HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_11_20_BOH_Minutes_ExecutedPublic Health
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Jefferson County Board of Health
Thursday, November 20, 2025 @ 2:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Courthouse — Commissioners' Chambers
1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA
Hybrid Meeting
Board Members
Greg Brotherton, County Commissioner, District #3
Heather Dudley-Nollette, County Commissioner, District #1
Celeste Dybeck, Tribal Representative
Heidi Eisenhour, County Commissioner, District #2
Amanda Grace, Chair, Community Stakeholder
Dr. Kees Kolff, Public Hospital District #2 Commissioner
Monica MickHager, Vice -Chair, Port Townsend City
Council
Gabrielle Vanwert, Consumer of Public Health
Staff Members
Denise Banker, Community Health Director
Dr. Allison Berry, Health Officer
Lara Cittadini, CHIP Manager
Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Carter Erickson, Environmental Health Manager
Apple Martine, Public Health Director
Pinky Mingo, Environmental Public Health Director
Jenn Mitchell, Finance Manager
Veronica Shaw, Public Health Deputy Director
Vice -Chair MickHager called the November 20, 2025 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at
2:30 p.m.
Members Present: Vice -Chair Monica MickHager, Members Greg Brotherton, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Celeste
Dybeck, Heidi Eisenhour (departed early), Kees Kolff (departed at 3:10 p.m.) and Gabrielle Vanwert.
Staff Present: Staff Members Denise Banker, Dr. Allison Berry, Michael Dawson, Apple Martine, Jenn Mitchell and
Veronica Shaw.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vice -Chair MickHager called for public comment.
There was none.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Vice -Chair MickHager called for a motion to accept the agenda for November 20, 2025.
Staff Member Martine requested a change to the agenda, correcting the title of Section V.2 to read "Behavioral Health
Advisory Committee" in place of"Behavioral Health Consortium."
MOTION: Member Kolff moved to approve the agenda as revised. Member Dybeck seconded the motion,
which carried by a unanimous vote.
Rcspdctfully submitted Page 1 of 3
G. Gilbert
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Vice -Chair MickHager requested a motion to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2025 meeting.
MOTION: Member Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the minutes. Member Brotherton seconded the motion,
which carried by a unanimous vote.
OLD BUSINESS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report
Staff member Martine addressed Public Health annual budget issues, including various factors negatively impacting
public health budgets and consideration of reducing services. Staff member Shaw elaborated on the potential need to
discontinue some JCPH programs due to lack of funding.
2. Jefferson Healthcare Report
Member Kolff reported that Jefferson Healthcare is also facing budget cuts similar to JCPH which could result in
reduction of critical services. The recent expansion of the hospital included introduction of new "specialty services"
which may save the hospital financially. A linear accelerator recently treated its first patient, and delivery of a new
mobile "health and dental van" is expected.
3. Infectious Diseases Update
Dr. Berry reported that the number of COVID cases is declining. There has been one death from COVID-19 reported
this season in Jefferson County. Staying up to date on vaccinations is important to reduce the risk of severe disease,
especially for those at high risk. There is a rapid rise in flu cases locally and current flu appears to be more severe
than in recent years; vaccination and masking in public gatherings is recommended. RSV is expected later in the
season. Avian influenza is a risk during this migratory bird season; avoid contact with wild birds (personal flocks
should be kept separate from wild birds). Flock owners are recommended to wear N95 mask, gloves, and eye
protection if caring for sick birds or cleaning their coops.
The CDC recently claimed that a connection between vaccines and autism "cannot be discounted," contradicting years
of research. Dr. Berry shared that there has been extensive research into this possible connection and it has been
repeatedly disproven. The primary driver of increasing rates of autism is better detection and the broadening of
diagnostic criteria, with a small contribution of increased parental age.
With the reopening of the federal government, funding for SNAP and WIC has resumed, although funding has been
reduced. Dr. Berry recommended supporting local food banks.
Discussion ensued.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Policy Regarding Establishing Public Health Clinical Fees
Staff member Martine spoke in response to a question (from the October meeting) requesting consideration of how
the Board can be more involved in the setting of fees. The County Prosecuting Attorney's office is reviewing the
2012 Board of Health policy which set rules for clinical fee setting; recommendations for revision of the policy are
expected by the 5ffi of December and may be considered at the December Board of Health meeting. Discussion
ensued.
2. Alternate Board Member Representing the Board on the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
Staff member Martine led a discussion of the need for an alternate representative to the BHAC, and its
responsibilities. Member Vanwert volunteered to serve as alternate representative.
MOTION: Member Brotherton nominated Gabrielle Vanwert as the alternate for the Board of Health
representation on the BHAC. Member Dybeck seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted Page 2 of 3
G. Gilbert
3. Board of Health Member Updates
Dr. Berry addressed an update to board membership rules at the state level. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1946,
passed during the 2025 legislative session, amends local board of health composition requirements regarding
appointment of Tribal representatives. Multiple seats on the board must be made available if there are multiple local
tribes who wish for representation on the board. Additional tribal members will necessitate rebalancing of elected and
non -elected members on the board. Discussion ensued.
4. Encampment Update/Board Discussion: Mission, Policy, and Service Delivery
Staff member Martine introduced an update and discussion concerning happenings concerning the sweep of the
encampment adjacent to the DSHS building, and planning for support of those affected by the sweep. Wide-ranging
discussion included the role of JCPH in providing harm reduction services in support of the unhoused, guidance
provided by National Association of County and City Health Officials, the county policy governing how homeless
issues should be addressed going forward, and the critical lack of available housing.
Viola Ware, Director of Housing and Community Development at OlyCAP, described partnering with JCPH harm
reduction staff to provide funding for support services.
FUTURE POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS
It was recommended that homelessness be added as a recurring topic on the BoH Agenda at least quarterly.
Staff Member Martine will reach out to Jolene Kron, Executive Director at Salish Behavioral Health Administrative
Services Organization, to present an update about behavioral health programs and services available in Jefferson
County through SBHASO, in addition to an update on the Opioid Settlement funding process.
Member Dudley-Nollette requested an update on the status of Senate Bill 5803, the Vapor Tax.
There were none.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR
The Agenda Planning Meeting for the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on December 11, 2025 at 10:30
a.m.
The next regular Board of Health meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from
2:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice -Chair MickHager adjourned the November 20, 2025 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at
4:32 p.m. until the next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed.
JE FERSON C Y B OF HEALTH
Monica MickHager, Vice- air Glenn Gilbert, Public Health Assistant
Respectfully submitted Page 3 of 3
G. Gilbert