Board of Health

Board of Health Minutes Date: Thursday, November 7th, 2024 Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of the Courthouse Board Members Present: Scott Mildbrand, Lynn Rosemeyer, Karen Cummings, Jennifer Polacek (virtual), Diane Albrecht, Ronette Lehman Board Members Excused: Brittany Chariton, Sally Nazer Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon, Whitney Wiltse Also Present: None Call to Order: Scott called the meeting to order at 9:00AM. Approval of Minutes: Karen moved to approve the minutes from September 4th, 2024 ; Seconded by Lynn. Motion Carried. Approval of Agenda: Diane moved to approve the agenda for November 7th, 2024, with twelve items; Ronette seconded. Motion Carried. Public Comment: None Correspondence: None Discussions: GPS Monitoring in County Vehicles: Michelle explained that it would cost $60/month for our department vehicles (3 total) that would come from tax levy. Scott asked Michelle prior to the meeting if the staff in the department feel safe while using the county vehicles, and it was explained that staff were asked and agreed they feel safe. Michelle also explained that when staff are going offsite there is strong communication that happens both with text updates and information that is collected prior to the appointment on the office calendar. When necessary two staff go to off -site locations. The idea of adding one to the vehicle that is used by the Environmental Health Sanitarian was considered, but at this time it was decided that none of the Health Department vehicles will have it installed. It will be added to the agenda in six months to ensure all is still going well and noted that if needed it could be added at any time. Motion for approval of no installation at this time made by Karen; seconded by Lynn. Highlights from Health Officer Report & Other Updates: i. Staffing: Jackie has left our department. Karen Kropp-Mueller has been filling in as needed 2-3 days a week depending on the need with nail care primarily. Our new nurse Jessica Meier has been hired and starts on Monday 11/11/2024. She comes with a strong background in OBGYN and is also a car seat tech. This will give us three techs. ii. Conferences: Michelle and Rhianna attended a Suicide Prevention training in La Crosse. Gina, Michelle, Rhianna, and Sara attended the Public Health In Practice conference which provided training sessions for job focused areas, and also as a group setting. iii. Grant Updates – -Harm reduction: The outdoor vending machine has been ordered and is anticipated to be installed outside the Gilman Fire Station. This machine is temperature regulated to ensure all products are stored properly. The current machine in the courthouse will be moving to the 24/7 access door at dispatch to provide additional hours of availability and it is also being moved due to the upcoming secured entrance enhancements. The future goal is to have another machine installed outdoors in the Rib Lake area. -We were approved for the Narcan Dispensing systems. They appear similar in size to a newspaper stand and will be located at places like public libraries and the homeless shelter. -Car Seat Grant : We have completed our first year with the DOT grant. We have again applied for this year’s grant for $3000 dollars. -Healthy Aging Grant : This grant is going well as we work regularly with the Commission on Aging for events such as the recent Fraud Prevention class and the Senior Health Fair. -Weathershield Lite Foundation: On 10/31/24 we were granted the Weathershield Lite Foundation grant for $2100 that will be put towards our Cribs for Kids Program. Due to the rising cost of equipment, we have raised the cost to $40 for families to receive a pack and play after a short education. If families are unable to pay, we don’t exclude them from the opportunity. This grant will help offset those costs. iv. Departmental Updates – -Environmental Health: Brooke Jahner started on 9/30/2024. She is working with DATCP, Lincoln, and Marathon counties for her training right now. She can start doing Tourist Rooming Houses on her own starting next week. She is still overseen by another Environmental Specialist to ensure all is good. She has started to go on inspections for our local places and has been going well for her. -Immunizations: We have seen a large influx of students due to school regulations changing. Due to this we have reminded the schools to give us notification when mass letters are sent to ensure we are stocked for the needs of the client. This was the first year we offered flu shots at the nail care sites during our trips there. It was a very successful and an appreciated addition. We plan to continue this again in the future. For the Senior Fair we provide 127 flu shots in three hours. This was done with only 2 nurses, 2 registration staff, and 1 insurance scanner. Overall. it went very well. We did have many questions regarding Covid vaccine, so we ended up starting a wait list and ordering some. Currently we only have a single unspoken for dose. v. Cross Agency Updates: - We have been partnering with the Commission on Ageing as mentioned. We are also helping them with their building update projects like fixing the bathrooms to be more accessible and ADA compliant. - Participated in the Little Lambs Hispanic Outreach and had a lead test and car seat sign up completed. Those families have since followed up for more services. - Vision screening is upcoming in Rib Lake, and Gilman is scheduled for December. (Medford has their own camera). - Suicide Awareness Walk was very successful and had a great turnout of new families and returning families. We provided QPR training afterwards for all community members. - Man Therapy officially started on 11/1/2024. Rhianna and Melissa attended the Tavern League meeting and the ideas we shared were welcomed. We will be leaving coasters with QR codes, and posters to hang in bathrooms. Our first theme of coasters and signs is hunting related. These themes are changeable. We are only the second county in the state to have this local resource. - MRC – We work closely with Emergency Management on this and have recently been contacted to provide a medical tent for an upcoming event. - REC Center formally known on Stronger Version Finess has moved behind the Medford Vet Clinic. They are really looking to get involved in the community and have met with our office to see what ways we can help. They are looking at a walking program for the senior population and have a Youth Center in the works for kids to come to at no cost. Other Updates: None Capacity Building, Upcoming Trainings & Conferences: i. MRC will be hosting CPR Hands only training and Stop the Bleed training on December 9th. Free to all who attend. No certification will be given. ii. February 2025 – Public Health Operations Conference that Michelle and Gina will be attending. iii. May 2025 – WPHA Conference in Milwaukee, WI. It was yet to be decided who will attend. Board of Health Members are welcomed and encouraged to attend Reports from Other Committees : Airport is asking for an AED. This was already in the works and was delivered on 11/7/24 after the meeting. Next Meeting: Resume Wednesdays in 2025. January 15, 2025, at 9:00. Adjournment: With no further business, Diane moved to adjourn the meeting; Karen seconded. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10AM. Submitted by: Whitney Wiltse, PH Assistant, Health Department Approved: 01/15/2025 BOH Board of Health Minutes Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse Board Members Present : Scott Mildbrand, Lynn Rosemeyer, Karen Cummings, Brittany Chariton (virtual), Sally Nazer (virtual), Jennifer Polacek Board Members Excused: Ronette Lehman, Diane Albrecht Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon, Melissa Moore Also Present: Angela Nimsgern, WI DHS Northern Regional Office Call to Order: Scott called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM. Approval of Minutes : Karen moved to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2024, and August 14, 2024; Seconded by Lynn. Motion Carried. Approval of Agenda: Lynn moved to approve the amended agenda for September 4, 2024, with sixteen items; Karen seconded. Motion Carried. Public Comment: None Correspondence: Scott shared the letter from WI DHS, which will be scanned and sent following the meeting. Notes of gratitude from staff were emailed with the amended packet today (9/4) prior to the meeting. Presentation of Level II Certification: Angela Nimsgern from the northern regional office (Rhinelander) from WI DHS was present to provide an overview of the required 140 Review. The site visit at the end of June to maintain the Level II health department status. The goal is to ensure a strong public health presence in communities. Wisconsin has three levels (only state that does) of health departments, with the majority being Levels II or III. The assessment is both a learning on behalf of the state, as well as where energy can be focused over the next five years. Strengths included: focus care gaps in the rural county and access to services; teamwork is very strong where staff understood theirs and other roles in a positive work environment; and strong working relationships with emergency management department and public health’s role to bridge communities. Additional recognition of the QI efforts within the department. Areas for opportunities: self -identified skills in data analysis and reporting (carve out staff time to build capacity); need to update policies and procedures to reflect current practices and programs; and outreach/development of strong partnerships to address health disparities and support staff to reach more affected communities. Discussion on the differences between levels II and III, in addition to how accreditation may impact representative services. Discussion and act on MOU for REHS oversight: Michelle provided an overview of the Lincoln/Taylor County MOU to support a new EH staff. The current candidate is from and currently resides in Gilman, qualified but would need to be mentored for a period under a current sanitarian to move to the license. Taylor County does list that the person who would need to sit for the sanitarian exam within 18 months, the state requires 6 months. Marathon County currently is picking up checks on our behalf under a current MOU. Lincoln County previously provided guidance to previous REHS and would be interested in supporting the new hire. The status of the MOU sent in the amended packet waiting on Lincoln County’s Corp Counsel but has moved through both policy making bodies. We continue to work with DATCP so they know our deadlines. There is a significant cost up front (estimated at $8000 per month) for Marathon to continue to do inspections and complaints, MOU for mentorship, new hire training, and use of the departmental vehicle will be out of the agent program that has been vacant since June. Michelle explained at what compensation step the new hire will start at, with a planned two-step bump once she passes the sanitarian exam. Michelle provided some of the background information and experience of the desired new hire. Motion to complete the MOU with Lincoln County to support the REHS position by Lynn, seconded by Jennifer. Motion carried. DATCP – Update on