Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Thursday, February 8, 2024 7:00 pm Conference Room D&E, Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St MINUTES In attendance: Dr. Swapna Dave, Dr. Michael Gottesman, Maureen Hanlon, Juliet Haido, Margaret Keeler, Dr. Edward Linn (Chair), Rohit Pandya, Jan Shiffman, Dr. Kyungran Shim, Dr. Romil Sood, Patricia Urbanus, Irtaza Usman, Ruth Varma, Dr. William Werner, Dr. Larry Williams, Sibyl Yau, Staff Liaison: Mike Charley Not in attendance: Heidi Nickisch Duggan, Dr. Bruce Gaynes, Dr. Girijia Kalyan Kumar Trustee James Johnson, Trustee Keith Robinson I. Call to Order @ 7 PM II. Approval of Agenda: Approved III. Approval of Minutes: January 6, 2022: Approved IV. Board of Health Chair Report, Dr. Ed Linn: Dr. Linn communicated that data shows that Gonorrhea cases are trending down, however Syphilis cases are trending up across the country. He provided several respiratory-viruses including COVID-19, RSV and the flu continue to circulate. According to the National Wastewater surveillance data COVID-19 may have peaked. There have been two new COVID-19 variants since last fall and the virus will continue to mutate. There is always a concern that the variants will be more transmissible and escape immunity. Dr. Werner asked if the rate of Syphilis cases was being compounded by the limited supply of Bicillin to treat the disease? Margaret Keeler responded that recently a new antibiotic (Linezolid) was approved. Dr. Sood asked what is the prevalence of Syphilis in Skokie? Mike Charley responded that he had recently reviewed Skokie resident Syphilis data and Skokie resident data does not show a significant increase in Syphilis cases. however there are areas throughout Illinois that have seen increases. Mike communicated that HHS plans on reducing the stigma associated with STI testing and treatment. The plans include using Village social media to educate the public. V. Director’s Monthly Report, Mike Charley, Director of Health and Human Services: HHS participated in the January 27 District 69 Winter Wellness Fair administering free flu vaccines and distributing public health education. The Environmental Health Division conducted flavored vaping compliance checks at 26 tobacco retailers in January 2024 Doc#: 617968, Version:1  and found no violations. HHS is still in the process of hiring a new Public Health Program Coordinator/Analyst position. On April 14, 2024 the Commission on Family Services will be holding a People with Disabilities townhall meeting that is open to the public. The HHS budget and BOH budget were submitted for FY25, both budgets are still in draft form, however budgets will go in front of the Village Board prior to May 1. All three major seasonal respiratory viruses (flu, RSV & COVID-19) have seen recent decreases in emergency room visits according to CDC data. VI. Ongoing/New Items of Business A. BOH Workplan Discussion: Mike Charley communicated that if there are any topics that the BOH would like to discuss and/or local public health organizations that members would like to see present at a future meeting to let him know. Dr. Dave communicated that she would be interested in researching Cannabinoids and then drafting education for Skokie residents. B. Skokie Health Symposium 2024 (February 20): Sibyl Yau communicated that there is a Skokie Health Symposium scheduled for February 20 at the District 219 administrative offices. Members of Skokie’s Health Equity Team, including the individuals participating the 4 subcommittees (Access to Healthcare, Access to Behavioral Health, Affordable Housing, Data) have been invited. The symposium will include updates from the action teams, a presentation from the Lake County Health Department’s IPLAN coordinator and a small group break-out session where questions about the direction of the Community Health Improvement process will be discussed. Sibyl communicated that if any of the BOH members wanted to participate in the meeting, to let her know. Sibyl Yau is one of the co-chairs of the IPLAN’s Access to Healthcare team and she participated in the District 69 Winter Wellness Fair on January 27. A prenatal flyer was developed and distributed. The flyer encourages women to get early prenatal care. Increasing early prenatal care is a priority within Health and Human Services’ Community Health Improvement Plan. VII. Public Comments: None VIII. Adjournment @ 7:55 PM Next Regular Meeting: March 14, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. Doc#: 617968, Version:1