Chambana Sun

Vermilion County Health and Education Committee met April 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Agenda Item 1- Call to Order and Roll Call Committee Chairman Kevin Green called the Health & Education meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Roll Call, the following members were present: Kevin Green, Marla Mackiewicz, Charles Mockbee, Chuck Nesbitt, Cari West- Monson. Phearn Butler and Chad Turner were absent and excused.

Also present were: Michael Marron, County Board Chairman, Douglas Toole, Health Department, Paige Brown, Animal Regulation, Jim Russell, Mental Health, and Ginger Boas, U of I Extension.

Agenda Item 2- Adoption/ Amendment to the Agenda Motion moved by Kevin Green, second by Mackiewicz to approve the amended agenda striking agenda item # 6 and that Items of Information will be item #9, and Adjournment #10 as presented. Motion was carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 3 – Approval of Minutes from February 16, 2017 Green moved, second by Nesbitt, to approve minutes presented. Motion carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 4 – Audience Comments Doug Toole – WIC Program, participation is declining due to high rate of teen mothers and young families. Grant funding is less due to less participation. Staff cuts were made due to less grant funding loss of one clerk and less hours for staff nurses. Efforts to increase participation include partnering with Public Aid Office once a month clinic, partnering with U of I Extension, Walk In time vs appointments on Wednesday’s, WIC Flyers, scheduled two satellite clinics per month onsite at Danville Housing Authority Fair Oaks. Discussion held and questions about contacting Danville High School and DACC. Further discussion of reasons why the WIC program is facing less participation including possible transportation challenges. Monson offered to take flyers to Danville Township.

Agenda Item 5 – Health Department’s Food Ordinance Doug Toole – Presented the need to inspect local Food Pantry’s that are offering dairy, frozen, and other possible hazardous food product. Request to amend ordinance adding a Permit Classification Class 1, F for Non-profit Food Pantry’s that provide pre-packaged potentially hazardous food product. No fee for the first permit, no charge for inspection, only a charge for re-checks. Moved by Green, second by Nesbitt, to approve Permit Classification for Food Pantry’s Class 1, F, motion carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 6- Update on Complex Service Planner hiring Jim Russell – Presented update on the hiring of Jeri Spezia as a full time Complex Service Planner to coordinate and help provide services for families who are court ordered to complete services through DCFS, Crosspoint, Family Counseling, and other services. Referral process is a call, and the paperwork is completed at first visit to commit to participation. 

Jim explained he is going to approach his board to approve a budget amendment to use unspent levy funds from 2015/2016 year. He further explained that those funds that can only be using for the Mental Health program. The total amount of levy funds that was left over from 2015/2016 is $ 10, 000.00. Once approved by his board he would then need the county board approval. Due to the financial hardship being faced through un- paid State Grants this funding is much needed. Jim provided a Crosspoint Human Services Grant Tracking report for review of what is still owed by the State of Illinois.

Agenda Item 7 – Presentation by Ginger Boas, Cooperative Extension Service

Ginger Boas – Presentation of the U of I Extension Office with a “Health” emphasis. The Extension if funded as part of the Land Grant - University of Illinois, tax levy that is normally matched by the State of Illinois, the Vermilion County Board, various grants, and federal funding. The Extension Service is nationwide. It mirrors ACES or Agriculture Program. The primary health focus is to partner with existing community programs or facilities to provide healthy habits including eating, cooking habits, and living. Primarily ran by volunteers. Examples of current partners is the VA including the Phycology Unit, DACC, County Parks, The Vermilion County Health Department (WIC), SNAP Education Program (6 classes), DHA Cooking Club, Danville High School, Presence, Prairie Center, HEAD Start, and local Food Pantry. Flyers were distributed.

Agenda Item 8 – Executive Session 

Not Necessary.

Agenda Item 9 – Items of Information 

Marron - County Budget process beginning with a focus on revenue issues.

Vivitrol collaboration project idea from Tom Gregory to work with Presence, Prairie Center and Aunt Martha’s for a Vivitrol program to assist with opiate addiction. Looking at a Pilot Program here in Vermilion County.

Agenda Item 10 - Adjournment 

Committee Chairman Green declared the meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m.

http://countyboard.vercounty.org/meeting%20minutes/Health%20Education%20%2004-20-17%20Minutes.pdf