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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041725 Packet�e�vrson Public H Board of Health Meeting April 17, 2025 Jefferson County Board of Health Agenda Minutes Public Healt April 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Jefferson County Board of Health Thursday, April 17, 2025 @ 2:30 PM Jefferson County Courthouse — Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA This is a hybrid meeting: Virtual and In -Person Attendance You can join this meeting by using these methods: • Zoom Meeting: httpss://zoom.us/0/97862703889 This option will allow you to join the meeting live. You will need to enter an email address. If you wish to provide public comment, click on the hand icon at the bottom of the screen to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk of the meeting. • Audio -only: Dial: 1-253-215-8782 and use Webinar ID: 97862703889# This option will allow you to listen to the meeting live. If you wish to provide public comment, press *9 to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk of the meeting. • In -Person: You are welcome to join the meeting in -person. In the event of technical difficulties, at least one of the methods above will be accessible to the public. Please try all methods first before calling 360-385-9100 to report any issues. Public comment will be accepted and can be emailed to: BOH@co.jefferson.wa.us until 5:00 PM the evening prior to the start of the meeting. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER — Chair Grace I. Public Comment (10 mins.) Public Comment Periods are dedicated to listening to the public. Each person may address the Board one time during these periods. To ensure equal opportunity for the public to comment, all comments shall be limited to 2 or 3 minutes per person, depending on the volume of public in attendance. II. Approval of Agenda III. Approval of Minutes of March 20, 2025 Board of Health Meeting IV. Old Business and Information Reports 1. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report (Veronica Shaw) (5 mins.) AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request 2. Jefferson Healthcare Report (Dr. Kees Kolff) (5 mins.) 3. Public Health Legislative Update (Heidi Eisenhour) (5 mins) 4. Infectious Diseases Update (Dr. Allison Berry) (10 mins.) V. New Business 1. Announcement: Vacancy on the Board of Health (Veronica Shaw) (5 mins.) 2. Health Officer Coverage (Dr. Berry) (10 mins.) 3. Harm Reduction Program Updates (Anya Callahan, ocean mason) (20 mins) 4. County Health Rankings Presentation (Alyssa Wyrsch, Lolinthea Hinkley) (15 mins.) 5. 2025 Public Health Heroes Awards (Veronica Shaw, Dr. Allison Berry) (30 mins.) VI. Future Potential Agenda Topics: Olympic Connect, the Community Care Hub model Board of Health 101 Homelessness Public Health Impacts resulting from Federal Initiatives Rural Reproductive Health Emergency Fund for Public Health Strategic planning for the county The Child Development Center Sewer projects / wastewater VII. Announcements ADJOURNMENT BY: 4:30 p.m. Next Scheduled Meeting: May 15, 2025 2:30 — 4:30 PM Jefferson County Public Health Hybrid Meeting AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Jefferson County Board of Health Thursday, March 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 Alisa Hasbrouck, 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 Grace called the March 20, 2025 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at 2:31 p.m. Members Present: Chair Amanda Grace, Members Greg Brotherton, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Celeste Dybeck, Heidi Eisenhour, Monica MickHager and Gabrielle Vanwert. Excused absence: Dr. Kees Kolff. Staff Present: Staff Members Denise Banker, Dr. Allison Berry, Michael Dawson, Alisa Hasbrouck, Apple Martine, Pinky Mingo and Veronica Shaw. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Grace called for a motion to accept the agenda for March 20, 2025. MOTION: Member Brotherton moved to approve the agenda. Member Dybeck seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Grace requested a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2025 meeting. MOTION: Member MickHager moved to approve the minutes. Member Brotherton seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted Page 1 of 3 G. Gilbert NEW BUSINESS 1. PUBLIC HEARING for adoption of revised JCC 8.15 On -site Sewage Code and SEPA Determination of Non - significance Staff Presentation Carter Erickson, Environmental Health Specialist at JCPH, provided a presentation describing significant revisions to JCC 8.15, with an emphasis on efforts to bring county rules into alignment with the state's January 2024 rules revisions, to increase clarity of code requirements and to reduce costs for residents. He also presented a brief history of work on the revisions, enumerating consultations with concerned authorities, and outreach to the public in an effort to obtain feedback on proposed rules. Carter described the SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) process, which identifies environmental impacts of governmental actions. It was determined that updates to JCC 8.15 will not have a probable significant impact on the environment. Public