Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health April 10, 2014 Present Absent Excused Mr. Abbasi Dr. Plotkin Mr. Pandya Dr. Polin Dr. Drachler Ms. Jones Thorne Dr. Prince Dr. Topouzian Ms. Nickisch Duggan Ms. Urbanus Dr. Sood Dr. Veis Dr. Gaynes Dr. Usman Dr. Herwitz Dr. Williams Ms. Langguth Dr. Usman Dr. Luka Ms. Varma Mr. Nidetz Dr. Catherine Counard, Director of Health Mr. Bruce Jones, Staff Trustee Michele Bromberg Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Dr. Drachler, Chairman Dr. Drachler asked that the Board stand and observe a moment of silence in memory of our friend and colleague Mr. Lloyd Gordon long time Board member who recently passed away. Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Presentation - Trustee Mark Collins, Niles Township Government; Niles Township Food Pantry Mr. Collins spoke about the food pantry mission and background: the presentation included an overview of food pantry and food pantry resources. food pantry flyers and brochures where distributed to the board during the meeting. Mr. Collins started out by stating “A community takes care of its self” and His Mom would comment “We’re not poor, we don’t have any money” and “If you can’t afford food, you can’t afford anything”. Mr. Collins gave a brief history of the Food Pantry, and then introduced the two staff members responsible for day-to-day operations of the Food Pantry: James Tassev and Tony Araque. Mr. Collins mentioned that James and Tone started as volunteers, and then were hired as part-time and ultimately made full time employees and have become the “true faces” of the Food Pantry. James & Tony spoke about how they were just out of high school in 08-09 when they started at the Food Panty right around the time Mr. Collins was elected to the Niles Township Board of Trustees. The Food Pantry currently serves 3,500 people per month. People are allowed to come twice a month, and they try to accommodate people whenever and however possible. Food is packaged based on household size. The Food Pantry participates in the Greater Chicago Food Bank Depository, a USDA program, and Catholic Charities for seniors (over 60). They also receive food from “Food Rescue” which includes foods (fruit, produce, and meats) from Jewel, Dominick, and Target. James and Tony are responsible for ordering all food, and handle the receipt of 15,000 - 25,000 lbs. of food a month. Money is a better donation than food as the Food Pantry is able to purchase items at a deeply discounted cost. For example, they can buy a carton of jam for the retail cost of one jar of jam. The Food Pantry receives a grant from the Village of Skokie each year. A lively discussion ensued. Dr. Williams mentioned the garden plot next to the Food Pantry that generates fresh vegetables during the summer, and suggested that a structure (hot house) be established for year round production. Dr. Drachler asked who is eligible for the program and how is word spread about the Food Pantry? James and Tony responded that residents living within the boundaries of Niles Township are eligible. Catholic Charities for senior citizens (over 60) does have income guidelines. They have approximately 242 seniors on the Catholic Charities program and more on the USDA program. The Food Pantry is promoted by word of mouth and by using Skokie Patch and Skokie Newspapers. Dr. Drachler asked when the Food Pantry first start – Mark Collins is not quite sure but he will try to find out – but estimated to be at least 20 years? Dr. Counard asked about demographics. Is English their primary language and the age range they serve? Mr. Collins replied that the Food Pantry serves a wide age range of individuals from teens to late 80’s - 90’s. They do have a foreign population that can communicate in some fashion. Mr. Collins explained they provide food to anyone who comes to the Food Pantry; they do not turn anyone away. Dr. Counard thanked Mr. Collins for allowing the Health Department to survey Food Pantry clients, as part of developing the Skokie Community 2012 Health Plan. It is likely no surprise to anyone that if someone does not have enough money for food, they often do not have access to healthcare either. She reminded everyone that seniors (over age 65) who completed the survey typically had Medicare. Most other adults being served by the Food Pantry did not have health insurance or access to healthcare, especially young adults. Mr. Abbasi asked about contributing money. Mr. Collins explained that the Food Pantry is a 501.c3 foundation. He stressed that monetary contributions go a lot farther than food donations, as it gives the Food Pantry much more buying power. Ms. Urbanus asked if they refer clients to Turning Point. Mr. Collins replied that generally this is not done, but rather the opposite is seen as Turning Point refers their clients to the Food Pantry. Mr. Abbasi asked if the Food Pantry delivers food. Mr. Collins replied that they generally do not, but there is a proxy form that people can complete which allows others to pick up food on their behalf. Dr. Counard also mentioned that the Skokie Human Services Division has a robust “Meals on Wheels” program for anyone who is homebound. Dr. Williams asked if the Food Pantry is familiar with the programs available for Veterans. Dr. Williams mentioned that Congress has established some great programs and they can learn more at the Veterans Affairs website www.va.gov Mr. Collins mentioned that obesity is an issue he would like to think about, and maybe work with the Board of Health on,. Food Pantry clients are limited in their food choices, and may not always have available the best, healthiest food items. Dr. Drachler stated he would be happy to get together with a dietician and the Food Pantry staff to discuss healthy and nutritious choices for their clients. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler mentioned that he attended the Shiva for Lloyd Gordon and it was a pleasure to meet his family. He learned that that Mr. Gordon grew up in “the region” (northern Indiana). They also made Dr. Drachler aware that while Mr. Gordon did not invent the salad bar, he did in fact invent the sundae bar at his restaurant by Midway Airport. Dr. Drachler acknowledged that at the Boards & Commission dinner, Dr. Luka and Ms. Urbanus received their 5 year recognition awards. Dr. Drachler commented that he spoke to the Mayor about e-cigarettes and smoke free campuses at the dinner. He also spoke to the Village Manager about getting BMI numbers on obesity in children and the need to work with all the various school districts in Skokie. The Mayor explained that these issues would be looked at after the FY15 Budget was completed. Dr. Drachler commented that he attended Dr. Williams smoking cessation presentation at the Skokie Public Library, and was extremely impressed and thought it was terrific. Dr. Drachler strongly encouraged all Board members to attend one of Dr. Williams’ seminars. Dr. Williams mentioned that his students went out in DuPage County to provide dental services to underserved children and at the same time collected BMI data. Dr. Drachler mentioned that the data is available at schools, but needs to be collected. This could be a problem since there was backlash in Evanston when this was attempted, since parents did not want their children singled out or labeled as obese. Dr. Drachler mentioned that we have our FY15 budget meeting scheduled with the trustees on April 30th. Personal Statements None Director’s Monthly Report Dr. Counard presented the March monthly report (attached). The highlights included: • Health Dept. Focused on Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) was the focus for the March all staff meeting. Each Division will select at least one project for CQI during the coming year. • Fire Chief gives Emergency Community Shelter Plan Presentation Chief Ralph Czerwinski shared the new Village Emergency Community Shelter Plan with the Board of Health and Medical Reserve Corps. These groups will be involved with setting up and staffing an emergency shelter if needed. A facilitated discussion and tabletop are planned for summer/fall 2013. • School Tobacco Use Prevention Activities Illinois Tobacco Enforcement grant funds were used to hire PEER Services to conduct anti-tobacco activities at Middle Schools during “National Kick Butts Week”. Events included poster contests, door decorating, and Old Orchard Junior High students produced an impressive anti-tobacco video, which can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/Ip7-um0_BNc Dr. Counard played the Old Orchard Junior High anti-tobacco video for the Board. She mentioned that the winning student posters will be displayed in Village Hall and the Skokie Public Library during May. Trustee Bromberg announced a new data sharing agreement between the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations (IDFPR) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This concrete data will help identify shortages or gaps in Illinois with all the various Healthcare providers. Dr. Williams asked if that would include Dentists. Trustee Bromberg said she believes it would. Community Health Plan Initiatives Updates • Access to Healthcare – Dr. Counard mentioned that Asian Human Services, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC), has purchased the building at 8800 Lockwood in Skokie and has opened. Asian Human Services also has a beautiful healthcare facility on Peterson in Chicago, where many Skokie residents receive healthcare. • Obesity Prevention – Dr. Drachler said he would be happy to speak more with the Food Pantry about healthy food choices for their clients. • Tobacco Use Prevention – Dr. Drachler sent a letter to the Mayor and Board of Trustees to strengthen our code to regulate the use of e-cigarettes as any other tobacco products. Dr. Drachler asked Trustee Bromberg if the Mayor had spoken to the board about the letter. She acknowledged he had, but that they need to complete the FY15 budget process first • Healthy Environment – Carrie Haberstich –Planner from Community Development is scheduled to speak at the June meeting on the Village’s continued plans for more bike paths. Mr. Abbasi asked about recycling garments. Dr. Drachler had an article about Lake County recycling garments and other textiles. Ms. Urbanus believes there was a company at the Spring Greening event that handled garments and other textiles. Dr. Counard said we would investigate. Old Business Dr. Drachler asked how the harsh winter affected the cleanup at the MGP. Dr. Counard and Mr. Jones explained that they closed only 4 days with the most extreme cold temperatures and that this did not put them behind schedule at all. Dr. Counard and Mr. Jones explained that 100% of the site is cleared, approx. 75% excavated and approx. 25% of the backfilling is completed. New Business Dr. Drachler received an e-mail from Mark Schroder – Manager of Community Relations at Skokie Hospital, stating they have some funding available for agencies that target health community support need activities, this brings to mind Turning Point and the Niles Township Food Pantry. Dr. Counard mentioned they are already working with Turning Point. Dr. Counard asked Dr. Gaynes about vision entities. The amount is about $5000. Dr. Gaynes asked for some time to find an appropriate agency. Dr. Drachler asked our Veterinarians if there were any animal agencies that might qualify. Dr. Luka & Dr. Usman spoke about the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and some shelters that do some pro bono work with free or low cost spay/neutering and vaccinations. Dr. Drachler and Dr. Counard asked the Board to forward any suggested ideas to the Dr. Drachler. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:53 p.m.