01/06/1999
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Dr. Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, Vice-Chairman, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover
County Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 6, 1999, in the Dr.
Thomas Fanning Wood Memorial Conference Room, New Hanover County Health Department,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members Present:
Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, DDS, Vice-Chairman
Henry V. Estep, RHU
Michael E. Goins, OD
Gela N. Hunter, RN, Nurse Practitioner
W. Edwin Link, Jr., RPH
Anne Braswell Rowe
Philip P. Smith, Sr., MD
Melody C. Speck, DVM
Members Absent:
William T. Steuer, PE/RLS, Chairman
Robert G. Greer, Vice-Chair, County Commissioners
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Others Present:
David E. Rice, Health Director
Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director
Pat Melvin, Assistant County Manager
Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary
Invocation: Ms. Gela Hunter gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Dr. Jewell asked for corrections to the minutes of the December 2, 1998 New Hanover County Board
of Health Meeting. The Board of Health approved the minutes of the December 2, 1998 meeting.
Oath of Office:
Dr. Jewell introduced Dr. Melody C. Speck, DVM, and Dr. Philip Palmer Smith, Sr., Physician, newly
appointed Board members. The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners appointed the
following to the New Hanover County Board of Health:
Reappointed Board of Health Members
Michael E. Goins, OD - Optometrist
Robert G. Greer, Vice-Chairman, New Hanover County Commissioners
Estelle G. Whitted, RN - Public Member
New Board of Health Members
Melody C. Speck, DVM - Veterinarian
Philip Palmer Smith, Jr., MD - Physician
Ms. Frances De Vane, Notary Public, administered the Oath of Office to Dr. Speck, Dr. Smith, and Dr.
Goins.
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Dr. Jewell welcomed Dr. Speck and Dr. Smith and congratulated the reappointed Board members.
Appointments to the Board of Health are for a three-year term of office.
Recognitions:
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Governor's World AIDS Day Volunteer Award
Mr. Rice recognized Ms. Gabriella Hieb, Member, Board of Directors, Coastal AIDS Resource Efforts
(CARE). Ms. Hieb received the Governor's World AIDS DAY Volunteer Service Award presented by
the HIV/STD Prevention and Care Section, Department of Health and Human Services at the World
AIDS Day Governor's Volunteer Awards Celebration on December 1, 1998, in Raleigh, North
Carolina.
Ms. Vivian Mears, Public Health Nurse, Communicable Disease, explained Ms. Hieb works with
CARE and Citywide AIDS Day activities, is a Member-at-Large for the Region VII HIV Prevention
Community Planning, and serves as a volunteer and as a resource to AIDS clients and to their families.
She commended Ms. Hieb for her volunteer community service and for her efforts to provide the best
possible service to persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
On behalf of the Board of Health, Dr. Jewell congratulated Ms. Hieb as recipient of the Governor's
World AIDS Day Volunteer Award. He expressed his appreciation to her for her volunteer services.
Personnel
Service Awards
Mr. Rice recognized and congratulated the following New Hanover County Service Award recipients: I
Ten (10) Year Service Award
Susan Wright, Environmental Health Program Specialist, Environmental Health
Fifteen (15) Year Service Award
Ronald Currie, Animal Control Director, Animal Control Services
Dr. Jewell commended Ms. Wright and Mr. Currie for their years of public health service in New
Hanover County.
Department Focal:
Ms. Janet McCumbee, Child Health Director, presented the department focal on "Amigos Interpreter
Services ", a Hispanic interpreting service. In January 1998, the North Carolina Association of
Local Health Directors presented a Resolution on Language Services in Public Health.
Ms. McCumbee stated due to an increase of the Hispanic population in New Hanover County, there is
a need to provide interpreting services to Hispanic clients. Bilingual staff members and volunteers
help as interpreters, are involved in H.O.L.A., and attend Spanish classes to help clients. She advised
agencies that receive federal reimbursement must now provide interpreter services to comply with the
Office of Civil Rights. At the end of September, the health department contracted with Amigos
Interpreter Services for interpreting and translating services for 10-15 hours per week.
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Ms. McCumbee introduced Ms. Victoria Velasco and Ms. Rebecca Carpenter, Interpreters from
Amigos Interpreter Services. Ms. Velasco stated Amigos Translating and Interpreting Services
provide accurate information to both clients and to providers. The service helps the provider get a
better understanding of the cultural differences among clients including nonverbal communication,
health practices, and social relationships. Ms. Velasco stated Amigos Interpreter Services enhances
communication and provides the delivery of quality health services to Latinos/Hispanics.
Mr. Estep asked about the increase of Hispanic clients at the health department. Ms. McCumbee
responded during a three-month period they saw 50 Hispanic clients' multiple visits. Mr. Rice
suggested providing Spanish signage of health department services.
Dr. Jewell thanked Ms. Velasco and Ms. Carpenter for the department focal on translating and
interpreting services.
