Minutes

North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors
Full Association Meeting

July 17, 2003

Wake County Human Services Building
Raleigh, NC

Call to Order

President Jim Baluss welcomed the members of the association and guests to the July 17th meeting at 9:00 am. A quorum was identified; therefore the meeting proceeded as a full association meeting. (See attachment for attendance roster)

Fellowship

James Roosen provided the fellowship.

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes of the May and June meetings were posted on the web site, ncalhd.org, and approved as posted.

Treasurer's Report

Secretary Elaine Russell presented the Treasurer’s report with balances as of May 27, 2003. Account balances were as follows:

• Checking: $27,958.11
• Savings: $36.45
• Money Market: $364.26
• CD: $40,000.00

President's Report--Jim Baluss

Jim acknowledged the past service of Marc Kolman on the HAP Council. Jerry Parks will be the new representative to the Council. Don Yousey has agreed to serve on the committee producing rewrites in the State Personnel Act. Jim also thanked Dorothy Cilenti and Wanda Sandele for their work with the Health Disparities Committee The next Association meeting will be held Thursday, August 14th at Greensboro in conjunction with the County Commissioners Association meeting.

Executive Director--Deb Rowe

Deb updated the group on the pending close of the legislative session. Closure is anticipated by next week at the latest. The Fall Legal Conference has been moved to the spring, however a mini-legal conference will occur at the September meeting in Winston-Salem. In closing, Deb reminded everyone of the Wood Lecture which will be delivered by Colonel Jerry Jaxx.

State Health Director's Report--Dr. Leah Devlin

Dennis reported that Leah is at Harvard University for a national state health director orientation. With regard to the MOU between local health departments, the Division, and DMA, the details have been difficult to negotiate. Flexibility to the local health department has been the driving force for the Division during negotiations. Accrual of funds starts from the date of signature by the local health director. No action will be taken with the funds without the approval of the local health directors. The work being pursed consists of historical back billing and administrative match. Dennis also noted that Medicaid audits of local health departments had become more frequent.

Office of Public Health Nursing--Joy Reed (liaison report)

Joy provided an overview of several billing issues. See attachment.

Committee Reports (action items)

Health Promotion -- Rosemary Summers

Rosemary provided an overview of the methodology related to the recent funding reductions for 8 counties in Health Promotion. Motion: After review of the methodology, the committee recommends the support of the State cuts to 8 counties based on their record of past performance. The motion passed with a vote of 27 yes and 14 no. A discussion was held as to the importance of direct communication between the Division and the local health director when any program is generating concern and/or pending corrective action at the Division level.

Policy and Planning -- Mimi Cooper

Mimi provided an overview of the intent of the draft template for collecting data from local health departments in long-range planning. This will assist in the state and local planning sought by S672. Secretary Carmen Hooker Odom has committed to initiating the planning process at this time. Motion: A recommendation that the revised draft template (for data collection from LHDs in support of long-range planning) be discussed at regional meetings prior to the September Association meeting in order to get local health director feedback concerning any suggested changes. Regional representatives would then forward these suggested changes to Policy and Planning for review at their September meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Women and Children's Health -- Wanda Sandele

Wanda provided an overview of the ongoing concerns related to public health’s interaction with Smart Start. Motion: An invitation will be extended to Karen Ponder to speak at the upcoming meeting to address concerns regarding activities related to "health" of the State Partnership for Children. To facilitate a productive meeting, Wanda requested that questions be provided to her in advance of the meeting so Ms. Ponder may prepare for the meeting.

Standards and Efficiencies Task Force -- Tim Green

The work of all committee chairs and participants was acknowledged. Motion: The report and recommendations of the Accreditation Committee be approved and adopted by the Association. The motion was approved unanimously. Motion: The report and recommendations of the Best Practices and Demonstrations Committee be approved and adopted by the Association with the removal of the past tense “be” from the first phrase. The motion was approved unanimously.

Committee Reports (information items)

Epidemiology -- John Morrow

John reported that a joint meeting of Epidemiology and Technology was held. A demonstration of the NC Information Network was provided. The presentation covered how the different surveillance systems can work together. He also addressed the emergence of WNV in South Carolina and Texas. The Red Cross has announced a testing policy for WNV. A positive screen would prohibit the donor from participating for 6 months in Red Cross blood donation. The Red Cross mails a notification letter to the positive screen, but does not offer counseling or education related to WNV. John also addressed the concern over WNV false positives from private labs, thus it is important to encourage the use of the State Public Health Lab.

Women and Children's Health -- Wanda Sandele

A copy of the Mental Health Plan for children was distributed. (See attachment). Efforts continue to have parenting incorporated to childbirth curriculum for Medicaid reimbursement.

Education and Awards -- Scott Harrellson

Six health directors applied for the two NACCHO scholarships. After review the criteria and applicants, Jim Baluss and Bob Wood were awarded the scholarships.

The Alliance -- Barry Bass

Barry reminded Alliance participants to pay their dues. The Alliance is collecting home health information to provide to PCG, please forward your data to Barry.

Nominations and By-Laws -- Wayne Raynor

Wayne announced the committee would meet immediately after the Association meeting. Regions 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 will elect representatives and alternates. Ballots are due to Wayne by August 18th.

Environmental Health -- David Rust

David reported that Malcomb Blaylock is participating in a plan to eliminate lead poisoning in children by 2005, he is in need of a health director volunteer for the writing committee. A clarification in Food/Lodging rewrites, pushcarts and mobile units must work out a restaurant. The interviews for Linda Sewall’s replacement are pending. Will Service needs a health director volunteer for identifying how current bioterrorism dollars are serving environmental health infrastructure. In closing, a reference to the Temporary Rules regarding soil wetness was noted for the DENR home page.

Adjournment

With no further business, the motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously at 12 noon.

Respectfully Submitted,

J. Elaine Russell, MPH
Secretary-Treasurer