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 March 17, 2015 5:30PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 5:48 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 Tobbia M. Corbitt (departed at 6:59 pm) C. Iman Hamilton Christine Harris, Chairwoman Reverend Jean Maurice (departed 7:20 pm) Dr. Calvin McNeill (departed at 7:10 pm) Board Members Absent Rosemary Brown East Orange Department Of Health And Human Services Staff Rochelle Evans, Health Officer Donna Littlejohn, Board Secretary City Council Liaison Councilwoman Sharon Fields (departed at 7:12 pm) Guests Dr. Norma Jean-Francois, East Orange General Hospital Valerie Wilson, People for Animals Patricia Andrews Webb Approval Of February 17, 2015 Minutes Board member Corbitt moved to approve the February 17, 2015 minutes and seconded by Board Member Barnes. After a roll call vote, the minutes were approved with correction. 1 PRESENTATION – East Orange General Hospital Dr. Norma Jean-Francois with East Orange General Hospital made a presentation to the Board on the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP) and Transition in Care Program with an intervention model on cardiac conditions. She explained that DSRIP is a demonstration program designed to improve health care delivery (access to care and quality of care), health outcomes (overall improved health of the population) and reduce cost by utilizing a hospital funding model where reimbursement is contingent on achieving health improvement goals and benchmarks. The Transition Care Program Cardiac Pilot Program demonstrated those components. Dr. Francois noted that the focus for East Orange General Hospital is an intervention model to reduce 30-day hospital readmissions; especially for chronic diseases and cardiac conditions. She outlined the key components of the program and identified the target population as patients with Medicare, Charity Care, or the uninsured. Dr. Francois outlined the services to be provided and the challenges her team faces to support this target population in addition to the necessary community resources needed for success. Dr. Francois appealed to the Board for support of this program asking for their assistance by identifying the variety of resources needed for DSRIP’s success. Councilwoman Sharon Fields, Chairwoman of the City Councils Health and Education Committee outlined existing services to support DSRIP’s goals and objectives including Medicaid enrollment. She pointed out the pressing need for a facility that would provide housing and medical/social services support (that is presently not available) at traditional shelters for discharged patients. Councilwoman Fields also mentioned different means in which to assist this target population to obtain valid identification. TRAP NEUTER RELEASE PROGRAM Valerie Wilson from People for Animals in Hillside, NJ addressed the Board asking for support of local legislation for a Trap, Neuter Return (TNR) program for feral and free roaming cats. She explained that the program traps, neuters and releases feral cats and through attrition may result in a decrease in the feral cat population without resorting to euthanasia. East Orange resident Patricia Andrews Webb advised the Board that she has obtained non-profit status and described her TNR efforts in East Orange. Chairwoman Harris called for an Executive Session; which the board agreed to. ADJOURNMENT At the end of the executive session the meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 5:30 PM. Submitted by, Donna Littlejohn Recording Clerk 2