HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-23-minutes-ph-study-session
Public Health Study Session
August 23, 2023
10:00 a.m.
Commissioners’ Conference Room
Meeting Minutes
Attendees:
Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz, Chelsey Loeffers, Candi Blackford, Erin Moore
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Citizen Comment (1 minute time limit)
There were no members of the public present.
Department Business
Request to approve additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for participation in Vet Corps
program.
Candi Blackford reviewed the Vet Corps staff report with the commissioners. The department is asking
for an additional $3000.00 ARPA funding to support a Vet Corps member. The Vet Corps program is
designed to help veterans and their family members navigate their journey as they transition from
military to civilian life. As part the Vet Corps program a member provides peer connection to veterans to
help answer questions and connects them to federal, state, and local veteran benefits. The contract was
previously held by the Veterans Coalition. The Veteran Services Program would like to continue this
program. Ms. Blackford informed the board that, Kristen Ashley, a veteran, and the county’s Vet Corps
member last year was able to work with over 400 veterans in our community. She put together several
outreach events and Ms. Ashely is hoping to continue with the program.
1/10th of 1% timeline and current contracts discussion
There was discussion about the timeline for the 1/10th Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Chelsey
requested direction about creating amendments to two existing programs funded with the 1/10th
monies so that if there is extra time needed for processing contracts for other applicants, the current
programs will not have a lapse in funding. The board directed staff to prepare the amendments in
advance just in case they are needed.
Community Development Services Exit Survey feedback discussion
Director Loeffers updated the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) about feedback received by
Human Resources from a CDS staff member during their exit interview about the office hours at the
public health office. Chelsey explained that the public health office has not received any complaints
about the hours of operation and staff do everything they can to assist customers that come in close to
or at closing time.
Erin Moore then provided an update about the work public health is leading to improve customer
service between public health, community development services, and public works. She reported that
there would continue to be communication about ways to improve the customer experience for
customers utilizing services from all three departments and continued improvement to process
documents.
Core Services Report discussion
Ms. Loeffers presented the core services report and asked the BOCC if they felt like this was a valuable
document to continue presenting. The BOCC reported that this was an extremely valuable document
and discussed how it could be utilized in all departments.
Board of Health Feedback
The BOCC reported that they were glad that Dr. Larson attended BOH. There was discussion about the
presentations during the meeting.
Other
Director Loeffers reported that there is an increase in overdoses in the community. She reported that
the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) would be providing messaging and outreach. The
BOCC requested to review the press release being prepared. There was also discussion about overdose
and substance abuse data.
Ms. Loeffers announced that the department was awarded a Washington State Department of Health
grant for KCPHD’s harm reduction programs. There was discussion regarding the data collected at the
syringe services program. Director Loeffers said she would bring a data report to the next study session.
Chelsey Loeffers reported that there is an opportunity to utilize workforce development monies from
the state and she is currently creating a proposal for up to $200K to fund workforce development
activities for the department. She reviewed the type of activities that were eligible expenses for this
funding. There was discussion about the amendment to the next Consolidated Contract through the
state.
Concluded at 10:48 a.m.
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Cory Wright, BOCC Chair
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Candi Blackford, Clerk