HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-16-minutes-board-of-healthKi*t i- r.....,+.,
Public Health
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To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH (BOH)
Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2023
Commissioners' Auditorium
10:00am
Present
Board of Health (80H): Brett Wachsmith, Cory Wright, Dede Utley, John Asriel M.D
Absent: Laura Osiadacz, James Donaldson
Public Health: Maggie Amoth, Marie Marchand, Katie Odiaga, Candi Blackford, Chelsey Loeffers, Jesse Cox,
Cambron Walker, Dora Beukelman, Lauren Wickerath, Audi Martinez, Erin Moore, Dr. Mark Larson.
Others:
Anthony Morgan, UW Project Nexus
Meeting called to order at 10:00am
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the January 30, 2023 Board of Health meeting minutes as presented.
Motion 01-01: Motion to approve the January 30, 2023 Board of Health meeting minutes as presented. Brett
Wachsmith moved to approve the January 30, 2023 Board of Health meeting minutes as presented. John Asriel,
M.D. second. All approved. Motion 01-01 carried to approve the January 30, 2023 Board of Health meeting
minutes as presented.
Public Comment Open at 10:01 am
Public Comment Closed at 10:01 am
Department Updates
Administrative Officer/Director Update
Ms. Loeffers introduced Marie Marchand to the board. Marie Marchand briefly introduced herself as the new
Mental Health Programs Coordinator. She has spent most of her career in non-profit and higher education work. She
is a mental health advocate and is involved with NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness). Ms. Marchand is looking
forward to working with community partners and staff to help reduce the stigma around mental health.
Audi Martinez introduced Maggie Amoth as the new Health Promotion Project Specialist. Ms. Amoth has a degree
in Public Relations and a minor in Non -Profit Management. She looks forward to working in public health.
Health Officer Update
Mark Larson M.D. presented information on suicide prevention. Dr. Larson presented that the suicide age ranges
have changed from 2020. Information being gathered is showing that the pandemic has taken a harsh toll on U.S.
teens mental health and reports increased feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. Data is showing that
girls are presenting with higher percentages of symptoms than boys. Dr. Larson noted that with the data showing
an upward trend that there is still hope and that resources and help are becoming more available. There was
discussion about mental health and current issues that are fueling the mental health crisis.
2022 Year End Finance report
Katie Odiaga presented the 2022 year end financial report. She briefly discussed:
• 2022 Expenses
• 2022 Revenue
• Kittitas County Budget vs. Actuals for 2022
• Admissions Tax
Ms. Loeffers noted that the health department does have to receive funding from the county for local control to
remain at the county level. If there was no funding from the county the state would assume control over the local
health department.
NEXUS Program Wrap Up Presentation
Lauren Wickerath and Anthony Morgan presented the NEXUS project overview. The project was a collaboration
with University of Washington, Center for Disease Control, NASEN, and NYU. Health surveys were presented to
clients, rapid testing for HIV antibodies and HCV antibodies, and incentives were given out. The original goal was to
survey 150 participants, but reduced it to 100 to make the goal more achievable. 96 participants registered, 86 of
those participants were eligible, and 85 surveys were completed. Testing results found 2 new reactive clients for
HIV, 15 clients reactive for Hepatitis C, HCV Antibody, and 9 clients detected RNA for Hepatitis C HCV RNA. All of
those clients were referred for confirmatory testing and treatment with a provider. Overall findings that almost half
of those surveyed reported having adverse childhood events and trauma, often using drugs alone, and using mixture
of drugs with fentanyl. Project NEXUS allowed the Exchange to expand hours for the community that allowed for an
increase in traffic and increased education for community members.
There were 6 US Syringe Services Programs chosen to participate in the survey among underrepresented people
who use drugs in Washington, Montana, California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and North Carolina for a total of 1,576
surveys. The survey showed there was more methamphetamine use among Western sites. Opioid overdose was
more common than stimulant overdoses and most people who used drugs had acquired naloxone, but there is still
an unmet need.
Board of Health Annual Orientation part two
Chelsey Loeffers presented the Local Board of Health Orientation Part Two. This presentation focused on the Role
of the Board of Health and information on the following:
• Where do Local Health Jurisdiction's come from
• The six functions of public health governance
• Powers and duties RCW 70.05
• Board of Health Membership RCW 70.05.030- three county commissioners and three community member
positions
• Director/Administrative Officer duties
• Health Officer duties RCW 70.05.050 and RCW 70.05.070
• WSALPHO Local Board of Health Training dates for 2023
• National Association of Local Boards of Health dates for 2023
Strategic Plan Presentation
Erin Moore gave a brief overview of where the health department is in its process for the midcycle review of the
2020-2024 Strategic Plan.
After the group brainstormed and prioritized work within the department it was narrowed down to:
• Customer Service: Customer feedback, Customer service Survey, Stakeholder meetings, Partner agencies
■ Standardization: Onboarding/Cross training, Communications, Policies/procedures, Fee-based activities,
Performance Evaluation
• Needs: Workforce development, FPHS Funding, Mental Health
Mrs. Moore discussed the outline and workplans. She also noted that the goal is to have accountability and develop
a useful strategic plan.
Social Determinants of Health Presentation
Cambron Walker presented on Social Drivers of Health. Mrs. Walker noted that Education Access and Quality, Health
Care and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, Social and Community Context, and Economic Stability all
play a role in social drivers of health. Mrs. Walker also reviewed factors that goes into the drivers of health and
approximately the percentage of effects they play on an individual. She also presented information on how health
drivers impact health inequities. There is also connections between health drivers/factors and Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACES). Having just one ACE can increase your risk of having an autoimmune disease, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, depression, or substance abuse. Mrs. Walker discussed potential areas to improve social drivers
of health such as increase high school graduation rates, decrease school bullying, increase insurance coverage,
adding sidewalks, increase homes with an entrance without steps, reduce anxiety and depression, positive
relationships at home, work and community, employment programs, and high-quality childcare are just a few
examples.
Amendments to Bylaws of Kittitas County Board of Health discussion
Moved to a later date.
Board of Health Member Updates
No updates this month.
Executive Session in accordance with RCW 42.30.11 WIE1 to evaluate the gualifications of an applicant of public
em to ment or to review theerfarmance of a public em fo ee.
Board staff entered executive session at 11:45am and requested 10 minutes.
Board staff came out of executive session at 11:54 am.
No action was taken.
Meeting Concluded at 11:54 am
Cory right, Commissioner
Chelsey Lo Mrs, Director
Kittitas County Public Health
'r
Candi Blackford, Clerk of the Board of Health