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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-2000 Board of Health MinutesPlainview - Hale County Health Department Board of Health Meeting June 15, 2000 The regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors of 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 June 15, 2000. Those attendance were: Dr. Kit Linton, John Castro, Earl Brown, Earle McDonough, Jim Jeffers, Dr. Michael Hinze, Margaret Kay, Wally Hatch. Dr. Turner, Jack McCasland, Health Department Nursing Supervisor Ericka Jathan and Health Department Secretary Josie Rivera. After the invocation by Dr. Michael Hinze, chairman Dr. Linton called for review and corrections of the minutes of the last meeting. The minutes were approved as presented. Dr. Turner then gave his report on an outbreak of Shigella in Lubbock daycare's caused by unwashed hands. Dr. Turner then reported on the courthouse reporting overbearing paint fumes penetrating the offices and halls due to windows being painted shut and no air exchange. Some employees were being sent home after experiencing Tight headedness and nausea. Jack McCasland, Health Inspector, was sent out to investigate. John Castro gave his report on the tobacco settlement which generated $5M and will be divided among three categories: Innovation grants, Public Health, and other. Public Health Grant 3.8 million and the Garza hospital grant was not approved. The last 3 quarters of the financial status report are complete and show reimbursements in the amount of $80K. Grants from the state are in the amount of $45,333.00 and $69,000.00. The money generated from Health Department is split, based on how much is funded, and then split 52%, 48% respectively between City/County. John Castro handed out copies on what Commission Council and Local Public Health are doing. He was appointed for another 2 years and the meetings are held every 2 months in Austin. Ericka Jathan gave a report stating that the Health Department, in collaboration with Texas Department of Health, will be keeping private stock vaccine and vaccine for children, separated in two different fridge's and freezer. The reason for this is that some of the clinics have inadvertently been giving TVFC to adults. Also, the most expensive vaccine at this time is Td/MMR for adults. These vaccines cost in the range of $100-$400 respectively. Therefore, since TDH wants the Health Dept to keep separate stock, we will need to start purchasing our own Td and MMR for adults. Our prices for to the patients will be $35.00 for the MMR and $10.00 for the Td. These prices will cover the cost of the vaccine and a $5.00 administration fee. Dr. Turner then discussed how most insurance will not cover the vaccine. However, Firstcare Insurance will cover this vaccine but the problem is that in August of this year, the only places left on Firstcare will be the hospital. The problem that Dr. Turner foresees, is being left with to much stock and thousands of dollars of vaccine expiring before it can be used. Dr. Linton's concern is how quickly can vaccines be obtained from TDH? John Castro assured her that there should be no problem in keeping stock on hand at the Health Dept. If however, a shortage should occur, we can borrow from TDH in Lubbock on short notice and if they have the vaccine in stock as well. Dr Turner also suggested that since the Health Dept. will be ordering these vaccines, that perhaps providers could refer clients to the Health Dept. for these shots. Those who don't qualify for TVFC but do for Firstcare, would fill out the forms and the Health Dept. would then be reimbursed by Firstcare. John Castro stated that something to this nature had been done previously and that he will check into it. Jack McCasland reviewed the new pool rules and copies of these rules are readily available through the Health Department. John Castro handed out copies of a proposed letter from Texas Association of Local Health Officials discussing Block Grant funding which may be decreasing. He stated that the Health Dept. probably will not be affected by this because we are in such a small area. Letters will be sent to Senator Gramm and Senator Hutchison for their support to continue Block Grant funding. John Castro then presented Earl Brown with a plaque for his faithful and dedicated service with the Board of Health. Earl Brown reminisced abit about the past but felt it was time to retire. He will be missed by all that worked with him. John Castro discussed getting a new computer system for animal control. It would be used so that they could put adoptions of available pets online and also help us in locating stolen pets as well as finding the owners. Chairman Dr. Kit Linton adjourned the meeting. Josie diver Secret+oy