09/14/1955
175"
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING BOARD OF HEALTH
HELD IN OFFICE OF BOARD
SEPrEMBER 14, 1955
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Present: Mr. Ralph T. Horton, Chaiman; Dr. J. C. Wessell, Dr. James H.
Smith, Dr. J. C. Knox and Mr. H. M. Roland.
On motion by Dr. Knox, seconded by Mr. Roland, the reading of the minutes
was dispensed with.
The only old business pending from previous meetings was changes proposed in
the disposal of garbage and refuse. Inasmuch as the Mayor was absent and the
City's garbage collections will have to be taken into consideration in any
changes in the present law, it was decided to postpone this parlicular item
of business until later in the meeting in the hopes that the Mayor would get
to the meeting. Tp.a Mayor did not get to the meeting and the matter was left
open for consideration at a later meeting.
A letter was read by Chaiman Horton from Dr, J. N. Needham, Veterinarian,
with the department, requesting that J;j.e be granted a twelve months leave of
absence inasmuch as he plans to be absent from the County on personal business.
Dr. Needham I s brother, Dr. Thomas C. Needham, Veterinarian, will be available to
carryon Dr. J. N. Needham's veterinary practice and health department work during
the absence of Dr. J. N. Needham. On motion by Mr. Roland, seconded by Dr. Smith,
the request of Dr. J. N. Needham was granted under the above conditions. Carried.
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Mr. Clyde Fehn, U. S. Public Health Service Consultant, who has recently been
assigned to this area to carry out studies on mosquito problems in eastern North
Carolina, was introduced to the Board members. Mr. Fehn discussed the present and
future aspects of our mosquito problems.
It was recommended by the Health Officer,Mr. Fehn and Chaiman Horton that a
Buffalo Turbine spraying equipnent machine be purchased by this depertment.
Chaiman Horton recommended that in view of the emergency the' Civil Defense be
requested to supply on a rental basis for the time being this piece of equipment.
On motion by Dr. Knox, seconded by Dr. Smith, a motion was made authorizing Chair-
man Horton to enter into negotiations with the Civil Defense authorities and with
Mr. Fred W. Willis of Florence, South Carolina, for the rental of a Buffalo Turpine
for a period of approximately six weeks until the health department can arrange for
the purchase of such machine. Carried.
... .
At the request of Dr. Wessell, the Health Officer was asked to report upon the
general sanitary condition existing on Harbor Island during this extremely wet
season. The Health Officer aDd Mr. Lassiter, Sanitary Engineer, both stated that
the conditions on Harbor Island constituted a public health hazard, and that the
only permanent solution to the problem on Harbor Island was a water carried sewer
system. Dr. Wessell, in this connection, suggested that a fly borne epidemic was
possible and suggested that we again inform the State Board of Health that a
public health danger existed on Harbor Island.
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Dr. J. C. Knox, IUlIIlber of the Consolidated Board of Health, stated that a number
of the pediatricians had approached him on the matter of free Salk vaccine adminis-
tration by the Board of Health clinic to all within the age limit without regard
to the individual's ability to pay their private physician for this service. Dr.
Knox stated that he himself had purchased more than $100.00 worth the Salk vaccine
and that if the health department gave to all without a means test, it would be
impossible for the pediatricians to carry on hand a supply of Salk vaccine without
incurring a financial loss. Inasmuch as there will be available to the Board of
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Health a quantity of Salk vaccine sufficient to Maccinate only 30% of
the age group selected, the Board of Health went on record,as a matter
of principle, that through the radio, newspaper and any other means of
communication of requesting of the general public that all those who
were able to pay for the vaccine and the services of their private pedia-
tricians to do so in order that the available vaccine to be disp!lnsed~
free go to those children whose parents are not able to pay for the private
service.
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There being no further business; ,the meeting adjourned.
Approved fP(I,'/--k JJ
1955
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