HomeMy WebLinkAbout220421 - Minutes, Community Health Adv.Washington County Community Health Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2022
Opening
This meeting of the Washington County Community Health Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:31 am
by Douglas Spotts, MD, Chair, via virtual meeting.
Present
Earl Stoner, Douglas Spotts, MD, Heidi Kendall, Commissioner Randy Wagner, Allen Twigg, Peggy Pugh,
Jennifer Foltz, Allison Tages, Dave Chisholm, Mark Bradshaw and Nick Wolfe.
Old Business
Approval of Meeting Minutes from March 17, 2022. Allen Twigg made the motion to approve as presented,
Allison Tages seconded. All voting in favor, minutes approved.
COVID-19 Update provided by Earl Stoner. Discussed current stats and forecasts both nationally and in
Washington County. Numbers continue to increase. Current positivity rate is at 3%, and case rate is at
6.2%. Northeast has the most rapid increase, followed by the Midwest. The vaccination rate has also
really slowed down, which is cause for concern. Earl stated that as we move into the endemic phase, we
need to look at trends, knowing that we only know about 10% of current cases. Many are testing at home,
and not reporting results. Areas with lower vaccination rates will continue to be more vulnerable and
experience higher peaks as new variants emerge. Earl mentioned that the wastewater study is ongoing.
Dr. Spotts commented that Meritus cases have ranged between 0-5 recently, far lower than cases that
were approaching 90-100 during December and January.
Chair, Douglas Spotts spoke about vacancy of Secretary role, and stated that Jennifer Foltz was the only
person who had stepped forward with interest. Peggy Pugh made a motion to nominate Jennifer Foltz as
incoming secretary. Allen Twigg seconded. All voted in favor, motion carries.
New Business
• Commissioner Randy Wagner commented that Krista has been out due to a recent surgery, and if anyone
on the Committee needs her assistance, they should e-mail him, and he would forward to the appropriate
person during her absence.
• Committee welcomed Nick Wolfe, regional manager with Triad as a replacement seat on this board. Nick
has submitted an application and is pending Commissioner approval.
• Heidi announced that she is accepting a new role at Sheppard Pratt and will no longer be able to serve as
co -Chair. She has offered to stay involved with the Committee and keep members updated regarding new
initiatives at Sheppard Pratt. Heidi has submitted colleague Melissa Dasch to complete her term
representing the Behavioral Health. Melissa will need to submit an application for the committee
• By law review discussion led by Allen Twigg and Jennifer Foltz
o Discussion of leadership. While we are off in July and August, Doug's term ends in July. As the by
laws currently state, we would not elect a new Chair until the October meeting. Typically, the vice -
Chair would fill that vacancy, however, we are losing our vice -Chair soon as well.
o Jennifer Foltz made a motion to amend bylaws to hold elections in September, once the Committee
reconvenes after a summer hiatus. Peggy Pugh seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion
carried.
o Membership roster updated 9/2021 ... need new version. Heidi's and Peggy's terms were extended,
and roster does not reflect that.
o Randy Wagner reminded committee that by laws can be amended at any time as needs change
o Peggy suggested a 2 -year membership, as hardly any members have served for 3 years. Most
transition off within a 2 -year timeframe
o Question was raised if we should continue to look for a veterinarian. Jennifer stated that although
we should, it might be a struggle to fill due to shortages and most have schedules that are at
capacity.
o Jennifer Foltz made a motion to amend the bylaws to include membership representation for the
a in lelderl o ulatio the Cit of Hagerstown. Peggy Pugh seconded. All voted in favor.
Motion carried. Jennifer also suggeste a even if we cannot actively fill all roles, that if we can
have 9 of 11 filled at any one time, that is still favorable.
o Suggestion also made to add a family physician or member of the family medicine residency
prog�-
o Peggy stated that even if an area does not have committee representation, that they could still be
invited to make a presentation to the committee.
o Allen Twigg suggested forming a sub -committee to work on recruitment of new members. He
Gn / offered to chair this sub -committee. Peggy Pugh suggested that Washington County Government
do a PR blast once it is determined which roles we'd like to fill. Randy Wagner stated that the
Communications Department could assist.
o It was also suggested to reach out to professional organizations to assist with membership
recruitment.
a Pending County Commissioner approval, a motion was made by Peggy Pugh to accept Nick Wolfe
as a CHAC member. Heidi Kendall seconded. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
o Items t still need to be discussed:
• Clarify terms and expiration dates
Outlook
Future discussion topics:
o Meritus Family Resident/Residency Updates
o Dental/oral health as it relates to systemic health.
o Health Department perspective on water/sewer quality
o The power of loneliness
Meeting Adjourned at 8:34am.
Next Meeting
• Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 7:30am-8:30am -- Virtual.
Minutes Submitted by: th
Approved by: l 22
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