RICHMOND COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT NCPH 127 Caroline Street ACREICARDIES Rockingham, North Carolina 28379 Phone: 1-910-997-8300 North Carolina Facsimile: I-910-997-8336 Health Dept Public Health Cheryl Speight, Health Director Robby Hall, Social Services Director Holly Haire, Deputy Health Director Theressa Smith, Deputy Social Services Director RICHMOND COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES DATE: July 16, 2024 TIME: 7:00pm LOCATION: Large Classroom and Webinar BOARD ATTENDANCE: Dennis Holloway, Chairperson Cassandra Byers, Daymark Behavioral Health Pat Solomon, public member Thad Ussery, public member Jon Marks, Pharmacist Dr. Don Covington, Optometrist Aletha Lanier, retired Nurse Ronald Tillman, public member Evonne Moore, Social Worker (webex) Dr. Ralph Souder, Veterinarian (webex) NON-BOARD ATTENDANCE: Cheryl Speight, Health Director Robby Hall, Social Services Director Jacqueline Welch, Aging Services Director Sheila Brosier, Administrative Assistant 1. CALL TO ORDER: Dennis Holloway called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. 2. INVOCATION: Mr. Holloway delivered the invocation for the meeting. 3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Holloway asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. Motion Offered By: Thad Ussery Motion Seconded By: Aletha Lanier Motion Carried: Yes Health & Human Services Advisory Board Meeting - July 16, 2024 Page 1 MEETING MINUTES: Mr. Holloway asked for a motion to approve the May 21, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion Offered By: Ronald Tillman Motion Seconded By: Alethia Lanier Motion Carried: Yes 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Cheryl Speight, Health Director, discussed the Public Health Administrative Report. The Health Department became aware of a patient at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital who tested positive for Legionella. Water samples were taken from the patient's room on June 25th and tested positive for the Legionella bacteria. The hospital conducted additional tests on potable water which were negative; and hot water which tested positive. There were approximately 32 patients in the hospital during that time; all patients were notified and none have been affected by the bacteria. Hospital officials implemented proper protocols by placing portable handwashing stations in various areas, began using bottled water, and discussed installing water filters on faucet fixtures throughout the hospital. An environmental assessment was conducted to identify the source of the bacteria. Richmond County secured a company to perform water treatment at the hospital. Cultures will be collected every ten days and the process can take two to four months. The public water supply and drinking water are not affected. The Drug Endangered Family Taskforce (DEFT) tracks the number of newborn babies that tested positive for drugs from August 2017 to the present. Since that time, there have been 511 reports of substances found in babies, mothers, or both. From those reports, approximately 96% ofbabies and 65% of mothers that were tested were found to be positive for illicit substances. Overall, marijuana (51%), cocaine (12%), opiates (13%), and buprenorphine (10%) are the most common substances found in infants and mothers. It is important to note that some cases showed multiple drugs found in the babies, mothers or both. There are cases where the mother tested negative, but the baby tested positive for drugs. This disparity is apparent when one is tested (either baby or mother) and not both, or an illegal substance remained in the infants' bloodstream longer than the mothers' at the time of testing. Babies born positive for illegal substances are reported to Case Management At-Risk Children (CMARC) and assigned to a Health Department Social Worker. CMARC works with families to coordinate services between health care providers, community programs and family support programs with a goal ofi improving children's health outcomes. Ms. Speight solicited support from the Advisory Board for DEFT to continue its initiatives with tracking substance affected infants and its endeavors to increase testing on both mothers and newborn infants simultaneously. Mr. Holloway asked for a motion to submit a letter of support to DEFT for the above. Motion Offered By: Thad Ussery Motion Seconded By: Alethia Lanier Motion Carried: Yes Health & Human Services Advisory Board Meeting -July 16, 2024 Page 2 B. Robby Hall, Social Services Director, discussed the Social Services Administrative Report. Over 2,900 clients were processed through the reception area in June. The number of clients entering the building for services has declined, as many applications for programs and services can be completed on-line and a drop off mailbox is located outside of the building. Mr. Hall noted the number of Medicaid clients using our transportation is declining due to other insurance provider services. More than 1,800 Richmond County residents were assigned to new providers and 1,700 were assigned to Trillium on July 15t. These providers contract with other transportation services; however, we do provide backup rides and bill the insurers. C. Jacqueline Welch, Aging Services Director, provided the Aging Services Administrative Report. On June 17-, Aging Services and Adult Protective Services hosted the Elder Abuse Awareness Month walk. Registration included free T-shirts and trinkets. The walk began at the DSS parking lot and circled around East Franklin and East Washington Streets. Vendors were present to provide information on programs and services for seniors. Aging Services continues to serve at congregate meal sites in East Rockingham, Ellerbe and Hamlet. Home delivered meals are distributed by staff and volunteers; however additional volunteers are needed. Currently, one full-time and one part-time staff are employed with the In-Home Aide Program. We are recruiting for In-Home Aide workers to decrease the waiting list. The senior centers continue to offer daily activities for our seniors, such as Bingocize, water aerobics, billiards, arts and crafts, chair volleyball, and more. Ms. Welch mentioned many seniors are interested in playing pickleball; however, there are no courts available in the county. East Rockingham Senior Center has a convenient location but the cost of establishing a court (surface and materials) is approximately $21,000.00. Ms. Welch suggested hosting the next advisory board meeting at the center to identify a potential location for the pickleball court. Another suggestion was to seek approval to use the courts at various schools in the county. "Help Our Seniors Shine Like a Dime" is a fundraiser for the senior centers to help provide more hands-on programs and trips for the seniors. Teams can fill up a huge water bottle with coins and donate through July 15th To beat the heat, Aging Services distributed 45 fans in June to seniors in need. New fans or money donations for fans can be brought to the Rockingham Senior Center. Ms. Welch advised a $10.00 fee will be charged for this year's S Senior Christmas Party to help defray expenses. 6. OLD BUSINESS: None. 7. NEW BUSINESS: None. 8. INFORMAL DISCUSSION: None. Health & Human Services Advisory Board Meeting - July 16, 2024 Page 3 9. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Holloway asked for a motion to adjourn and the meeting adjourned at 8:00pm. Motion Offered By: Thad Ussery Motion Seconded By: Pat Solomon Motion Carried: Yes NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held in person in the large classroom at the Health Department. DATE: September 17, 2024 TIME: 7:00pm LOCATION: Richmond County Aging Services = East Rockingham Senior Center hens latd 3606 k A lesbbuke Dennis Holloway, Chairperson Cheryl Speight, Health Director Health & Human Services Advisory Board Richmond County Health Department Health & Human Services Advisory Board Meeting - July 16, 2024 Page 4