Board of Health

City of East Orange East Orange Department of Health & Human Resources NEW JERSEY 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING February 17, 2015 5:30PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 5:42 PM Board President Christine Harris read The Sunshine Law into the record and after the roll call, it was determined there was a quorum to convene the meeting. Board Members Present Cynthia Barnes Rosemary Brown Tobbia M. Corbitt C. Iman Hamilton Christine Harris, Chairwoman Board Members Absent Reverend Jean Maurice Dr. Calvin McNeill East Orange Department Of Health And Human Services Staff Rochelle Evans, Health Officer Ryan Linder, Asst. Corporation Counsel Donna Littlejohn, Board Secretary Karen LaRussa, Community City Council Liaison Councilwoman Sharon Fields (arrived at 5:55 pm) Guests Dianna Lachman – President, New Jersey Local Board of Health Association, NJLBHA John Saccenti – Past President Approval Of December 16, 2014 Minutes Board member Barnes moved to approve the December 16, 2014 minutes and seconded by Board Member Corbitt. After a roll call vote, the minutes were approved as presented. Old Business: Essex County Health Commission Board President Harris tables the discussion on retaining membership in the Commission until the March meeting. 1 PRESENTATION - NJ Local Boards of Health Association Dianna Lachman – President John Saccenti – Past President Board President Harris is a member of the Association and invited Dianna Lachman and John Saccenti to present an overview of the Association’s mission and its role in community outreach at the local level. Mr. Saccenti focused on the partnership/relationship between local boards of health and the municipality’s health officer. He highlighted the important role of the Association as an advocate providing the tools to assist local boards of health to be more effective in their roles. Health Officer Rochelle Evans commented that the Association serves as a vital support system for New Jersey’s Health Officers. Health Officer Report Health Officer Rochelle Evans reported on a recent break-in/robbery at the Dog Pound. Ms. Evans announced that the Police Department is in the process of reviewing camera footage and she is awaiting the outcome of their investigation. Ms. Evans announced that several of the clinic services may be outsourced. She added patients are being referred to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). Ms. Evans reported on the Health Department’s partnership for city-wide smoke detector distribution and installation; accomplished in coordination with the Fire Department and the Red Cross. Ms. Evans reported that the Health Department is working with the program County Homeless Connect, an initiative to get a population count of homeless individuals living in East Orange. She added that funding may be available to assist in providing essential services to this population. 2015 Board Meeting Dates The Board has decided to table the decision for vacation month until the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT The next Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 5:30 PM. Board Member Hamilton moved to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Board Member Barnes. After a roll call vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:37 PM. Submitted by, Donna Littlejohn Recording Clerk 2