HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-24-minutes-ph-study-session
Public Health Study Session
October 24, 2023
Commissioners’ Conference Room
Meeting Minutes
Attendees:
Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz, Cory Wright, Chelsey Loeffers, Mark Larson M.D, Candi Blackford
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
Motion to appoint Danielle Bertschi to the Board of Health
Chelsey Loeffers presented the recommendation of Danielle Bertschi to the Board of Health vacant
position.
Motion 10.01: Motion 10.01 to appoint Danielle Bertschi to the Board of Health. Brett Wachsmith
moved to approve the appointment of Danielle Bertschi to the Board of Health. Cory Wright second. All
approved. Motion 10.01 carried to approve the appointment of Danielle Bertschi to the Board of Health.
Motion to approve use of ARPA funds for Veteran Program IT infrastructure improvements
Chelsey Loeffers reviewed the bid that was provided by IT and the estimated costs are about $4000.00.
Motion 10.02: Motion 10.02 to approve the use of ARPA funds to install new cable for internet and
wireless internet to the back end of the Morris Sorenson building for the Veteran Services Program.
Brett Wachsmith moved to approve the use of ARPA funds to install new cable for internet and wireless
internet to the back end of the Morris Sorenson building for the Veteran Services Program. Laura
Osiadacz second. All approved. Motion 10.02 carried to approve the use of ARPA funds to install new
cable for internet and wireless internet to the back end of the Morris Sorenson building for the Veteran
Services Program.
Resolution to close KCPHD office for Annual Archiving Day December 8, 2023
Motion 10.03: Motion 10.03 to approve Resolution 2023-182 authorizing the closure of the Kittitas
County Public Health Department on December 8, 2023, for its annual archiving day to follow records
retention requirements. Brett Wachsmith moved to approve Resolution 2023-182 authorizing the
closure of the Kittitas County Public Health Department on December 8, 2023, for its annual archiving
day to follow records retention requirements. Laura Osiadacz second. All approved. Motion 10.03
carried to approve Resolution 2023-182 authorizing the closure of the Kittitas County Public Health
Department on December 8, 2023, for its annual archiving day to follow records retention requirements.
Board of Health Feedback
No updates.
Dr Larson update
Mark Larson M.D. reported on COVID-19 vaccination and excess death for 2020-2021. Dr. Larson noted
that vaccination protects the whole community and discussed death data collected for the following:
• The state was split into 5 groups according to the areas vaccination rate as of 12/31/2021 and
compared death rates
• In 2020 before vaccines, finding small variations in death rates by eventual community
vaccination
• In 2021, the least- vaccinated areas has a COVID-19 death rate three times higher than most
vaccinated areas
• Based on historical trends, deaths from any cause in the least vaccinated areas were 21 percent
higher than expected in 2021
• Deaths in the most vaccinated areas were 6% higher than expected in 2021
The following conclusions were made with the data collected:
• The least vaccinated areas had the highest rates of excess death
• The most vaccinated areas had the lowest rates of excess death
• Death rates were most different after vaccines became available
Dr. Larson also discussed masking in healthcare facilities in Washington State and what it could look like
for health care employees in Washington State.
Concluded at 9:34 a.m.
___________________________________
Cory Wright, BOCC Chair
___________________________________
Candi Blackford, Clerk