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HomeMy WebLinkAbout200123 - Minutes, Community Health Adv.Washington County Community Health Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 23, 2020 Opening This meeting of the Washington County Community Health Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:30am by Michael Reyka, Chair, at 100 West Washington Street, Suite 1115, Hagerstown. Present Commissioner Randall Wagner, Michael Reyka, Earl Stoner, Jennifer Foltz, Heidi Kendall, Dave Chisholm, Rich Eichelberger, Rob Ferree, Ashley Holloway, April Bishop Cyndi Powell & Jeremy Mose. Old Business Approval of Minutes from 1/9/2020 Motion made by Cyndi Powell. Seconded by Heidi Kendall. All in favor. MD Diabetes Plan Michael Reyka distributed more information related to discussion held at last meeting pertaining to the Maryland State Diabetes Plan. This included a general reference document and recent CHNA 2019 survey data for Washington County. Oklahoma City Case Example Michael Reyka sent committee members Ted Talk video to watch prior to today's meeting. Video was a story about Oklahoma City and how their Mayor and community led an initiative to lose 1 million pounds and how that effort led to economic development. Michael opened discussion asking the group what we thought of the video. Here are some key take- aways: • Oklahoma City took the approach of creating an environment that makes businesses want to come to their town/city instead of luring in businesses with incentives. • City of Hagerstown/Washington County already have many of the assets described in the video. If we wanted to emulate their success, we don't need to build new, just better promote and utilize the amazing resources we already have. • Ashley Holloway suggested a Bike Share program in downtown Hagerstown. Others agreed this would be an interesting venture. • The numerous hiking trails in the area were discussed, but many people don't know where all of them are or how to access them. It would be nice if there was one central database with this information for easier access. • Currently, it seems like you hear about a wellness related event, like the 100 Miler Kick Off, after the event, but not much widespread promotion prior to the event. • There are a lot of opportunities to do a better job of spotlighting our recreational resources to promote wellness in our community and attract visitors/businesses/millennials. To round out this discussion, Michael introduced one of Meritus' Bold Goals to walk a billion miles in a 10 year time period, as a community/county. This goal/idea is in the early stages, and nothing has been solidified yet. FLU Update No significant changes from last meeting. Communication/PR Michael Reyka corresponded with Washington County PR representatives to discuss means and ways of promotion/education related to our committee and our efforts. He presented three example fliers including the original flyer that was created for our committee. He said the PR staff will not be able to participate in a creative/idea-generating role for our committee, but if we send them specifics of what we want created, then they are willing to help. Members of the group offered feedback related to the current flyer, which we felt was too much text and not graphic enough. Cyndi Powell suggested adding some shocking statistics to draw attention to population health concerns. We also felt like most of our PR efforts should be via online media sources versus print materials. Committee Member Vacancies Two committee members have resigned due to lack of time/availability to participate in meetings. Michael Reyka reviewed potential candidates and their qualifications. He recommended a local dentist and a family practitioner from Meritus to fill the vacancies. The group was all in agreement with this direction. Michael will reach out to each candidate to get them on board. New Business Water and sewer: Earl Stoner provided update. Interagency workgroup recently met with City of Hagerstown council to get support for new geologic study. City council is willing to write a letter of support. Interagency workgroup is next meeting with County commissioners on February 11th to garner their support, which would allow them to meet with state agencies to try and move this initiative forward and request MDE funding for the study. Polluted wells were discussed. We have the worst water quality in the state. Earl will prepare some bullet points summarizing our water/well issues as a resource/reference for the committee members who are not as familiar with the various problems. Economic Development Development of plaza behind MD Theatre and BISFA was discussed. As was the development of multi- purpose stadium and the kickoff of the Phase II Study. Rabies Policy Earl Stoner provided a handout showing the algorithm that is followed in cases of rabies or suspected rabies infection. The health department works hard to evaluate the risk before recommending rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and/or vaccinations. Meeting Adjourned Motion made by Rob Ferree. Seconded by Ashley Holloway. All in favor. Next Meeting Thursday, February 20th, 2020 from 7:30am-8:30am Minutes Subm Approved by: