PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADVISORY BOARD REPORT
January 23, 2013   4 PM

    Many of the old Health Department Board members have consented to be on the new Board.  These members having experience with ongoing Health Department issues provide an easier transition to the new Board. There is also a good representation from most of those concerned with health issues in the County.

The following are members of the Board: (the * indicates old members)

 * Paul Bennes, Physician/Fort Riley Public Health Director   
   Michael Cates, KSU Public Health Program Director
   Judy Wagner, VP  Mercy
   Brad Starnes, Superintendent USD 378 Riley County
   Mary Beth Reese, Retired Social Worker USD 383
   * Derek Mosier,  KSU DVD
   *  Rick Fulton DDS
   *  Karen McCulloh, Community Representative
   *  Debbie Nuss, Community Representative
  Ginny Barnard  Riley County Extension

Ginny Barnard agreed to act as Chairman.

    There are also members who will represent users
of the department and other community representatives are currently being sought.
 
   Kristin Cottam, a young mother client of the HD
   Deanell French, a child care provider
   Sarah Eckstein,  a qualified Mental Health Professional
   Maria Garcia Baquero, Spanish interpreter

Still to be recruited:
   A family planning client
   Mother and Infant client

Cary Herl, MD continues as RCHD medical director

The Health Department attendees included:
   Susie Kufahl, Administrator/Health Officer
   Mindy Robbins, Asst. to the administrator
   Lisa Ross, WIC supervisor
   Katy Vaughn, Health Educator/Accreditation coordinator

Also on board:
   Connie Satzler, Envisage, as Consultant

Bob Boyd, new elected County Commissioner, also attended this meeting.

    After introductions, an informal discussion of the purpose of the Board commenced on the request of board member Rick Fulton.  No decisions were made but it was suggested that the
Board act as a supporter of and perhaps even carry out lobbying
for the department. There was also discussion of ways of making the Health Department more well known in the community. Susie Kufahl, Administrator felt that the Board could help with budget issues and the upcoming accreditation. 

    Katy Vaughn, Coordinator of the accreditation effort then
introduced her plans some of which have already begun such as  an opinion survey.  There are also plans for focus groups plus the gathering of objective data concerning the demographics of the County and the prioritizing of needs.

    The accreditation will end with the planning of how to address the top health concerns.

Submitted by Sue Cohen