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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/10/03 - Board of HealthMASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH October 3, 1996 The Board of Health was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson William O. Hunter with Board Members Cady and Faughender in attendance. ATTENDANCE: William O. Hunter, Chairperson Mary Jo Cady, Board Member Mary Faughender, Board Member Brad Banner, Health Services Director Steve Kutz, Personal Health Director Brent Long, Board of Health Clerk Ray Coleman, Aids Advisory Council CORRESPONDENCE Letter received from the Hood Canal Improvement Club dated September 7, 1996, pertaining to illegal dumping taking place at the club's Dalby Road property. Signage and law enforcement patrol was being requested to prevent the dumping. Chairperson Hunter informed that he and Board Member Faughender attended the club's last meeting in which action was taken to purchase a chain to block off the entrance to the property. Chairperson Hunter asked that this property and other side roads around the county be posted as "no dumping." Board Member Faughender noted that the Improvement Club hauled away a large number of tires which had been dumped illegally on their property in the past, and it would be a shame if this problem reoccurred. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved/seconded by Board Member Cady/Chairperson Hunter that the minutes of the September 5, 1996, Board of Health meeting be approved as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. CONDOM DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM Steve Kutz, Personal Health Director, presented a progress report regarding the condom accessibility program. This program started as a one-year pilot project in October, 1995, at which time condom vending machines were installed at the Doo Wop Diner and Daisy's Roadside Inn. Since October, 1995, the total number of condoms dispensed from the four machines at the two sites has been 1,323. A written survey at the locations of the machines was attempted, but was ineffective. In an attempt to get more surveys completed, staff visited the sites and asked patrons to voluntarily fill out an anonymous survey. Of those individuals asked to complete a survey, 73% complied. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH October 3, 1996 - Page 2 of 4 Information from the surveys: • 73 percent believe the Health Department should continue to be involved in projects like this; • 27 percent did not believe the Health Department should be involved in projects like this; • 18 percent reported safer behavior due to machines and pamphlets being available; • 73 percent did not feel their behavior was influenced; and • 9 percent stated it was not applicable to them. Board Member Cady noted that the same percentage of people completing the survey also stated their behavior was not influenced. Mr. Kutz replied that the figures were not contradictory of each other. Even though their behavior may have not changed, the survey participants believed that the accessibility to the condoms influenced others. Board Member Cady asked if the decision to conduct surveys with patrons of the establishments was pre -approved by the owners. Mr. Kutz replied it had been approved prior to the survey's initiation. The machines need periodic servicing and this has taken place twice since the April report. This involves removing the money, filling the dispensers and ensuring the machines were in working order. Vandalism has not been a problem. However, one machine had a minimal amount of graffiti. A volunteer was ready to take on the task of servicing the machines if the county continues the project. Mr. Kutz recommended that the program be continued. The impact to the Health Department would be negligible, especially if volunteers were utilized to service the machines. Board Member Faughender asked how the money and inventory was monitored. Mr. Kutz replied that a reporting sheet has been utilized to reconcile the inventory. Board Member Cady asked if the owners of the establishments were willing to continue their participation in the program. Mr. Kutz replied they were agreeable. Mr. Kutz stated the project started initially with a Preventive Health Grant. The grant funded the purchase of the machines and the initial inventory. The inventory now pays for its replacement. Chairperson Hunter asked if any other establishments had requested the machines. Mr. Kutz replied they have not, but they have not solicited other sites. Board Member Faughender asked what the future of the program was. Mr. Kutz responded that this project has made good -quality condoms at a very low cost more available in the community, and people were buying them. This program will, hopefully, continue to increase the availability of protection in the community for those who choose to use it. Even though he was not proposing that they expand the program, he would work with business owners in an educational manner to provide information on how they could set up machines in their establishments. Some newer establishments, like the Little Creek Casino, have placed condom machines in their rest rooms. Board Members Faughender/Cady moved/seconded that the condom distribution program be continued for one year. Motion carried unanimously. HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT Mr. Kutz presented the Health Officer's Report on behalf of the Health Officer. He reported that Hepatitis A cases were still being documented. There have been 4 or 5 cases this month. A significant number of cases have needed follow-up. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH October 3, 1996 - Page 3 of 4 In addition, a parent preparing food for a local birthday party was subsequently diagnosed as having Hepatitis A and potentially exposed approximately 120 kids and a number of adults. An announcement was made in the schools, and a good response was received from the students and parents. Approximately 50 to 75 children were educated on the subject and many of those received immunoglobulin. Many of the fast food restaurants which employ high school students, were concerned and laid the students off from work. Proper education on the ways to prevent Hepatitis A was very important. Sanitary prevention keeps it from being transmitted to the public. Board Member Cady wondered if communication had taken place with the restaurants. Procedure was discussed. If there was no possible exposure, there was no risk. Restaurants need to demonstrate that proper precautions are being taken. The Board was briefed on the symptoms of Hepatitis A, and liability issues were discussed. Flu shots are starting this month. The schedule of flu shot clinics has been published. Dates will also be set aside for county employees to receive flu shots at the price of $5. The cost, which is usually $8, will be subsidized by a Wellness Committee Grant. ON -SITE SEWAGE REGULATION Brad Banner, Health Services Director, requested a public hearing date to consider amendments to the Mason County On -Site Sewage Regulation. He presented proposed revisions in draft form dated September 5, 1996. Board Members Faughender/Cady moved/seconded that a public hearing be set on November 7, 1996, at 10:30 a.m., to consider revisions to the On -Site Sewage Regulation. Motion carried unanimously. APPEAL - JANICE COOPERSTEIN Board Members Cady/Faughender moved/seconded to continue the November 7th, 1996 Board of Health Meeting in order to set a public hearing on November 19, 1996, at 2:00 p.m. to hear the Janice Cooperstein appeal. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT Ray Coleman, Member of the HIV Consortium and Second -Chair to the Aids Advisory Council, thanked the Board for continuing the condom machine program. He hoped that additional machines would be installed in the county. During his work for the Aids Walk, he was told by several local business owners that they would like to have machines installed in .their establishments. Machines should be placed where they are accessible to minors also. Staff members of the Health Department were also thanked for their assistance in this program. He noted that this program has helped make our citizens safer against disease and unwanted pregnancies. MEETING ADJOURNED Board Members Faughender/Cady moved/seconded that the Board of Health meeting be adjourned at 10:45 a.m. Motion carried unanimously. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH October 3, 1996 - Page 4 of 4 MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH zje./01,1"A,, William O. Hunter, Chairperson 2 d 4G1 Mary JBoard Mber d Member Respectfully submitted, dmod,,,t Lorraine Coots