Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health March 12th, 2015 Present Excused Absent Mr. Abbasi Ms. Jones Thorne Dr. Gaynes Dr. Dave Dr. Topouzian Ms. Langguth Dr. Drachler Ms. Urbanus Mr. Nidetz Dr. Luka Dr. Usman Dr. Polin Ms. Nikitsch Dugan Ms. Varma Mr. Pandya Dr. Vernon Dr. Prince Dr. Werner Dr. Sood Dr. Williams Dr. Counard, Director of Health Bruce A. Jones, Staff Claudia Braden, Staff Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m. by Dr. Drachler, Chairman. Approval of Minutes –The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Dr. Topouzian commented on what a great job Mr. Clough had done on the minutes and the entire Board concurred with her statement. Claudia Braden, RN, BSN, MPH - Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Skokie MRC Update Claudia Braden began by describing the Skokie Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). An MRC is a national network of local groups of volunteers committed to improving the health, safety and resiliency of their communities. The MRC mission is to engage volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response and community resiliency. With the MRC purpose to have licensed, credentialed medical responders trained and ready to respond immediately during public health emergencies and disasters • On September 11, 2001: The events of this day underscored the need for a mechanism to better utilize volunteer medical and public health professionals • November 1, 2002: The Health and Human Services Press Office announced the creation of the MRC to fulfill the public health emergency response needs of local communities throughout the U.S. • The MRC of Illinois (MRCIL) was formed in 2004 as a means of sharing information between units in Illinois. Has 76 Units in Illinois with 7050 Volunteers (Professionals as well as Non-Professionals) • 2008: CDC requires Local Health Departments be associated with an MRC or other volunteer group for Emergency Preparedness grant funding • November – December 2009: Village of Skokie administers 26,212 H1N1 flu vaccinations with a volunteer workforce of more than 1,000, including 272 healthcare providers. • July 2010: Skokie MRC is founded based on community needs identified during the H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Campaign. Using Licensed Professionals, having training aligned with MRC Association of Cook County and used grant funds from IDPH to purchase supplies and hire a consultant The Skokie MRC is comprised of the following Professionals: 32 RN’s, 5 LPN’s, 2 Pharmacists, 2 Physicians, 2 Physical Therapists, 1 Social Worker, 1 Clinical Psychologist, 1 Respiratory Therapist and 1 Occupational Therapist. Skokie MRC Members live and work in the community (including 3 Board of Health Members) and collaborate with area MRC’s (Evanston, Wilmette, Mt. Prospect, Elk Grove Village and Palatine). MRC members receive training on: Personal Preparedness, Basic Incident Command, Medical Countermeasures Dispensing, Mass Care, Exposure Prevention, Psychological First Aid, CPR and Basic First Aid. Dr. Counard mentioned that there has been tremendous support for the changes to the Good Samaritan Act that will give liability protection to MRC volunteers when they assist a local health department. She wanted to acknowledge support given from Mayor Van Dusen, State Representative Laura Fine for introducing HB2628 and State Senator Ira Silverstein for introducing SB1498. Dr. Counard also thanked Dr. Williams, Dr. Werner and Pat Urbanus for obtaining support from dental, medical and nursing societies as well as contacting legislators. Ms. Urbanus commended Ms. Braden for all her hard work and dedication towards both the creation and continued expansion of the Skokie MRC. Dr. Williams mentioned that he will be presenting at the New Orleans Dental Conference in April on the several topics including Disaster Preparedness. Mr. Abbasi asked how the Board can support the proposed amendment to the Good Samaritan Act. Dr. Counard said the best thing to do is contact State Representatives Lou Lang & Laura Fine and State Senators Daniel Biss & Ira Silverstein and urge them to back these current bills. Dr. Drachler asked about the sources of funding for the MRC to function. Claudia Braden explained that we receive funds from the Federal government and National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) grants. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler thanked Dr. Williams for chairing the February meeting in his absence and the Board members who attended on an extremely cold freezing night. Dr. Drachler again welcomed Dr. Vernon, Dr. Werner, and Dr. Dave to the Board and stated that they all had been appointed by Mayor Van Dusen for 2 year terms until 2017. Dr. Drachler reminded the board of the Boards & Commissions dinner scheduled for Monday March 30th and to RSVP to the Mayor’s Office. Dr. Drachler also mentioned that at the April 6th Board of Trustees meeting we will be presenting the Public Health Partners in Excellence annual awards. This year's recipients are: Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) "This is an all-volunteer conservation project dedicated to the protection of migratory birds through rescue, advocacy and outreach." Since 2011 we have transferred 150 injured birds and other animals to this organization. Their transport of these animals has been invaluable as Skokie would not be able to offer this option for injured wildlife