Montachusett Public Health Network

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Nov 07 2024 4:24 pm MONTACHUSETT PUBLIC HEALTH NETWORK MEETING EXECUTIVE/GOVERNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Legislative Building, 700 Main St., Fitchburg MA 01420 In-Person Attendance: Micah, Ruth, Michelle, Steve, Catherine, Victoria, Stacy Virtual Attendance: Abigail, Tom, Phil Meeting opened: Quorum met with 7 people in attendance. Opened at 10:28am by Steve with introductions by each member in person and virtual attendance. Public Comment: None Past meeting minutes approval: Request to approve June 2024 Minutes by Steve. Ruth moved to approve. Micah seconded. Roll call was taken. Abby was not present for the June meeting and therefore we did not have a quorum on approval, mater will be tabled until next meeting. Approval of funds to purchase reimbursable COVID vaccine: Reimbursements are still coming in. The shortage shown on the hand out ($16,383.90) isn’t the final number. Need approval to purchase flu vaccine. Phil moves and Tom/Michelle seconds. Roll call taken, Motion passes. Impact Melanoma Closure: Victoria and Catherine worked all summer to be sure all dispensers were maintained. This was a very successful project. We have received great feedback from the communities in which the dispensers were placed. We would like to wrap up the dispensers before flu season. Catherine and Victoria maintain them and will be difficult during clinics. Dispensers will be collected prior to first flu clinic of 9/25. Phil requested we hold off on the dispensers until Mid-October, as the sun is still out and there are upcoming fall fairs which bring people out. Is there another way we can keep them up through early October? Most dispensers are at pools which are closing. The suggestion was raised by Phil to remove the dispensers that are at pools/swimming areas and leave others. Victoria will work with each town to determine if a dispenser is still required. Good news is these dispensers will be available next summer and in the foreseeable future. Respiratory Clinics for 2024/25 Season: The clinic schedule is being finalized. We will be starting a week earlier than last year due to the delayed receipt of covid vaccine last year. First clinic is scheduled for September 25th. Victoria has contacted each town to schedule. If there’s a location you’d like to see a clinic, please let us know as soon as possible. Catherine/Mishel – training updates, monthly meetings: Mishel at DPH is unavailable and will attend our next meeting. A reminder to all that the food and housing courses are coming up. If you do not receive the email regarding courses, please let Catherine know so she can add you to the email list. PHE grant wants Catherine to meet with towns once a month to get updates on workplans for each town. Announcements – New and Old Business: Catherine – Stericycle issues – Westminster still having issues – will review today. Steve requested that Westminster be put on regular schedule. Westminster is picking up sharps themselves and bringing to Landfill for disposal. Request a box to collect and dispose of them. We do have some and can provide. There are some options for other companies that Steve is pursuing. Unfortunately, there are not many out there. Steve asked if there are any issues in other towns. Leominster – requested a schedule and hasn’t heard from the account manager. A new company reached out to Leominster to offer a machine that would allow you to shred the needles yourself. October 17th, 4pm – 7pm, 14 Wallace ave, Senior Center in Fitchburg – Health Resource Fair – 70+ information tables to connect folks with resources - elder, housing, shelter, veteran, medical care, mental health, etc. … There will also be a walk-in Covid and Flu clinic – bring insurance card. Steve noted that the areas has had a reported case of West Nile Virus positive mosquito in Leominster – be aware of mosquitos and be aware of peak mosquito hours – dusk/dawn – use a repellent with DEET. Drain standing water, install or repair screens. Phil – reminded the group of the upcoming Red Apple Barn meeting, 10/3/24, PHEP Adjourn – Motion to adjourn. Next meeting is scheduled for 10/30/24 at 10:30 in Legislative Building.