Board of Health

City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services 18 Mulberry Street, Nashua, NH 03060 BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING August 13, 2014 12:30 PM 18 Mulberry Street, 2nd floor Nashua, NH 03060 MEETING MINUTES BOH Members Present: Dr. Anthony Storace Dr. Thomas Astolfi Dr. Charles Cappetta Board members were given an agenda and copies of the department reports Meeting was called to order at 12:40 pm. Kerran Vigroux introduced DPHCS employees, Sue Lapointe and Terry Charest, both of whom have reached their 30-year milestones with the City of Nashua. The Board members offered a few words of thanks and support to Ms. Lapointe and Ms. Charest. Minutes: Dr. Astolfi made a motion to accept the June 2014 minutes. Dr. Storace seconded the motion. The Motion passed. Reports Reports for Emergency Preparedness highlighted numerous events that took place over the summer, and that an ambitious fall season is also coming up. Regional Public Health Network Services shared data from final focus groups and is in the process of working on the Community Health Assessment, which should be completed in September. Patrick Reedy, an intern from Saint Anselm College, has been helping with Lyme disease resources. Community Health Education reported 103 people participated in this year’s HIV testing day; a significant increase in attendance compared to last year. The Summer Recreation Bus Route pilot program was successful. Melissa is continuing to work on the website in an 1 effort to make it more user-friendly, as well as writing a chapter for the CHA on nutrition and obesity. CHIP Program Coordinator, Beverly Doolan, shared the We Can pilot program results, as well as work done by the mental health and obesity workgroups. The Healthy Smiles report among 3rd graders is also complete. HEAL will be applying for a $1.4 million dollar grant; funds would benefit community in disease prevention efforts. Beverly is also helping to prepare for accreditation application. If approved, the DPHCS would be the first health department in the state to be accredited. Healthy Homes has participated in numerous community and outreach events throughout the summer; currently working on a train-the-trainer tool to teach the one-touch system and raising awareness for other aspects of the Healthy Homes program. The Community Health Department is currently without a manager after the resignation of Sue Myers during July. Kerran Vigroux and Beverly Doolan have been helping the department stay on track and trying to alleviate some of the work load. Three per-diem nurses will be trained in clinic operations and added to the rotating schedule. Heidi Peek provided a report about the Environmental Health Department’s summer activities. The farmer’s market has been very successful and has had no problems. Lab Director, Rene Beaudoin, attended a water fluoridation workshop; strong support for anti-fluoridation. The Environmental Health Department has received many complaints regarding the presence of dogs at outdoor dining establishments. A letter was sent to restaurateurs distinguishing between therapy and service dogs to help with business operations. Environmental Health Specialist, Howard Price is set to retire in October, and Environmental Health Specialist, Amanda Hyde have also given her resignation. Bob Mack reported Welfare statistics compared to the prior year and indicated their department has seen an increase in food and utility services. Market Basket’s operations have made it difficult to purchase perishable food items, since food vouchers can only be used at that grocer. In the meantime, the Welfare Department is encouraging clients to use the local food pantries. Also, waiting to see how the Affordable Care Act will impact prescription assistance. Dr. Astolfi asked why there was a decrease in all of the department’s costs, except for prescriptions. Bob explained that although prices are up, vouchers are down and that is due to a change in vendor. Certain prescriptions are no longer available through a low-cost program. Alderman Wilshire Alderman Wilshire explained that she is not supportive of allowing dogs at restaurants where there is outside dinning. There is a growing push in Nashua for backyard chicken coups; suggested creating a quick one-page flyer of what residents who may be looking to raise chicken can and cannot do. Alderman Wilshire also announced that legislation regarding the new public health building has been sent to committee. Public Comments None Dr. Astolfi made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Cappetta seconded the motion. The Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 1:35pm. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 12:30-1:30 pm. 2