Board of Health

City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services 18 Mulberry Street, Nashua, NH 03060 BOARD of HEALTH MEETING February 10, 2016 12:30 PM 18 Mulberry Street, 2nd floor Nashua, NH 03060 MEETING MINUTES BOH Members Present: Dr. Anthony Storace, Chair Dr. Thomas Astolfi Dr. Charles Cappetta Aldermanic Liaison Present: Thomas Lopez, Ward 4 Due to a lack of quorum, an informal meeting was called to order by Dr. Storace at 12:32pm. Board members present were given copies of the agenda and department reports Reports: Public Health Network Services (EP & SMP) Patty Crooker reported that Building Resilience Against Climate Change and Severe Weather grant awarded through the Public Health Network Services framework will have its first reading before the Board of Aldermen tonight, Feb 10, 2016. The grant will support a subcontract with Nashua Regional Planning Commission to support the work. Patty also reported completion of the CDC Medical Countermeasures evaluation (MCM ORR) on January 15. Patty attended the Mont Vernon Board of Selectmen meeting in January. A full meeting was initiated at 12:34 by Dr. Storace as additional Board arrived and a quorum was reached. Lisa Vasquez reported that a community forum held by Milford CAST was attended by over 100 community members and also by Governor Hassan. Coalitions are operating autonomously and working on events and proposals specific to their community need. Program Coordination/CHIP Beverly Doolan reported that the accreditation process is on track, with 84% of required documentation complete. She also shared the completed mini-brochure for the 2015 Community Health Improvement 1  Plan (CHIP) initiatives as well as a recent National Libraries of Medicine Northeast Region publication that highlights NLM connection and grant support for the Nashua DPHCS educational outreach project, “My Health. My Care”. At 12:37 pm the meeting was suspended for the annual swearing in of Board of Health members. Dr. Anthony Storace, Dr. Charles Cappetta, and Dr. Thomas Astolfi were sworn in with oath administered by Nashua City Clerk Patricia Piecuch. The official meeting resumed at 12:40 pm. All Board members and Aldermanic Liaison Tom Lopez present. Community Health Jackie reported outreach activities for the month at Nashua Library, Nashua Soup Kitchen and the Homeless Connect event, all supported by nursing staff and the community outreach worker. 68 medical staff and community partners attended an education event, cosponsored with St. Joseph Hospital. There were 2 outbreak investigations in January that were managed collaboratively with Environmental Health Environmental Health Heidi reported that Environmental Health is working with a new local restaurant owner on a corrective action plan. In January, the department responded to a call regarding illegal asbestos siding removal; the issue was satisfactorily resolved with the contractor and the proper disposal of the siding. Heidi is working with the city GIS on a project to map multifamily units, hotels, and motels. Dr. Storace asked about public availability of the map. Other maps are available on the city site. Discussion followed about using of GIS mapping for disease tracking, especially noting there are ethical considerations of confidentiality if such a map were available. Landlords or businesses could be identified. Sources of illnesses could be inaccurately assumed. Further discussion concluded such a map would not be possible due to confidentiality requirements around protection of “health information” as defined under HIPAA. Welfare Department Bob reported no significant differences over January of the prior year, with slightly higher number of client contacts. There were 18 families assisted with motel placement due to shelters being beyond capacity. Welfare also participated in the Homeless Connect event on January 27. 89 individuals from the community received services and information at the event. Alderman Lopez asked about the 18 families in motel placement and whether there should be a call to action for increasing shelter capacity. Bob explained HUD emphasis on rapid rehousing and the ongoing struggle for best answers in either increasing supportive services or housing as a response to homelessness. Shelters are at capacity throughout the state. There are only six family shelters available at any one time in Nashua and it is challenging when large families need assistance. Turnaways due to family size present a dilemma in the decision making process. Board Chair Dr. Storace asked to add an agenda item to discuss former Division Director Kerran Vigroux, who was dismissed from her position effective February 5, 2016. Dr. Storace requested that the Board send a letter of thanks for her years of service and for the excellent work she managed while in her position. Dr. Astofi asked if there was any update since Friday and if staff have been informed of a plan. Welfare Officer Bob Mack responded that Department Managers were informed of the change by Mayor Donchess. Bob said the Mayor indicated he intends to fill the position, however there is no known timeline. Dr. Storace asked how operations are being covered in 2  the absence of a Director, and Health Officer Heidi Peek-Kukulka responded that we are taking a team approach for now and managing with collaborative effort until a replacement is appointed. Dr. Storace reminded all present that the Board of Health appreciates all the work of the Division. He stated that the BOH is here to advise and that they are behind the staff at this time. Public Comments None Minutes Dr Astolfi made a motion to approve the January minutes. Dr. Cappetta seconded the motion. The motion passed. Dr. Storace made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Astolfi aseconded the motion. The motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 1:08 PM. The next meeting will be March 9, 2016 3