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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_04_16_BOH_Minutes_Executed~ jfa{f esson. PublicH~ RE GULAR MEETING MINUTES Jefferson County Board of Health Thursday, April 16, 2026 @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, Vice-Chair, Community Stakeholder Dr. Kees Kolff, Public Hospital District #2 Commissioner Monica MickHager, 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 Chair MickHager called the April 16, 2026 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at 2:30 P.M. Members Present: Chair MickHager, Members Greg Brotherton, Heidi Eisenhour, Amanda Grace, Dr. Kees Kolff and Gabrielle Vanwert. Staff Present: Staff Members Denise Banker, Dr. Allison Berry, Carter Erickson, Apple Martine, Pinky Mingo, Jenn Mitchell and Veronica Shaw. PUBLIC COM MENT Chair MickHager called for public comment. Commenter expressed concern about potential delays in Title X funding after noticing that the grant application window opened unusually late and allowed only one week for submissions. They emphasized that the community should be aware of possible funding gaps. Also noted was that approximately 14% of people who enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans this year did not pay their first-month premium. They highlighted that this loss of coverage, including unknown impacts for Jefferson County, is a significant concern for local public health needs. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair MickHager called for a motion to accept the agenda for April 16, 2026. MOTION: Member Eisenhour moved to approve the agenda. Member Grace seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted G. Gilbert Page 1 of 4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair MickHager requested a motion to approve the minutes of the March 19, 2026 meeting. MOTION: Member Brotherton moved to approve the minutes. Member Grace seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. OLD BUSINESS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report Staff member Martine reported that the BoH's resolution, adopted at the March meeting, concerning Foundational Public Health Funding was forwarded to the governor and local representatives. One representative acknowledged the difficult funding situation and expressed hope for future stabilization. The session overall saw very few bills passed and failed to fix the Vape-Tax Revenue issue. As a result, the public health system faces a projected $21 million reduction in funding for state fiscal year 2027 (beginning July 1, 2026). She praised the recent Connectivity Summit, applauding strong commissioner involvement and the event's creativity, collaboration, and cross-community engagement, including a successful Youth Summit for students from multiple school districts. Public Health staff played a major role by supporting youth activities, facilitating connections with local organizations, and maintaining a dedicated youth-focused day. JCPH also hosted an interactive exhibit showcasing Community Health Assessment work, including a live word-cloud survey and updates on the developing data dashboard and CHA/CHIP cycle. Staff member Martine reported that JCPH is experiencing a cluster of employee retirements at a time when the County is in a hiring freeze. · 2. Jefferson Healthcare Report Dr. Kolff announced an upcoming May 6 blood drive and highlighted its 24/7 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, which has expanded to serve children and operates despite limited insurance reimbursement: The hospital is preparing for major Medicaid cuts in 2027, which may result in many of those in need choosing not to seek care, due to costs. Jefferson Healthcare anticipates providing increased charity care and is considering seeking a levy lid lift to sustain essential services. Dr. Kol ff also noted financial instability at Olympic Medical Center and expressed openness to exploring collaborative partnerships that could benefit both institutions. 3. Infectious Diseases Update According to Dr. Berry, COVID, flu, and RSV levels have declined from winter peaks but remain present in the community, underscoring the continued importance of prevention and vaccination. A recent local COVID death points to staying up to date on vaccines (especially for older persons), masking when ill, and taking precautions in crowded indoor spaces. She also highlighted rising measles activity nationally-especially in South Carolina and Utah-and reminded travelers, particularly those with infants, to ensure vaccinations are current. There has been one recent pertussis case locally; adults and children should stay on schedule with tetanus-pertussis boosters. Responding to the Title X question that was raised in public comment, Dr. Berry explained that Title X funds are administered through the state, which provides a buffer against sudden cuts, and that no reductions have been reported so far, but they will notify the community if the state signals any limitations or