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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Citizens Advisory Health Board - 10/15/2003 • Minutes CITIZENS ADVISORY HEALTH BOARD October 15,2003 Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District 1702 Home Road,Administration Conference Room Members Present: Rose Caballero,Chair,Melinda Gonzales, Vice-Chair,Gloria Farias, Larry Bittle, Amanda Stukenberg, and Tony C.Diaz, Ed.D. Members Absent: Blanca R. Garcia,Ph.D.,Karen Beard, and Leo Barrera Health District: Dr. Michael Silvers, Annette Rodri_• ez, and Jot-.e Cruz-Aedo Timeline/ Meeting Outline Minutes Action Taken Responsible Party Call to Order Rose Caballero,Chair,called the meeting to order at 3:04pm,noting a quorum was present. Opening Call for approval of the September 17i'minutes. A motion was made and Remarks seconded to approve the minutes as written;the minutes were approved. Board Business Ms.Caballero directed everyone to the agenda created at the retreat which had been provided in the packet. The purpose of the retreat was to identify the purpose and direction of the board. The Bylaws were Ms.Caballero thanked discussed and reviewed at the retreat as well;they everyone for their were amended to read that the board would meet a participation and presence minimum of six times per year. at previous meetings. Larry Bittle asked if there were specific reports that Dr. Silvers clarified that, the board should take part in the review process. no,the board was not mandated to review any reports. He further added that the board was the interactive conduit between the health department and the community. Dr. Silvers suggested to the board to prioritize the issues the board would like to share with the community. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said his understanding was that the Ms. Caballero agreed. board was requesting to piece together the budgetary Larry Bittle commented resources of the health department. He further that Dr. Silvers'plan for suggested to Dr. Silvers that he share the whole restructure would assist in picture of the health department with the board, the allocation of resources including needs and budget. and staff. Mr.Cruz-Aedo explained that Dr. Silvers was attempting to operate under a health district. He further explained the concern in running the health department under the health district became how SCANNED _ Q 4100 monies were being allocated,and the political and jurisdictional issues between city and county. Each entity would ask the question, "What's my share?" Ms. Caballero voiced her concern as a citizen, because she as well as many other citizens are responsible for both city and county taxes. In situations as this,which entity would be responsible for these citizens? Ms.Caballero added that she would not like the board to be divided or become the venue of entity division as a result. Ms. Stukenberg commented that the concern was the prevention of communicable diseases within the community. The two entities should work together to address the concerns of the community. Mr.Cruz-Aedo said the question would arise,if the Dr. Silvers clarified for the county was immunized,how much money did the board that their role and county contribute? He also asked how and who objective was to inform him would be asked for additional funding,if it was not how the health department clear as to whom was funding the cause initially. could help the community; not a review board of the health department. Ms. Stukenberg commented she felt the board was to be an advocate for the health department;however, to do so,they needed to be educated on the needs of the department in order to voice to the community. Dr.Diaz asked if the health department received feedback from anyone at the county such as we have with our city representative,Mr.Cruz-Aedo. He suggested perhaps having a contact person at county headquarters. Ms. Caballero reiterated the importance and reasoning of having background,needed information from the health department to be able to approach the County Judge and/or the City Council. A discussion took place regarding the restructure of Ms.Caballero asked what the health department. Mr. Cruz-Aedo wanted the actions the board would jurisdictional issue between the city and the county to like to see taken as a result be evaluated further. of the discussion. Larry Bittle asked how the board could demonstrate Ms. Caballero suggested to its support of Dr. Silvers'plans for the health Mr.Bittle and the board department to the community and elected officials. putting their thoughts in the form of a letter. Mr.Cruz-Aedo informed the board that all information was to flow through the director and up through the chain of command. 2 1110 Mr.Cruz-Aedo noted that the health department was funded primarily by the city with a 2 to I ratio. Ms. Gonzales suggested that Dr.Silvers provide the A motion was made and Dr. Silvers. board with a list of priorities and needs of the health seconded for Dr. Silvers to department,including a report showing the areas that provide the board with an posses lack of funding,and the pertinent background assessment and priorities of information to empower the board to effectively the health department. advocate for the needs. Discussion:Amanda Stukenberg stated the board needed an honest assessment of the health department in order to fully comprehend its needs. Dr.Diaz further added the need to know how the current funding was being utilized. No further discussion. A vote was taken on the motion made by Ms. Gonzales; all approved; motion carried. Dr. Silvers asked the board for clarification on their request as he did not understand what the board was asking of him. Ms.Caballero clarified the request of the board was for Dr. Silvers to identify and prioritize his assessment of the needs of the health department,and then communicate those needs with the board. The board also requested of Dr. Silvers that background information be given to support the needs in order to empower the board as advocators for those needs. Larry Bittle noted that the needs that are not being met or funded accurately should also be addressed. Item B,Community Outreach,of the agenda under Tabled till next meeting. Leo Barren. board Business was not discussed. Director's Dr. Silvers spoke about the improvements regarding Update West Nile Virus in comparison to last years numbers, despite the negative article in the newspaper. Ms. Caballero suggested sending a letter on behalf of It was clarified that the the board regarding the negative article in the letter could not be on behalf newspaper. of the board;however,it could be from a member of the board. Ms. Stukenberg suggested that Ms.Caballero submit Rose Caballero to write Rose Caballero. a letter to the editor as the Chair of the board voicing letter to editor and get with concern of the article. She also suggested Dr. Silvers Dr. Silvers for form article. provide education in a form article to include as well. 3 V • Dr.Diaz thought the letter should include the concern as readers of the article and what is being done to address the issues. He further noted it was not wise to ever challenge the media. Dr. Silvers announced the Drive Up Flu Clinic to be held on October 24th,as well as the flu shots being administered in local nursing homes. Board Gloria Farias announced that October was Breast Comments Cancer Awareness Month. Amanda Stukenberg asked to be excused for her Board excused absence. absence for last month's meeting. Next Meeting A discussion took place as to when the next meeting Ms.Caballero and Dr. Rose Caballero and would take place. Thus far,no meeting scheduled Silvers will discuss and Dr. Silvers. for November or December. identify the next meeting date. Ms.Caballero clarified with the board that the letter Ms. Stukenberg noted the to the editor was not in repercussion to the article form to the editor was written in the paper;rather it would be an found on the webpage. informational letter. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 4:15 PM. Next Meeting Next meeting to be determined. 4