Board of Health - October 20, 2017 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Friday, October 20, 2017
Present: Chris Anderson, MD; Vern Bennett, Dinah Goldenberg, John Strand, and Mike Thorstad
Absent: Chelsey Matter
Others Present: Larry Anenson, Page Arntson-NDSU Nursing Student, John Baird, MD; Lakken Boeder-NDSU Nursing Student, Justin Bohrer, John Dullen-NDSU Nursing Student, Kathleen Gould-NDSU Nursing Student, Megan Harrington-NDSU Nursing Student, Sydney Larson-NDSU Nursing Student, Robyn Litke Sall, Melissa Perala, Abby Senger-NDSU Nursing Student, Ruth Roman, and Vanessa Vig-NDSU Nursing Student
Dinah Goldenberg, Chair called the meeting to order.
Announcements: Ruth highlighted a celebration of Linda Anderson’s 40 years of dedicated service with Fargo Cass Public Health.
Approve Minutes: Vern Bennett made a motion to approve the August 18, 2017 meeting minutes with one correction. John Stand seconded and motion carried.
Health Officer’s Report: Dr. Baird circulated a copy of his report. Highlighted Naloxone kits training protocol and standing order, completing design of syringe exchange program, consultation with Three Affiliated Tribes concerning public health, and coroner activities.
Budget Report September 2017: Melissa is still working on budget adjustments. Ruth talked about vehicle and equipment grant for Detox for $140,000 that came available in August. The equipment is a very cost effective for the City of Fargo and staff did a good job on getting the pieces in place. Vern had a question regarding $1,000 from the West Fargo Schools. It is a different model for the schools but one nursing manager consults with West Fargo. West Fargo employs their own nursing staff.
Substance Use Update: Robyn Litke Sall gave a power point presentation. Narcan distributed in Bismarck at a Recovery event already saved one life. Previewed Department of Human Services grant for $70,000. Discussed leadership of our department in the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Addiction (MBRCA), LevelUp Coalition, NDSU Presidents’ Council, and technical assistance. ReGroup in Moorhead had lost funding and John Strand wanted to know what the reality of that means. Robyn will check on type of investment that is needed. Mike Thorstad, for Naloxone is there a risk if they are not on Opioids. There is no risk. Mike also saw on the news that deaths are going down. Dr. Baird said the Methadone clinic has had an impact. Opioid deaths have gone down but alcohol addiction is still a huge problem. Vern Bennett talked about prevention with performance measurements until he sees a different direction for the jails and juvenile detention. Adding on to Clay County Jail to double the population. He is not sure we are doing the right thing with prevention dollars. Dr. Baird discussed social capital regarding treatment versus incarceration.
Accreditation Update: This is the last Board of Health (BOH) meeting before November 28 submission. Justin Bohrer circulated two handouts on defining governing entity in accreditation. Ruth, part of the accreditation process has been development of plans. Discussed the one year progress update of the Community Health Improvement Plan. The CHIP update focused on childhood obesity, substance use and abuse, and how the updates have been accomplished. The annual report for the MBRCA will be included in the Plan when complete. Vern Bennett, on the strategies, should parents be included in the Parents Lead. It is missing right now but will be included when it is done. Dinah Goldenberg said this is a great way to present this to the Board of Health and she thanked staff very much and looks forward to hearing about the next stage of accreditation.
Meeting Dates 2018: A copy of the 2018 meeting dates was distributed.
Election of Officers: Dinah is stepping aside because her school board term is ending. Chelsey Matter is interested in becoming Chair and Mike Thorstad will stay as Vice Chair. Dinah said it had been her pleasure to serve as chair.
BOH Meeting Location: Ruth, it appears we could move our meeting to our Fargo Cass Public Health location. December we will meet at City Commission Chambers and February to FCPH.
Mike Thorstad welcomed the seven NDSU nursing students to the meeting.
Next Meeting: December 15, 2017