Board of Health

Regular Meeting

Arlington Heights, IL · April 28, 2025

Minutes

Minutes Village of Arlington Heights Board of Health Buechner Room 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., AH 60005 April 28, 2025 6:30 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Meservey called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. II. ROLL CALL Present Also Present Jerome Meservey, M.D. James McCalister, Commission Liaison Chairperson Darren Brown, Social Services Coordinator Karen VanLandeghem, MPH Kimberly Witt, Administrative Assistant Kristen Brown, M.D. Lindsay Dohse, Nursing Supervisor William Moran, M.D. Hannah Kane, Social Worker Joseph Novak, Psy.D. Not Present Ashley Bae, LCSW Shalu Gugnani, M.D. Chair Meservey introduced and welcomed Hannah Kane, Social Worker with the Village of Arlington Heights Health Department. Board members introduced themselves, and Ms. Kane provided a brief overview of her background. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A MOTION WAS MADE BY DR. MORAN, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2025 MEETING, SECONDED BY MS. VANLANDEGHEM AND APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. IV. REPORTS A. Health & Human Services Director Update Mr. McCalister reported that his last day is May 22. They had their second round of interviews for his replacement today and they will know in a few weeks who his replacement is. There are three new Trustees on the Village Board. Trustee Bill Manganaro toured the Senior Center earlier today and subsequently met with Ms. Dohse, Mr. Brown, and Mr. McCalister. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday with the other two new Trustees, Carina H. Santa Maria and Greg Zyck. Mr. McCalister shared that the new Mayor, Jim Tinaglia, will be sworn in on May 5. A farewell event was held for outgoing Mayor Hayes, which had a strong turnout. Mayor Hayes served as mayor for 12 years and spent a total of 34 years on the Village Board. Mr. McCalister reviewed the Health & Human Services Department’s written Strategic Report and provided an overview of its sections. He began with the Scope of Services, which outlines all the divisions within the department. The second section, Workload & Performance, noted that, as the community recovers from the pandemic, participation in the Senior Center and utilization of Nursing Services are increasing and have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels. In Environmental Health, the number of complaint inspections declined due to last year’s drought, which led to fewer grass-related complaints. In Social Services, categories were reduced and combined to better consolidate and present the department’s support efforts. The third section highlighted accomplishments over the past two years, including an increase in community events across all divisions. The fourth section addressed current and anticipated challenges, such as the transition of departmental leadership, community stability, healthcare access, and the rebranding of the Senior Center. The final section outlined potential and new initiatives, including Village models, the Hopeful City initiative, the Senior Center Renovation, and the proposed addition of Gerry’s Café within the Senior Center. Other initiatives include educational groups, and the development of new programs and services to benefit the community The next phase will involve a PowerPoint presentation to the Committee of the Whole, scheduled for May 27. This presentation will lead into the Village Board Strategic Priority Meeting on July 14. The process will incorporate recommendations from the Boards and Commissions. During the Strategic Priority Meeting, the Village Board will participate in a retreat where they will review the written report, PowerPoint presentations, and recommendations. These materials will be used to help the Board determine priorities and develop a two-year plan outlining Village Board goals Ms. VanLandeghem inquired whether the Health Department has experienced any impact from federal funding cuts. At this time, the Health Department has not been directly affected by the cuts. Mr. McCalister reported that several events were held in recognition of Earth Month. These included a latex paint collection event, during which 145 residents dropped off paint, and the sale of 20 backyard compost bins at cost. This past weekend, a Document Destruction and Textile Recycling event was held, attracting approximately 400 vehicles. Additionally, Groot recently conducted its annual collection of five free yard waste bags per household. The Senior Center held its first Roadshow event on April 3, featuring a well- attended bowling outing. The next Roadshow is scheduled to take place at Lake Arlington in July. Additionally, a billiards tournament was held