HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health March 2 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Board of Health
March 2, 2010
Council Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Sam Crawford, Bill Knutzen, Ken Mann, L. Ward Nelson and Carl
Weimer
Absent: Barbara Brenner and Kathy Kershner
1. PUBLIC SESSION
No one spoke.
2. 2009 -2010 WORK PLAN UPDATE
Regina Delahunt, Health Department Director, stated they need to start prioritizing
the services they provide to the public. She would like feedback from Board members
about those priorities. She submitted a presentation (on file).
Astrid Newell, Health Department, read from the presentation about chronic disease
prevention and early childhood health promotion.
health.
Delahunt read the presentation about communicable disease prevention.
Greg Stern, Health Department, described the expedited partner therapy project.
John Wolpers, Health Department, read the presentation about environmental
Anne Deacon, Health Department, read the presentation about community services.
Delahunt read the presentation about systems and infrastructure improvement and
the summary.
Discussion included how to educate people on good nutrition; preventing teenagers
from smoking; the proximity of tobacco sales to schools; the prevalence of pregnant women
in Whatcom County who qualify for Medicaid; whether early childhood development has
reduced pregnancy in the second generation; services provided by La Leche League;
whether pharmacies should advocate for the partner of someone with a sexually transmitted
disease (STD) if the pharmacy doesn't have a prescription for the partner; a description of
5930 funding; public posting of restaurant health inspection grades; whether plan reviews
of playgrounds includes things such as toxic materials, and; who is providing mental health
outpatient treatment in Whatcom County.
Mann stated he would prioritize good nutrition education above all else.
Nelson stated Health Department staff could notify pharmacies of the Expedited
Partner Therapy Program.
Board of Health, 3/2/2010, Page 1
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Delahunt stated continue discussions in the Health Committee about priorities to
inform the next budget.
Nelson stated solutions to challenges should come from the community. He is still
confident in the Comprehensive Health Plan. He would like to do something with the local
schools. They need to put together some format or idea of how to communicate with the
schools. It's too easy for busy families to choose inappropriate foods. Obesity is creating
problems with healthcare, academics, and the home life. He doesn't see any education
about alternatives. Create a panel to evaluate healthy lifestyles and foods and identifies
resources in the community. Changing exercise and eating programs in the schools is
daunting. Partner with the schools successfully, as they've done with other programs.
Delahunt stated the schools are at the table discussing those issues now.
Newell stated schools are interested in developing and reviewing nutritional and
exercise policies.
Nelson stated he would like to the schools to come and talk to the Board of Health.
Knutzen stated they already have a model in place at the Washington State
University (WSU) Extension with their dietician. Delahunt stated the WSU Extension Office
is involved. It will be a community -wide effort. The Health Department is moving away
from providing programs to facilitating other community agencies that provide programs.
Nelson stated he recommends moving this item to the Health Committee.
The Board concurred.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:43 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
The Council approved these minutes on March 16 , 2010.
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�om hatcom ma.us
Board of Health, 3/2/2010, Page 2