Observer Report
Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health
Wednesday, October 28, 2009



A major portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the management of the H1N1 Vaccination program. Though the number of cases of the H1N1 flu is increasing in the state, Kansas has not had the outbreak other states are having. Up to now 3,167 cases have been counted which compares with 11,260 cases in the region just east of our region.
The Health Department has provided 3167 vaccinations in five clinics thus far. The supply continues to be low and thus eligibility guidelines remain restricted. There is a lot of demand and some turned away who felt that their health situation should have made them eligible were unhappy but thus far Charles Murphy feels that things are going very well. He would like to have more providers -- All H1N1 vaccine will be processed through the Health Department for the County and Manhattan -- but understands the reluctance of other providers as the paper work required could be described as “overwhelming”. He praised the staff for their effectiveness. Financial support is expected to help with the program but has not arrived as yet. Mr. Murphy expects that when the supply of vaccine is available the next eligible group will be larger and will require greater effort and perhaps larger clinics. All the H1N1 information is kept current on the County web site at: www.rileycountyks,gov.
The board voted to replace a vehicle at $18,324 from Don Hattan Chevrolet in Wichita which had the low bid.
The City of Manhattan has requested consideration of a plan for water retention on the Department’s land to prevent flooding. The Administration questions whether enough space is available as flooding has been as high as six feet deep and ten feet across. Such a plan might also limit future expansion.
The Board voted to approve an addendum to the Dental Clinic Lease waiving their rent for the first three months of the year since construction delays delayed the opening of the clinic until April.
Board member Bob Strawn (and Mayor of Manhattan) asked Suzanne Kufahl, Assistant Administrator, to present information to the board about inspections of Regulated Child Care. At the moment such homes are not required to be inspected. Mr. Strawn stated the City Commission is considering revisiting the issue of the passing an ordinance requiring inspection of Registered Child Care Homes to the already required inspections of Licensed Child Care Providers. Such an ordinance was voted down last year. Ms. Kufahl offered to present information to the Commission. She stated that surveys have shown that most people believe that these homes are inspected , but they are not unless there is a complaint. The Health Department is very much in favor of the ordinance. Some of the common complaint citings of Registered Day Care homes are: 1) over capacity, 2) improperly sleeping children under 18 months in car seats, bouncy seats, strollers, etc. where they can suffer harm from equipment not meant for sleeping, 3) lack of supervision 4) not child proofing, leaving household chemical in reach, for example
The agenda item to consider budget priorities related to the concept of essential services was tabled for next meeting.

Submitted by Sue Cohen, Observer