last month, which drew a large turnout and helped introduce more people to the Senior Center. Each year, Hersey High School’s Love Bus group performs a Valentine’s program at the Senior Center. Ms. Colagrossi, Senior Center Manager, is working to expand this initiative to involve other schools. She recently hosted a meeting and tour for the superintendents of School Districts 214 and 25, as well as the President of St. Viator. During the visit, Ms. Colagrossi discussed opportunities for seniors to engage with high school students. She is also extending an invitation to all local school principals to tour the Senior Center. Mr. McCalister announced that National Health & Fitness Day will take place on May 28 from 9 am to noon and the Live Well Age Well Expo is scheduled for June 26 from 11 am – 1 pm. at the Senior Center. Mr. McCalister reported that the Youth Commission had over 100 students participate in the Snow Shoveling Program. Efforts are underway to engage some of those students in the Lawn Mowing Program, with 30 students currently signed up. Ms. Dohse, the Village Manager, and Mr. McCalister met with Colin Dalough of Northwest Community Hospital for an introductory meeting. Members of the Board of Health also discussed the closure of the Behavioral Health Center and the construction of the Cancer Center/Neuroscience building. The Board of Health engaged in a broader discussion on the potential community impacts of these changes. Topics included the anticipated effects on access to local behavior health services and possible gaps in care during the transition. Mr. McCalister reported that he received a call from Mr. Harris informing him that the Health Department will be receiving another donation from the recently closed church to support the Emergency Assistance Program. B. Nursing Services Update Ms. Dohse reported that Community Nurse Michelle Finn’s last day will be May 1. Ms. Finn has decided to transition to an outpatient center within a hospital setting, seeking a return to the hands-on aspects of healthcare. Ms. Dohse expressed appreciation for Ms. Finn’s dedicated service to the Village and extended her best wishes for continued success in her new role. Ms. Dohse noted that Nursing Services has completed hearing and vision screenings for the parochial schools. Screenings for Futabakai School are still upcoming, as their school year began in April. To date, over 1,100 students have been screened this year. Ms. Dohse reported that she and Mr. Brown have implemented a food bank outreach initiative at Lutheran Church of the Cross, held twice a month on Tuesdays. During these sessions, they provide resources related to health and social services. The outreach has been well attended, with approximately 170 individuals—primarily seniors and families—participating during each three-hour event. She also noted that she has hosted several Lunch and Learn sessions for staff, covering topics such as Fatty Liver Disease and Age-Appropriate Screenings. Ms. Dohse shared that the first two sessions of an eight-week Grief Support Group were held at the Senior Center with her serving as the initial facilitator. The group is now being led by Ms. Kane, who is doing an excellent job continuing the program. Ms. Dohse noted that a CPR certification and recertification class was held for employees, with eleven staff members completing the training. Additionally, a CPR certification class was provided at Southminster Presbyterian Church for 8 to 10 participants; this class had last been offered two years ago. In February, Nursing Services conducted cholesterol and A1c screenings for employees in recognition of National Heart Month. Clinics offering the same screenings at half price were also made available to residents and were well attended. Ms. Finn provided basic first aid instruction to 24 employees that work in the children's area of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Ms. Dohse also hosted, along with area representatives, an evening event titled Aging in Arlington Heights at the Senior Center, which drew approximately 80 participants. The program followed a fictional character progressing through different stages of life, with a panel presenting resources available at each stage. Additional organizations were on site after the event to provide further information and support. Ms. Dohse noted that she may consider offering the event again in the future during daytime hours. Dr. Brown requested that the informational packet be emailed to the Board members and Ms. Dohse confirmed that she would distribute the packet accordingly. C. Social Services Update Mr. Brown provided several general updates. He began by noting that resource hours are being offered at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, and Ms. Kane has also initiated resource hours at the Senior Center. Ms. Kane will provide a separate update on her efforts. Both resource hours have been going well, and the team is exploring different strategies to raise awareness of the services available. Mr. Brown also shared that a Community Risk Reduction meeting was recently held in collaboration with the Fire Department and Luther Village, with Ms. Kane participating on behalf of the department. Additionally, a presentation was given at Orchard Church during their Thursday morning volunteer program, where community members in need are invited to receive a meal, case management, and connections to support services. The presentation focused on access to housing programs. Mr. Brown distributed a newly created Social Services flyer, along with an Arlington Cares postcard aimed at promoting donations to the Arlington Heights Emergency Assistance Fund. The flyer outlines the social services offered by the Village and includes information on the two social workers embedded in the Police Department as well as the two within the Health & Human Services Department. It also provides an overview of each social worker’s area of focus. Mr. Brown reported that a Mental Health Fair will take place at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on the upcoming Sunday. The event is organized by the offices of Mary Beth Canty and Nicole Grasse and marks the second year of the fair. A panel discussion is scheduled to include representatives from the Village of Arlington Heights, Wheeling Township, Kenneth Young Center, Omni Youth Services, and Catholic Charities. The focus of the event will be on effectively accessing mental health services, a process that has become increasingly challenging. Additionally, approximately 28 local service providers will be present to share information and resources. Mr. Brown noted that a government outreach event will be held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on June 11. The event is intended for individuals seeking information or assistance with accessing government services. Participating agencies will include representatives from the Village of Arlington Heights, various Cook County offices, and state senators’ offices. Mr. Brown shared that Summer Suppers is set to resume for the upcoming season. Additionally, the apartment complex outreach initiative will be restarting. This program, conducted in collaboration with the Fire Department, involves visits to local apartment complexes to raise resident awareness about social services and fire safety. This outreach has been in place for several years, and this summer, six apartment complexes are scheduled for visits. Mr. Brown noted that Social Services has been tasked by the Village with developing initiatives funded by the opioid settlement funds received by the Village. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. Ms. Kane reported that the Grief Support Group is averaging about eight participants per week. The group runs in consecutive sessions, with the next beginning on May 8. She continues to hold office hours at the Senior Center to connect with residents and raise awareness about available services. Ms. Kane participated in the Aging in Arlington Heights event. She also provided an overview of the taxi subsidy program. Four additional residents have been added and are now receiving monthly vouchers. She has addressed three ADA complaints since starting—two related to local housing and one involving a public entity—and is ensuring compliance with accessibility codes. Ms. Kane also attended a SESNA meeting and is staying informed about the upcoming 988 mental health crisis line pilot program in the area. Although the program has not yet launched, preparations are currently underway. She will be present at the upcoming National Senior Health & Fitness Day and will table at the event. She also highlighted the July 5 Frontier Days Disability Day, where the park will be open exclusively for individuals with disabilities and their families. Ms. Kane is training to become a certified facilitator for the Matter of Balance program—an eight-week, evidence-based fall prevention course for older adults. Mr. Brown reported that he has completed only one writ since the last meeting. The majority of his recent work has focused on housing-related issues, including housing loss and the need for affordable housing. He noted that approximately 80% of his current caseload involves case management related to housing concerns. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OTHER BUSINESS VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT IX. ADJOURNMENT DR. MORAN, SECONDED BY MS. VANLANDEGHEM TO ADJOURN AT 7:46 P.M., ALL CONCURRED AND THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The next meeting will be held on July 14, 2025.

