Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Committee Meeting Minutes January 12, 2019 Present Excused Absent Mr. Abbasi Ms. Urbanus Dr. Dave Dr. Drachler Mr. Usman Dr. Gaynes Ms. Nickisch Duggan Ms. Varma Ms. Haido Ms. Jones Dr. Vernon Dr. Prince Mr. Pandya Dr. Werner Dr. Shim Dr. Sood Dr. Williams Dr. Topouzian Ms. Moy-Wooten Bruce A. Jones, Staff A. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Dr. Drachler, Chairman. B. Approval of Board of Health Meeting Minutes, Materials Distributed: The minutes of the December 13th meeting were approved as presented. C. Presentation: Robin Varnado, Regional Director of Operations. A copy is attached. "Erie Family Health Centers Evanston/Skokie Site Expansion Overview" Overview Erie has 13 locations across the Chicago area with seven primary care centers, four of which have dental care. One center is specifically dedicated to young adults and 5 are school-based health centers. Erie is focused on addressing barriers to care in the community: • Poverty • Language • Lack of Medicaid-accepting providers • Transportation • Lack of insurance • Primary care provider shortage Erie Evanston/Skokie Health Center patients are low income (98%), female (60%), age 18 or younger (57%), and insured by Medicaid (80%) or are uninsured (12%). Some (21%) are best served in a language other than English. The Erie Evanston/Skokie site serves more than 6,700 patients, through 25,600 patient visits annually. Since opening in 2012, the number of patients served at the site has grown dramatically. There are 1,486 Skokie patients: 17% are uninsured and 20% are limited English speaking. Services offered by the Erie Family Health Care system include: • Gynecology • Behavioral Health • Internal Medicine • Psychiatry • Family Medicine • Care Management • Pediatrics • Health Education • Oral Health • Obstetrics  Major News - Erie Evanston/Skokie is doubling in Size! Erie will be adding 7000 ft² of clinic space which includes 17 new exam rooms, and more space for behavioral health and community/education events. This will double the capacity to serve patients at the site. They are currently scheduled for an opening in March of 2019. The layout of both the existing space and new expansion is shown below. Discussion Ms. Urbanus asked if they had any nurse practitioners on staff. Ms. Varnado responded that Erie’s model uses many nurse practitioners. At the Evanston/Skokie site there are two adult nurse practitioners and two mid-wives on staff. Dr. Williams commented on the total 6,700 patients versus the 1,486 Skokie patients and is the expansion of the space going to address this issue. Ms. Varnado said this is absolutely why they are expanding in order to help access for Skokie residents. Dr. Williams asked with the expansion of the space will they be providing more access for dental care for Skokie residents. Ms. Varnado explained that currently the dental suite space is adequate for all their clients who are eligible for dental care under Medicaid: children, pregnant women and adults with diabetes. She did state that they hope to eventually expand the program to all adults. #547929, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes January 12, 2019  Dr. Werner asked if the Federal Government shutdown has affected Erie. Ms. Varnado said not as of yet, but it could have an impact on case management services if the shutdown is prolonged. Dr. Drachler made a couple comments; first that this will now be the largest facility in the Erie system and second that they have a waiting list. Ms. Varnado stated that as of right now there is not a waiting list as they have hired more staff with a new doctor and nurse practitioner. Ms. Varnado explained that they are also going to expand their Mental/Behavioral Health program. Dr. Counard asked if they had hired the new medical director. Ms. Varnado said that they have hired Dr. Liz Feldman for the position. Dr. Drachler asked how they handle individuals who communicate best in a language other than English. Ms. Varnado responded that all staff have access to a language line which has been very helpful. They are also piloting video technology to improve communication, as many people prefer to see the person who is assisting with translation. Dr. Drachler asked about the Evanston/Skokie Health Center switching to the “Epic” electronic medical record (EMR) system used by Northshore, to facilitate communication. Ms. Varnado replied it was not likely as Erie uses the “Alliance” EMR that many FQHCs utilize because it helps them generate required reporting. Mr. Abbasi asked if they do pre-school physicals for children. Ms. Varnado said they do all school physicals for children. Mr. Abbasi asked about the barrier of transportation and if they offer this service. Ms. Varnado explained that some of the managed care programs offer transportation and they have taxi vouchers to help residents with this need. Dr. Counard mentioned that Mayor Van Dusen had suggested having an article about the Erie expansion in the March edition of the Village newsletter NewSkokie. Ms. Moy-Wooten said that she would provide a draft article. Ms. Urbanus mentioned it might be a good idea for Erie to reach out to the school nurses in Skokie on an annual basis. Dr. Counard said that she could look into that idea. D. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler thanked Ms. Urbanus for the wonderful tour at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Everyone enjoyed the learning experience, the time she spent with the Board, and all her service to the community. Dr. Drachler mentioned a new group is forming the “Skokie Resilient Community Collaborative”, and he wanted Board members to be aware. There will be a meeting on Tuesday, January 29, 9:30 – 11:00 AM in the Skokie Public Library 2nd floor business center. Also, Board members are invited to the Skokie English Language Learner (ELL) Parent Center Strategic Planning meeting, where there will be discussion of the “Welcome Center” concept. That meeting will be Wednesday, January 23, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, at the ELL Parent Center, 9440 Kenton Ave, Skokie, IL 60076. #547929, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes January 12, 2019 E. Health Director’s Monthly Report: Dr. Counard presented the December Monthly Report – a copy is attached. Report highlights: 1. FY20/FY21 Budget Preparations – Transition of Animal Control to Police Department In order to maximize limited resources, a major change underway is the transition of the Animal Control Division to the Police Department prior to May 2019. Animal Control is typically handled by Police Departments at the municipal level; however, the Skokie Health Department has held this vital responsibility since 1965. 2. South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Initiative Team Partners with Skokie School District 69 Working with the Hindi/Urdu-speaking parent liaison, the SAHELI team gave a presentation to members of the South Asian community at the District 69 administrative building. Interest was high and 24 individuals have signed up to be screened for study eligibility. 3. Draft Body Art Ordinance In response to the first tattoo parlor approved in the Village, Pete Peyer, Bruce Jones and Dr. Counard, began drafting a new Ordinance to regulate these types of facilities. The Health Department Sanitarians will conduct annual inspections going forward. 4. Drinking Water Tested for EPA Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR) Under this rule, the U.S. EPA periodically collects data for drinking water contaminants that do not have safety standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This data is used to make regulatory decisions. For the most recent monitoring period (Aug – Nov, 2018), tests were conducted for toxins from blue-green algae, and none were detected in Skokie’s drinking water. 5. Grand Opening Heartland Health Care Center at Turning Point Many community representatives celebrated the long awaited opening of Heartland Health’s new clinic, co-located at Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center. The clinic will provide primary and behavioral health care for people regardless of their ability pay or insurance status, furthering our goal to increase access to health care in Skokie. Dr. Drachler asked if Police Officers will now be called for Animal Control issues. Mr. Jones explained that the plan is for the Police Community Service Officers (CSOs) to be cross-trained in animal control duties to help cover all the different shifts. F. Old/New Items of Business Ms. Urbanus asked about news on the new abortion clinic in Skokie. Dr. Counard said she had no information at this time but would report back at the next meeting. Dr. Drachler asked about the new Food Safety Code amendment. Mr. Jones explained that the FDA Code Illinois adopted is considered the “gold standard”. One change is that a “Person in Charge” must be present during food preparation at all full service facilities (e.g. Restaurants, Nursing Homes, etc.). This individual must have training in food safety and preventing foodborne illness. Mr. Abbasi brought up the topic of business/commercial recycling. Dr. Drachler stated that this has been mentioned to the Mayor and Board of Trustees on several occasions. Another lively discussion ensued on this topic. #547929, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes January 12, 2019  Dr. Werner asked if we knew how the new Illinois legislature and Governor will impact the Illinois Department of Public. Dr. Counard said she felt the new administration will be more proactive towards health and wants to support renewable energy. There has not yet been a Director named for the Illinois Department of Public Health. Dr. Drachler mentioned he will not be present for the next meeting on February 14 and that Dr. Werner will be the acting Chairman. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Next Board of Health Meeting: February 14, 2018 7:00 p.m. Village Hall – 2nd floor Conference Rooms D & E #547929, Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes January 12, 2019