Report Board of Health Meeting
September 30, 2009


The Administrative Report dealt thoroughly with the ongoing work dealing with the H1N1 vaccine as well as with the regular flu vaccine. Although the regular flu vaccine administration usually begins October 1st there has been earlier demand and over 1500 regular flu vaccines have already been given. The Health Department has been working with eight physician groups, four pharmacies, LaFene, Mercy Health, Ft. Riley and KSU as well as some others interested in giving the vaccine. There is little notice as to the arrival of the vaccine supply so it is hard to estimate the demand as well as the supply. Turning away those not in the high risk group will be difficult. Emphasis is being placed on educating as many as possible about the need and administration of the vaccine.
Charles Murphy, Administrator, noted that though much emphasis is being placed on hand washing, the most common way the virus is transmitted among the public is through aerosol or in other words being near people coughing who have the virus and breathing in the virus.
The board discussed the meeting held on September 28th for a long Range Planning session and the goals that had been identified. The following list has not been prioritized:
1. Recruitment/retention of qualified staff
2. Expand preventive health services, especially for obesity.
3. Start electronic medical record
4. Increase access to prenatal care.
5, Continually seek funding opportunities
6. Educate, advertise, and meet the perceived needs of our public.
The objectives and action plans will be developed by the staff as they work with the various goals.
Discussion of the goals followed with a number of other ideas offered such as better communication with the medical society and closer collaboration with other groups involved with health care. Karen McCulloh noted that a very large part of the Department’s funding was from grants and that perhaps more should be from the city and county responsible for the well being of the citizens.
Dr. Derek Mosier suggested that perhaps it would be useful for the board to consider a more in-depth type of planning with a facilitator and including the staff as well. The board felt that should be considered but after the H1N1 flurry is over.
The Board Manual, which is intended to provide purpose and direction to the board, was reviewed and approved.
The board then went into executive session to consider the administrator’s evaluation. Upon return the administrator’s contract for 2010 was considered. The salary will remain the same as last year unless there is a 1% addition in December if possible. The board moved and passed acceptance of the Administrator's evaluation and contract.

Sue Cohen, Observer