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA Board of Health Buechner Room Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., AH 60005 April 28, 2025 6:30 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 27, 2025 Minutes IV. REPORTS A. Health & Human Services Director Update B. Nursing Services Update C. Social Services Update V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OTHER BUSINESS A. Announcements / Correspondence VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit your comments to three minutes. IX. ADJOURNMENT Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health & Human Services Department, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, healthmail@vah.com or 847/368-5760. Page 1 of 7 Minutes Village of Arlington Heights Board of Health Buechner Room 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., AH 60005 January 27, 2025 6:30 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Meservey called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. II. ROLL CALL Present Also Present Jerome Meservey, M.D. James McCalister, Commission Liaison Chairperson Darren Brown, Social Services Coordinator Karen VanLandeghem, MPH Kimberly Witt, Administrative Assistant Kristen Brown, M.D. William Moran, M.D. Joseph Novak, Psy.D. Not Present Ashley Bae, LCSW Shalu Gugnani, M.D. Lindsay Dohse, Nursing Supervisor III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A MOTION WAS MADE BY MS. VANLANDEGHEM, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 MEETING, SECONDED BY DR. MORAN AND APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. IV. REPORTS A. Health & Human Services Director Update Page 2 of 7 Mr. McCalister reported that since the last meeting, the annual village budget meeting was held with the Village Board. A general overview of the Health & Human Services 2025 budget was provided. The Senior Citizens’ Commission continues to focus on its Age-Friendly Initiative, which prioritizes three key areas: housing, affordable transportation, and improved communication. Recently, efforts have concentrated on enhancing communication, leading to significant updates to the Senior Center's website. Additionally, in January, the Senior Center launched its own Facebook page, which has already gained 214 followers. This platform is expected to enhance engagement, as many seniors actively use Facebook. Since the last meeting, the Senior Center has also finalized its five-year strategic action plan in collaboration with all tenant agencies and the Northern Illinois Center for Governmental Studies. This plan provides a clear roadmap for future growth. The Senior Center participation numbers have steadily increased since the pandemic, returning to pre-pandemic levels. All programs have resumed normal operations. For example, tonight the Senior Center is hosting a performance by a duo known for their Carpenters tribute act, attracting an audience of 100 people. The Youth Commission has been actively promoting its snow shoveling initiative, working to recruit students for the program. Although there has been no snowfall yet this season, the program's highest participation in previous years was 35 students. This year, the Commission took a new approach by emphasizing the volunteer aspect of the program. Traditionally, teens are matched with seniors or individuals with disabilities and can set their own rates, with a suggested guideline of $15 per hour. However, this year, the Commission encouraged participation through high school volunteer groups that require service hours. As a result, the number of registered students has increased significantly from 35 to 85. The new Household Hazardous Waste At-Home program, launched through SWANCC, began its first round in November. The program requires a $75 fee, but initial participation was low, with only one person signing up. The second round began in February, with increased promotion on social media to boost awareness. As of now, five participants have signed up. The program provides a convenient disposal option for hazardous waste, allowing residents to manage it at home instead of traveling to designated facilities in Rockford or Naperville. The Environmental Commission’s leaf blower report was submitted to the Village Board this past weekend. Village Manager Recklaus presented several options for consideration, and feedback is expected throughout the week. The Village Board will determine how to proceed after reviewing the report, which was included in the board’s meeting packets. Grace Terrace, a housing development for individuals with disabilities and veterans, received approval this past week following a highly debated three-year process. The building, to be located on the south end of town along S. Arlington Heights Rd., was initially designed as a three-story structure but was scaled back to two stories and repositioned on the property to meet all zoning requirements. The development will include 25 apartments. Page 3 of 7 In other developments, the proposed neuroscience building near the hospital has submitted the necessary paperwork, and construction is expected to begin in the spring, possibly as early as late February. At the county level, a new online dashboard was recently introduced to track opioid-related, gun-related, and weather-related deaths. The dashboard allows users to filter data by municipality and cause of death. Over the past year, Black and Latino individuals accounted for 72% of the 1,821 opioid-related deaths in Cook County and 86% of the 942 gun-related deaths. At the state level, bird flu has become an increasing concern. Although it has received limited local coverage, a recent siren notice reported 120 wild bird die- offs, three poultry farm outbreaks, and several human exposures within the past 60 days in Illinois. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the state’s upcoming funding allocations, which remain uncertain. At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was directed to halt all external communications, including social media activity, until February 1st. The impact of this directive remains unclear. Meanwhile, at the Illinois Public Health Association conference, the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) discussed ongoing uncertainties regarding how CDC funding will be distributed to state and county health departments in the coming year. B. Nursing Services Update In Ms. Dohse’s absence, Mr. McCallister reported that Ms. Dohse has completed her coursework and earned a master’s degree in public health, making her the second person in the department to hold two master’s degrees. Regarding Nursing Services, all influenza vaccinations have been administered since the last meeting. A total of 153 employees and 50 employee family members received flu vaccines, while 27 high-dose flu vaccines were provided to homebound individuals. Additionally, 12 flu vaccinations were administered at Northwest Central Dispatch. The department also provided 30 COVID-19 vaccines for homebound patients. Hemoglobin A1C screenings have continued, with 38 screenings conducted at Village Hall, 20 at the Senior Center, one for a homebound individual, and 27 for employees. The screening equipment is being utilized regularly. The New Parents Meet-Up group experienced strong participation in October and November. Following a brief hiatus in December and January due to flu season, the next session is scheduled for February. This decision was influenced by previous recommendations from the Board of Health. The upcoming February session will feature guest speaker Lynne Golden, a pediatric occupational therapist. In October, the group incorporated a Halloween- themed activity where participants created a keepsake by using their baby's footprint to make a bat, complete with the date and wording to commemorate their first Halloween. Ms. Finn has been developing unique activities for each meet-up. Page 4 of 7 The most recent session had approximately a dozen parents in attendance, with significant participation from fathers. The nursing staff continues to conduct hearing and vision screenings, remaining busy with these efforts. Recently, they completed screenings at Our Lady of the Wayside, where 256 children were assessed, and last week, they screened over 300 children at Saint James. Additionally, Ms. Dohse has maintained her collaboration with the Cook County Department of Public Health, assisting in the development of their strategic priorities. This partnership has been valuable, as it allows her to engage with other professionals in the healthcare community. The relationship with Cook County has been beneficial over the years, as their department has provided support when needed, particularly in areas such as vaccinations. C. Social Services Update Mr. Brown provided several general updates, beginning with the CAP program, the before and after school program run by the Park District. The division had previously received financial assistance for this program, but upon review, it was found that expenses had exceeded the budget over the past year. A series of meetings were held in the fall with the Park District, Village administration, and the school district to address the issue. As a result, the program’s budget received an additional $10,000 with the support of the Village Manager, bringing the total budget from $30,000 to $40,000. Additionally, through these discussions, the Park District agreed to adjust its billing structure by eliminating indirect costs and charging only direct costs, which provided further financial relief. At the beginning of this year, discussions continued to develop a sustainable plan moving forward. In a positive outcome, the Park District announced that it was able to secure a 40% reduction in its rates. These financial adjustments will allow for potential enrollment growth of up to 50%, shifting the program from a position of possibly needing to cut participants to being able to accommodate more families. The changes represent a significant improvement for the program and its future sustainability. A student from District 214’s Hersey High School will be completing an internship with the department this spring. The student, who has an interest in psychology, will complete a total of 30 hours between now and early May, providing exposure to public social work. Additionally, Erin Mercado, the Senior and Disability Social Worker, left the Village at the beginning of last fall. A new hire is expected to start in the role within the next two weeks. Since Ms. Mercado’s departure in November, the division has been operating with only one social worker, which has been challenging, particularly through the holiday season. Program updates include the grief support group, which was initially launched in the summer as part of the senior services initiative. Following a successful first Page 5 of 7 session, a new group began recently, and two sessions have already been held. The program, hosted