HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health October 2 20011
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
it
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Board of Health
October 2, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m. by Council Chair L. Ward
Nelson in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present:
Sam Crawford
Barbara Brenner
Marlene Dawson
Dan McShane
Connie Hoag
Absent:
Robert Imhof
Regina Delahunt, Interim Health and Human Services Director, thanked
everyone for attending. Several staff members would be available for questions.
1. PUBLIC SESSION
Kerry Chappell, 1121 Roland Street, read from her letter dated October 2,
2001 (on file) to request that rent money generated from Planned Parenthood be
earmarked for implementing current health law requirements and to request that
the Bellingham School District contact her, as a parent, regarding any guest
speakers that are planned to address the students of the district, specifically on the
subject of sex, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV /AIDS.
Dawson asked if Ms. Chappell has received any response from the school
district. Chappell stated she has not received any response from the
superintendent of the Bellingham School District to her most recent letter. She has
been talking with the school district on these issues for the past year and a half.
She asked the school district if the Whatcom County Health Department has to go
before the district's materials committee that reviews all guest speaker materials.
The response was that they were working with the Health Department to work out
the details. She wants to know from the school district before these guest speakers
come in whether or not the speakers' materials are available to her on the topic.
She has not been allowed any access to these materials.
Hoag asked if the Health Department presented materials for review, and if
the parents are notified.
Janet Davis, Community Health Manager, stated she couldn't speak to
whether parents are told. That is not part of what the County's activities are. The
Health Department provides resources to the school in the form of materials and
speakers. She didn't know whether the school district's committee reviews the
materials specifically. The Health Department does give its materials to the
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
schools, and the schools do use the materials. She didn't know why the school
district is not responding to Ms. Chappell.
Nelson stated the Public Health Advisory Board is discussing the issue of the
material. Ms. Chappell has been before the advisory board. The advisory board
instructed the staff to bring the materials forward, and will review all the materials
to be sure the County is in compliance with the regulations.
Hoag stated it is important for parents to know what their children are being
told.
Crawford stated he received notification from the school district about the
information, and he made the decision as a parent about his children getting the
information. He was fully informed.
Chappell stated this is about guest speakers coming in to access the children.
Crawford questioned whether this is about a regular class, without
notification of the parents.
Chappell stated this is on the topic of sex, STD, and HIV /AIDS in the grade
schools.
Crawford stated he pulled his children out of the class. Chappell stated Mr.
Crawford never received a letter, in the last 30 years, from the Bellingham School
District informing him of guest speakers accessing the children and the materials
being brought in.
Crawford stated that is correct. He received a letter saying that if he, as a
parent, wants to know what the kids will be taught, then he would have to attend
the meeting. Chappell stated that letter only has to do with HIV /AIDS.
Dawson stated that letter is about the written material. It is not about what
the speakers will tell the children. The teachers don't often know what the guest
speakers will talk about.
Chappell stated the school district policy is that any guest speaker must go
before the materials committee. Her question to the district is whether the County
Health Department has gone through the proper channel, like every other guest
speaker in the community, to be approved.
Nelson stated the only thing the County Council can do is look at its materials
to make sure they are accurate according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
After that, the County is a public agency. Their materials are open to the public.
Whoever wants to access that material can access it. The County can't tell the
public how to use the material.
Chappell stated the County has a teen clinic going into the school district.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Nelson stated that is upon request by the school district. Chappell stated she
wants to see the materials.
Nelson stated that is why they are going through this process.
Regina Delahunt, Interim Health and Human Services Director, stated there
are two issues. One issue is about the material the County provides and if it is
appropriate to the community. That is being reviewed. The second issue is the
school district policy. That needs to be discussed with the school district. Any
information the County has is public information. They will have the information
available on the materials at the next advisory board meeting. One issue needs to
be taken up with the school board, and the County can address the other issue.
Hoag stated there is more that the Council can do than make sure the
material is accurate. The Board of Health can request that the teacher's notify
parents of any speakers.
Nelson stated this is the reason why he argued against the Human Rights
Task Force being allowed to go into the schools to advocate diversity and education
of homosexuality. It is not the role of County government to interfere with the
separate elected body of the school district.
