HomeMy WebLinkAbout210121 - Minutes, Community Health Adv.Washington County Community Health Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2021
Opening
This meeting of the Washington County Community Health Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:33am
by Douglas Spotts, MD, Chair, via virtual meeting.
Present
Earl Stoner, Jennifer Foltz, Heidi Kendall, Rich Eichelberger, Rob Ferree, Cyndi Powell, Douglas Spotts, MD,
Commissioner Randall Wagner, Allen Twigg, Allison Tages, DDS, Mark Bradshaw, and Peggy Pugh.
Old Business
• Approval of Meeting Minutes from December 17, 2020. Allen Twigg made the motion to approve as
presented, Rob Ferree seconded. All voting in favor, minutes approved.
• COVID-19 Update provided by Earl Stoner:
o Earl reviewed status of COVID in Washington County related to number of cases, positivity rate,
case rate, and deaths. All numbers are starting to slowly decline.
o Earl gave us an update on the vaccine roll -out. They have faced many challenges with a very low
supply of doses, logistics, limited staff and difficult storage and handling parameters. Currently,
Meritus and the Health Department are providing vaccines in Washington County. There is also a
federal contract with pharmacies providing vaccines to the senior living long-term care facilities. In
general, the relationship is going well between Meritus and the Health Department working together
and following the states guidelines on distribution and priorities.
o In addition to testing and vaccinations, the Health Department are also still doing enforcement,
contact tracing and handling outbreaks. There are currently -50 outbreaks that are open in
Washington County.
New Business
• Allen Twigg and Heidi Kendall gave a presentation on how COVID has impacted mental and behavioral
health in Washington County and at the state level.
• Presentation Slides are attached, and a summary is outlined below:
o People facing increased social isolation, increased depression, and anxiety. The response includes
online resources, guides, treatment, and support groups. Telehealth for mental health is a trend
they hope will continue to expand beyond the pandemic.
o Discussed mobile crisis activity and compassion fatigue/burnout among providers.
o Addiction rates have practically doubled. The number of overdoses is up by -62% in Washington
County from 2019-2020.
Outlook
• Future potential topics:
o Health Department perspective on water/sewer quality
o Dental/oral health effect on general health outcomes
Meeting Adjourned at 8:30am.
Next Meeting
• Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 7:30am-8:30am — Virtual Meeting
Minutes Submitted by:
Approved by:
Douqlas A. Spotts MD 2/18/21