10/07/1998
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Dr. Dennis L. Jackson, Chainnan, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover County
Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 7, 1998, in the Dr. Thomas
Fanning Wood Memorial Conference Room, New Hanover County Health Department, Wilmington,
North Carolina.
Members Present:
Dennis L. Jackson, DVM, Chainnan
William T. Steuer, PE/RLS, Vice-Chainnan
Thomas V. Clancy, MD
Henry V. Estep, RHU
Michael E. Goins, OD
Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, DDS
Anne Braswell Rowe
Members Absent:
Robert G. Greer, County Commissioner
Gela N. Hunter, Nurse Practitioner
W. Edwin Link, Jr., RPH
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Others Present:
David E. Rice, Health Director
Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director
Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary
Invocation: Dr. Michael E. Goins gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Dr. Jackson asked for corrections to the minutes of the September 2, 1998 New Hanover County
Board of Health Meeting. The minutes of the meeting of September 2, 1998 were corrected and
approved by the New Hanover County Board of Health.
Recognitions:
UNCW Nursin¡: Students
Mr. Rice welcomed and introduced Melissa Boyette, Amanda Chance, and Jen Douglas, UNCW
School of Nursing students.
North Carolina Public Health Association Awards (NCPHA)
Mr. Rice announced New Hanover County received three awards recogmzmg outstanding
achievements and accomplishments at the 1998 NCPHA Annual Conference held on September 16-18,
at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux in Fayetteville, N.C.
1998 Distio¡:uished Service Award
Mr. Rice congratulated and recognized District Court Judge Gilbert H. Burnett, Retired Chief Judge,
5th Judicial District Court, recipient of the 1998 Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Rice displayed the
award which is known as the public health hero award and is one of the most prestigious NCPHA
awards. Judge Burnett received the 1998 Distinguished Service Award for his concern and initiative
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relating to the problems and devastating effects of adolescent pregnancy locally and nationally. He
designed a privately funded pilot study, Project/or Happier, to prevent and reduce teenage pregnancy.
Judge Burnett extended appreciation and praises to Ms. Betty Jo McCorkle, Women's Health Care
Director, and to the Women's Health Care Division for their efforts in the prevention of sexually
transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy.
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1998 Women's Health Team Award
Mr. Rice requested the Women's Health Care Division staff stand for recognition as recipient of the
1998 Women's Health Team Award. The award was given by the Maternal and Child Health Section,
NCPHA, to the Women's Health Care Division of the New Hanover County Health Department for
their accomplishments and exceptional team work.
North Carolina Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Certificate of Appreciation
Mr. Rice congratulated and recognized Ms. Barbara Berkemeier, Social Worker, Women's Health
Care Division, recipient of an N C. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Certificate 0/ Appreciation.
Ms. Berkemeier received this certificate in recognition of her work relating to SIDS and for her 10
years of outstanding service to families experiencing the death of a child caused by SIDS.
Personnel
New Employees
Mr. Rice introduced the following new health department employees:
Keith A. Studt, Crew Leader II, Vector Controlffinvironmental Health
Susan E. Diamond, Nutritionist II, Nutrition
Pamela R. Cooke, Social Worker II, Women's Health Care
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On behalf of the Board of Health, Dr. Jackson congratulated the award recipients, welcomed the
nursing students and new employees, and expressed appreciation to the staff for their public health
achievements and services.
Department Focal:
N C Health Choice/Automatic External Jl)efibrillator Demonstration
Mrs. Janet McCumbee, Child Health Director, presented a department focal on NC Health Choice and
gave an "Automatic External Defibrillator (ED) Demonstration"
Ms. McCumbee gave a video presentation on N C. Health Choice, a new health insurance program
(passed by the North Carolina General Assembly) for children under age 19 whose families are not
Medicaid eligible and do not have sufficient income to afford private health insurance. Beginning
October 1, 1998, uninsured children in New Hanover County may be eligible to receive coverage for
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child health care including physician visits, dental care, hospital service, surgery, therapies, lab tests,
medicines, hearing and vision care, and special needs. Applications for child care insurance are
available at the Department of Social Services and the New Hanover County Health Department.
