Commission on Human Rights

CITY OF ALBANY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS MEETING MINUTES CITY HALL 24 EAGLE STREET, ALBANY, NY May 18, 2023 at 6:00pm Opening: The May 18, 2023 meeting was called to order at 6:03pm by Vice Chair Thomas Mueller. Present: Aaron Moore, Chair Thomas Mueller, Vice Chair Thomas Richards, Secretary Natisha Alexander Rosie Love Kate Shelly Richard Conti Celia Evers Valerie Alexander-Moseley Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, Commissioner, Albany County Department of Health (guest) Dr. Kathie Rothas, DDS, Whitney Young Health Center (guest) Max Ferris, Division of Environmental Services, Albany County Department of Health (guest) Bridget Walsh, Schuyler Center (guest) Jasmine Higgins (City of Albany) Raisi Mobele (City of Albany) Absent: None Quorom: Yes Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes: March 16, 2023 meeting minutes approved as distributed. New Business: Presentation from Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, Commissioner, Albany County Department of health on Water Flouridation. Dr. Whalen presented on the public health problem of tooth decay and the benefit of water fluoridation. Information included in the presentation referenced: -tooth decay as a common chronic condition in children causing negative side effects related to eating, speaking, learning and school performance. -flouride as a naturally occurring mineral that exists in lakes, rivers, and groundwater. -community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 25-40% in children AND adults. -community water fluoridation is the most cost effective way to deliver fluoride to all members of the community reducing health disparities by promoting health equity. -the CDC refers to fluoridation of community water supply as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. -Information regarding difference in average Medicaid claims for tooth decay between Albany and Schenectady shown as a point of comparison – Albany has a higher rate of claims. Following the presentation a discussion began – Commissioners on Human Rights asked a number of questions including what community water fluoridation implementation might look like, what funding exists, and what cons and downsides exist to community water fluoridation. Business from the Prior Meeting: Discussion on the 14th Annual CHR Award Ceremony scheduled to occur on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Prospective Awardees discussed and finalized in Executive Session. No public comments were received before or submitted during the meeting. Adjournment: This meeting was adjourned at 7:24pm Minutes Submitted by: Jasmine Higgins, Chief Equity Officer, Executive Director Minutes Approved on: August 17, 2023