Testimony Chair Grace called for public testimony. There was none. Board of Health Deliberation and Possible Vote on Adopting Code Board members reviewed the draft ordinance and SEPA determination. Feedback expressed by the Board concerning the new rules was largely positive. It was proposed, and the Board concurred, to strike section 8.15.150(6) c.iii. "Has a pump or siphon;" as unnecessary, which renumbered the subsequent subsections (iv) and (v) (as new subsections (iii) and (iv)). MOTION: Member Brotherton moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 02-0220-25 re: In the matter of repealing and replacing Chapter 8.15 JCC (On -Site Sewage Code) for Jefferson County Environmental Public Health, and the SEPA Determination of Non -significance, as amended. Member MickHager seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Grace called for public comment. There was none. OLD BUSINESS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report Staff member Martine evoked recall of the start of the pandemic, on its fifth anniversary, and expressed appreciation for front-line workers. She also reported on new hires and vacancies at JCPH, and mentioned current Public Health events, including the successful Connectivity event, and the approaching opening of the Blue Heron School -Based Health Clinic. 2. Jefferson Healthcare Report In the absence (excused) of Dr. Kolff, there was no Jefferson Healthcare update. 3. Public Health Legislative Update Member Eisenhour reported on health -related policies upon which the legislature is currently focused, including the "Child Fatality" bill, a reprocurement bill concerning funding of behavioral health services, and a bill to allow counties to raise the rate of increases to property tax. The state budget will be released on March 25, 2025, and the revenue forecast is "not as bad as it could have been." 4. Infectious Diseases Update Locally, influenza is down -trending though transmission remains elevated; federally, there has been little transparency concerning this year's flu vaccine formulation. COVID and RSV activity is relatively low. There have been 4 cases Respectfully submitted Page 2 of 3 G. Gilbert of pertussis in schools in Jefferson County; the best protection against pertussis is to stay up to date on vaccination. The pertussis vaccine is packaged with the tetanus vaccine, known as TDaP or DTaP, depending on age. Avian flu is still largely found among wild birds. There is concern that production of a new vaccine for bird flu, which could protect poultry, has been held up at the federal level. Concerning measles: there have been 2 cases in WA, and none so far in Jefferson or Clallam counties. The best protection against measles is to stay up to date on measles vaccines. The measles vaccine is a 1-2 dose series, generally delivered in childhood. Those born before 1957 are considered immune because measles was so widespread during that time. Those born before 1968 should get a booster. If you were born after that and cannot track down records of your vaccination, you can get a blood test to determine if you are immune or simply get a dose of the vaccine. FUTURE POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS ANNOUNCEMENTS AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR The Agenda Planning Meeting for the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on April 10, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The next regular Board of Health meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Chair Grace adjourned the March, 2025 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at 4:29 p.m. until the next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Amanda Grace, Chair Glenn Gilbert, Public Health Assistant Respectfully submitted Page 3 of 3 G. Gilbert Jefferson County Board of Health w Old Business and Information Reports Item 1 Jefferson County Public Health Report id -out] V � lffeuoll Public H April 17, 2025 It Jefferson County Board of Health IV. Old Business and Information Reports Item 2 Jefferson Healthcare Report [No hand-out] Iffetson Public H April 17, 2025 it Jefferson County Board of Health go Old Business and Information Reports Item 3 Public Health Legislative Update Min hnnrl-Ol t] Public H April 17, 2025 it Jefferson County Board of Health IV. Old Business and Information Reports Item 4 Infectious Diseases Update [No hand-out] �e%�enson Public H April 17, 2025 Jefferson County Board of Health In New Business Item 1 Announcement re: Vacancy on the Board of Health rKin hoed-outl I\. Public Healt April 17, 2025 Jefferson County Board of Health V. New Business Item 2 Health Officer Coverage rr]r, hand -cut] 'ffnson Public H April 17, 2025 Jefferson County Board of Health V. New Business Item 3 Harm Reduction Program Updates \I,-- Public H April 17, 2025 i.• � _ i F. Syr. � �'} i.a JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH _•.. HARM REDUCTION Presented by Anya Callahan and ocean mason "On a very basic level, harm •� reduction is about recognizing and supporting humanity." -DR LISA MOORE Photo credit: Nigel Brunsdon mm Definition of Harm Reduction Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies that includes safer use, managed use, abstinence, meeting people who use drugs "where they're at," and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself. Because harm reduction demands that interventions and policies designed to serve people who use drugs reflect specific individual and community needs, there is no universal definition of or formula for implementing harm reduction. -NATIONAL HARM REDUCTION COALITION History of Harm Reduction IN JEFFERSON COUNTY • Syringe Exchange Program established in the year 2000 • Overdose prevention education and (naloxone) offered since 2016 • 2022 public naloxone trainings • 2023 installing public emergency naloxone cabinets • 2024 harm reduction care navigation and point of care testing programs. outreach expanded to Quilcene, Brinnon & Port Hadlock. Harm Reduction on Continuum of Care While prevention and harm reduction have common goals of creating a healthy community of thriving individuals and prevention of injury and death, most harm reduction strategies are outside the purview of addiction prevention. -Recovery Research Institute Services through the SEP Walk -In Clinic Hours - Anonymous and Confidential Mondays, Wednesday, Friday - 2-4 p.m. • Support, connection and drug user health information • Sterile syringes and safer injecting supplies • Safer smoking supplies • Hygiene and other supplies • Wound care • Referrals (to healthcare, treatment, housing, or other providers) • Naloxone and overdose education • Drug checking Current Program Focuses Increasing Access PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THIS STRATEGY: • Improve geographic access to vital supplies • Reduce barriers to access due to stigma or privacy concerns l�eRpgy .s Book BEtU44 1161 ��pN! a NEU)LE ❑ROA BOX •:. S�-CiL iACAE rr' L�. I rk SECURE 44 Ic k - _ •SHARPS Naloxone Distributed per Month 500 40D 9 DD .NINE 111 11 >0 vy�T Month . JGPH Clinic ■ outr mh Where We're Going Care Navigation • Providing additional support and connection to specific participants • Supporting them in managing barriers to services • Collaborating with them over time to meet goals they set for themselves Clinical Care • Wound care • Providing STI and Hepatits C Testing and connection to low -barrier treatment • Improving access to low -barrier medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) i Jefferson County Board of Health V. New Business Item 4 County Health Rankings Presentation V �e�ehson Public H April 17, 2025 Public Hea Alyssa Wyrsch Lolinthea Hinkley r.,3 Whatis CHR&R? County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R), a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, draws attention to why there are differences in health within and across communities. The program highlights policies and practices that can help everyone be as healthy as possible. CHR&R aims to grow a shared understanding of health, equity and the power of communities to improve health for all. This work is rooted in a long-term vision where all people and places have what they need to thrive. CHR&R is committed to creating resources and tools that support community -led efforts to accurately diagnose core problems, understand and account for historical context and implement evidence -informed solutions. CHR&R provides a snapshot of the health of nearly every county in the nation. Model of Health ife span physical health Mental health _ife saTisfactl on Health promotion and harm eduction -linical care Housing and transportation kir. water and land --limate -1vic and community resources Education Income, employment and wealth Safety and social support Institutional practicem, Laws and policies Budgets Sovernance Worldviews, culture and norms The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute Model of Health shows how the community conditions - where we live, learn, work and play - affect our collective health and well- being. These conditions result from the ways in which societal rules, both written and unwritten, are used to determine which communities have access to the resources needed to thrive. People who hold more power shape the rules and how they are applied based on their values and beliefs. People and communities can structure society so that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Power Power is the ability to achieve a purpose and to effect change. People can build community power when they organize and act together to set agendas, shift public discourse, influence who makes decisions and cultivate relationships with decision makers Societal Rules About Societal rules are the written and unwritten rules and how they are applied to shape community conditions. Societal rules, and how they are created and maintained by those with power, are referred to as the structural determinants of health. Relationship to health and equity Societal rules shape the community conditions that impact how well and how long we live. Societal rules can directly address population health issues, such as through laws that require children to be vaccinated before attending public school. More often, societal rules shape the conditions that influence health and equity based on place, race and other societally constructed differences. Relationship to systems and structures Societal rules are often created through power over others. Leaving power in the hands of a few can create a path of advantage for some and disadvantage for many. Creating a future where no one has an advantage at the expense of others begins with understanding how our society has been structured by those who wield power. Working together, racialized and marginalized groups and their allies can change the rules to better serve our collective health and well-being. Institutional practices _aws and policies 3udgets .governance Norldviews, culture and norms Community Conditions Community conditions include the social and economic factors, physical environment and health infrastructure in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship and age. Community conditions are also referred to as the social determinants of health. Jefferson County is faring better than the average county in Washington for Community Conditions, and slightly better than the average county in the nation. Least Healthy in US Jefferson County v National Average State Average Healthiest in US Community Conditions Variable Definitions • Flu Vaccinations: Percentage of fee -for - service (FFS) Medicare enrollees who had an Health infrastructure Jefferson County Washington United States annual flu vaccination • Access to Exercise Opportunities: Percentage of people lived close to a park Flu Vaccinations 49% 46% 48% or recreation facility. • Food Environment Index: Jefferson County, Access to Exercise Opportunities 81% 86% 84% Washington scored 7.7 out of a possible 10 on the food environment index, which Food Environment Index 7.7 8.5 7.4 incorporates data on access to healthy foods and food insecurity Primary Care Physicians 1,200:1 1,200:1 1,330:1 • Primary Care Physicians: Ratio of population to primary care physicians. • Mental Health Providers: Ratio of population Mental Health Providers 190:1 190:1 300:1 to mental health providers. • Dentists: Ratio of population to dentists. Dentists 1,980:1 1,150:1 1,360.1 • Preventable Hospital Stays: Hospital stays per 100,000 people enrolled in Medicare might Preventable Hospital Stays 1,095 1,842 2,666 have been prevented by outpatient treatment. • Mammography Screening: Percentage of Mammography Screening 39% 44% female Medicare enrollees ages 65-74 who _ received an annual mammography Uninsured 8% 7%% 10'0 screening. • Uninsured: Percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance. Indicates 'Area to Explore' jii ' Community Conditions Physical environment Jefferson County Washington Severe Housing Problems r i _ _111_ 17% Driving Alone to Work 62% 65% Long Commute - Driving Alone 31% 37% Air Pollution: Particulate Matter 8.0 10.3 United States 17% 70% 37% 7.3 Drinking Water Violations No Broadband Access 90% 9WO 90% LibraryAccess 4 2 2 DIndicates 'Area to Explore' Variable Definitions • Severe Housing Problems: Percentage of households with at least 1 of 4 housing problems: overcrowding, high housing costs, lack of kitchen facilities, or lack of plumbing facilities. • Driving Alone to Work: Percentage of the workforce that drives alone to work. • Long Commute- Driving Alone: Among workers who commute in their car alone, the percentage that commute more than 30 minutes. • Air Pollution: Particulate Matter: Average daily density of fine particulate matter in micrograms per cubic meter (PM2.5). • Drinking Water Violations: Indicator of the presence of health -related drinking water violations. 'Yes' indicates the presence of a violation, 'No' indicates no violation. • Broadband Access: Percentage of households with broadband internet connection. • Library Access: Library visits per person living within the library service area per year. Community Conditions Social and economic factors Jefferson County Washington Some College 67% 72% High School Completion 96% 92% Unemployment d �12, & 'd h 4.1% Income Inequality 1 `1 4 , 4.5 Children in Poverty Injury Deaths Social Associations Child Care Cost Burden '1 Indicates 'Area to Explore' 17% 12% -79 9.2 8.3 137% Selected Variable Definitions • Unemployment: Percentage of population ages 16 and older unemployed but seeking work. United States • Income Inequality: Ratio of household income at the 80th percentile to income at 689, the 20th percentile. households with higher incomes had income 5.2 times that of 89% households with lower incomes. • Children in Poverty: Percentage of people 3.6% underage 18 in poverty. • Injury Deaths: Deaths due to injury such as homicides, suicides, motor vehicle crashes 4.9 and poisonings, per 100,000 people. • Social Associations: Number of membership 16% associations per 10,000 population. These include civic, political, religious, sports and 84 professional organizations. • Child Care Cost Burden: Child care costs for 9.1 a household with two children as a percent of median household income. In Jefferson 28% County, Washington, the average household spent 36% of its income on child care for two children. rtion Health and Wel°," . _. Population health and well-being is something we create as a society, not something an individual can attain in a clinic or be responsible for alone. Health is more than being free from disease and pain; health is the ability to thrive. Well-being covers both quality of life and the ability of people and communities to contribute to the world. Population health involves optimal physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being Jefferson County is faring slightly better than the average county in Washington for Population Health and Well-being, and better than the average county in the nation. Least Healthy in US Jefferson County v Healthiest in US National Average State Average :i filth and Welll: Leading Causes of Death Under Age 75 Deaths Rate per 100,000 Length of life Jefferson County Washington United States Malignant neoplasms 148 175 Premature Death 8,200 6,800 8,400 Diseases of heart 63 74.5 In Jefferson County, Washington, 8,200 years of life were lost to deaths Accidents 57 67A of people under age 75, per 100,000 people. Definition: Years of potential life lost before age 75 per 100,000 Intentional self harm 27 31.9 population (age -adjusted). Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis 25 29.6 Additional Length of life (not included in summary) Jefferson County Washington United States Life Expectancy 80.1 78.8 77.1 Premature Age -Adjusted Mortality 330 340 410 In Jefferson County, Washington, the average life expectancy was 80.1 years. In Jefferson County, Washington, there were 330 deaths per 100,000 people age 75 or younger. Population Health and Wellbeing Selected Variable Definitions Quality of life Jefferson County Washington United States • Poor Physical Health Days: The average number of Poor Physical Health Days 4.1 3.9 3.9 days that adults reported that their health was not good in the past 30 days (age -adjusted). Low Birth Weight 5% 7% g% • Low Birth Weight: Percent of babies born under 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Poor Mental Health Days 5.8 5.4 5.1 ° Poor Mental Health Days: Average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age - Poor or Fair Health 14% 15% 17% adjusted). • Poor or Fair Health: Percentage of adults reporting that they consider themselves in fair or poor health. Additional Quality of life Jefferson County Washington United States • Frequent Physical Distress: Percentage of adults reporting 14 or more days of poor physical health per month (age -adjusted). Frequent Physical Distress 11% 12% 12% • Frequent Mental Distress: Percentage of adults reporting 14 or more days of poor mental health per Diabetes Prevalence 8% 9% 10% month (age -adjusted). • Feelings of Loneliness: Percentage of adults reporting HIV Prevalence 181 226 387 that they always, usually or sometimes feel lonely Adult Obesity 26% 32% 34% Note: When a metric is expressed as a count of Frequent Mental Distress 18% 17% 16% individuals, it is referring to the rate of occurrence per 100,000. This can sometimes be counterintuitive when we Suicides 34 15 14 consider the population of Jefferson County (32,977 individuals). Feelings of Loneliness 36% 36% 33% e is new at CHR&R? New Indicators % Disability: Functional Limitations Access to Partks Social and Emotional Support Percentage of adults reporting any of six specific functional limitations. Percentage of the population living within a half mile of a park. Percentage of adults reporting that they sometimes, rarely, or never get the social and emotional support they need. Indicator of thresholds met for the following adverse climate and weather - Adverse Climate Effects related event categories: extreme heat (300 or more days above 90F), moderate or greater drought (65 or more weeks), and disaster (2 or more presidential disaster declarations) over the five-year period. Jefferson County 25% 47% 24% 2 Washington United States New tool to compare to similar counties, including similarity in distance, New Al tool to assist with the 'What Works for Health' evidence - rurality, and averages of counties with similar population size and based strategies database distance to a large metropolitan area Ask ZVI HI, I'm Evi. What Is your question today? I'll do my best to answer it using evidence from the What Works for Health tool. For example, you can ask What imft�t does active recess have on health? or What are community rkvelooment Block Grants? County Heatth Rankings and Roadmaps 2025 Survey For 15 years, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps (CHR&R) has provided data, evidence and tools to communities to understand their health and how they can take action to improve health and equity. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, our primary funder, decided to end funding for CHR&R at the end of 2026. As we look to the future, we are interested in documenting how you use CHR&R in your work. Sharing your stories and experiences will help us explore alternative funding to continue providing resources valuable to the field. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VLDKVBH Jefferson County Board of Health In New Business Item 5 2025 Public Health Heroes Awards Public H April l7,2025 Jefferson County Public Health Hero Award Winners Public Health Hero awards are given out every year as a way to recognize those who make a difference in the health, safety and well-being of our community Public Health Heroes 2025 Public Health: It Starts Here Every Year in April, Public Health Week is celebrated nationally. Locally, Jefferson County Public Health Heroes are nominated by the public. This year, the Jefferson County Board of Health is honored to present the Public Health Heroes Award to the following individuals and groups: ® Denise Banker, Community Health Division Director at Jefferson County Public Health, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to ensuring that public health programs remain equitable and accessible, benefiting individuals and families across Jefferson County. Denise works to identify and secure financial resources that strengthen essential public health initiatives. ECHHO (Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization) Staff and Volunteers provide no -cost durable medical equipment and transportation to medical appointments and other essential services for those 60 years of age and older, or those who cannot get themselves to appointments due to disability. • Carter Erickson, environmental health specialist with Public Health, exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated public servant, compassionate, patient, fair-minded. Navigating the challenges of an On -Site Septic System can be stressful for homeowners, but Carter excels in communicating clearly with each individual he assists. Carter also takes the lead in revising the County Septic Code and providing septic education classes. ® Linda Ferris is founder and director of Gatheringplace, which teaches important life and personal development skills, and promotes opportunity and community integration for adults with developmental and other disabilities. Plans are well -advanced for building a new permanent facility for Gatheringplace. • Jessica Garcia and Holly Mcllvaine, Student Assistance Professionals at Port Townsend High School (Jessica) and Blue Heron Middle School (Holly), provide individual and group social, emotional and behavioral counselling, case management, academic coaching and referral for students impacted by substance use and/or other behavioral/mental health issues. They coordinate prevention activities that promote positive behavior and support social -emotional learning. They also provide crisis intervention. m AJ Hawkins is owner of two adjoining downtown businesses. Beyond Kalma, the retail storefront, is The Parlor, a gathering space where events are held providing opportunities for mutual aid and support for people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA2+ community, youth, those experiencing grief, and others. AJ works to increase understanding of the effect grief can have on physical health. ® Mary Hunt is a powerhouse when it comes to feeding our community. Mary is the current president of Food Bank Growers, an organization that brings together farmers and gardeners who donate crops to Jefferson County food banks. Mary also donates hours at community meetings, and doing physical labor in the fields at the Salish Coast Elementary School Farm and Teaching Garden. ® Rae Kala, through her sharing of rich traditions of African dance, provides a source of physical fitness, social connection and mental well-being. In Rae's classes, which welcome dancers of every level (beginners through seasoned performers), Rae creates an environment where all students feel empowered, confident and included. Kimberly Kinser is program lead for Quilcene CARES (Community Assistance Referral and Education Services). Their leadership has established a program providing optimal care to acutely ill and injured patients, as well as offering assistance to individuals and families facing challenges including health, behavioral and financial crises, and support for elders in rural areas. Kimberly leads with compassion, dedication and integrity. • Mazure Pace, a community health educator with Public Health, brings 100% positive energy when explaining Public Health's services to the people who need it most. Mazure's explanations are clear and detailed and, whether addressing people in private or public settings, her manner makes everyone comfortable and eager to use Public Health services. • Salish Coast Elementary School's Farm -to -School Team, in conjunction with the school's kitchen staff, produces and feeds thousands of pounds of fresh produce to children each year, nutritionally -dense fruits and vegetables grown and prepared on the school campus. The Teaching Garden sets students on a path to health, wellbeing and environmental awareness from an early age. • Sam Touchie, transition coordinator at Cascade Community Connections, is a committed advocate for youth with disabilities, endeavoring to provide them with skills such as communication, time management, problem -solving and self -advocacy, necessary to thrive in the workforce. Sam also helps individuals build a sense of independence and self-worth, promoting social inclusion, financial stability and mental well-being. The awards will be presented at the monthly meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health, held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17t", either in person at the Commissioners' Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse or virtually via Zoom. Jefferson County Board of Health m Agenda Planning fl�7%on Public H April 17, 2025 Jefferson County Board of Health VII. Announcements ison Public Healt April 17, 2025 Public H