programming and personnel: Marathon County is paid $56/hour to support the local program. The fees that are collected are helping to self -sustain the program and wages. Discussion and act on posting RN vacancy position and filling RN vacancy position: Michelle provided an update on changes in the staff nurse position. Current staff was offered a new opportunity at a higher wage with a local health system, so this position will need to be reposted. There are concerns over being able to compete with wages offered in the private sector. A request was made to Karen Kropp-Mueller to help fill in while we are in the recruitment phase as a contractual employee (no benefits). Discussion ensued about attracting and retaining talent, benefits, and wages. Motion to post the open RN vacancy by Lynn, seconded by Karen. Motion carried. Discussion and act on 2025 Public Health Budget: Copies of the proposed budget were distributed prior to the meeting and packets printed for in -person attendees. Michelle talked about the changes from last year, including an increase in grant funding and very little changes in public health requests. Michelle brought attention to the grant summary that was in the previously sent program updates packet. Melissa explained that there are pages with $0 requested due to previously held funding sources, which are still included in the budget templates. Motion to approve moving budget to finance by Karen, seconded by Jennifer. Motion carried. Highlights from Health Officer Report & Other Updates: vi. Grant Updates – Melissa provided an overview of the summary pages for all local, state, and federal pass-through funds and explained the audit/oversight processes. vii. Departmental Updates – A new medical director has been identified in Dr. Johnathan Parisi, who is a surgeon at Aspirus Medford & Stanley. An additional bonus is that Dr. Parisi has an administrative assistant who will help with communications and the needs of the department. viii. Other highlights – National Night Out, Parkfest, Fair Before the Fair and other events were a success. New grants cycle for preparedness will focus on policies and procedures. Recordings of previous and future trainings will be shared in an upcoming meeting. The department will be moving to Constant Contact for communications in the coming weeks to improve readability and to limit size/# of attachments. Summary of Hispanic outreach events and frustration with buy -in from local employers and attendance. Next event will be in Curtis as a local church, and we work through our liaisons. An additional nail care location will be at Jump River meal site on a bi -monthly basis. Flu vaccines are arriving and will be offered starting this month at senior sites, with the big push being held at the Senior Health Fair on Oct. 18 (offices will be closed 8 -2PM). CPR trainings have been at both Rib Lake and Gilman. Currently exploring a ‘safe sitter’ course as part of our Child Injury Prevention Program (which includes CPR, choking, etc.) ix. 140 Review Recap – No additional updates. Miscellaneous topics/items: Discussion on future meeting dates to be moved from the new medical director’s surgical day (Wednesday). A survey will be sent to identify future regular meeting dates. Capacity Building, Upcoming Trainings & Conferences: iv. Care for the Wounded Helper held virtually September 10 from 10 -1130AM or 2 - 330PM – https://bit.ly/careforthewoundedhelper v. Walk Together for Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness held on September 13 starting at 4:30PM at City Park https://www.facebook.com/events/1547897706159091/ vi. MRC Kick -Off will be held September 19 at either 12PM or 6PM both in person (Courthouse) and online - https://www.facebook.com/share/pAYXpSVh8e286Rf9/ vii. Little Lamb Child Care outreach on September 23 from 5-7PM. viii. 2024 WPHA Public Health in Practice Conference held Thursday, October 10-Friday, October 11, 2024 in Oshkosh - https://www.wpha.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1873418 Reports from Other Committees: None Next Meeting: Tentative Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse. Will confirm with Dr. Parisi that this date/time will work for him. Adjournment: With no further business, Lynn moved to adjourn the meeting; Karen seconded. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:42AM. Submitted by: Melissa Moore, PH Foundationalist, Health Department Approved: November 7 2024 BOH Board of Health Minutes Date: 8/14/2024 Taylor County Education Center Board Members Present: Ronette Lehman, Jennifer Polacek, Brittany Chariton, Scott Mildbrand, Diane Albrecht, Sally Nazar, Karen Cummings, Lynnette Rosemeyer Board Members Excused: None Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon (virtual), Rhianna Schmidt, Melissa Moore (virtual) Also Present: None Call to Order: Scott Mildbrand called the meeting to order at 12:32pm Approval of Agenda : Diane A. moved to approve the agenda with eight items; Lynnette R. seconded. Motion Carried. Public Comment: none Correspondence: none Approval of International Overdose Prevention Day Resolution: Lynnette R. moved to approve; Karen C. seconded. Motion carried. Approval of Suicide Prevention Month Resolution: Diane A. moved to approve; Sally N. seconded. Motion carried. Approval filling vacancy: Environmental Health Specialist II/Registered Sanitarian: Lynnette R. moved to approve; Karen C. seconded. Motion carried. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 4th, at 9:00 AM in the Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse. Adjournment: With no further business: Diane A. moved to adjourn the meeting; Sally N. seconded. Motion Carried. The meeting was adjourned at 12:37pm. Submitted by: Rhianna Schmidt, Public Health Strategist Board of Health Minutes Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse Board Members Present : Scott Mildbrand, Diane Albrecht, Lynn Rosemeyer (virtual), Karen Cummings, Ronette Lehman, Brittany Chariton (virtual), Sally Nazer (virtual) Board Members Excused: Jennifer Polacek Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon, Melissa Moore, Dan Gellert, Nicole Hager Also Present: None Call to Order: Scott called the meeting to order at 9:01AM. Approval of Minutes: Ronette moved to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2024; Seconded by Diane. Motion Carried. Approval of Agenda: Diane moved to approve the agenda for June 26 with thirteen items; Karen seconded. Motion Carried. Public Comment: None Correspondence: Michelle shared the report and background from the human health hazard investigation of a home located in Stetsonville where a resident was living with rodents. Findings from the department and home inspector included in the packet. Michelle also shared that there was another rodent complaint in an unoccupied house in the City of Medford, investigation upcoming. Melissa also shared the July edition of Wisconsin Counties Association magazine which highlighted public health as the foundation of wellness. Copies will be available on the WCA site, https://www.wicounties.org/publications/. Discussion and act on electing a Board of Health Vice Chair: Scott shared that the Executive Committee discussed the need to elect a Vice Chair from the elected board members. This item will be postponed giving members an opportunity to consider volunteering for the position. Discussion resumes for the position of Vice Chair. Lynn made the motion to volunteer, Diane seconded. Motion carried. DATCP – Update on programming and renewals: Michelle updated on staff status for the EH Sanitarian position previously held by David, recruitment for a replacement posted through July 8. In the meantime, the MOU has been reestablished with Marathon County. Routine inspections will be postponed. Optimistic that we will be able to pull from the new graduate pool from the spring semester. Michelle and Gina continue to manage DATCP and licensing responsibilities. There has been a discussion on the possibility of sharing this position with Lincoln County, who also has an EH Tech who helps with data entry. Suggestion to have HR ensure that the posting makes it to colleges for recent graduates. Feedback is positive for online payment options. - In the event that there is viable applicants, a meeting will be scheduled prior to the next County Board meeting on July 23. Highlights from Health Officer Report & Other Updates: i. Grant Updates – Melissa provided an update on the outreach that was achieved because of having grants to build momentum for engaging the communities in prevention and public health. A summary of the current state of funding is included in the packets. Discussion re: the need for a county -wide grant writer, and how that position could support other departments. ii. Departmental Updates – The health officer report included updates a. Preparedness, which was previously supported in part by the EM Director Daniel Gellert. There has been an ask to make the EM Director a full -time position at the Law Enforcement Committee. i. These funds will be reallocated to support the new nurse (Jackie Herrick) who will be assigned to that role after orientation. She starts July 8. Karen’s last day will be June 28. b. Hispanic outreach updates, including participation at the events was limited by local mink ranch ownership, times, and locations of the event. Community liaisons continue to do outreach, and lessons learned on times (August 13, 4 - 8PM) for the next event. Multi -generational pregnancies, vaccines on schedule, and other services. Event will be held this evening (6/26) from 530 -7PM at the Fairgrounds to answer questions on asylum, immigration, and reunification. c. Elder Abuse Day was successful. View the video online - watch it now d. Strategic Plan update – In January 2024 staff participated in a daylong session to work on mission, vision, values, and goals. A copy of the draft was shared at the meeting. List of Board of Health member will be added. iii. 140 Review Recap – Michelle provided a quick overview from the discussion with WI DHS staff yesterday (6/25), including feedback on having Bachelor’s prepared vs Associate’s prepared nurses on staff. Estimated reports will be returned in 3 -4 weeks. Copies will be shared at future Board of Health meetings. We feel we continue to meet the requirements as a Level II. Miscellaneous topics/items: Future agendas will reflect discussion only topics. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Karen Kropp Mueller who will be retiring on June 28. She will also be invited to attend the next County Board meeting on July 26 to receive her resolution. Capacity Building, Upcoming Trainings & Conferences: i. Drug trends training held on June 18 from 9AM-12:30PM at NTC-Medford is now available online https://ntc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=1dcad6 93-3091-4f0d-87e2-b1930132fa13 ii. National Night Out will be held on August 6, in conjunction with the Health & Safety Fair at MAES from 5 -730PM. A flyer is available for promotion. iii. Youth substance use, sexting, and safety on social media held at NTC - Medford or online on August 28 from 1 -3PM or 5 -7PM – https://bit.ly/youthsafetyonsocialmedia iv. Care for the wounded helper held virtually September 10 from 10 - 1130AM or 2-330PM – https://bit.ly/careforthewoundedhelper Reports from Other Committees: None. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse. Adjournment: With no further business, Diane moved to adjourn the meeting; Karen seconded. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:29AM. Submitted by: Melissa Moore, PH Foundationalist, Health Department Board of Health Minutes Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse Board Members Present : Scott Mildbrand, Diane Albrecht, Brittany Chariton (virtual), Lynn Rosemeyer, Karen Cummings, Ronette Lehman, Jennifer Polacek (virtual), Sally Nazer Board Members Excused: None Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon, Melissa Moore Also Present: None Call to Order: Scott called the meeting to order at 9:05AM. Acknowledgement of service for Tim Hanson and Roxy Kahan for their commitment to health. Welcome to the new members, Karen and Ronette. Approval of Minutes : Diane moved to approve the minutes of the March 18 and March 19, 2024, meeting minutes; Seconded by Lynn. Motion Carried. Approval of Agenda: Karen moved to approve the agenda with twelve items; Lynette seconded. Motion Carried. Public Comment: None Correspondence: Michelle showed a card from Whittlesey Lions that was received via mail, in addition to those that were in the packet. No additional correspondence. Discussion and act on Updated Job Descriptions Michelle provided an overview of the job description process. There were positions that haven’t been updated since 2013 and were in conjunction with the County’s JDQ process. Waiting for Carlson Dettman to approve what was submitted, they will then meet with Michelle in the coming months. Reviewed of job title changes, and how it is linked to the 140 Review by WI DHS. Included components of agenda item #8, with the move of Community Nurse (currently held by Sara Emmerich) to the newly created PH Foundationalist – Clinical Lead. Reviewed the organizational chart that is proposed, including the new job titles that are in line with the PHAB standards. Motion to approve revised job descriptions and position titles by Lynnette, seconded by Karen. Motion carried. Discussion and approval of PH Foundationalist - Clinical Lead Motion by Diane, second by Sally, to move community health Nurse (Sara Emmerich) into the PH Foundationalist – Clinical Lead position. Motion carried. Motion to go into closed session by Diane, seconded by Karen to go into closed session for staff performance evaluation and annual review at 9:55AM. Roll call vote confirmed. Motion carried. Motion to reopen the Board of Health Meeting by Karen, seconded by Ronette at 10:32AM. Motion carried. Discussion on regular meeting schedule . Maintain existing schedule of the 1 st Wednesday at 9AM at the Courthouse or via Zoom. No action required. Discussion and act on DATCP agent fee schedules & applications. Michelle reviewed the process of moving to the new online inspections system and partnership with DATCP since new EH/Sanitarian began in January. A copy of the local fee schedules, applications, and the DATCP provided fee schedules spreadsheet. Pre -inspection, reinspection, and annual application fees increased by a percentage vs on a case -by-case basis. Fee schedule is modeled in a self - sustaining manner for the agent program, which will not negatively impact tax levy. Incorporated the online payment option, or licensees can still pay by check at the office. All annual renewals are due July 1. The goal of the revision is to align consistency with the state. Motion to approve the applications and updated agent fee schedule made by Lynnette, seconded by Ronette. Motion carried. Discussion and act on DATCP Policy & Procedure Manual. Michelle shared the updated manual via email prior to the meeting and provided an overview of the revisions that are up for discussion and approval by the Board of Health. Motion to approve the updated DATCP Policy & Procedure Manual made by Karen, seconded by Sally. Motion carried. Highlights from Health Officer Report & Other Departmental Updates. Michelle provided an overview of the happenings in the department, including: - The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program. Volunteers are actively being recruited from medical and non-medical backgrounds. - The next Hispanic Outreach Event will be held in Rib Lake on May 14 from 1 -5 at the Rib Lake Pavilion. The office will be closed for walk-ins, but staff will be available via phone. - Introduced the new touch screen that will be installed in a larger size for the main entrance to connect services to those that visit the courthouse. - The Health Department portion of the website has been overhauled to include new materials, procedures, and fee payments. - June 26 from 5 -7PM at the Community Center (Fairgrounds) there will be an immigration/asylum presentation on how to file paperwork, what is needed for documentation, and other needs. - 140 Review will be held on June 25. Invitations will be sent once we are updated from DHS on the process and times. Miscellaneous topics/items to discuss, act or update on. Michelle strongly encouraged Board of Health members to watch the PBS 4 -part series called The Invisible Shield - https://www.pbs.org/show/the-invisible-shield/. Capacity Building, Upcoming Trainings & Conferences: i. WI Volunteer Conference May 9-10, 2024 – Part of MRC Grant (WI Rapids) ii. WPHA/WAHLDAB Annual Conference, WI Dells May 21 -23 - Board of Health members welcomed, registration still open iii. Drug trends training scheduled for June 18 from 9AM -12:30PM at NTC - Medford and online. More details will be sent via email. Reports from Other Committees: None. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse. Adjournment: With no further business, Diane moved to adjourn the meeting; Karen seconded. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:12AM. Submitted by: Melissa Moore, PH Coordinator, Health Department Approved: June 26, 2024 Board of Health Minutes Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Health Department Room, Ground floor of Courthouse Board Members Present : Roxy Kahan (virtual), Scott Mildbrand, Diane Albrecht, Sally Nazer (virtual), Lynn Rosemeyer Board Members Excused: Timothy Hansen, Brittany Chariton, Jennifer Polacek Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon, Rhianna Schmidt Also Present: None Call to Order: Scott Mildbrand called the meeting to order at 11:45am. Approval to post vacant position: Lynn Rosemeyer made a motion to approve the posting of the vacant position. Seconded by Sally Nazer. Motion Carried. Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse. Adjournment: With no further business, Diane Albrecht moved to adjourn the meeting; Lynn Rosemeyer seconded. Motion Carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:47am. Submitted by: Rhianna Schmidt, Public Health Program Specialist, Health Department Board of Health Minutes Date: Monday, March 18, 2024 Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse Board Members Present : Roxy Kahan (virtual), Scott Mildbrand, Diane Albrecht, Timothy Hansen, Brittany Chariton (virtual), Lynn Rosemeyer Board Members Excused: Jennifer Polacek and Sally Nazer Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon, Melissa Moore(zoom), Whitney Wiltse, David Fenske Also Present: None Call to Order: Scott called the meeting to order at 9:01AM. Approval of Minutes : Timothy Hansen moved to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, January 3, 2024, meeting; Seconded by Diane Albrecht. Motion Carried. Approval of Agenda: Diane Albrecht moved to approve the agenda with twelve items; Lynette Rosemeyer seconded. Motion Carried. Public Comment: None Correspondence: Michelle showed a card from Rib Lake Schools and WWPHRC remarks on the great exercise held in January. Staff appreciation for retreat day. Letter from Angela the Northern Region Director giving Taylor County a shoutout in the State Health Improvement Plan. Discussion and act on Registered Sanitarian II FTE Change: Michelle discussed the possibility of needing to increase the REHS position to 40 hours. The funds are available in the Agent Program and no tax levy would be needed. There are currently 10-12 pending licenses. David should hopefully be able to be on his own by the end of the month. Also, waiting for the final exam and then he will be an official Lead accessor. Diane Albrecht approved, and Lynette Rosemeyer seconded this motion. Motion carried. Highlights from Health Officer Report & Other Departmental Updates Grants Updates: PENDING Fulcrum Foundation – Estimated announcement by April 2024 for Prevent Suicide Taylor County. The goal of this funding request is to create and implement a comprehensive community-based approach that incorporates evidence -based practices, community engagement, and capacity building to empower residents of all ages to invest in suicide prevention efforts. A total of $35000 was requested to be utilized April 2024 through December 2025. *Moved to Community Benefits due to link to CHIP, awarded $10000. Note these funds cannot be used for staff. Aspirus Community Benefits – Estimated announcement by April 2024 There were two requests during the past month to the IRS -mandated reinvestment in local health by not-for-profit hospitals. These grants cannot be used for staff compensation. 1. Reducing Preventable Lead Exposures in Taylor County Children With the support of this funding request, the Taylor County Health Department will be able to meet people where they are at by expanding hours, enhancing existing testing opportunities, partnering with community organizations who reach the underserved, and building awareness on the importance of this routine assessment. A total of $5000 was requested to be utilized April 2024 through December 2025. *Awarded $2100 to align with WI DHS funding. 2. Building Preparedness Capacity in Taylor County The goal of this request is to boost the infrastructure within Taylor County to be better prepared to act in the event of an emergency, including addressing the unique needs of higher risk populations. This request is two-parts: 1) to engage community in the upcoming Preparedness & Seniors event on March 26 and 2) to distribute weather radios to vulnerable populations, including older adults, Plain Communities, and Latino residents. A total of $8000 was requested to be utilized until the radio supply is depleted. *Awarded $1125 for the ‘go kits’ in support of the March 26 event for preparedness and seniors. WI DHS - Estimated announcement by mid-March 2024 Comprehensive Suicide Prevention – Tele mental Health Access through Digital Literacy Funding Program This request revolved around increasing access to technology to support suicide prevention efforts amongst males 25+ year olds in rural communities. We proposed a combination of connecting residents to ‘host sites’ with reliable internet; building general awareness; increasing equipment (tablets) to use while in appointments; and maximizing existing suicide prevention campaigns, including adding Man Therapy (mantherapy.org). A total of $50000 is available per year over the 3 -year project. Note that only one award is given for the entire state, but we felt we had a strong argument! *Received an email that this RFA will be reposted due to its unclear