Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health May 11th, 2017 Present Absent Excused Mr. Abbasi Dr. Sood Mr. Nidetz Dr. Dave Ms. Black Ms. Urbanus Mr. Pandya Ms. Nickisch Duggan Dr. Drachler Dr. Usman Dr. Prince Dr. Gaynes Ms. Jones Thorne Dr. Vernon Dr. Polin Ms. Topouzian Dr. Shim Dr. Werner Dr. Varma Dr. Williams Dr. Catherine Counard, Director of Health Mr. David Clough, Staff Dr. Edward McCarron, Family Services Commission Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by Dr. Drachler, Chairman. Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the April meeting were reviewed and approved with one minor correction. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler reported that each of the Board of Health Members had been reappointed until May 1st of 2019. Dr. Drachler also welcomed Nina Black to the Board of Health and had all of the Board members introduce themselves. The Board then stepped outside to take the annual group photo. Review of IPLAN Document Dr. Counard reviewed the 2017 IPLAN document with the Board of Health. The document was projected on screen and reviewed page by page taking recommendations from Board members. Initiatives, programs, and education were reviewed for each the four Community Health Plan Objectives: • Healthy Active Living Across the Lifespan • Social and Psychological Support • Social Determinants of Health: Promoting Equity • Access to Healthcare Issues discussed under the Healthy Active Living objectives included width of bike lanes and collaboration with the Skokie Park District. Under Social and Psychological Support, Dr. Werner suggested bringing up the impact of the State budget impasse on available services. There was some discussion of including more specific language about vaping under tobacco cessation. Dr. Drachler suggested continuing to include vaping under current tobacco laws. Under the Promoting Equity section Dr. Counard presented the objective of developing a Welcome Center in Skokie. She stressed that options for how to implement the center remain open. The center could be housed in the library or expand upon current resources like the ELL. The main goal would be to create a central location where Skokie residents can receive information on how to access the various resources in the Village. Dr. Drachler expressed support for the center given that Skokie has many resources but they can be fragmented and difficult for the end user to access. A central location where residents can be referred to a variety of resources would help new residents find the help that they need. Dr. Werner recommended adding a paragraph under Access to Healthcare addressing the uncertainty of funding. Given possible changes at the Federal and State level goals under this objective may change. Ms. Jones Thorne recommended adding a sentence that Skokie will remain dedicated to providing residents with access to health care but that strategies to achieve that goal will remain flexible to cope with possible changes to health care laws. Ms. Jones Thorne brought up the issue of encouraging all residents to have a medical home. The IPLAN committee had a discussion of whether the term “medical home” would be recognized by most readers. She reported that she had found an article with a good description of a medical home for a lay person that we could use to describe it in the document. Final details of the IPLAN document were worked through and Board of Health approved all changes. Dr. Drachler thanked Dr. Counard and Mr. Clough for all of their work on making a thorough and community-informed health plan. Highlights of Health Director’s Monthly Report – a copy of the report is attached 1. Public Health Partners of Excellence Awards - April 19 Board of Trustees meeting This year’s recipients of the annual “Public Health partners of Excellence” awards were Asian Human Services Family Health Center, for providing care for 1,400 Skokie residents who would not otherwise have health care or dental care, and Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center, for innovative mental health services that help people lead healthier lives. Both entities provide care regardless of ability to pay or health insurance status. 2. Health Department Organizes Regional Child Safety Seat Training Ms. Mari Fernandez, Certified Child Safety Seat Technician, arranged a regional training for other area safety seat technicians. Instructors from the Illinois Department of Transportation and Secretary of State’s Office conducted the training. 3. Child Lead Poisoning Case Nurse Susan Reisberg investigated, with the State Health Department, the possible causes of an elevated blood lead level in a 2-year-old Nepalese child. Identified sources of lead were the family’s Nepalese Turmeric, the “Chandan” make-up the mother used on her child, a small brass bell the child chewed on during prayers contained lead. Several window wells and the front and rear doors were found to have lead paint. All sources of lead will be eliminated in the home, and Ms. Reisberg will ensure appropriate follow-up for the child. Dr. McCarron stated that he would like to see more information included on how the elevated blood lead level was discovered. Dr. Counard informed the group that lead testing is done regularly for children and reported to the State Health Department. All blood lead levels for children living in Skokie are then shared by the State with the Skokie Health Department. Dr. Werner asked if reaching out to the Nepalese #516602 community regarding the lead risks of Chandan would be a good public health initiative. Mr. Clough reported that nurse Sue Reisberg had provided the medical clinic where a large number of these lead cases presented with information on Chandan and Surma, the traditional eye make-up that has been associated with high levels of lead in children. Dr. Counard added that a follow-up with the providers would be indicated, and the Health Department would develop a plan for reaching community members through other venues. Old Business: Dr. Drachler asked for suggestions for restaurants for the annual Board of Health dinner in August. Dr. Sood recommended the Al Watan Grill on Skokie Boulevard for a mix of Pakistani and American food options. Dr. Sood and Dr. Usman will visit the restaurant to determine if it is an appropriate location. New Business: Dr. Werner asked about an article on aggressive dogs in the local paper, which mentioned possible changes to the Village ordinances. Dr. Counard responded that there were two recent very serious dog attacks on people in the Village, and that the Health Department was working with the Legal Department to update the dangerous and vicious dog ordinance. Ms. Jones Thorne stated that she would discourage the ordinance being breed specific. Dr. Counard agreed and assured her that there is no breed specific language in the ordinance. Meeting adjourned at 8:39 PM PLEASE NOTE THURSDAY JUNE 8th MEETING LOCATION: SKOKIE POLICE DEPARTMENT 7300 NILES CENTER ROAD, SKOKIE, IL 60077 7:00 pm #516602