Minutes 02-09-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 Other • Active in the every 4-year community health assessment process including attending focus groups and community listening sessions Chair McKee said there has been consideration of a sharp container, or a syringe exchange program, and asked if there was an update on this topic. Colleen Bridger, Orange County Health Department Director, said yes the BOH approved this initiative which will go into effect no later than April 1, 2016. She said this initiative will allow people to go either Health Department location and receive a personal sized sharps container, as well as clean syringes and needles. She said these supplies can be returned and replenished as necessary. Chair McKee said there has been a lengthy history of Cardinal Innovations not being accommodating of County policies and procedures, but he sees a change forthcoming based on the Board meeting he attended last night. • Board of Social Services: Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, Chair/Nancy Coston, DSS Director Tamara Dempsey-Tanner said the Board has identified the following three issues as those of primary concern for the next year: o Child Care Tamara Dempsey-Tanner said DSS received an additional $1 million from the State for childcare, and thus DSS will not need to ask the County for additional child care funds at this time. She said in November there were 160 children on the waiting list, but currently none are on the waiting list. She said 700 children are currently being served with their funds. She said some County funds are being used for after school care. o NC FAST Expansion Tamara Dempsey-Tanner reminded the BOCC that NC FAST is North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology. She said the intent of this program is to have a universal system for access to all DSS programs, allowing for seamless application and enrollment. She said the State is growing this system slowly, with Work First, Nutrition Services and Medicaid being live thus far. She said there has been some learning curve, and DSS staff has worked diligently to meet the curve while still serving the clients. o ABAWD Work Requirements and Employment Services Tamara Dempsey-Tanner said the able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) program began in January 2016. She said this program applies to adults ages 18 to 49 who previously received food and nutrition services. She said these clients will no longer be eligible for benefits unless they have a qualified dependent, and are not currently working. Nancy Coston said DSS is working diligently with clients regarding this change, noting benefits will not cease until April 1. She said it has been a great challenge to reach clients, but DSS will continue to reach out. She said there has been a wonderful response from community partners regarding work program placements. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a plan in place to inform clients that benefits will be ceasing. Nancy Coston said a notification letter was sent from the State in December 2015, and a termination letter will also come from the State. She said if clients do not read the letter, they will be informed when the benefits card no longer works at the grocery store.