without their help. Skokie Hospital For their ongoing support of The Skokie Community 2012 Health Plan, especially with improving access to health care and combating obesity and for their outstanding preparations for a potential Ebola patient. They have been really great partners! Personal Statements Dr. Dave gave a brief overview of her background for the Board’s information. Dr. Drachler asked that Dr. Vernon be prepared to give the same brief background overview to the Board at the April meeting. Director’s Monthly Report highlights – a copy is attached • Director of Health Moderates Health Disparities Forum at ACPM Annual Meeting in Atlanta Dr. Counard moderated a forum on health disparities during the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) annual meeting in Atlanta. The fact that certain groups in the United States have much worse health outcomes than others has been acknowledged for decades. Beginning to address these inequities is tough, but I wanted the session to offer practical examples for action, so I invited speakers from the Chicago area who have had success in a clinical setting, major research hospital and at the national policy level. The Health Department has been asked to include a discussion of health disparities as part of the next community health plan due in 2017. • Former Manufactured Gas Plant Site Remediation Update The former manufactured gas plant site clean-up project on the southwest corner of Oakton Street and McCormick Boulevard is expected to be completed in September 2015. The two-year project has been overseen by Nicor, in cooperation with ComEd, and representatives of the Village Manager's Office and Fire, Health, Police and Public Works Departments have been involved in project oversight. The Skokie Park District is conducting focus groups and round table discussions to consider recreational uses for the site. Dr. Drachler commented that health disparities are of great concern and will be an issue to be addressed in the 2017 Community Health Plan. Dr. Drachler asked if a copy of the February IPLAN committee minutes could be given to the Board of Health. Dr. Counard said that would be done. Community Health Plan • Access to Healthcare Dr. Counard mentioned she had written letters of support for Heartland International Health Center’s (HIHC) who in collaboration with Niles Township High School District 219 and with support from the North Suburban Healthcare Foundation, plans to establish a school-based health center at both Niles North and Niles West High Schools located in Skokie, Illinois. Dr. Drachler asked if Asian Human Services had any updated reports. Dr. Dave stated that they are currently working on a report which is in draft form at this time. • Tobacco Use Prevention Dr. Drachler mentioned that the Skokie Smoking in Public Places Ordinance will be amended to prohibit using electronic cigarettes and all similar devices anywhere that smoking is prohibited. Dr. Drachler will be presenting the proposed amendment to the Board of Trustees, along with Dr. Larry Williams, Dr. Tim Sanborn, Chief of Cardiology from NorthShore, and Joel Africk of the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.  Dr. Drachler provided a March 11, 2015 Tribune Article – “Smoking War Far from Won”. Dr. Williams mentioned that in the United Kingdom they have banned all specific brands of tobacco and all are now considered “Generic” and labeled as such using what is called plain cigarette packaging with standard health warning language. • Obesity Prevention Dr. Drachler asked if any metrics had been established for the “Rethink Your Drink” educational campaign. Dr. Counard reported that the Skokie data collected is consistent with U.S. data. Dr. Counard plans to have Dr. Leslie Cordes present on the obesity data at the May Board of Health meeting and she will continue to review what other departments have done on this topic. Dr. Drachler shared and article dated 2/12/15 from the New Zealand Herald on their child obesity epidemic. • Healthy Environment Dr. Counard reported Sherry I. Brandt-Rauf and her UIC School of Public Health students are continuing to work on the environmental chapter in the community health plan. The draft environmental chapter is coming along very well and will be reviewed by both the Health and Community Development Departments. Old Business No old business. New Business Dr. Werner commended the Health Department on completing an excellent Annual Report. Dr. Drachler spoke about Dr. Mason’s presentation and the relationship between Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and the Cook County Hospital System (CCHS). Dr. Vernon elaborated on the subject and clarified that while they work in unison and have a variety of affiliations they are still two separate entities. Dr. Vernon asked if Skokie was looking at obtaining National Accreditation. Dr. Counard said this is being looked at but the process could cost up to $20,000 and is a multiyear project. Dr. Vernon stated he would be willing to help in this endeavor. Mr. Abbasi asked about the topic of commercial recycling. Dr. Counard stated that this topic is being addressed in the environmental chapter within the community health plan. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. REMINDER: THE APRIL 9TH MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY!!! 2nd Floor Business Center Guest Speaker Rich Casey, FACHE Vice President Skokie Hospital NorthShore University HealthSystem