at the Senior Center on Thursday mornings, remains in high demand, with a full roster of eight participants and a waiting list. Participants include individuals who have lost spouses, children, or other loved ones, ranging from recent losses to those that occurred years ago. The discussions have been positive and beneficial, and the program is expected to continue. The division has also established regular office hours at the library, which began recently. These sessions, held every other week for two-hour blocks, have been well-attended, averaging four to five visitors per session. The "Social Worker at the Library" initiative provides assistance with various needs, including referrals for senior services, mental health support, and counseling for individuals. Additionally, library staff have referred patrons, including homeless individuals, who require help connecting to services. This program aligns with the division’s strategic goal of expanding outreach to underserved populations. Food pantry outreach efforts have also been formalized. The division now makes visits to a pantry at Lutheran Church of the Cross twice a month, which serves approximately 150 people per session. To reach both rotation cycles of visitors, staff attend consecutive weeks. The outreach has been particularly impactful, with Ms. Dohse providing blood pressure checks and general health advice. The majority of patrons at this pantry are Eastern European and Latino, populations with whom the division has had limited engagement in the past. Efforts are also being made to establish outreach with a mobile pantry that operates on the north side of Arlington Heights, though logistics remain a challenge due to the pantry's transient setup. In addition to these outreach programs, in-service training sessions have been conducted at the Public Works Department at the request of Human Resources. These sessions, titled "Dealing with Stress and Stressful People," were well- attended and highly interactive. The training provided strategies for managing stress in the workplace and was positively received. An update was provided regarding emergency assistance efforts, including the Arlington Cares program. Previously, Arlington Cares operated as a fundraising entity for emergency assistance but dissolved approximately two years ago. As part of a strategic goal to replace this function, the program has now been brought in-house. Since the last meeting, an online donation portal has been established on the Village website, allowing individuals to contribute directly. Additionally, following discussions about outreach, postcards with a QR code linking to the donation page were printed and distributed to local restaurants and Village Hall during the holiday season. Despite staffing constraints due to holiday programs, volunteers assisted in distributing the materials. The initial fundraising efforts have generated approximately $11,125 in donations by the end of last year. A new partnership has also been established with the Brother Louie Foundation; a community assistance initiative affiliated with Alexian Brothers. This partnership enables the Village to submit funding requests, and several requests have already been successfully fulfilled, providing additional financial support for emergency assistance programs. Holiday programs remained a major focus in the fall. For Thanksgiving, 45 dinner packages were distributed to families in need, with contributions from the Rotary Page 6 of 7 Club and Keller Williams, each providing 20 to 25 meals. The holiday program, an adopt-a-family initiative, matched 75 families with sponsors from the community. Sponsors provided gifts valued at approximately $75 to $100 per family member, based on collected wish lists. Family sizes ranged from two to seven individuals. Additionally, the Fire Department donated several boxes of coats, which were distributed alongside holiday gifts and to homeless individuals in need. Regarding emergency assistance, a year-end review revealed that over 50 families were able to avoid eviction in the past year through the housing assistance program. This program requires individuals to demonstrate an emergency need and present a self-sufficiency plan for continued stability. The assistance is reserved for cases in which sustainability can be ensured. Lastly, the Department coordinated with the Police Department on involuntary hospitalizations through the court system. In Arlington Heights, police and fire services do not transport individuals involuntarily based on petitions or certifications. Instead, when necessary, the department facilitates court-ordered writs to authorize transport. In the fall, two such cases were processed at the request of the Police Department following community incidents. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion for 2026-2027 Strategic Priorities The Board reviewed and offered feedback for the 2026-2027 Strategic Priorities. Mr. Novak shared details on Chicago’s participation in the Shine Hope Company’s Network of Hopeful Cities, which strengthens mental health resources through an evidenced-based approach to cultivating hope. He hopes to involve Arlington Heights in the program. VII. OTHER BUSINESS VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT IX. ADJOURNMENT DR. MORAN, SECONDED BY MS. VANLANDEGHEM TO ADJOURN AT 7:48 P.M., ALL CONCURRED AND THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The next meeting will be held on April 28, 2025. Page 7 of 7