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: