HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health April 3 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Board of Health
April 3, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Kathy Kershner called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (10:38:49 AM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Sam Crawford, Bill Knutzen, Kathy Kershner
and Pete Kremen.
Absent: Carl Weimer.
1. PUBLIC SESSION
Doug Benjamin, Public Health Advisory Board Chair, asked the Council to pay special
attention to what Mr. Thompson has to say today.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the Public Health Advisory
Board has discussed Mr. Thompson's presentation today.
Dean Wight, Whatcom Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic Executive Director and
Healthcare Access (WAHA) Board Member, stated he asks the Council to pay attention to
the developments in Whatcom County.
Stephen Gockley, Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA) Board Member,
stated take advantage of opportunities to expand healthcare to people in need locally. A lot
of work has gone into planning.
Marc Pierson, Peace Health and Healthcare Access (WAHA) Board Member, stated he
supports the integration that Mr. Thompson will present, to provide better health and well
being in the community.
2. TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE IN WHATCOM COUNTY
Regina Delahunt, Health Department Director, stated this is national public health
week. One area to work on is health care access for adults under 65 and also mental health
care access.
(10:39:25 AM)
Delahunt read from the presentation in the Board packet. Today they will focus on
transforming health care in Whatcom County. Whatcom County health care is in the lead
nationally.
Larry Thompson, WAHA Executive Director, continued the presentation beginning
with the future of the Whatcom County health system.
Board of Health, 4/3/2012, Page 1
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Mann asked and there was discussion of the definition of care coordinators.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of who decides the best health treatment
and outcome for a particular patient.
Thompson concluded the presentation.
The following person answered questions:
• Dean Wight, Whatcom Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic Executive Director
and Healthcare Access (WAHA) Board Member
• Dr. David Lynch, Family Care Network and Healthcare Access (WAHA) Board
Member
• Dr. Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Officer
Brenner asked about reforming the costs of tests and whether they're talking about
end of life rather than healing elderly persons.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of future health plans that require County
Council approval.
Crawford asked and there was discussion about State funding for behavioral health
issues being used for the accountable care community (ACO).
Kershner asked and there was discussion of what happens to other counties that
Whatcom County has been partnering with for years and how they're integrating the
regional non - medical social service providers into this program.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether they're talking about private
insurance companies.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the State is passing liability to
the local jurisdictions, what the State has officially done so far, and what happens next.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether most people who have private insurance would see much of a
change.
• If they're primarily talking about populations who rely on government
support, primarily in the area of behavioral health.
• What would change for local doctor offices.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of:
• Not getting to the real issue of the cost for providing healthcare access to
everyone.
• The problem of lawsuits and medical malpractice in the medical industry.
• Pharmaceutical companies that spend money trying to convince people they
need a certain drug.
• Prevention versus post- diagnosis treatment.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of scheduling another meeting to continue
this discussion.
Board of Health, 4/3/2012, Page 2
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Mann stated he thanks Dr. Lynch for speaking bluntly. He's interested in Whatcom
County becoming the ACO, and would also like more discussion.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether they've started any pilot
programs.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether this depends on the federal
affordable healthcare laws and whether the Supreme Court case could strike this down.
Mann stated he would like more information on what steps the County Council will
have to take regarding the five health insurance companies.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the County Council would no
longer contract with service providers and how the County would have government
representation on the ACO.
Crawford stated he suggests that they take this information on the road to publicize
it.
Kremen stated he suggests that councilmembers submit their specific questions to
Health Department staff before the next meeting.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:04 p.m.
The Council approved these minutes on April 24, 2012.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Board of Health, 4/3/2012, Page 3