Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:00 pm Conference Room D&E, Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St MINUTES In attendance: Dr. Michael Gottesman, Dr. Edward Linn (Chair), Juliet Haido, Maureen Hanlon, Dr. Girijia Kalyan Kumar, Margaret Keeler, Dr. Stephen Lupovitch, Rohit Pandya, Dr. Kyungran Shim, Dr. Romil Sood, Patricia Urbanus, Irtaza Usman, Ruth Varma, Dr. William Werner, Sibyl Yau; Liaison (Vice-Chair); Staff Liaison: Mike Charley; Not in attendance: Dr. Swapna Dave, Dr. Bruce Gaynes, Heidi Nickisch Duggan, Dr. Larry Williams; Trustee James Johnson Trustee Keith Robinson I. Call to Order @ 7:03 PM II. Approval of Agenda: Approved, first by Sook, Second by Werner III. Approval of Minutes: November 14, 2024 Meeting – Approved, first by Sood, second by Werner IV. BOH Chair Updates – Respiratory Viruses Update, Dr. Edward Linn: Dr. Linn emphasized the continued recommendation for certain age groups, particularly immunocompromised individuals, to receive their COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. He noted that this flu season has been especially severe—one of the worst in decades—while flu vaccine uptake remains low. Additionally, Dr. Linn highlighted the growing concern over the spread of H5N1 (avian influenza) among chickens, which certainly supports the BOH’s recommendation to retain the prohibition on backyard chickens, particularly because human infections typically result from direct contact with infected poultry. Regarding COVID-19, cases are currently lower this season, but individuals aged 65 and older are advised to receive an additional vaccine dose four months after their last dose to strengthen protection against severe illness. Dr. Linn also reported an increase in norovirus cases, emphasizing that hand sanitizer is ineffective against the virus; instead, thorough handwashing with soap and water is recommended. Finally, he reiterated that flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines remain recommended during pregnancy, as they can provide vital protection for both the mother and the unborn child. V. Health and Human Services Updates, Mike Charley: Charley provided the following general updates: • Skokie was selected as one of seven municipalities from around the country to participate in the Strong Cities Network Prevention Academy. The academy consists of a series of monthly meetings and modules that use a public health approach to develop community-driven prevention strategies regarding hate and extremism. Charley shared that HHS, the Law Department and the Human Relations Commission are currently developing a Policy for Early Identification of Hate-Related Incidents. • HHS partnered with Advocate Healthcare to provide flu vaccine to 10 Skokie schools. • HHS continues to provide flu vaccine for the homebound and are planning on purchasing COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to Skokie’s homebound. • In November, HHS and the Medical Reserve Corps hosted a Stop-the-Bleed Course • In December HHS partnered with Versiti Blood Center to host a blood drive at the Skokie Doc#: 625108, Version:1  Police station. • HHS recently received a new MRC Operational Readiness grant of $5,000 to fund purchase of CPR materials and choking educational supplies. • In December, the MRC held a quarterly meeting where they received Active Shooter training. • HHS held their annual Assist a Family Gift Card event in December providing holiday gift cards to low-income Skokie residents. • HHS Grant Funding Presentation: Mike provided an overview of the grants that HHS are currently receiving through various agencies. There are currently 15 different grants with an anticipated revenue of $633,176 for FY26. VI. Old Business • Backyard Chickens – Update from November 18, 2024 Village Board Meeting: Charley related that Dr. Ed Linn presented the BOH’s recommendation, as voted on at the BOH’s October 10, 2024 meeting, where the BOH concluded their evaluation and voted to recommend that the Village uphold the current prohibition on backyard chickens. The Village Board asked questions, had discussions on the issue and ultimately decided to support the current ban on backyard chickens. VII. New Business • Dr. Stephen Lupovitch Introduction/Biography: Dr. Lupovitch provided a short introduction to BOH members. Dr. Lupovitch has lived in Skokie for 29+ years with his wife and several children, his occupation is as a cardiologist and is employed by Endeavor Health. He currently runs a small cardiovascular research department as part of his cardiologist practice. He got his M.D. degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. • Skokie Health Equity Symposium (March 11, 2025): Charley provided that several members of the BOH have been invited to participate in this year’s symposium. The symposium will provide HHS as well as the Skokie Health Equity Network (SHEN) and opportunity to share updates to a group of Skokie-area health stakeholders/organizations from HHS’s Community Health Improvement Plan. State Senator Laura Fine has also been invited to present at the symposium. The symposium is being funded through the Skokie Community Foundation. VIII. Public Comments: None IX. Adjournment @ 8:05 PM, first by Hanlon, second by Sood Next Regular Meeting: March 13, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. Doc#: 625108, Version:1