Hoag stated she is not talking about advocating a position. She is talking
about notifying the parents about the materials.
Nelson stated the school district does that.
Brenner stated it would not be an imposition for the County to request that
the school district notify the parents. The school district would make the decision
about whether or not it complies.
Hoag stated she would support that suggestion.
Delahunt stated they first need to clarify what the school board policy is.
Nelson stated school boards have their own boards and budgets. He is not in
a position to request or demand that the school boards inform the parents that the
material is out there. It is important for the parents to come to the Council to
make sure the materials are accurate.
Brenner stated the County should not make a demand. The County should
make a request of all the school districts. They don't need to research the school
board policy. Simply add a sentence to the letter to the school district that is
already sent.
McShane stated this is a school policy decision for all the school districts in
the county. This is an area the Council doesn't know much about. He was notified
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
several times about programs and materials, and parents were given the choice of
removing children from the class. He preferred to know what all the school district
polices are. He guessed they are under legal obligation to provide notification.
Davis asked that the Board of Health allow the Public Health Advisory Board
to continue with their work and make recommendations, then bring the
recommendations to the Board of Health.
Nelson stated they could do that, and then advertise and hold a public
hearing on the materials.
Hoag stated it makes sense to review the material through the advisory
committee. In terms of parent notification, she did not see the desirability of
having to go through an advisory board first. There is no connection. It is a
fundamental issue that goes to parenting and public education. They are not
demanding or interfering with public education to make this request. The Board of
Health should take this position. By not taking the position, they are taking the
position that they don't want parents notified.
Brenner disagreed that they are saying they don't want parents to be
notified. It is a simple request that the school district board can do what it wants
with.
Brenner moved to add a sentence to the letter that is already sent with the
materials from the Health Department to the schools asking that parents be
notified.
Nelson stated that once they start down this path, even though the cause is
good, they will open the door for other causes they don't agree with because they
are setting a precedent. He questioned why not take the next step to suggesting or
demanding that the Board of Health's point of view be heard. This is what it could
lead to.
Chappell stated she just came to hold accountability to the school district and
the Health Department. The County Health Department should go through the
materials committee process. Things are not being done properly by the school
district.
Hoag stated all they are suggesting is that parents be notified when
materials are presented. That doesn't take a stand on an issue one way or another.
Davis questioned what topics, if any, would the Board of Health like the note
to regard.
Brenner stated the note should go on all presentations.
Hoag stated they were talking about sexuality issues.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
McShane stated that if the Council wants to send out a letter, it should come
from the Council, not staff. It is the Council's policy request.
Brenner stated her motion would apply to anything that requires the
materials committee process at the school district.
Mary Rogers, resident, stated the law says the school is responsible to notify
the parents of the speakers that come in. Her concern is about what they are
approving to give to the schools. She suggested that the councilmembers do their
homework about this. There is information that is not being presented truthfully.
Abstinence programs are being removed, and curriculum is being presented that is
not reliable and safe. Hold the advisory board and Health Department staff
accountable for the information being presented that may conflict with information
given to students at home. Kids who are taught traditional values should not have
to be removed from the class.
Brenner restated the motion to include a note in the letter regarding
notification of parents for topics that must go to the school district materials
committee.
Motion failed 2 -4 with Brenner and Hoag in favor.
Crawford asked if the Public Health Advisory Board is reviewing the
materials.
Nelson stated they are. They are also reviewing the most recent information
from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Crawford stated it would be a good thing for the councilmembers to get some
of those materials.
Nelson stated it would come to the Council.
Brenner stated make sure there is a comprehensive approach that includes
alternatives.
(Clerk's Note: Crawford left the meeting at 11:00 a.m.)
2. 2002 WORK PLAN
Regina Delahunt, Interim Health and Human Services Director, stated she
would highlight the work plan format so they can walk through it together, then
make comments on plan direction for the future, and then talk about one thing they
need to add to the plan.
