Health Committee

March 12, 2008 – 7:30 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Present:                      Carol Tytler, Chair; Sandy Price, Vice Chair; Larry Cornell, John Steger and Kathie Wilcox

Others present:          Scott Schrader, County Administrator; John Troy, Legislator, District 1; Mike McKee, Legislator, District 17; Mark Suben, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; MJ Uttech, Deputy Director of Public Health; and Dr. Jason Stepkovich, Director of Administrative Services, Mental Health

Absent:                       Steve Dafoe (excused), Dan Tagliente (excused) and Kathie Wilcox (excused)

Ms. Tytler called the meeting to order at 7:34 a.m.

Ms. Price moved adoption of the minutes of the February 13, 2008 meeting; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

RESOLUTIONS:

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

1.                  Authorize Agreement, Accept Funds, Health Department – Jacobus Center for Reproductive Health (State Grant) – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Uttech explained that this is to authorize an agreement with New York State to accept funds.  She briefly discussed additional funding included in this and the Medical Supplies line.  She explained that the primary use of the Medical Supplies line is for the HPV Vaccine and Rapid HIV Testing.  Ms. Tytler inquired about the news released yesterday regarding sexually transmitted diseases and asked if this would increase the number receiving the HPV vaccine.  Ms. Uttech explained that the vaccine has not been offered at the Jacobus Center.  She also discussed the price of the vaccine being a reason that it was not offered and that it was not covered under Medicaid.  Ms. Tytler inquired as to how many would be served with the $37,000.  Ms. Uttech explained that she believes that this would cover about 200 vaccines.  She additionally explained that Rapid HIV Testing is also funded from that $37,000.  Committee members discussed the problematic issues with a new vaccine like this and not having the funds available to cover the cost of the vaccine.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

2.                  Authorize Agreement, Accept Funds, Health Department – Administration (Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Grant) – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.  Ms. Uttech explained that this resolution is to fill the gap for those who fall through the cracks of the normal screening programs.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

Jacobus Center Satellite Office at TC3 – Mr. Schrader explained that there has been an inquiry regarding a Jacobus Center Satellite Office at TC3.  He stated that there are still unanswered questions regarding the logistics since TC3 is outside Cortland County.  Ms. Tytler discussed the Jacobus Center being an Article 28 and added that she does not believe that an Article 28 facility can operate a satellite office.  Committee members discussed how this would work for the county.  Ms. Uttech explained that Tompkins County contracts with Planned Parenthood for services.  Ms. Price discussed transportation issues for students attending TC3.  Mr. Schrader expressed that the theory is to have current Jacobus staff spend a portion of their time at TC3.  He added this is something being looked into and added that he is still gathering information but wanted to let the committee know about it. 

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Introduction, Dr. Jason Stepkovich, Staff Psychiatrist, Mental Health Clinic – Ms. Tytler introduced Dr. Stepkovich to everyone.  Dr. Stepkovich expressed that it has been a pleasure working at the clinic and with Mike Kilmer.  Ms. Tytler invited Dr. Stepkovich to share his thoughts regarding the clinic with the committee.  He stated that there is a real need for psychotherapy in Cortland County and added that he has a sense that there may be a need for more than one doctor at the clinic.  He additionally discussed himself moving into the Clinic Directorship position.  Ms. Tytler expressed that she is interested in Dr. Stepkovich reporting to the committee about the needs of the community being met and if there is a need for an additional doctor then the committee needs to know that.  Mr. Schrader explained that Mr. Kilmer is looking into a second doctor, a child psychologist.  Dr. Stepkovich discussed revamping the way the clinic is run.  He added that even though Cortland County is a rural county that is no excuse for providing substandard care.  Mr. Schrader stated that Dr. Stepkovich is a “breath of fresh air” and added that the feedback that he has received regarding Dr. Stepkovich has been fantastic.  Ms. Price discussed improving the quality of care we are providing and how this would be beneficial to the community and better serve the children.  Ms. Tytler expressed that she is interested in seeking better services for the community.  Ms. Price explained that there is a strain for mental health services in the county and added that there are six-month waiting lists.  Ms. Tytler went on the explain that the Health Committee is aware of the space availability issues at the clinic and expressed that this is being worked on but she would appreciated input from Dr. Stepkovich.  She explained that is the Area Agency on Aging was to move out of the County Office Building then there might be space available for Mental Health here at the County Office Building.  Dr. Stepkovich inquired about the possibility of having a facility where medical and psychotherapy services can be combined.  Ms. Tytler explained that this is something that has been proposed and was not approved and briefly discussed the history regarding this.  Mr. Schrader explained that the concept is not a dead issue.  Dr. Stepkovich expressed that he believes that a co-location can provide a better quality of care.  Mr. Schrader suggested that Mr. Kilmer and Dr. Stepkovich meet with the architect and planner hired regarding the space study at the County Office Building.  Ms. Tytler agreed and stated that Dr. Stepkovich can provide input regarding an ideal design.  Mr. Schrader expressed that he looked at combining services from a financial point of view and Dr. Stepkovich is looking at it from service point of view.  Ms. Tytler expressed that she would like to invite Dr. Stepkovich to return in June to report back to us after he has been here for a bit longer.  She further invited Dr. Stepkovich to return before then if a need arises.  She thanked him for coming and looks forward to working with him.  Dr. Stepkovich expressed his thanks for the warm welcome. 

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

3.                  Authorize Agreement, Mental Health Department, Preferred Provider Agreements – Mr. Steger moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Tytler explained that this is for a standard agreement with insurance companies to be added to their Preferred Provider list.  She explained that this is so the clinic could bill for services provided.  Mr. Suben inquired about the origination of this resolution.  Mr. Schrader explained that this would allow the county to bill insurance companies for services provided.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

Ms. Price made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Tytler adjourned the meeting at 8:00 a.m.