CECIL COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES January 20, 2005 *Revised*

In Attendance: Dr. Ginny Bailey, Earl Bradford, Judith Cox, Stephanie Garrity, Step Mika, Lynn Jones, Dr. Cydney Teal, Stacey Hash, Mary Ellen Rapposelli, Melissa Milner, Jennifer Padgett, and Mary Hensley.

Dr. Bailey welcomed the Committee and introductions were made. Dr. Bailey welcomed the newest member of the Committee, Lynn Jones from the American Cancer Society who serves on the Tobacco and Cancer Task Forces. The minutes from the June 17, 2004 Community Health Advisory Committee meeting were reviewed with one correction. On page 2 under the Cancer Task Force Report, line 4 the word “non-evasive” should be changed to “non- invasive”. Step Mika then made a motion to approve the minutes. Earl Bradford seconded the motion.

All Task Force reports and handouts are attached to these minutes.

Topic: Community Co-Chairperson Vacancy Discussion: There was a motion by Step Mika to nominate* Tom Sweeney as Co- Chairperson for the next term. Mr. Sweeney was not present at the meeting. Dr. Bailey will talk with Mr. Sweeney to see if he agrees with the nomination*.

Topic: Community Health Survey Update Discussion: Dr. Alseny Balde has resigned his position with the Cecil County Health Department and has taken a position with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Cecil County Health Department is currently recruiting for an epidemiologist. This has delayed the Community Health Survey report. There were 7000 surveys distributed and 1569 returned which represented a 22% rate of return. The data entry has been completed and cleaned (double-checked against the survey forms). The data will be analyzed and a report will be written. A proposal was sent to several agencies for the analysis and report writing. Dr. Balde was selected to do the analysis and report. The report could possibly be ready in April. The data from this report will be used internally as well as in the community. Action: Stephanie Garrity will speak with Dr. Balde to see if he would be willing to present the findings of his report at the Task Force meetings.

Topic: Earl Bradford presented the Accidents Task Force report. Discussion: The Task Force is focusing its efforts on billboards that could be erected to encourage drivers to call #77 to report impaired driving. Health Department staff is currently working with Frank Muller, Department of Emergency Management, to see if they would be willing to take these calls. Topic: Step Mika presented the Alcohol and Drug Task Force report. Discussion: The Committee accepted the report with no discussion.

Topic: Mary Ellen Rapposelli presented the Cancer Task Force report. Discussion: To date, there are now 54 healthcare providers who have been contracted to provide services for the Cecil County Colorectal Screening Program in FY05. In March, there will be an educational presentation to the Union Hospital medical staff and their office managers on Colorectal Cancer. There will also be a mass mailing of postcards in March to the public for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The numbers in the attached report are for FY05.

Topic: Stephanie Garrity presented the Lifestyles and Nutrition Task Force report. Discussion: At this time the Task Force is at a crossroads. Avis Brown has resigned as chairperson of this Task Force. She will continue to serve as a Task Force member.

With input from the Task Force, the University of Maryland Statewide Health Network has drafted a proposed plan to implement cardiovascular disease prevention activities in Cecil County. Proposal objectives have been prioritized and timelines for activity completion will be revised. One of the objectives - a central repository of information on cardiovascular disease should be created – has been met. Information can be obtained from the Cecil County Health Department, Union Hospital and local libraries. Action: The draft plan will be forwarded to all Committee members. Comments on the plan should be forwarded to Stephanie Garrity.

Topic: Step Mika presented the Tobacco Task Force report. Discussion: The American Cancer Society has added the Perryville location of Stop Smoking Classes to its Community Resource Database available in the tri-State area. The Cecil County Health Department is now collecting data from each client to see how they learned of the program (via television, brochures, posters, etc.). This data will be available at the next task force meeting.

The compliance rate for enforcement of tobacco compliance checks to date is at 50%. It was also noted that clerks are asking for IDs but are not checking birth dates. This will be addressed by the law enforcement doing the compliance checks. With the price of the “We Card” calendars at $10.00 each, the task force is looking into reproduce a calendar that would also include the birthdate* of customers legally allowed to purchase alcohol products.

The quit rates for the Nicotine Patch program are comparable to the Stop Smoking classes.

Step Mika praised the Cecil County Health Department and particularly the Division of Health Promotion for their role on the Tobacco Task Force. Topic: Outstanding Community Service Awards in Public Health Discussion: The Outstanding Community Service Award in Public Health is presented the 1st week in April during Public Health Week. Action: A nomination form will be sent to all Committee members soliciting nominations for the award for 2005.

The next scheduled Cecil County Community Health Advisory Committee meeting will be held on June 16, 2005 at 4:30 PM in the Health Department Auditorium.

* Marks places with revisions.