HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 August
County Health & Human Services
HEALTH BOARD MINUTES
AUGUST 27, 1996
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
REPRESENTATIVE:
Ted Shoulberg, City Council Member
STAFF MEMBERS:
David Specter, Health Department Director
Jean Baldwin, Director of Nursing Services
Larry Fay, Director of Environmental Health
Chester Prudhomme, Director of Substance Abuse
Thomas Locke, M.D., Health Officer
BOARD MEMBERS:
Robert Hinton, Chairman
Richard Wojt, Member
Glen Huntingford, Member
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Robert Hinton. The following Board and staff members
were present: Commissioner Glen Huntingford, David Specter, Larry Fay, Jean Baldwin, Chester
Prudhomme, Judi Morris, Kelli Ragan, Linda Atkins and Health Officer Thomas Locke, M.D. The City
Council's representative Ted Shoulberg and Commissioner Richard Wojt were not present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the minutes ofJuly 23,
1996 as presented. Chairman Hinton seconded the motion which carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: No public comments.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT: David Specter reported that expenses are about $20,000 below budget.
Revenue is down by $70,000, however, funding is expected to be received from the City of Port
Townsend and various grants.
David Specter updated the Board on the Community Assessment Survey Project. The first draft has been
reviewed and a report will be published in late November.
NURSING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
PROGRAM UPDATE: Jean Baldwin reported that the Community Network is working on a
membership drive. The Board of County Commissioners originally appointed three (3) people to serve
on the Network. One person resigned and the Commissioners will be asked to appoint a person,
currently working with youth groups, to fill the vacant position by October 1 st. Chairman Hinton asked
HEALTH
DEPARTMENT
360/385-9400
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
360/385-9444
DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES
360/385-9400
ALCOHOL/DRUG
ABUSE CENTER
360/385-9435
FAX
360/385-9401
HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - AUGUST 27, 1996
Page: 2
if Jean has someone in mind? Jean said she would discuss it with Kelli Ragan and Warren Steurer and
report back at a later date. Funding for the Network began in 1994. Commissioner Huntingford asked
what the funding had been used for since that time? Jean responded that the funding was used before
they finished a plan. More funding is available and the Network hopes to have a plan established by
March of 1997.
Jean told the Board that the Department of Health decided to provide immunization in local schools. A
small fee of$8.00 per shot will be charged with the remaining costs being absorbed by the Jefferson
County Health Department. Dr. Tom Locke stated that beginning in 1997 Hepatitis B shots will be
required for school entry.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE SERVICES DIRECTOR'S REPORT
DRAFT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF TOBACCO LITIGATION: Chester Prudhomme
introduced Kelli Ragan who gave a presentation that she gives to school age children, regarding the use
of tobacco products. She also handed out and reviewed a tobacco litigation brief Dr. Tom Locke then
reviewed the draft resolution supporting the State Attorney General's lawsuit against the tobacco
industry. Commissioner Huntingford asked whether funds will be withheld or any action will be taken if
Counties do not participate? David Specter said that he did not think so. All the States supporting this
resolution will join to recover the cost of the impact that tobacco use has had on health care.
Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the resolution supporting the State Attorney General's
lawsuit against the tobacco industry. Chairman Hinton seconded the motion which carried.
PROGRAM UPDATE: Chester Prudhomme handed out and discussed two newspaper articles
regarding: 1) the biochemistry in the brains of addicts and 2) the leap in teen drug use. Chester reported
that the Educational Service District and the Port Townsend School District have hired a Student
Assistant Counselor for the Student Assistant program.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT
PROGRAM UPDATE: Linda Atkins updated the Board on the draft Memorandum of Agreement
with Quimper Credit Union. The MOA states that Quimper Credit Union would handle Jefferson
County's State revolving fund to provide affordable loans for improvements to real property for good
water quality. Quimper Credit Union would like an account set up with $30,000 in it at all times. The
funds would be used to pay contractors and then the Department of Ecology would replenish the
account. Linda then reviewed the basic fees that would be charged. The Environmental Health Staff
would handle the preliminary and final reviews of all the applications. Once the applicants receive
approval, a notice is sent to them so they can get bids. Chairman Hinton asked if staff time spent on
reviewing the applications is paid out of this fund? Larry Fay said that this fund is only for repairs to
systems. Statr s wages are absorbed out of the on-site sewage fees.
Larry Fay reported that Olympic Air Pollution has $5,227 available to Jefferson County for air pollution
related projects. He said they will apply for the money and use it for informational pamphlets regarding
burning in the City and the County.
HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - AUGUST 27,1996
Page: 3
HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT
Dr. Locke updated the Board on the Pertussis (Whooping Cough) outbreak in Jefferson County. A
vaccine for Pertussis is available, but wears off over time. Individuals are more likely to get it as an adult.
Some parents do not give their children the vaccine because of the side effects it causes. Antibiotics are
given to family members and people who have been in close contact with a Pertussis patient. This will
wipe out all effects of the disease.
Dr. Locke briefed the Board on the results of a "self assessment" oftheir capacity to perform the core
functions expected of public health agencies in Washington State. This assessment was done by
department management. He asked the Board to review the results and contact him with any questions.
Hearing no new business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held Wednesday,
September 25, 1996 at I :30 p.m.
SON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
...~
(Excused Absence)
Richard E. Wojt, Me ber
Glen Huntingford, er