The plan is based on the three core functions and ten essential services of
public health. Then ten essential services are sorted by core function. Activities
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 5
1 performed at the Health Department are listed according to the ten essential
2 services. The plan is arranged by division. Each program description includes a
3 program vision. The vision is what they would like to see in the community, and
4 gives them a reason for the program's existence. There is an indicator table that
5 provides information on the magnitude of the issue in the community. The plan
6 arranges the activities as new, priority, and standard on -going activities. At the
7 end of each division, there is a section on the progress made to the 2001 goals.
8 Also at the end of each division there is a budget page reviewed by the Public
9 Health Advisory Board.
10
11 The annual work plan is a work in progress. She is calling this a 2002 work
12 plan. It is an annual work plan that lets the community, board, and staff get a feel
13 for the focus for 2002. The indicators are not ideal, but they are what they have
14 now. They will continue to work toward measurable outcomes, which are difficult to
15 quantify. It is difficult to know if the actions they've taken are significant to change
16 the health status in an area. In 2002, she would like to expand this plan beyond
17 the work plan concept and look at it in a strategic planning way. Think about long -
18 term public health needs in the community. Prioritize the programs and see what
19 new programs are needed in the future. Look beyond the next couple of years.
20 The County administration would like the County as a whole to look more
21 strategically at all of its programs. In light of the attacks on September 11, they
22 need to add another activity to the work plan. Make sure that public health is
23 ready from a homeland security position. They do have emergency response plans
24 in place, and they have worked with Emergency Services on the communicable
25 disease response. The County needs to follow the things that are happening at the
26 federal and state levels. Make sure local planning is here and ready to go should
27 they ever need to use it.
28
29 Nelson stated the Health Department staff were working within budget
30 guidelines, and developed this budget with no increase. Staff did a wonderful job.
31 There were three meetings with the advisory board. Many changes resulted, such
32 as many of the indicators changed from percentages to hard numbers.
33
34 Brenner asked that the emergency management plan include what St.
35 Joseph's Hospital has done to make sure they are ready for any biological
36 problems. It is important to make sure the hospitals have a plan. Delahunt stated
37 the plan would include what is available in the community. They have been
38 sending information to hospitals and physicians about bio- terrorism and different
39 things to look for.
40
41 Hoag stated one goal in the past was pursuing the affects of air pollution on
42 public health. That is not included in the ten essential services. The Canadians
43 have statistics available about increased heart disease and asthma levels due to air
44 pollution. This is a major public health issue, but it is not included in the plan.
45 Delahunt stated they do not have an air quality program at the local health
46 jurisdiction.
47
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Hoag stated that the State Department of Health has an air program. The
Public Health Advisory Board said it is something they want to look at. She asked
how they get air quality into this plan. The Northwest Air Pollution Authority
(NWAPA) does not cover it. No one is looking at the health impacts to the
community or informing the community. Delahunt stated they just this week hired
an assessment person for the department. That person could take a look at
Whatcom County statistics in relation to air pollution and diseases.
Hoag stated they have to do more in -depth reporting than just looking at the
local hospital. The greatest concentration is in areas where there are not hospitals.
Delahunt stated the County does not have the capacity to do a study of that depth.
The staff could take the initial look. Without the assessment coordinator, they have
not been able to look at air quality locally.
Brenner stated NWAPA is not very responsive to complaints. She asked who
people should call on nights and weekends. The County Health Department needs
someone on call for problems that are not being addressed after hours. Delahunt
stated they don't have an on -call system. It would be through 911. That is how
people get through to the Health Department.
Nelson stated the sheriff responds to all laws, but on a priority level.
Brenner stated the problem with the mushroom composting and infectious
waste has been going on for a month, and its getting worse. NWAPA takes a few
days to respond.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Brenner stated she is getting phone calls from people complaining about the
smell. The calls come from people on Smith Road and as far north as Portal Way.
Nelson suggested that they report the calls and complaints. Show the
history of complaints to NWAPA to show there is a problem. An assessment person
can do an evaluation.
Brenner stated NWAPA has all that information. They are not doing
anything. This problem affects peoples' health.
Nelson stated the history of the Health Department was to determine the
cause and effect of health problems. Delahunt stated that is still a big part of what
they do.
