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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH February 22, 2012 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Lisa Smith February 22, 2012 Page 3 A motion to approve the proposed fee schedule for 2012-2013 as presented and forward to the Board of County Commissioners for action was made by Susan Elmore, seconded by Carol Haggerty, and carried without dissent. C. Strategic Plan The Board of Health Members reviewed the proposed priority summaries Access to Care According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, residents of Orange County have less than ideal access to health care services. Issues such as lack of awareness of resources, low health literacy, insufficient cultural competency, and sporadic transportation availability provide barriers to accessing the right medical service at the right time. The Board of Health will work to address this issue through 4 focus areas: 1) Serving as a catalyst for health care partnerships in the county; 2) Advocating for and pursuing policies/legislation at the local, state and national level that improve access to health care; 3) Fostering a culture of innovation at the Health Department so that new ways of addressing this issue can be tested and developed and 4) Actively communicating about effective interventions and advocating for their funding. Child and Family Obesity Obesity remains a top health concern for Orange County. Primary prevention of obesity by working with children and their families remains the most effective intervention. The Board of Health will work to address this issue through 3 focus areas: 1) Serving as a catalyst for obesity prevention partnerships in the county; 2) Identifying family specific, evidence-based nutrition and physical activity interventions that can be implemented throughout the county and 3) Advocating for and pursuing policies/legislation aimed at reducing obesity through environmental and regulatory changes. Substance Abuse/Mental Health Substance abuse and mental health issues permeate everything local public health does. From exposure to environmental tobacco smoke causing an increase in cardiovascular disease to the challenges associated with ensuring medication compliance in a mentally ill patient with a communicable disease, both have far-reaching health and economic impacts and addressing these problems will take a fully engaged and active presence by all organizations serving these clients for whatever reasons. The Board of Health will work to address this issue through 4 focus areas: 1) Advocating for the elimination of smoking in all public places in Orange County; 2) Advocating for and pursuing policies/legislation aimed at improving substance abuse and mental health services;