Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Thursday, April 10, 2025 7:00 pm Conference Room D&E, Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St MINUTES In attendance: Dr. Swapna Dave, Dr. Bruce Gaynes, Dr. Michael Gottesman, Dr. Edward Linn (Chair), Juliet Haido, Maureen Hanlon, 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. Girijia Kalyan Kumar, Margaret Keeler, Dr. Larry Williams; Trustee James Johnson, Trustee Keith Robinson I. Call to Order at 7:00 PM II. Approval of Agenda: Approved, first by Dr. Lupovitch, second by Dr. Sood III. Approval of Minutes: March 13, 2025 Meeting: Approved, first by Dr. Lupovitch, second by Dr. Sood IV. BOH Chair Updates, Dr. Edward Linn: Dr. Linn provided a brief review regarding the persistence of Measles outbreaks in a number of states. Illinois and specifically the Chicagoland area are currently not affected. He shared that there is a lack of clarity regarding health-related Federal budget cuts and how IDPH and local health departments will be impacted. He shared that the Governor’s office has been having discussions with philanthropic organizations to determine the feasibility of generating funds through philanthropy which could be used to support key health programs adversely affected by cuts in Federal funding. One local organization has created a new charitable fund and is planning to explore raising money for women’s health projects. V. Health and Human Services (HHS) Updates, Mike Charley A. General HHS updates: Director Charley provided an update regarding recent developments affecting federal funding. Specifically, he reported that the federal government has retracted funds previously allocated to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and subsequently distributed to local agencies, including Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS), through the RSORG grant. In response, the State of Illinois has joined several other states in initiating litigation against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As of April 5, a federal court issued a 14-day restraining order related to this matter. Skokie HHS is currently awaiting further guidance and information. Charley also reported the recent completion of the Procedure for Early Identification of Initial Incidents of Hate, which outlines the Village’s stance against hate crimes and incidents. The document provides clear procedures for the reporting, investigation, and resolution of such events. This procedure was formally presented at the March 17 Village Board meeting. Charley noted that there have been no reported measles cases in Skokie in 2025. Nevertheless, HHS remains fully prepared to respond should any cases arise. Charley shared that the 2025 AARP Tax Assistance Program, which appointments are supported by HHS staff and resources, concluded on April 9, 2025. The program successfully served 174 individuals this tax season. Doc#: 626017, Version:1  Finally, Charley reported a 53% decrease in rat-related cases compared to the same period in 2024. B. HHS Program Overview-Emergency Financial Assistance: Charley provided an overview of this program, which allows Skokie residents to apply for up to $1,000 in financial assistance. To qualify, you must be a Skokie resident, must face an unexpected hardship of past due rent, mortgage or utility, have a household income under 150% of federal poverty level and complete an application. C. HHS Program Overview-Reserved Residential Parking: Charley provided an overview of this program which allows the Village to install disability parking signs on Village streets in residential areas for qualified applicants with a permanent disability. VI. Old Business: Director Charley reminded the Board that during a previous meeting, members had expressed interest in inviting the owner of Skokie’s sole licensed recreational cannabis dispensary to a future Board of Health meeting. The purpose of the invitation would be to provide an overview of the regulatory requirements governing their operations and to share whether any educational information regarding recreational cannabis use is offered at the point of sale. Mr. Charley stated that he would contact the dispensary to explore the possibility of arranging this presentation. VII. New Business: Dr. Linn announced that Board member Heidi Nickisch Duggan has submitted her resignation. Mr. Charley noted that her resignation will be formally acknowledged on the Village Board agenda scheduled for April 21. VIII. Public Comments: None IX. Adjournment at 7:52 PM, first by Hanlon, second by Urbanus Next Regular Meeting: May 8, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. Doc#: 626017, Version:1