Nelson stated they should assure the public and make the public aware of
cause and effect.
Dawson asked if the Recomp autoclave and mushroom composting works on
the weekends. Delahunt stated she thought it did work on the weekends, but it
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
varies depending on the waste that is being processed. She agreed that the
problem has been with both facilities.
Brenner stated it is not supposed to stink off -site, and the residential area
was there first.
Delahunt stated the Health Department has no jurisdiction over the
mushroom facility. It is an agricultural activity, not a solid waste facility.
McShane stated it is a fundamental question of whether they want the Health
Department to get involved in air quality issues. He hears some dissatisfaction that
NWAPA is not serving the county the way they like. Air quality is a significant
program increase that would require personnel and budgeting. It is a matter of
policy guidance.
Hoag stated this is not NWAPA's function. Their function is regulatory to
determine whether people are meeting standards, and to apply those standards to
the permits they issue. They do not serve the role of assessing the impact to
people's health. Look at whether air contaminants have an affect on people's
health.
Nelson stated they should determine if there is a significant statistical
difference in public health issues regarding asthma, emphysema, and lung disease
in Whatcom County, comparable to other counties. He didn't know if that
information is available. Delahunt stated that is the type of information they could
get with the new personnel. The department doesn't have the capacity to do the
more complicated analysis without having a program in place with personnel, or
requesting that the state take a look at the issue.
Hoag stated that if they look at the county as a whole, they will not uncover
the kinds of statistics they need to truly help people. A large part of the county lies
along the ocean and gets nice, clean air. The contaminants get carried inland.
Delahunt stated that type of study is complex. It would take quite a bit to come up
with the answers.
Nelson stated they need to move on with the plan review.
Delahunt asked if there are questions on the environmental health programs.
Brenner asked why the county rates of giardia are higher than the state
rates. Delahunt stated there are a number of reasons. People may be more aware
of it here, and test for it more often. The other reason is that there is a lot of
outdoor activity in this community. The food program shows a high rate of
campylobacter in the county because this is an agricultural community.
Brenner questioned the information in the living environment program,
Council packet page seven, items six through eight regarding injuries and
drowning. Drowning seems like the jurisdiction of the Parks Department. Injuries
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
are not so much a public health issue. There are some other issues that seem
more fitting for the Sheriff's Office or Parks Department. Delahunt stated it
depends on one's view of health issues. A lot of what they do deals with injury
prevention, such as around swimming pools to prevent drowning and to promote
safety.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 10, item 12. Use newspapers for
advertisements. Get the newspapers to do public service announcements.
Delahunt stated they plan to do a newspaper insert this year that has been done in
other counties. It was very effective. The insert talks about onsite septic systems,
wells, and water quality. They also mail out information. The idea is to flood the
community with information to keep it in people's minds. That is most effective.
Nelson stated mail outs are the most effective.
Hoag compared the personnel and budget on page eight, the living
environment program, and page 11, the onsite sewage program. The living
environment program has a total program cost of $71,000 and a .95 fulltime
equivalent (FTE) employee. The onsite sewage (OSS) program has 5.35 FTE's and
a budget of $501,434. Air affects all the people in the county. OSS affects only
some of the people. It is an appropriate place from where to pull money and staff.
Delahunt stated it depends on how many building permits to issue and the number
of onsite systems they want to make sure are operating. If they pull people from
the OSS problem, it will become an issue. There are many subtopics under the
living environment section. They have almost no staff. It is tough to do this
program.
Hoag stated it wouldn't take more than one person to get good information
on what is going on. Delahunt stated it is something the Public Health Advisory
Board and County Council can talk about.
Hoag stated they need to step back and prioritize. Delahunt agreed. That is
part of the strategic planning she wants to do. The department has many
programs. They do the programs and do a good job, but it is important to step
back and look at the priorities. If they did that, air quality might be a priority that
comes up.
Hoag stated they did that with the advisory board. The advisory board
universally agreed it is an issue.
Brenner stated don't cut back on OSS. The living environment program is
not a good comparison to OSS. The living environment program is a catchall
program. If they are going to work on air quality, they need a separate air quality
program. She would like to know how many products are being provided in each
program. She would like to see hard numbers.
Dawson moved to direct the new Health Department assessment person to
work on air quality comparisons and analysis in Whatcom County and the state.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Delahunt stated they would look at air quality and diseases, and recommend
further steps.
Motion carried unanimously.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 12, regarding complaints on solid
waste activities. The number of complaints is not accurate. Include NWAPA's
number of complaints relating to solid waste facilities.
Nelson asked whether the sharps collection issue was resolved. Delahunt
stated it will come to the Board of Health. Staff went to the Public Health Advisory
Board with a recommendation on how to institute a sharps collection station. The
issue is with private, residential sharps versus commercially generated sharps.
Staff will put together a memo for the Board of Health regarding the advisory board
recommendation and when it will come to the Board of Health. They will talk about
it at the December Board of Health meeting.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 13. She asked if they are doing
anything beyond just making it a law regarding treatment of level three stocks and
cultures on site. Labs are still sending untreated level three stocks and cultures.
She didn't know if they are coming directly here. She asked what the County is
doing to assure that untreated stocks and cultures are going somewhere else.
Delahunt stated she presented information at the previous Board of Health meeting
about all the people and labs they've contacted outside of Whatcom County,
including British Columbia and in Washington State.
Brenner asked where she got the list of all the labs in Washington and
Canada that are taking their waste to Recomp. Delahunt stated she contacted the
Ministry of Health in Ontario about all the laboratories in British Columbia. She
called the laboratories to find out about their onsite treatment capacity. She never
got a list from Recomp.
Brenner asked about Council packet page 16. She questioned how many
ranked contaminated sites are awaiting cleanup.
McShane stated there is a list of no- further action sites.
Brenner asked to see that list.
Delahunt stated some sites on the list have been cleaned up. Other sites
were evaluated and found not to be contaminated, and were removed from the list.
Brenner asked about Council packet page 20, regarding the food protection
section. She asked about the number of cases of Ecoli, salmonella, and other food -
related illnesses they've investigated. She also questioned how many people are
taking advantage of onsite sewage loan program. Under the chemical physical
hazards section, she questioned how many people are aware of the program. Get
the information out if not many people know. Delahunt stated she would provide
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
the answers to Councilmember Brenner's questions. Regarding the chemical
physical hazards, they visited most or all of the auto recyclers in the county.
Davis presented the Community Health Division programs.
Brenner asked about Council packet page 21. There is not a correlation
between the rate of late pregnancies and low birth rate in the chart. Davis stated
that is correct.
Brenner stated there is a higher- than -state average for people not getting
prenatal care in late pregnancy. However, there is a lower than average rate of low
birth rate. Davis stated the two are not necessarily related. It also has to do with
culture and access. This data comes from the birth certificate, which asks women
when they first see their physician. Prenatal care is a larger picture than first
seeing an obstetrician or family practice physician. There is a good system in this
county of maternity support services and maternity case management. Women see
care providers before the physician. The data is misleading, but when comparing
data across the state, they have to collect the same data that is collected around
the state. She could add a definition of "prenatal."
Brenner asked what First Steps is. Davis stated it is a maternity support
services program funded by Medicaid. The program hooks someone up with
medical care.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 22, item eight. It should say
"collaborate with Bellinghang and ethe,F all county school districts." The current
language does not ensure that all school districts are involved.
Nelson questioned what the comprehensive service program for pregnant
teens is. Davis stated the model is what they use with the Bellingham School
District. It is their model. The Health Department provides public health nursing,
connection, and case management associated with the First Steps program. They
go to where the teens are at school, and make sure they make their appointments
and are signed up for the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program. They go to
the site where the teens are gathered.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 27. Hepatitis B is a bloodborne
disease, even though it is also a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It should not
be listed on the STD page. HIV is not listed on the STD page. There are many
ways to catch it. It is not predominantly a STD. Davis stated the separation of
STD and HIV is because of the differing funding streams. They can put Hepatitis B
in both programs or in one or the other. They are trying to target the people who
come in with STD and tell them about Hepatitis B being a STD.
