HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 Minutes (Ext)
November 10, 1992
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Bowers, to convene sitting
as the Board of Health at 10:40 a.m. Unanimously approved.
The County Commissioners of Washington County convened as the Board of Health at
10:40 a.m. with Commissioners Richard E. Roulette, Ronald L. Bowers, Linda C.
Irvin-Craig, John S. Shank, and Gregory I. Snook present. Dr. John Neill, Health
Officer, and other members of his staff were also present.
The Commissioners discussed the status of the mental health programs with Dr.
Neill. Dr. Neill stated that the Health Department will no longer have a mental
health program, but it will be absorbed by the Washington County Mental Health
Authority and discussions are still on-going regarding transferring employees.
Gene Jenkins, Administrator, reviewed the State budget reductions and the impact
on Health Department programs. He reviewed the allocation of services and
positions. Commissioner Roulette requested information on programs being reduced
or eliminated due to grant monies and what level of service will be maintained.
Health Department Vehicles - Gene Jenkins explained that the Health Department
would like to transfer 8 of the vehicles assigned to the Mental Health Division
to the Washington County Mental Health Authority, and he will keep the
Commissioners informed on this matter. He stated that it is the State of
Maryland's policy that a vehicle cannot be disposed of until it reaches 75,000
miles and, at that time, the Health Department will take the vehicles to the
Roads Department for public auction.
Anorexia Support Group - Delsie Swope spoke to the Commissioners regarding the
need to establish a support group for individuals with anorexia or other eating
disorders. Health Department officials stated that there is a program currently
in existence which meets at South Hagerstown High School and will provide her
with more information about the group.
Status - Hepatitis B Virus - Dr. Mark Jameson reported on the situation at
Smithsburg Middle School where a student was diagnosed with Hepatitis B. He
explained that he was requested by the Board of Education to provide a
recommendation, and the vaccine was offered to teachers and students who would
theoretically be at risk of exposure. He agreed that this situation was not
handled as well as it should have been administratively and, in the future,
stated that he would provide information in a more timely manner to the parents.
Several parents of students at Smithsburg Middle School were in attendance to
express their concerns regarding the manner in which this was handled.
Commissioner Roulette suggested that a policy be adopted for use in future
situations.
Nursing Home Residents - Effect of Proposed Income Eligibility Changes -
Commissioner Roulette expressed concerns regarding the State Board of Public
Works' proposal to reduce benefits for nursing home residents due to amended
income eligibility requirements. Monica Mason, Administrator of Avalon Manor
Nursing Home and President of the Washington, Frederick & Carroll County Nursing
Home Administrators, urged the Commissioners to express their opposition to the
Governor and State Delegation to the General Assembly. Jim Powers also expressed
his concerns regarding the proposed changes.
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Bowers, to adjourn as the
Board of Health at 11:15 a.m., and to reconvene in Regular Session. Unanimously
approved.
County Attorney
, Clerk