Board of Health

Kevin A. Elak, MPH City of Middletown Director of Health Department of Health 245 deKoven Drive Middletown, CT 06457 TEL: (860) 638-4960 FAX: (860) 638-1960 TDDL: (860) 344-3521 Middletown Board of Health Minutes from May 10, 2022 Meeting Present: Patricia DiStefano, Yvonne Joy, Reverend Robyn Anderson, Stan Opalacz, Kevin Elak, Jennifer Sparks Absent: Anthony Mangiafico, Linda Salafia, Aaron Roome Call To Order:  Meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM. Approval of Minutes:  Minutes for March 8, 2022. Motion by Stan Opalacz, 2nd by Yvonne Joy Minutes approved. Public Hearing for Agenda Items:  None Directors Report:  Director of Health o Kevin Elak discussed the health department’s new hire, health educator, Daisy Hernandez. It will be great to have a full time health educator again She will be focusing on health outreach in the community such as the opioid epidemic. Kevin discussed the opioid task force he and Reverend Robin Anderson have created to promote addiction treatment  services, harm reduction programs and resources for individuals and families affected by the opioid crisis. Kevin discussed the new swell in Covid19 cases, most likely caused by the BA2 variant and the new Covid19 metrics. Old Business: None New Business: The four agencies that submitted grant proposals for the FY 2022-2023 Pubic Health Block Grant had representatives in attendance to give a presentation to the board members. o Community Renewal Team, Inc.: Julie Ackerman discussed the CRT program and meals on wheels which provides homebound elderly individuals with 2 free, healthy meals a day and assists with other needs they may have. o Rent Assistance Support for YMCA’s Schwarz Men’s Residence: Candice Crane discussed the YMCA men’s residence program which is a program that assists low income men with affordable housing and helps to promote their well-being. o After School Circus programs for Youth : Dic Wheeler discussed the Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater program which provides children with educational services after school. They learn theatrics, athletics and many other life skills though the theater/circus program. o MARC Community Resources Health & Wellness Garden Program: Lori Lodge discussed the MARC Community Resources Health & Wellness Garden Program which helps empower individuals with disabilities through gardening. This program benefits their mental and physical health and wellness. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn by Pat DiStefano. 2nd by Reverend Robyn Anderson Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM. Respectfully Submitted: Jennifer Sparks R.S. Acting Public Health Manager