Brenner stated that is fine, but, it is not listed under bloodborne pathogens.
People should not think the only way to get it is through sexual contact.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
it
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Brenner questioned Council packet page 31, item ten. She was not
comfortable with the language, and it should be amended, "...n9en having sex With
nee persons having unprotected sex." People have unprotected sex is the highest
risk group. Davis stated there is an identified funding stream, and they are
required to target specific high -risk groups. Men who have sex with men is the
highest risk group. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) requires the Health
Department to target activities. Perhaps those men are not getting the message
and their behaviors are not reflecting that they understand what the risks are. The
Health Department staff uses the work plan for multiple purposes. That verbiage is
part of the CDC requirement. The correct language should say, "...men who have
having sex with men..."
Nelson stated unprotected sex does not guarantee that one won't get STD's.
Councilmember Brenner's suggested language suggests that protected sex
completely protects a person from STD. This is statistically based.
McShane stated staff is saying that funding is available for this specific target
group. Politics play into that. Davis stated the CDC is looking at the United States
as a whole and directing their activities based on those numbers. Perhaps locally
the situation is different, but they have to respond to that funding stream.
McShane questioned whether the Health Department would have to do
something separately if there is a unique population here. Davis stated they would.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 38. She would like the County to
investigate starting immunization plans in the schools again for smallpox and
possibly anthrax, in response to the terrorist activities. It takes awhile before these
things work. Communities should investigate whether to begin that program, and
then add the anthrax. It should be explored.
Hoag stated doing that on a comprehensive basis is huge compared to the
risk that is out there. It makes more sense to respond to the individual incidents.
The vaccinations are not without their own risks.
Nelson stated smallpox has mostly been eradicated. Only a small number of
countries have the virus in storage.
Brenner stated they should evaluate the issue.
Delahunt stated the CDC is looking at bio- terrorism potential and what public
health agencies need to have in place. There is no reason for Whatcom County to
begin looking at whether there should be anthrax vaccinations in school. Whatcom
County will follow the federal lead.
Hoag stated there are eight central locations in the United States where
anthrax is available. If there is an attack, they rush in the vaccinations.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Brenner stated there is not enough available. It takes 18 months for anthrax
to be prevented. Davis stated she is a captain in the Army reserves. She is
confident that the distribution method is in place through the Army.
Hoag stated they don't have enough in these places. What was sent to New
York was enough to do 10,000 people. If the terrorists had released anthrax, there
would have been more people than that affected. However, she didn't think that is
the correct response. Davis stated she didn't mean there was enough. She meant
that the system would be used.
McShane stated there is a drop -off of about 1,000 doses of vaccines
administered. Davis stated that is correct. They no longer provide direct clinics to
do flu vaccines. Visiting Nurse, pharmacies, and other providers took that over.
McShane asked how the Health Department works with Western Washington
University in terms of measles, and if they still require immunizations. Davis stated
they do.
Nelson stated Whatcom Community College also requires immunizations.
Davis stated there was a push to get all colleges on board with requiring all
immunizations.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
Brenner questioned Council packet page 48. It would be nice to have hard
numbers. Get information next time on skin testing, health and safety assessment,
and nutritional consultation.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 49 and asked what "VOA" is.
Andy Byrne, Human Services Manager, stated it stands for Volunteers of
America.
Dawson asked what the youngest age is for involuntary admission. Byrne
stated age 13 is the youngest age for involuntary hospitalization. Parents would
hospitalize children who are younger. The parent of a 12 -year old can hospitalize a
child with the agreement of a mental health expert, without the child's say. As
soon as the child turns 13, the parent does not have anything to say about
hospitalization if the child doesn't want to go. If the child 13 years old or older
doesn't want to go to the hospital, then the child becomes subject to the
involuntary treatment act rules and responsibilities. Someone else has to decide
whether the law applies to the 13 -year old.
(Clerk's Note: Crawford arrived at I2 :10 p.m.)