Applications should be returned to the Department of Social Services to detennine eligibility.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Demonstration
Ms. McCumbee announced the New Hanover County Commissioners appropriated funds to purchase
an automatic external defibrillator for all county buildings and high schools. She showed how to use
an AED machine. The AED provides audio instructions. It saves lives by shocking the heart back to a
more nonnal rhythm. Ms. McCumbee emphasized if the patient is not breathing, the AED must be
used with CPR. Mr. Rice advised they are training county staff members in CPR.
Dr. Clancy stated AED brings technology to the sidewalks and to the public. He endorsed the usage
of AED machines and surmised adds will become standard first aid.
Dr. Jackson thanked Ms. McCumbee for her department focal on NC Health Choice and for the AED
demonstration.
Committee Reports:
Environmental Health Committee
Mr. Steuer, Chainnan, Environmental Health Committee, reported the Environmental Health
Committee met at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 1998. The Environmental Health
Committee reviewed Environmental Health Service Fees to increase fees to cover the cost of services.
The revised fee schedule is to be presented to the Executive Committee at their October meeting.
Mr. Steuer advised the Environmental Health Committee is reviewing body piercing regulations. He
reported currently funding is not available to purchase a boat for mosquito control activities of the
Vector Control Program in the Environmental Health Division.
Mr. Steuer stated he sent a letter to the New Hanover County Planning Department regarding the
County's approval of Lucia Point Subdivision in 1995. He distributed a copy of the response to Mr.
Steuer's letter from Dexter Hayes, Planning Director, to the Board of Health for their review. Mr.
Steuer advised Mr. Hayes plans to present the Board of Health's request to incorporate an
environmental impact study in the New Hanover County Subdivision Division Plan Review. He stated
County Planning concurs the issue needs addressing. He reiterated the New Hanover County Planning
Department acted in the public interest when they required a remediation or environmental disclosure
on the lots at Lucia Point.
Unfinished Business:
New Business:
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Resolution of New Hanover County Commissioners Desi¡:natin¡: October as Breast Cancer I
Awareness Month
Dr. Jackson presented a Resolution of the New Hanover County Commissioners Designating October
as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to the Board of Health for their endorsement.
Ms. Nancy Russ, Public Health Nurse, Women's Health Care, and Chair, Pink Ribbon Campaign,
distributed a list of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities. She advised October 4-11 has been
proclaimed Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Week in North Carolina. Pink Ribbons and breast
cancer infonnation were presented to the Board of Health. Ms. Russ explained pink ribbons are a
symbol of hope for a cure of breast cancer. The ribbons will be worn in honor of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month and in memory of those who lost their life due to breast cancer. Ms. Russ infonned
breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in North Carolin.a. She emphasized many of
these deaths could be prevented by early detection.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved and seconded by Mr. Estep for the Board of Health to support and
endorse the Resolution of New Hanover County Commissioners Designating October as Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointment of Nominatin¡: Committee
Dr. Jackson appointed the following Board of Health members to the Nominating Committee for
selection of nominees for the 1999 Chainnan and Vice-Chainnan of the New Hanover County Board
of Health:
Mr. Estep, Chainnan
Mr. Greer
Mr. Link
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MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved and seconded by Ms. Rowe for the Board of Health to approve the
above Nominating Committee. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Dr. Jackson thanked the members of the Nominating Committee for serving.
Availability of Generators at Emer¡:ency Shelters
Dr. Jackson asked the availability of generators in emergency shelters. He suggested the Board of
Health keep infonned of the progress the county is making in obtaining properly maintained and
functioning generators the shelters. Mr. Rice reported following Hurricane Bonnie at a City and
County debriefing, the main topic was the logistics of securing and maintaining working generators for
shelters during disasters. Mr. Rice stated he will address the generator issue for emergency shelters
and will keep the Board of Health infonned.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved and seconded by Mr. Estep for the Board of Health to inquire about the
progress of securing and maintaining generators for emergency shelters. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comments:
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Board Members:
Dr. Goins reported the newspaper article featuring Mosquito Control was excellent publicity for the
Vector Control Program in the Environmental Health Division.
