Health Equity Committee

Health Equity Committee Special Meeting January 9, 2023 2:30 pm Room 217- City Manager’s Office Present: John Salomone-City Manager, Patrick Daley-Police Chief, Kate Milde- Director of Human Services, Patrick McCormack-Uncas Health, Dr. Mohammed Qureshi-Hartford Healthcare, Joseph Zuzel-Director of Community Health for Hartford Healthcare, Sarah Duso – Norwich Public Schools, Sheila Hayes – Norwich NAACP and Missy Myers – Generations Health Care (replacing Arvind Shaw who Retired. A quorum was determined. Absent - Brigid Marks – Human Resources Director, Ramindra Walia will replace Jennifer Granger - United Community Services, Robert Farwell-Otis Library, Erica Brennan - Rose City United, Alexander Mbewe – Hartford Healthcare Others in attendance–Jacquie Barbarossa-Executive Assistant to the City Manager John Salomone welcomed the group and asked for a volunteer for a chair. After brief discussion, Sarah Duso volunteered. Motion by Kate Milde, to appoint Sarah Duso as Chair, second my Missy Myers - All in favor. It was determined that the committee will meet the second Monday of the month at 2:30 pm in Room 319. A Hybrid schedule will be sent to Clerk’s office due to the number of committee members that may have scheduling conflicts to meet in person. The position of Recording Secretary was discussed. It was suggested that staff should be able to do based on the time of day and budget concerns. Kate Milde advised that Demographics Perspective had submitted an invoice for drafted plans and that there was no signed contract. They would also like direction from the committee now that it’s formed. There was discussion whether to continue with their services since they had been dealing with previous staff members. There was conversation on the direction of the committee and that other local organizations may have some information that the committee could use to assess the needs in the community. It was suggested that Kate and/or Sarah will have a discussion with Lee-Ann Gomes, the former director of Norwich Human Services for clarification of the intended role/process. Patrick McCormack suggested that the committee define the role, scope and purpose of the committee going forward. Jacquie Barbarossa advised the group that several members of the committee still needed to take the ethics course. She will resend the link to the members that need to take the course. Meeting adjourned at 3:24 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jacquie Barbarossa