Committee Reports:
Executive Committee
Dr. Jewell reported Executive Committee did not meet in December.
Environmental Health Committee
Mr. Link reported the Body Piercing Committee met at 5:30 p.m. on December 16, 1998. The
committee is addressing Body Piercing Regulations. The next Body Piercing Committee meeting
will be at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 1998.
Unfinished Business:
Generators at Emergency Shelters
Dr. Jewell reported Mr. Dan Summers, Director, Emergency Management, is preparing a grant
proposal for $450,000 to provide generator transfer switches at emergency shelters in New Hanover
County. The grant is being funded by FEMA through the North Carolina Division of Emergency
Management. Mr. Rice stated he sent a letter of support to Mr. Summers endorsing the installation of
generator transfer switches in county and city school disaster shelters. He reiterated sufficient power is
essential for efficient and safe sheltering in disaster shelters.
New Business:
Board of Health Committee Appointments
Dr. Jewell presented the following 1999 Board of Health Chairs and Committees which were
appointed by Mr. William T. Steuer, Chairman.
Executive Committee
Environmental Health Committee
Mr. William T. Steuer, Chairman
Dr. Wilson O'Kelly Jewell
Dr. Michael E. Goins
Mr. W. Edwin link
Ms. Anne Braswell Rowe
Mr. W. Edwin Link, Chairman
Ms. Gela N. Hunter
Dr. Michael E. Goins
Ms. Anne Braswell Rowe
Dr. Philip Palmer Smith, Sr.
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Budaet Committee
Division
Mrs. Anne Braswell Rowe, Chairman
Mr. William T. Steuer
Ms. Gela N. Hunter
Dr. Melody C. Speck
Dr. Philip Palmer Smith, Sr.
Dr. Wilson O'Kelly Jewell
Mr. W. Edwin Link
Ms. Estelle G. Whitted
Dr. Michael E Goins
Mr. Henry V. Estep
Administration
Animal Control Services
Child Health Services
Communicable Disease
Community Health
Dental Health/Health Promotion
Environmental Health
Laboratory
Nutrition
Women's Health Care
Health Promotion Committee
AC Services AdvisoryCommittee
Dr. Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, Chairman
Mr. Henry V. Estep
Ms. Gela N. Hunter
Ms. Estelle G. Whitted
Dr. Melody C. Speck
Dr. Melody C. Speck
Association of NC Boards of Health
Dr. Michael E. Goins
Budget Schedule Update.
Ms. Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director, presented the FY 1999-00 Budget Calendar from the
New Hanover County Budget Office. After Division Directors finish their budgets on January 20,
they will contact and meet with Board members to review budgets.
Mrs. Anne Rowe, Budget Chairman, New Hanover County Board of Health, advised Board Members
are to review program budget requests with Division Directors from January 20-25. Board members
should submit the budget review reports with written revisions to Ms. Rowe by 4:00 p.m. on January
25, 1999.
Ms. Smith advised she will give the FY2000 Budget Request Workbooks to the Executive Committee
at their meeting on January 26, 1999. The Executive Committee will meet on February 2 to discuss,
and review the budget. The Board of Health will review and approve the budget request at their
February 3 meeting.
Ms. Smith explained the FY2000 Budget Request is due to the County Budget Office on February 15,
1999, for review by Mr. Allen O'Neal, County Manager, and his budget Committee. The Budget
Office will submit the County Manager's Recommended Budget to the health department in May.
Any revisions to the original budget will be reviewed and presented to the Board of Health. On May
17, 1999, the County Commissioners have scheduled a Public Hearing on the County Manager's
Recommended Budget. The Board of Health members may attend the Public Hearing to discuss
budget matters.
Mr. Rice put the new Board members at ease regarding the budget process. He stated he has never
experienced a budget process in which there is more opportunity for input, and the budget process is
smooth and can really benefit Board of Health members and staff.
Comments:
Board of Health
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Health Director
Annual NHCHD Christmas Party
Mr. Rice reported 179 employees and guests attended the Annual Health Department Christmas
Luncheon from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 1998. He invited new Board
members to look forward to next year's Christmas Luncheon. Also, the Board of Health gives an
Employee Appreciation Luncheon during April, Public Health Month.
AEIOU Update
Mr. Rice reported the Assessment Protocol for Excellence in Public Health (APEX/PH) process has
been in place in the health department since March 1998. The AEIOU Team (Assessing, Evaluating,
Improving, Our Opportunities are Unlimited) has identified opportunities to improve. Seven areas of
common themes identified were legal, community involvement, public information, board
involvement, personnel, internal communication, and internal evaluation. The three action teams are
to address public information, internal communication, and internal evaluation issues. Each action
team is responsible for establishing goals and objectives, assigning responsibilities, and specifying
methods for their opportunities to improve. The action teams are Public Information Team, Internal
communication Team, and Internal Evaluation Team.
