Health Committee

November 8, 2005 at 7:30 am

APPROVED MINUTES

 

Members:                   Dr. Paul DiGiovanni, Chairman; Larry Cornell, Carol Tytler, Newel Willcox, Tom Williams

Others Present:          Katrina Spicer, Jackie Gailor, Linda Medeiros, Kathy Feuerherm, MJ Uttech, Harriet Webb, Audrey Lewis, Suzanne Parsons, Elaine Lambert

Absent:                       Michael McKee, Vice Chairman; Ron VanDee

 Dr. DiGiovanni called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m.

 Mr. Williams moved adoption of the minutes of the October 6, 2005 meeting; seconded by Mr. Cornell. 

All members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

Health Department

 

1.        Authorize Agreement-Health Dept/Children With Special Needs (EIP/CSHCN NYS Grant) – Ms. Gailor stated that this is an annual grant used to cover administrative expenses in the Early Intervention and Children with Special Health Care Needs programs.  This grant has been the same for years.  Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

2.         Authorize Agreement/Accept Funds-Health Dept./Administration/Special Programs (Cancer Screening Program) – Ms. Gailor pointed out that this funding will pay for services related to breast health services such as mammography, ultrasound, tissue testing, etc.  Dr. DiGiovanni requested to abstain from voting due to a possible conflict and was granted permission to do so.  Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; Dr. DiGiovanni abstained; resolution adopted.

 

Mental Health

 

3.         Amend Budget/Amend Agreement, Mental Health Department (Catholic Charities) – Ms. Medeiros explained that this will be used to increase bed capacity from 48 to 50 in the housing program operated by Catholic Charities.  Mr. Williams moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

4.         Authorize Agreement, Mental Health Department (Duquesne University) – Ms. Medeiros stated that the student nurse lives in the area and will use this program to obtain her Psychiatric Clinical Nursing certification.  Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Willcox.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

DISCUSSION/PRESENTATIONS/DISTRIBUTIONS:

 

1.         Mental Health Department – Ms. Medeiros presented the committee with a Quarterly Revenue Report.  105% of the Clinical Goals have been reached.  Horizon House capacity could be increased by 10.  Psychiatrist at Horizon House is resigning.  She will stay until December 20, 2005.  This is a part-time position, eight hours a week.

 

2.         Health Departmental Division Reports – Ms. Gailor presented the committee with a Caring Community Hospice of Cortland Board of Health Report, November 2005.  She discussed some problems with one Nursing Facility.  Ms. Webb presented the committee with the departmental 2005 Budget Summary as of 9/30/05.  The committee discussed the Flu Shot Clinic.  The amount of vaccinations that have been given is above normal.  Ms. Feuerherm presented the committee with November 2005, Division of Nursing Report.  She pointed out that a full-time Registered Nurse resigned.  This will restrict referrals and add to the staffing crisis.  They have no applicants or prospects.  Her goal is to keep her current staff.  The committee discussed the Nursing Contract that expires December 31, 2005.  The suggestion was made that pay differential be discussed during the contract negotiations.  Ms. Lambert presented the committee with the Jacobous Center Month of October 2005 Report.  She pointed out the Teen Risk Trends and that Teen Asphyxiation can be fatal.  Ms Lewis presented to the committee Environmental Health, October 2005, Draft Report.  She informed the committee of three positive testing results for West Nile Virus on dead birds.  Two of the three birds tested were from the same area.  Issues relating to West Nile Virus, mosquitoes and standing water were discussed.  The Village of Homer has voted not to continue adding fluoride treatment to their water.  Environmental Health Office is having difficulties with the decrease of a full-time clerical position to part-time.  Dr. DiGiovanni expressed that he would like to discuss staffing issues within the department at the committee meetings.   Dr. DiGiovanni discussed the possibility of the Tobacco money funding a new Health Center.  He would like departments to keep in mind issues and needs in a Health Center that can be addressed.  He needs a broader look at the needs of personnel and staffing as it relates to the department.  The committee must be informed and must be kept informed.  Ms. Parsons distributed Health Education Board of Health Reports to the committee.  She pointed out that they have lost a Cancer Screening Educator.  The Migrant Workers Health Fair was discussed.    

 

Mr. Willcox made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Cornell. 

 The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.

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