Dr. Clancy expressed the public should appreciate the Board of Health addressing the need to
incorporate an environmental impact study in the New Hanover County Subdivision Division Plan
Review. Mr. Steuer stated County Planning concurs this issue should be addressed and resolved.
Dr. Clancy suggested the topic of Body Piercing and Body Piercing Regulations be addressed. Mr.
Rice reported that staff is researching body piercing and body decorating regulations in North
Carolina, South Carolina, and other states.
Health Director:
Board of Health Information
Mr. Rice referred the Board to following infonnation in their Board of Health folders:
New Hanover County Child Fatality Prevention Annual Report
APEX/PH Update
Thank You Letters to City/County Officials Regarding Local Government's Excellent Response to
Hurricane Bonnie
County Connections News Article on A Ribbon Cutting for New Ramp at Health Department
Dangerous Dog Determination Hearings Report - ACS Advisory Committee Dangerous Dog Panel
NCPHA
Mr. Rice reported several staff members and he attended the excellent Annual NCPHA Meeting on
September 13-15, 1998, in Fayetteville. He was elected Chair of the Membership for the Public
Health Leadership Section.
Project ASSIST Workshop - "Benefits of Indoor Clean Air"
Mr. Rice reported "Benefits of Indoor Clean Air," a grant-funded Project ASSIST Workshop, was
given by the Health Promotion Division on September 22, 1998. Restaurant owners and employees
attended the seminar. Mr. Charlie Rivenbark and Mr. Michael Davis, restaurant owners, addressed
the Economic Impact of Smoke-free Restaurants. Mr. Steuer suggested inviting consulting engineers
to seminars of this type. Dr. Clancy expressed endorsement of smoke-free restaurants stating separate
smoking and nonsmoking areas in restaurants do not provide a smoke-free environment. Mr. Rice
explained the 1990 New Hanover County Smoking Control Ordinance is now in effect. It requires
25% restaurant may be designated as a smoking area.
Mr. Rice thanked Ms. Robertson for the planning of the workshop.
Panel for Nurse Consultant's Retreat
Mr. Rice stated he was on a panel for the Nurse Consultant's Retreat on Tuesday, October 6, 1998, in
Greensboro, North Carolina. He presented a slide presentation entitled Partners for Progress:
Collaborating for the Public's Health. The presentation included the following:
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Health Department's Logo (designed by Mr. Bobby Waters, Communicable Disease Specialist)
National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives I
Future of Public Health including Managed Care and Partnerships in the Community
Marketing Public Health
NCALHD Futuristic Analysis
NHCHD AEIOU Team
NHCHD - Next 3-5 Years
Role ofNCPH Consultants
Next Steps
Mr. Rice explained the Futuristic Analysis included organizational recommendations, expansion of
services, community leadership, fiscal development, infonnatÍon systems, workforce development,
and internal leadership development. The AEIOU Team currently is addressing 12 opportunities to
improve. There are six areas for development and soon action teams are to be appointed to assist in
the strategic planning for the community and health department.
Dr. Clancy asked if the health department is experiencing a decrease in clinical services. Mr. Rice and
Ms. Jones concurred a decrease has been noted in clinical services due to participation of private
providers and the Community Health Center.
WHAT - Road Show
Mr. Rice announced the next regular Board of Health meeting will be held at the Wilmington Health
Access for Teens, (WHAT), 4005 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Other Business:
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Project Many Faces
Ms. Beth Jones, Communicable Disease Director, announced October is National AIDS Awareness
Month. She invited the Board to participate in the Project Many Faces activities to recognize and
support National AIDS Awareness Month. The Project Face to Face exhibit will be on display on
October 19-24 at the UNCW Randall Library. Visitors to the exhibit may study the sculptured face
masks of people with AIDS while listening to their tape-recorded stories.
Adjourn:
There being no other business, Dr. Jackson adjourned the regular business meeting of the Board of
Health at 9:12 a. m.
David E. Rice, M.P .H., M.A., Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
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Approved:
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