT
Dr. Trucksess presented the 1996 HIV testing summary. Of the 224
tested, 1 was positive. 85%, or 191 had received post-test
counseling. From 1991-96 1078 have been tested, with 5 being
positive. Mr. Kutz noted that 1/4 to 1/3 of the figures were from
the prison population.
There have been Samonella outbreaks in the State of Washington in
1995-96. Much of it has been transmitted by baby chicks and ducks,
and also exotic pets(of which 90o are carriers). The hedgehog and
prairie dog also carry Salmonella, along with the plague) It can
also be transmitted through food, such as undercooked eggs, milk
products, contaminated meats and contaminated raw vegetables.
Chairperson Cady asked if there was treatment, and Dr. Trucksess
noted there was none. Board Member Olsen asked if pets could be
carriers forever.
5. APPEAL
Mr. Banner spoke re: an appeal received by Mr. Carl Devin re:
meeting water adequacy requirements for Building Permit No.
BLD97-0139. (See attachment to agenda) Mr. Banner had since been
notified by Mr. Devin that he wished to work with the Water
Association and the Health Dept. Therefore no appeal needs to be
scheduled at this time.
NOTE: It was requested that the order of items 6 and 7 of .the
agenda be switched.
7. REPORT FROM HEALTH PLANNING COUNCIL
Eva Rooks gave a report from the Health Planning Council(Ex. A).
Chairperson Cady noted that the quarterly reports were great, and
Board Member Bolender noted the Board would like more imput
whenever needed.
6. REPORT FROM DENTAL COALITION
Eva Rooks gave a report from the. Dental Coalition(Ex. B), noting
that they needed imput from the Health Dept. for funding by their
May 13th meeting.
Coalition members introduced themselves.
Pamela Johnson, Member of the Mason County Health Planning Council
and Health Coordinator for the Mason -Thurston Head Start/ECEAP
spoke re: the Maternal Child Health contract for oral health
services(Ex. C). She wished to have a written action plan
Mr. Kutz spoke re: contract issues. The committee advised him to
sub -contract. He received a letter 2 weeks ago, authorizing him to
sub -contract. There are assessment requirements to do a Smile
Survey. A meeting has been set for May 22nd to pull all the parties
together anddevelope and action plan. If funds are not used,
$10,000.00 will be lost.
Chairperson Cady asked about the sealant program, Mr. Kutz
responded. She asked what could be done to" get it moving, and Mr.
Kutz gave his recommendation.
Ann Cole and Jerri Hawthorne commented.
Chairperson Cady commented that she would like to attend the May
22nd meeting.
Board Member Bolender asked Mr. Kutz questions.
Discussion followed between Board Member Bolender, Ann Cole, Jerri
Hawthorne and Chairperson Cady. Meeting dates were discussed..
Ann Cole spoke re: contracting service organizations also.
Board Member Bolender and Chairperson Cady responded.
Discussion followed between Mr. Kutz, Chairperson Cady and Board
Member Bolender re: monies available.
Dr. Penney directed questions to Mr. Kutz, who responded.
Eva Rooks responded, and noted that the program was making money,
and was seeing only DSHS kids.
Discussion followed with Board.
Dr. Penney explained sealant process.
Eva Rooks, Dr. Penney and Chairperson Cady discussed the funding
process.
Pamela Johnson spoke re: past meeting she was at.
Board Member Bolender spoke of the risk of limiting access.
Karen McElroy spoke.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
None
9. ADJOURN
Chairperson Cady adjourned the meeting at 11AM.