Galion Board of Health Meeting

Dr. Novack stated that the mission of Galion City Health Department (GCHD) is to improve the health and well-being of those that we serve.

Mr. Schilling wants to arrange a meeting with MT for wifi connections and overall IT support. The Board of Health (BOH) also asked to have Social Media Report report online views per year and current month. Dr. Novack requests the BOH update contact information. The BOH members will be able to galionhealth.org emails for public contact. Dr. Novack stated that there is new city-wide alerting system called Code Red. It is linked on the web site. GCHD is getting bids on an emergency generator. He introduced BlueSky as a new option for Board communications and for documenting official functions.

Dr. Novack thanked the Board for their participatioion the strategic planning event February 1, 2012. In January there were several other events that warrant discussion. The first is that of the nursing facility in Galion that was in arrerars to the city electric department. He stated that it appears that they have paid their bill. The other, likewise deals with nursing facilties. There was an ooutbreak of first flu then norovirus.

Dr. Novack stated that he discussed the uipcoming change in city government with Mr. Mills, city attorney. Mr. Mills stated the he doesn't believe that the city government change will affect Board of Health governance.

There were no overdose deaths reported in January. There were two opiate overdoses, however, that were transported by Galion Fire/EMS. Mortality for January showed 24 deaths with an average age of death of 83 and a range of 53-95. He iontroduced a new measure for reporting: births. there were 27 births.

Ms. Crossland introduced Linsay Coleman, nursing student at Ashland U. who will be studying public health with GCHD. There was increased interest in flu shots likely due to media reports of increased flu activity. The majority of insurance used is medicaid. Ms. Crossland reporteed that 600 flu shots were 'reserved' for upcoming flu season. She said that four people presented for free hepatitis C screening; three were negative and one is pending. Chlamydia was the #1 reported disease in January with 5 cases. She also suggested a planned day of closure for 'spring cleaning.'

Ms. Zmuda refered to the communicable disease outbreak report. She states that she is working on Fodd Safety Reports. She also said that there has been testing for rabies in January than all of last year; three animals were tested and all were negative.

Dr. Novack reviewed the results of the recent startegic planning session on February 2, 2013. His synopsis showed that Vaccine Preventable Diseases, foodborne illness, depression/other mental health/substance abuse were discussed.  

Tabled for next month. Ms. Crossland will schedule meeting with Ms. Swinehart.

Ms. Zmuda stated that there are still discussions between ODH and CBOSS

Dr. Novack asked the Board to consider the following health health priorities for 2013: Vaccine Prevcentable Diseases, foodborne illness, depression/mental health/substance abuse. Mr. Schilling asked for an overall plan prior to the determing health priorities. He stated further that accreditation must be one of the goals. The Board discussed nursing services, the upcoming release of the Avita Health Assessment. Mr. Long requested quarterly reviews on progress.

Ms. Zmuda discussed the possibility of the formation of local restaurant association. Mr. Schilling asked about the utilizationof the current Food License Advisory Committee. Ms. Zmuda also stated that she has discussed with Shelby Health Department possible cross-coverage.

No action for this item

Dr. Novack stated that he has arranged a one month trial with BlueSky for Board communication.