delays. Community Health Director Denise Banker added that, although the state received its Title X notice later than usual, they were fully prepared to submit materials immediately, and therefore the program's funding is expected to remain stable. Respectfully submitted G. Gilbert Page 2 of 4 NEW BUSINESS 1. Funding for Local Public Health Services - HB 2442, and FPHS Reductions Public Health Director Martine, together with Member Eisenhour, commented upon the difficulty of comprehending House Bill 2442, a large, complex measure combining ten different funding provisions, including one that could help support county public health clinics, possibly offsetting ongoing budget cuts. They understand that a one-time, property-tax "super jump" solely to benefit public health clinics, allows the county to raise its levy above the usual I% cap once, and then maintain that higher level going forward; however, final confirmation from the state is still pending. Broader decisions about which parts of the bill to implement, and how to time them alongside other community funding needs, will be discussed at an upcoming county workshop and future Board of Health meetings. Concerning FPHS funding, the Washington state operating budget for fiscal year 2027 included a 21 million dollar cut across the public health system. JCPH had already eliminated some target FPHS services. Also in response, some local health departments who had underspent their FPHS dollars offered to return those funds to the public health network instead of the state general fund. Locally, JCPH has begun strategizing what reductions can be equitably made. Discussion ensued. 2. Public Health Heroes Awards Staff members Apple Martine and Dr. Allison Berry led the presentation of the annual awards, commemorating National Public Health Week, to the following individuals and groups who have made valuable contributions to the health of the community: • The Chimacum School Based Health Clinic, providing diverse health services to Chimacum School District students • The Friends of Public Health, raising funds to support essential public health services • Angela Gyurko, public health advocate • Jaime Jaynes, organizer of Salish Snow Sports • Jefferson County Trash Task Force, which keeps roadsides clean and safe for everyone • Mandi Johnson, organizer of the Community Tool Library • Aleah Lawrence-Pine, Operations Director for The Benji Project • Ron McElroy, overseer of neighbor-to-neighbor support in North Beach • Pinky Feria Mingo, Director of Environmental Health at JCPH • Alicia Reynolds, case manager in the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program • Mike Reynolds, organizer of the Brinnon Run Club and the Brinnon Youth Club • Scribbles Art Exploration, promoting early-childhood process art, sensory experiencing, and motor-skill development RECESS: at 3:55 P.M., the Board took a recess to take a group photo with the Public Health Heroes. CALL TO ORDER: the meeting resumed at 4: 10 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENTS Member Grace provided an update on the status of building at the Port Townsend High School and funding of the health clinic at Blue Heron Middle School. Respectfully submitted G. Gilbert Page 3 of 4 FUTURE POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS It was proposed that a Public Health Budget Report remain on the agenda for future meetings. Staff member Martine offered to provide a report on Opioid Sentiment spending at the May meeting. Olympic Connect: Staff member Martine will be in touch with Olympic Community of Health to talk about the air hub. Board of Health 101: Martine commented that this has been on the list for some time, but is pushed aside by more pressing matters; when time is available, WSALPHO provides filmed training. BoH Bylaws should also be reviewed. Member Grace commented that she believes BoH 101 could be a vehicle for informing the public about when the BoH is and does. House Bill 2442: Member Eisenhour recommends workshopping the 1/10th of 1 % tax and its behavioral support for families. Member Eisenhour asked Staff Member Erickson if Environmental Health would present on septic/wastewater issues in the next year. Erickson replied that there are plans to bring EH's local management plan to the BoH and to the community for comment. They also said there might be a briefing in early summer concerning EH goings-on. AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR The Agenda Planning Meeting for the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on May 14, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. The next regular Board of Health meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 2:30 P.M. -4:30 P.M. ADJOURN MENT Chair MickH ager adjourn ed the April 16, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at 4:21 P.M. until the next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed. JEFFa~;:,,ARD OF HEALTH (' Monica Mickl-lager, Chair a::_~ Glenn Gilbert, Public Health Assistant Respectfully submitted G. Gilbert Page 4 of4