Observer Report submitted by Sue Cohen
Interim Riley County Public Health Advisory Board
May 30, 2012 12 Noon
The Charter for the Public Health Advisory Board has been published and at the end of 60 days (to allow for public scrutiny) the regular Board will be formed and begin to act.
Members present were Paul Benne, Brady Burton, Karen McCulloh,
Dr. Derek Mosier, Debby Nuss, Rick Fulton DDS, and ex officio and Department Administrator, Susanne Kufahl. Also present, besides me were Jeff Burkhart from KMAN and Kym Nies, Administrative Assistant.
Susanne Kufahl distributed draft copies of budget information for each of the entities offered by the Health Department. The “General Department Budget” shows that in 2013 a minus $33l,773. As I understand it this number is not the final one as there is a reserve (which had been part of the former administrator’s plan for “rainy day” funds and to have matching funds available in timely fashion) which has not yet been completely calculated and which will have to be determined as to its use when the new Board and the County make the decision.
The change to a County Health Department from a City-County Health Department has caused an increase in salaries for some and a major increase in health insurance costs. The health insurance is much improved from the former insurance plan but is more costly.
The Board reviewed each of the department’s draft budgets. Karen McCulloh, County Commissioner commented several times that this activity made understanding the functions and costs of the Health Department much more understandable.
Income for the department comes from many places including Federal and State grants, many other grants which are applied for each year and fees from individuals using the clinic (self pay on a sliding scale), Medicaid or other insurance, and fees for such things as immunizations and the Health Fair.
The following are the departments whose budgets were reviewed.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
A Federal Grant supports this program and the expected funding is projected to be $544,841 in 2013.
Child Care Licensing
This is a mandated activity supported by Federal and State grants. It is unknown at this time but it is likely the grants will be less rather than increased.
Emergency Response
This has to be local and regional. The Federal Grant will be significantly less than 2012 (which was less than 2011).
Susanne Kufahl noted that she was not sure the regional grant still existed.
Family Planning
This is a mainstay program and historically very important part of maintaining public health and may receive the biggest hit from both State and Federal grant amounts. It requires 9 employees.
Healthy Families Contract.
This is a state grant ($200,000) and dovetails with
other Health Department missions.
Healthy Foods and Health Education
This had been supported for years with the Tobacco money, but now it is by a state grant which has decreased. It is a one person department with mileage a large item.
` HIV case management
Provides case manager and counselor plus food pantry help. Susanne Kufahl noted that State doesn’t give much hope that it will be continued.
Immunization Action Plan
This is the only department that comes in in the Black. But because of so much competition this income will dwindle.
Primary Care/Prescription Assistance
Takes most staff mostly nurses including an ARNP who
are in short supply and expensive. Susanne Kufahl noted that in talks with State she feels somewhat positive that grant will be continued.
Smart Start/ECBG (Early Child Block Grant)
This is well supported by outcome statistics and is part of the Block Grant system.
MCH
Also a long time mainstay of Public Health and has State and Federal grants as well as fees and Medicaid and other insurance payments.
Submitted by Sue Cohen
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