Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Committee Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018 Present Excused Absent Mr. Abbasi Dr. Shim Dr. Dave Ms. Haido Dr. Drachler Dr. Sood Ms. Nickisch Duggan Dr. Vernon Dr. Gaynes Dr. Topouzian Dr. Werner Ms. Jones Ms. Urbanus Dr. Williams Mr. Pandya Mr. Usman Dr. Prince Ms. Varma Bruce A. Jones, Staff Guest, Beth Lindley – Director of Human Services A. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Dr. Drachler, Chairman. B. Approval of Board of Health Meeting Minutes, Materials Distributed: The minutes of the April 12th meeting were approved as presented. All Board members received a copy of the Health Department FY18 Annual Report and the book The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, which is a blueprint for community action on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). C. Presentation: Harold Primack, Chair, Skokie Commission on Family Services. Highlights: Village of Skokie Commission on Family Services was founded in 2010. Mr. Primack explained this commission was created when two other commissions were merged. Mission: To facilitate improvement in the quality of life for Skokie's most vulnerable residents regardless of age, physical wellbeing or socio-economic status. 1. Projects executed by the Commission thus far include: • 2011 Commission Community Garden After learning from the Food Pantry that fresh food is limited in availability for its patrons, commissioners sponsored their own community garden and donated all harvests to the Niles Township Food Pantry. In addition, they collected donations of produce from other area gardeners as well as from vendors of the Skokie Farmer's Market. Their leadership also resulted in the utilization of land adjacent to the Food Pantry which is now a community garden used by Food Pantry patrons and volunteers. • 2011 Produce Initiative The produce initiative collects an average of 3500 pounds of produce each market season from Skokie Farmer's Market vendors. This volunteer effort collects the donations and delivers them to the Niles Township Food Pantry to provide fresh produce to patrons. • 2012 Food Drive Leadership Kit Commissioners planned and assembled kits for the Food Pantry to provide to groups who want to organize food drive efforts. Kits provide tips for success, instructions, policies, possible themes and marketing materials.  • 2013 Boomers and Beyond Community Resource Fair The inaugural event was held in November 2013 and has continued on a bi-annual basis. Area partners collaborate in the planning of the event and more than 40 vendors have participated in sharing services and outreach to attendees. • 2014 Don't Mind Your Own Business Community partners SHALVA, YWCA, Skokie Public Library and the Commission on Family Services sponsored an educational program for community members to raise awareness about domestic violence. • 2016 National Recovery Month Panel presentation A collaboration of partners from Oakton Community College, PEER Services, JCFS and the Commission on Family Services organized a panel of young men and women who shared their experiences of recovery from addiction. 2. Current Efforts • Accessibility Commissioners are in the process of planning an annual award to recognize business owners and organizations which practice inclusiveness and accessibility for persons with disabilities. This will involve a vetting process and a hope to name the award following an educational performance by a stage duo called "Handicap This!". • Family Engagement The Commission on Family Services has requested hosting 1-2 of their monthly meetings at the site of area schools. Commissioners have been learning about area programs and services during most of their monthly meetings and would like to share these same learning opportunities with community members. This also provides exposure to community members about Boards and Commissions at the local government level. Discussion Dr. Drachler asked how many members are on the Commission. Mr. Primack believes they have 15 current members, but can have a maximum of 25. Ms. Jones spoke about a program called “Shared table at schools”. Children can place an item from their lunches that they don’t want onto the “share table” for others to take. It is a discrete way of increasing food availability for children in school. This might be a program the Commission could investigate. Dr. Drachler made the comment about the 3,500 pounds of food donated and what would have happened to the produce if it was not donated. Mr. Primack explained it could become hog food. Niles Township Food Pantry (NTFP) will discard outdated food. There was discussion about unused produce, day old bread and various other companies like “Ugly Produce” or “Imperfect Product” that sell produce that does not meet our standards for “perfect” (e.g. a carrot that is crooked) at a discounted rate. Mr. Pandya asked if people get the food free at NTFP. Ms. Lindley explained that the NTFP does not charge for their food; need to provide proof of living in the township. NTFP will provide services for anyone who comes there for help. #543093, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018  Dr. Drachler asked how they find people to serve for their various initiatives. Mr. Primack explained that the Commission is not the front line for providing services, but rather helps get people connected. Services are provided by the Village of Skokie Human Services Division, and other entities in and around the Village. Mr. Primack said that the Commission reaches out to the community via articles in the NewSkokie newsletter on various topics or events they are promoting. Mr. Primack acknowledged it is sometimes difficult to get the word out to our very diverse community. Dr. Counard added that helping to connect people to services would fall in line with the proposed “Welcome Center”. Dr. Counard mentioned to Mr. Primack that an initiative of the 2017 Skokie Community Health Plan is to conduct a Village–wide disability needs assessment, collaborating with the UIC School of Public Health. She would imagine that the Commission would be very interested in that project. Dr. Counard asked about the date for the "Handicap This!" event. Ms. Lindley said the date has not been finalized. Mr. Primack said it might not be until next spring. Mr. Abbasi suggested the Commission utilize school letters or religious entities/community centers to get the word out about their work. Dr. Sood also asked or suggested they have their information in different languages. Ms. Jones asked which commissions were merged so the Board of Health could have a better understanding of their focus. Ms. Lindley replied that the Human Services Commission and Disabilities Commission were merged. Ms. Jones wanted to know if support was available for people with disabilities and their care givers. Ms. Lindley said that the Human Services Division has this information and people can call for help when they need it. There is also