definition of ‘rural’. We will reapply! Grants Updates: SECURED WI DHS – Additional funds have been awarded to TCHD to increase efforts and build critical infrastructure under the RICE 2.0 grant. The goal of this grant is to bring routine vaccines to homebound, low-income, disabled, seniors, and other rural residents of Taylor County who are struggling to be up to date on their vaccinations. A total of $17,560.49 can be used for staff, supplies, outreach, and consulting (ex. translator) expenses, and must be spent by the end of June 2024. MRC STTRONG – Additional $5000 in funds have been awarded to the newly forming Taylor County Medical Reserve Corps (more details coming soon!) for the purchase of safety, promotional, and recruitment items. A total of $55000 can be utilized through the end of June 2024. SAMHSA – In spring 2024, TCHD was selected for a ‘Town Hall Stipend’ awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to host an event to raise awareness and build community capacity to address youth substance use, reduce stigma, support harm reduction, and build resiliency. A total of $750 is available for location, printing, promotion, speaker fees, or other expenses (no food allowed). The event is tentatively scheduled for June 18 from 11-1 at NTC. More details coming soon! Departmental & Staffing Updates: • We are working on a large JDQ staff project. There have been meetings to discuss how to ensure all staff are compensated and entitled as they should be. There was a chart provided to show the breakdown of the staffing plan. Karen has announced her anticipated retirement in June 2024. No official date has been given. Her position will be rehired with the title of Staff, RN. There was an additional meeting scheduled on March 19th, 2024, to approve the hiring process for this position. • Radon - We are in the works of being removed as the Regional Contact. The state is working on locating a new “home” for this. We will then get standard radon funding like the other counties. • Taylor Co. Hispanic Outreach Day: On 3/20/24 TCHD will host its first Hispanic Outreach event. This event is geared to or Hispanic population, however anyone is welcomed to come. There will be a free clothing/household items giveaway available. These donations have all come directly from our community. There will also be many local vendors for our county that are coming to help provide information and services. This time the event will be at the Education Center, but in the future with be held at a larger church venue. We are hoping to gain the trust of our population and continue these events routinely. We will have six interpreters available at this event. Cross Agency Partnerships: Hispanic Outreach: The schedule for our every other month tri - county outreach events are still being continued in Abbotsford on the 2 nd Thursday, even #’d months. We have been able to start offering blood lead testing, assist in car seat classes, and provide other health-related information. Program Spotlight - Blood Lead Testing Program We have started Lead Testing in our office again. WIC used to do conduct testing on clients when it was located in the health department, but with the transition to Healthfirst in 2022, this service was not conducted in house. With the hybrid model for WIC appointments, they expressed they are no longer required to do this screening. Over the past two months, we have resumed this billable service and are able to deliver results in approximately 15 minutes. If a level comes back as ‘high’ the state has approved our nurses to do a venous draw and send it in for further evaluation at no cost. We ask those that don’t have insurance to make a $30 donation; and if they are unable, we will utilize the assistance fund from Aspirus Community Benefits to cover expenses. Funds received via donation will be placed back into the assistance fund for future support efforts. BadgerCare covers this universal screening at 100%. Outreach to residents includes lead infographics mailed out to families in baby packets each month. WI DHS is continuing to see if they can provide additional funding for these services. Within the office we are exploring to conduct testing on a variety of products coming from companies like Temu and Shein, or available at local discount stores which have a higher likelihood of containing harmful lead. An additional lead and overall public health related resource is the PBS Series, The Invisible Shield. Health Departments are being encouraged to let their staff watch this series. View online at https://www.pbs.org/show/the-invisible-shield/. Upcoming Trainings & Conferences: i. WI Prevent Suicide Conference May 1-2, 2024 (Virtual) ii. WI Volunteer Conference May 9-10, 2024 – Part of MRC Grant (WI Rapids) iii. WPHA/WAHLDAB Annual Conference, WI Dells May 21 -23 (board members welcomed!) We are waiting on the agenda to determine what staff will attend this conference. Reports from Other Committees: Jail Nurse has been hired by the Sheriff’s Department, so the Health Department will no longer be exploring it as a shared position. Next Meeting: Tuesday March 19 th, 2024, at 10:30AM following the Personnel & Finance Meeting to approve the hiring of the Staff RN position, and then resume the regular meeting schedule on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse. Adjournment: With no further business, Diane Albrecht moved to adjourn the meeting; Tim Hansen seconded. Motion Carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:21AM. Submitted by: Whitney Wiltse, Public Health Assistant, Health Department Revisions by: Melissa Moore, Public Health Coordinator, Health Department (4/30) Board of Health Minutes Date: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 Health Department Room, Ground floor of Courthouse Board Members Present: Roxy Kahan (virtual), Jennifer Polacek (virtual), Scott Mildbrand, Diane Albrecht, Timothy Hansen, Brittany Chariton (virtual) Board Members Excused: Sally Nazar Health Staff Present: Michelle Cahoon, Melissa Moore Also Present: Larry Brandl, Nicole Hager Call to Order: Scott called the meeting to order at 9:00AM. Approval of Minutes : Diane moved to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, December 6, 2023, meeting; Seconded by Lynette. Motion Carried. Approval of Agenda: Lynette moved to approve the agenda with twelve items; Tim seconded. Motion Carried. Public Comment: None Correspondence: None Jail Nurse Position: Discussion on currently 28 hours per week position, which will be vacant in January 2024. Michelle shared concerns about the amount of time that is spent on -call, unreported time that was beyond contract, and what will be the financial backing for the proposed shared position between the jail and the health department. Distribution of tasks/roles, amount of time, fringe coverage, and supervision. There is a concern about the licensure and code of ethics, level of support for the health, medication distribution, and standard of care for inmates. More thoughtful planning is needed to ensure that this position is set up for success. Additionally, there is no space within the health department to dedicate a workspace to another individual, even on a part time basis at the expense of the department. There was also a discussion that this has been an hourly position vs salary. Scott provided some historical context on the part time status. The position is posted as a part-time (28 hours), Nicole did say that there was an interview pending for an applicant. There is a minimum of $65000 for Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACH) who provides the medical oversight to the nurse at the jail. The total if ACH provides the staff, it would increase to $310000. At the conclusion of the conversation, the committee members feel that the best option is to wait until the next law enforcement committee meeting on Jan. 12. Highlights from Health Officer Report & Other Departmental Updates i. COVID-19 updates – We are out of tests, but there is free tests via the government at covidtests.org. We have been seeing cases trickle since Thanksgiving of COVID, influenza, and RSV. ii. Preparedness: We will be hosting the Operations Coordination regional exercise here at the courthouse on January 31, 2024. This will be from 9 -12 and is a great way to ensure our public health preparedness plans are fresh in our minds and effective. The public is welcomed and encouraged to join as well as board members. iii. Hard Reduction/Medication Disposal: The vending machines are being well utilized and stocked on a weekly or as needed basis. A copy of today’s (1/3) press release has been distributed in person and via email. iv. Suicide prevention: Health department was invited to move to Phase II of the Fulcrum Foundation funding in the amount of $35000 to support a community-based suicide prevention efforts. v. Advocacy/Policy Updates: A copy of tracked legislation was distributed and discussion on powers of health officer, safe haven laws, and others that are linked to public health. Additional details on the safe haven boxes was provided, with Aspirus being the only Taylor County location that would be a 24/7 location. More details at https://www.shbb.org/ and a short PSA at https://youtu.be/pbE3Mpt3z44?si=zkWx6bgt03_hR8cz. vi. Staffing Updates: David Fenske the new Sanitarian started today (1/3). We are excited to have him join our team. He will be working with Lincoln County to do his provisionary twenty-five inspections as he gets started with Taylor County, with the support of Marathon County Health Department. vii. Additional updates included in the provided Health Officer report, including links to the YouTube Channels Cross Agency Partnerships: Hispanic Outreach Tri-County Efforts will start up again in February 2024. This will continue to be at the St. Bernards Church in Abbotsford on the 2 nd Thursday with extended hours of 1 -5pm. We will help provide car seat checks, immunizations, vision screenings, and will start offering lead -level checks. Continue to partner with a local interpreter for this outreach event. Program Spotlight : A copy of the 2023 Annual Report was reviewed and distributed to committee members. Credit to Rhianna Schmidt for design and data collection. A copy of the report is available at https://bit.ly/TCHDAnnualReport2023. Recommended to see if time can be allocated for a short presentation at the County Board meeting on 1/16. Motion to approve the 2023 Annual Report by Tim and seconded by Lynnette. Motion Carried. Upcoming Trainings & Conferences: -Operations Coordination Regional Exercise – January 31st from 9AM-12PM. -Operations Conference – WI Dells February 21-22nd -WPHA/WAHLDAB Annual Conference, WI Dells May 21-23 (board members welcomed!) Reminder that Friday, January 12 the office will be closed for a strategic planning retreat at Aspirus. The phone will be forwarded, but signage will be posted to reflect closure. Reports from Other Committees: None Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Health Department Conference Room, Ground Floor of Courthouse. Adjournment: With no further business, Diane moved to adjourn the meeting; Tim seconded. Motion Carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:53PM. Submitted by: Melissa Moore, Public Health Coordinator, Health Department