HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-2000 Board of Health MinutesBOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2000
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors of the Plainview -Hale County
Health Department was called to order at approximately 12:30 P.M. at the Plainview
Country Club, by Board Chairman Dr. Kit Linton on February 24, 2000.
Those in attendance were: Dr. Kit Linton, Debra Hernandez, John Castro, Cinde Ebeling,
Earl Brown, John Peck, Dr. Michael Hinze, Re oras, Benny -Cantwell, Plainview
Health Department Nursing Supervisor Ericka Jathan and the secretary, Maria Rodriquez.
After the Invocation by Dr. Michael Hinze, chairman Linton called for review and
corrections of the review and corrections of the minutes of the last meeting. The minutes
were approved as presented.
Dr. Turner then gave his report. He reported that Hale county had a significant increase
in chlamydia, and the State of Texas was looking into the reason why. Dr. Turner
believes it is because our testing methods have become more accurate and we now have a
fully trained staff doing the testing. Because of this testing, more tests came back
positive for gonorrhea as well. A rigorous medical treatment of Doxycline is being used
as well as a direct observational therapy of oral Zithromax is being used.
John Castro gave his report stating that, Phil Sullivan from the Plainview Hale County
Health Department would be attending a 2 week course for Disease Intervention
Specialist which would allow our office to go out and actually interview people will
positive HIV/STD results and be able to refer them accordingly. At this time we have to
rely on IDH in Lubbock for this service.
John Castro stated as well that the Commissioner of Health has appointed a
commissioners counsel and that he sits on this counsel. The counsel meets in Austin the
second Thursday and Friday every two months. Discussions include things such as:
"How we allow growth on the borders of our cities, problems with urban sprawl and what
we can do to prevent this."
Mr. Castro also mentioned he sits on the Texas Association of Local Health Officials and
this association discusses what Public Health Departments are doing today and the future
of Local Health Departments.
Mr. Castro further discussed the Health Department budget for the future. He discussed
the updating of software, remodeling the storage room so that it could be used as a
classroom and a Public Health training room for the community.
John said the Health Department was in the process of locating a new secretary and that
she would probably start on Monday, Feb 28, 2000. Maria Rodriguez was taking minutes
for this meeting.
Earl Brown submitted his resignation. Mr. Brown will be missed and was a true friend
and coworker to those who worked with him..
John Castro discussed the TIBF grant, and stated that approximately $9M was available
to schools, libraries and Health Departments to get connected with telecommunications.
As of today, the rules of the TIBF have been changed to not include Local Health
Departments. Commissioner of Health Dr. R. Archer states that Health Departments be
included. The deadline for applications have now been moved to an alternate date in
April.
Public Health grant was mentioned by J. Castro and at this time we would not apply to
this. The reason being that the grant is awarded on a annual competitive basis. It is not a
guaranteed grant at this time.
Chairman Linton adjourned the meeting.
Maria Rodriquez
Secretary