an emphasis on this topic during the “Boomers & Beyond” event. Dr. Drachler asked about services for seniors. Ms. Lindley explained that many services offered by the Human Services Division address the needs of the elderly such as meals on wheels, hearing and vision loss, well-being visits for those in need and parking for the handicapped. Mr. Usman asked if these services are only available to Skokie citizens. Mr. Primack explained that events like “Boomers & Beyond” are open to everyone, but the specific services offered by Human Services are just for Skokie citizens. Mr. Usman asked about having any disability data. Mr. Primack explained they do not and Dr. Counard added that the disability study has not been completed and will be a large undertaking. Ms. Urbanus suggested we start with the Skokie Police and Fire Departments, who would have a list of people with call assist devices. Dr. Counard and Ms. Lindley added that Human Services has a list of vulnerable citizens in Skokie. Mr. Pandya asked who pays for the services provided by the Human Services Division. Ms. Lindley explained that their services are part of the services provided by the Village of Skokie government at no additional charge to Skokie citizens. Dr. Drachler asked how long Mr. Primack has been Chair. Mr. Primack replied the he has been on the commission since 2010 and Chair for the last 3 years. #543093, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018  Dr. Sood asked how to reach Mr. Primack. Ms. Lindley said he could be reached through the Human Services Division at 847-933-8208 and Mr. Primack gave his personal e-mail to the group (available upon request). Dr. Counard added that the Board of Health cares about the same issues as the Commission, so there will be many opportunities to work together in the future. D. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler shared that Ms. Nina Black has resigned from the Board of Health, due to family commitments. She said she had enjoyed the time she spent on the Board and continued to believe in its mission. She is grateful for having had this opportunity to serve her community. Dr. Counard mentioned that she has submitted a new Board of Health member application for consideration, from a Skokie resident who works in administration at the Erie Family Health Center. Dr. Drachler thanked all those who attended the annual summer dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It was a great event with a private room, separate checks and was his wife’s birthday. Dr. Drachler highlighted an upcoming important event that Board Members can attend: • Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative Presentation Monday, September 24, 1:00 p.m., Village Hall, Council Chambers A diverse group representing healthcare, social services, education, library, and other community organization is forming in Skokie to address ACEs on the community level. We have invited the Illinois ACEs representatives to learn from their experience. Dr. Drachler distributed a JAMA article addressing ACEs pertaining to separating children from parents at the United States border. Dr. Counard added that as part of the Community Health Plan we will be forming a Skokie ACEs Coalition along with many other community partners. She distributed the book “The Deepest Well” to all of the Board members, so that we can continue learning about this important topic together. Two other books were suggested: “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance, and “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, MD. Dr. Drachler highlighted another upcoming important event that Board Members can attend: • Resilient Families, Staying Strong Through Life’s Challenges Wednesday, Nov. 14, 5:45p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Skokie Public Library Dr. Joanna Lewis of Advocate Health Care will present about the impact of stress and trauma on our lives and on the lives of our children. Through discussion and hands-on activities, we’ll explore strategies to overcome obstacles and strengthen ourselves, our families, and our community. Dinner and children’s activities will be provided. E. Health Director’s Monthly Report: Dr. Counard presented the August Monthly Report – a copy is attached. Report highlights: 1. Girl Scouts “Building My Community” Program Approximately 35 Girl Scouts ages 6 through 12, along with 10 leaders, attended a "Building My Community" program hosted at Village Hall. #543093, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018  2. Skokie Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Supports National Night Out Led by Nurse Shelley Wax, 13 members of the Skokie Medical Reserve Corps provided support during National Night Out. 3. West Nile Virus Surveillance – Increased Risk of Human Cases Hot weather has increased the number of mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus (WNV). The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) monitors mosquito activity in the Village and sprays as indicated. Two human cases of WNV have been reported in our area, one each in Northbrook and Lincolnwood. 3. Annual Fall Community Flu Shot Clinics Planned Flu shots will be offered by appointment at the Oakton Park Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., on the following dates: • Weds, Oct 3 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM • Weds, Oct 10 – 3:00 to 7:00 PM • Tues, Oct 16 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM F. Old/New Items of Business Dr. Drachler complemented the FY18 Health Department Annual Report, which illustrates very well how much the Health Department does for the Skokie Community Dr. Drachler mentioned a recent article on the increased incidence of vaping and that promoting it as a way to quit smoking is not correct. Ms. Jones asked if teachers are being trained on what vaping devices look like. Dr. Counard responded that this is type of training is being offered at Skokie schools for teachers and parents. Dr. Drachler announced that we are considering holding the December 13 Board Meeting at the Holocaust Museum– 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We must be out of the Museum by 8:00pm. There was much discussion about this topic. Dr. Counard will follow up with details about the event, and survey the Board about participation. Mr. Abbasi asked about getting larger recycling bins. Dr. Counard said she would pass his suggestion along to Public Works, again. Ms. Urbanus added that is a question on the Skokie Citizen survey. Dr. Gaynes mentioned standing water at the ComEd property adjacent to the Skokie walking path where it ends at Lincoln Avenue. Mr. Jones explained that this property has previously been referred to NSMAD for surveillance purposes, and he would send it over to them again. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Next Board of Health Meeting: October 11, 2018 7:00 p.m. Village Hall – 2nd floor Conference Rooms D & E #543093, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018