Orange County NC Website
5 <br /> 1 commissioner Pelissier agreed that they need to understand where the clientele is <br /> 2 coming from. She said that it is an assumption that the population is in Chapel Hill but the ones <br /> 3 with the most poverty are out in the County. She said that it may be good to look at other health <br /> 4 users and whether they need a one-stop shop with the human services. <br /> 5 Commissioner Yuhasz said that there is an apparent greater need in the Hillsborough <br /> 6 area. He said that he does not think that a consolidation in Hillsborough now should be read as <br /> 7 an abandonment of the two-service model. The County does not have any funds to build a new <br /> 8 facility but it could expand the current dental clinic at the Whiffed center site for the short-term. <br /> 9 He suggested consolidating it for the short-term and seeing how efficient it is and looking at how <br /> 10 to provide transportation to Hillsborough for those living in Carrboro and chapel Hill. <br /> 11 Chair Foushee said that it would seem that it is the County's responsibility to ensure that <br /> 12 the situation does not deteriorate. Her fear is that if they do not seriously look at how to be <br /> 13 more efficient, then the current situation will worsen. <br /> 14 Tony Whitaker said that he was shocked to learn the amount of money they were paying <br /> 15 for rent for the Carrboro dental clinic and it is not even used three days of the week. <br /> 16 Frank Clifton said that he met with the President of Durham Tech recently and he <br /> 17 brought up this subject about possibly partnering and having a joint-use facility with the <br /> 18 community college and health clinic facilities. The idea was floated for future reference and the <br /> 19 response was positive. He said that if UNC Hospital sites at Waterstone, this could really be a <br /> 20 partnership. <br /> 21 commissioner Gordon reiterated that they need to consider access for the people in <br /> 22 chapel Hill and Carrboro because 2/3 of the population is there and they pay 213 of the taxes. <br /> 23 She said that you cannot just consolidate in one area without thinking of the other areas. <br /> 24 commissioner Hemminger verified that the lease at Carr Mill Mall is up in October 2011 <br /> 25 and they will need to pay out if they leave early. Rosemary Summers said that they could <br /> 26 vacate earlier if there was a sublease. <br /> 27 Commissioner Hemminger asked when a decision had to be made. <br /> 28 Frank Clifton said that staff is doing an analysis of where the clientele is and this may <br /> 29 help to determine the other variables such as transportation. He said that he would not let the <br /> 30 lease be the determination and he would go ahead and make the move if the county <br /> 31 commissioners agreed. <br /> 32 Commissioner Jacobs asked about the inadequacy of engagement of the dental school <br /> 33 and if the county has recently approached the dental school. Dr. Paul Chelminski said that the <br /> 34 Health Department cannot internally make referrals within UNC for dental patients with serious <br /> 35 issues because they have to have cash to be seen. He said that it is not part of the stated <br /> 36 mission of the dental school to be a safety net provider. <br /> 37 Rosemary Summers said that they did ask the dental school directly about partnering <br /> 38 with the county for services. There have also been discussions with Piedmont Health about <br /> 39 this. The dental school said that it would be glad to provide the services, but it would charge on <br /> 40 a dollar for dollar basis. This would be more expensive than how the Health Department <br /> 41 currently operates. Piedmont is considering this as an option, but it is still in discussion. <br /> 42 Chris Harlan said that she heard that Piedmont Health is only accepting patients with <br /> 43 insurance. This will have a huge impact on the safety net issue. As far as analysis, she said <br /> 44 that they need to look in the community and identify people who need dental services but are <br /> 45 not seeking them. <br /> 46 Anissa Vines said that the Board of Health selected two issues to discuss this evening, but <br /> 47 there are other needs. She said that they need to think short-term and long-term and <br /> 48 efficiencies. This is a very complex issue. She said that they do have a sense of urgency to be <br /> 49 responsive to the residents of Orange County as it relates to dental care and public health. <br /> 50 <br /> 51 <br />