Health Department Policy Committee
Mr. Rice recognized the following five employees who are on the Health Department Policy Team.
They are Mr. David Rice, Health Director; Ms. Dianne Harvell, Environmental Health Director; Ms.
Betty Jo McCorkle, Women's Health Care Director; Ms. Susan O'Brien, Laboratory Director; and Ms.
Frances De Vane, Administrative Assistant, Administration. The committee has identified 58 items to
address. They are reviewing policies both new and old. Policies will be placed in one employee
manual.
Business Officer Appointed
Mr. Rice announced Ms. Cynthia Hewett, MSIS, BS, was hired as the Business Officer for the Health
Department. For more than two years Ms. Hewett has served as Finance Director/System
Administrator for the Brunswick County Health Department. She begins work at the health
department on January 12, 1999.
Nutrition Program Director Appointed
Mr. Rice announced Ms. Nancy Nail was appointed Nutrition Director. Her first day of work at the
health department is January 12, 1999. She is Nutrition Director in Guilford County Health
Department and is Chairman of the North Carolina Local WIC Directors.
Meeting with Dean Roper. School of Public Health. UNC@ Chapel Hill
Mr. Rice stated Dean William L. Roper, MD, School of Public Health, UNC @ Chapel Hill, visited
Coastal AHEC, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and the Health Department on December 10,
1998. They held a luncheon in the Carl Thomas Durham Memorial Auditorium at 12:00 noon on
December 10. The purpose of the luncheon was to strengthen the relationship been the School of
Public Health and local health departments.d
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Improving Preventive Service Delivery. December 11.1998
On December 11, 1998, Mr. Rice attended a Preventive Service Delivery Kate B. Reynolds I
Foundation Workshop. Another meeting is scheduled for January 13, 1999.
Public Health Prevention Specialist - Letter of Intent
Mr. Rice referred the Board to a Letter of Intent for the Public Health Prevention Service (PHPS)
Program Field Placement. PHPS activities will involve data collection, data analysis, planning, and
implementation. The PHPS Specialist will prepare a revised Community Diagnosis for each
participating county. Partners in this program will be New Hanover Regional Medical Center and
Coastal Area Health Education Center. Mr. Rice stated he is trying to pursue the PHPS Specialist.
Appointment. NCPHA Resolutions Chairman
Mr. Rice announced he has been appointed Chairman of the NCPHA Resolutions Committee. In this
position, he will serve on the NCPHA Governing Counsel.
Association of North Carolina Boards of Health. January 22,1999 Meeting
Mr. Rice invited Board of Health members to attend the Local Boards of Health: Working with the
Media", 13th Annual Meeting of the Association of North Carolina Boards of Health on January 22,
1999, at the North Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Goins, Dr. Jewell, and Mr. Rice plan
to attend.
Ms. Smith reminded Board members of the reimbursement for travel, room, meals, and registration
expenses at the ANCBH Annual Meeting.
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February Board of Health Meeting - Wednesday. February 2,1999
New Hanover Community Health Center
Mr. Rice explained at Dr. Goins' suggestion, the Board of Health decided to go "On the Road" and
meet at different health related agencies. On February 3, the Board of Health will meet at the New
Hanover Community Center, 925 North 4th Street, Wilmington, N. C.
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Meeting - February 15. 1999
Mr. Rice announced that he will present the New Hanover County Health Department Annual Report
and the North Carolina Public Health "Everywhere, Everyday, Everybody" video at the County
Commissioners meeting on Monday, February 15, 1999. It is an opportunity to promote public health
and raise visibility.
Other Business:
Employee Appreciation Luncheon Scheduled
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The Board of Health scheduled the Employee Appreciation Luncheon from 12 Noon - 2:00 p.m. on
April 14, 1999 during Public Health Month.
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Nutrition and Laboratory Divisions Recognized
Mr. Rice reported on December 10, 1998, in the Laboratory, a WIC client had an alarmingly low
platelet count on both the first and second finger sticks. A Laboratory technician immediately gave
the low test results to a Nutritionist in Nutrition. The Nutritionist promptly called the client's mother
and asked her to contact her child's physician. On the same day, the doctor admitted the child to the
hospital with an ITP diagnosis. The child is now receiving treatment and the platelet count has
improved. Mr. Rice commended the health department Laboratory Technician and the Nutritionist for
their prompt attention to a life threatening situation.
Mr. Steuer. Chairman. Board of Health
Dr. Jewell informed the Board of Health that Mr. Steuer is absent at today's Board of Health meeting
due to surgery. The Board of Health decided to extend get well wishes and to send flowers to Mr.
Steuer.
Adjourn:
There being no other business, Dr. Jewell adjourned the regular business meeting of the Board of
Health at 9:25 a. m.
David E. Rice, M.P.H., M.A., Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
Approved: February 3, 1999
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