Brenner asked if face -to -face contacts listed in the plan are repeat contacts
or first time contacts. Byrne stated it should say face -to -face crisis contacts. They
could be repeat contacts. They could say next time the number of repeat contacts.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Brenner referenced Council packet page 50, item seven under the ongoing
section. She wants to see hard numbers.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 53. She questioned whether it is a
mistake that the number of people in the developmental disabilities program
waiting for the day program is none. Byrne stated the number waiting now is 30.
The County- funded day programs begin when someone turns 21 years old. As of
December 31, everyone was being served. Since January 1, more people have
turned 21 and more referrals have come in. They are working now to get new
people off the waiting list. They are serving more people, but there are more
people to serve.
Brenner asked for the number of people on the waiting list for the other
developmental disabilities (DD) programs. She was on the DD board for a long
time, and she recalled that the waiting list was long. Byrne stated they used to
have that information, but it was misleading. If someone is waiting for a DD
program, the information didn't specify what program the DD person is waiting for.
Brenner suggested one number that includes all the people on the waiting
lists. Byrne stated the numbers are identifiable.
Hoag asked if one has to be a citizen of the United States to be in the DD
program. Byrne stated that if one is enrolled in a County- funded program, that
person has to be already enrolled in the State Division of Developmental Disabilities
enrollment program. They do the eligibility determination. He believed one has to
be a resident of the state.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 54, item nine. Change the wording,
"Increase outreach to and inclusion of ethnic n9inei=itOes on all sei=viees pFevided to
all in the developmentally disabled community." The program needs to be more
inclusive of all, not just ethnic people.
Nelson stated item ten already says the same thing. The goal of item nine
was to specifically identify minorities who are sometimes difficult to find. There are
several reasons they deal with that in the mental health arena. There are cultural
and social issues that will sometimes deter them from getting services. There may
not be the appropriate outreach programs. They need to help the tribes, for
example, to work with their own people. This item identifies how to get the
message to the ethnic groups.
Brenner stated the term "inclusive" means ensuring that they can participate,
not going to look for them. Byrne stated they may need to do some wordsmithing
here.
Nelson stated item nine is about reaching out to minorities.
Brenner stated that is fine. Just include outreach in number ten.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Brenner questioned Council packet pages 56 and 57, and the percentage of
clients who successfully complete treatment. The percentage has stayed static and
low. Item ten talks about improving access to treatment agencies as an ongoing
activity. She questioned why the success rate isn't up. Byrne stated that was a
good question. A person tries to quit drinking many times, but the last time it
sticks is considered successful. Many people come back multiple times. Also, they
look at completed treatment, which is defined as completed, rather than as
successful.
Brenner stated they should see an improvement when they improve access.
Byrne stated he has noticed that issue. They need to do more activity in this
county on quality assurance and best practices to increase access.
Crawford stated they also have to monitor the data from the contractors,
which they rely on. Byrne stated statewide data is not reported in the same way,
and may not be comparable. The treatment completion rates are not off the
national norms. They need to look at what to do with substance abuse treatment
to increase efficacy.
Brenner questioned Council packet page 61. The percentages don't seem to
match the numbers. In Whatcom County, there seem to be a higher number of
arrests for alcohol and drug violations, but there are fewer than the state level of
kids who are favorably disposed to drugs and alcohol.
Nelson stated Whatcom County is on the Interstate 5 corridor.
Davis stated arrest data is where the arrest occurs. The people may not be
local, but they got arrested here.
Byrne stated different counties have different arrest rates.
Crawford stated it may mean that Whatcom County has better law
enforcement here.
Byrne stated it is favorable that the attitudes among the youth are dropping.
Crawford stated he invited the president of the local chapter of People First
to make a presentation to the Council, possibly in November or December. The
presentation from People First is about the current state of developmental
disabilities programs in Whatcom County.
Brenner moved to recommend approval of the 2002 work plan, with the
suggested changes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 15
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Delahunt stated the Board of Health members should have gotten
information about the local Board of Health leadership workshop on October 25 and
26 at the Radisson Hotel in Sea -Tac.
Nelson stated it is an excellent program.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
These minutes were approved by Council on October 23 , 2001.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
L. Ward Nelson, Council Chair
Board of Health, 10/2/2001, Page 16