MINUTES OF THE
DUKES COUNTY HEALTH COUNCIL
Regular Board Meeting of February 24, 2000
I certify, that to the best of my ability to record and recall, these are the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Dukes County Health Council held on February 24, 2000.
Meeting called to order at 8:05 a.m.
Board Members Present:
Cynthia Mitchell, Chairman Fred Rundlet
Patty Begley Arthur Wortzel
Christopher Knowles Elizabeth Norcross
Carol Borer Bud Macy
Peter Strock Matt Poole
Kate O’Neil Sherrill Butterfield
Cathy Brennan Sarah Isenberg
Sarah Kuh Lorna Andrade
Katherine Colon Tad Crawford
Jane Cleare Kevin Burchill
Bob Sawyer Ned Robinson-Lynch
Pat Fairchild, Consultant
Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant to the County Manager
Sandra Lothrop, Associative Commissioner for Affairs concerning
Handicapped Persons
Cynthia Mitchell called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. by introducing Sandra
Lothrop, Associative Commissioner for Affairs concerning Handicapped Persons, and Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant to the County Manager. Marsha Smolev will be taking minutes for the Health Council. Cynthia Mitchell expressed condolences, on behalf of the Health Council, to Kathy Logue, Kathy Rose, and Sherrill Butterfield. It was mentioned that Kathy Rose has submitted her resignation. It is accepted with great regret. There was no Treasurer’s report, as the Treasurer was absent.
Tad Crawford began the Nominating Committee’s report by stating the purpose of the Committee is three-fold: to determine which members wish to be re-appointed, to solicit suggestions about restructuring, and to oversee the process of filling vacancies. Joan Creato will be filling the school vacancy. Sharon Claus-Zanger will fill a hospital position. Juleann VanBelle, John Schilling, Kathy Rose and Heather Rynd, will not be seeking re-appointment. Tad Crawford said the sentiment of the Committee was to retain the size of the current Council, and to enforce by-laws in respect to attendance.
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February 24, 2000
It was suggested that in order to allow some flexibility in the way positions are filled, there be 8-10 consumers and 10-12 healthcare providers. Since there has only been one selectman on the Council instead of the two originally required, the public school official will fill this position. The Committee wants to drop the reference to natural therapeutics. Also, it is suggested that members filling consumer positions not be allowed to serve as elected officials on other boards. Tad Crawford proposed amendments to the by-laws to: change the composition of the Council to reflect flexibility of membership, formalize in language, what is already in practice. Applications for membership should be sent to the County Commissioners by March 11, 2000.
Carol Borer, County Manager, explained that the County Commissioners need to adopt and ratify any changes to the by-laws, since the Health Council was established by Resolution. Tad Crawford Moved that the suggested by-law changes be adopted. Peter Strock Seconded the Motion. Discussion followed. The Motion passed Unanimously. Tad Crawford also requested that the Council look at its accomplishments, its charter, and plans for the future. Also, he stressed the importance of representing all Council members’ opinions, not just those of the more vocal participants. Cynthia Mitchell reviewed the application process, adding that vacancies will be advertised. Pat Fairchild, Consultant, suggested including someone who has no health insurance.
Pat Fairchild explained Phase II of the Health Council’s Plan. Three areas of analysis are: to get small providers more involved, to plan focus groups and survey them, to find out how accessible island physicians are to new patients. These will lead to a Business Plan, a strategic blueprint for getting to implementation. Pat Fairchild stressed the need to look at the numbers, the costs and cash flow.
Pat Fairchild presented a Federal Grant for the Community Access Program (see attachment.) The Grant proposal is due June 1. Discussion followed. The vision of the Grant, “requires a re-thinking of the relationships, priorities, and desired outcomes for local or regional care delivery. It means adopting the philosophy that care for the ill and injured occurs within the context of a comprehensive system design of population health improvement.” Several Council members mentioned that this vision is similar to that of the Health Council.
Chris Knowles explained that if the Health Council applies as part of a regional application, the Vineyard will receive less money. Discussion continued about the pros and cons of a regional application vs. a singular Vineyard application. Political ramifications must be considered.
Ned Robinson-Lynch, Murray Frank and Kevin Burchill will be attending a grant briefing March 7. Meanwhile Cynthia Mitchell and others have sent for grant application kits.
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February 24, 2000
Cynthia Mitchell stated that Murray Frank and Arthur Wortzel went to Nantucket to tour the new composting facility. Cheryl Bartlet and Marianne Worth will be coming March 21, 2000, to speak to Martha’s Vineyard representatives about Nantucket Health and Human Services. County Commissioner Robert Sawyer said Nantucket obtains the $400,000/year that is distributes to healthcare providers, from tax payers. Nantucket has no trash to discard (only recyclables.)
March 31, 2000, Lillian Glickman, of Elder Services, will be coming to the Vineyard to speak about Homemaker Services programs on the Cape.
Sandra Lothrop reported on the Survey for Independent Living, stating that the results indicate staggering needs (food, housing, etc.) Cynthia Mitchell requested a summary of the Survey results. Carol Borer said the County will be putting together a booklet summarizing Sandra Lothrop’s findings.
On March 8, 2000, Nancy Turnbull will be here to meet with representatives of small business to explore their insurance needs. The two focal groups of this study are employers who don’t offer insurance, and those those who do.
Cynthia Mitchell asked Council members to think about April’s Annual Meeting topics. Cynthia Mitchell also asked that there be a follow-up meeting on the hospital financial presentation. Kevin Burchill asked for the minutes of the meeting and a list of questions.
Sarah Kuh reported that she has been overwhelmingly busy. She is working with Dr. Lew’s office to be sure babies are covered by Mass Health even if they don’t have Social Security numbers. Sarah Kuh was commended for her hard work.
The progress of the Dental Program was discussed.
Elizabeth Norcross explained that she wants to add an answering machine in the Islander building, so she can assist Sarah Kuh by listening to messages and referring calls.
Jane Cleare reported on the Chronic Illness Subcommittee. The Subcommittee wishes to enlarge membership, begin an educational campaign, plan next steps.
Katharine Colon reported that the Press Release Subcommittee will release news of the grant applications, the nominating process. There will be a spring newsletter and Annual Meeting Press Release.
Cynthia Mitchell reported that the Health Council has $30,000 of the $55,000 needed to fund JSI for Phase II. The Council will request funds from the County, from the Robert Johnson Foundation and Community Access Grants.
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February 24, 2000
Cynthia Mitchell stated that the Children’s Diary Subcommittee needs leadership, as members have resigned. Elizabeth Norcross suggested that she will call Kathy Rose.
Fred Rundlet asked what the Health Council can do to include Cuttyhunk. It was suggested the Coordinating Committee contact Cuttyhunk.
The Meeting adjourned at 10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Smolev
Executive Assistant
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