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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH September 27, 2007 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 4 September 27, 2007 that the overall focus should be on the core services of the health department. Matt Vizithum asked if there was a chance there would be additional space available to the department in the Whitted Building if some tenants relocate to a new facility. Dr. Vizithum also said that he felt that the Commissioners might have a viewpoint that primary care facilities are not a priority because they felt there were adequate providers available and he felt that this was an important issue. He said the Board needs to have a discussion of how much and where we need the services. Sharon Van Horn asked about the status of discussions going on between UNC and Piedmont Healthcare Services about increasing primary care availability. Dr. Carey said they are aware that the Health Department offers primary care but the capacity is so small that it was not a factor. Piedmont is at capacity with a 3-month wait for an appointment and the UNC emergency room is at capacity. It is going to take a crisis to make the reality known. Angela Cooke stated that the lack of a dentist is severely affecting service delivery. The dental clinics and equipment are outdated and it makes it difficult to attract quality personnel for that position. Dr. Carey stated that in order to have a vibrant county you must have adequate public health infrastructure. Chris Harlan commented that these issues are huge issues being debated nationally at this time. Orange County is wealthy compared to poorer areas around the state and should be in a much better position than some to be able to make headway toward resolving these inadequacies. It is a matter of choosing priorities. Anissa Vines suggested making cost comparisons to counties with a similar population diversity as Orange County. C. Committee Reports The two Board standing committees meet monthly or as needed. This provides a place in the agenda for the committees to report on action or information items for their committee. Jim Stefanadis requested that the minutes of the September 12 Clinical and Community Programs Committee be included for Board members. Angela Cooke reported that there is one dentist applicant that is experienced in the public health field and is interested. Jessica Lee reported that Colgate has a dental van that goes throughout the state and Durham County has a van that goes throughout Durham County providing services, but that they seem to sit idle. Jim Stefanadis asked for update on the TB outbreak in the jail. Rosemary Summers reported that the jail is using the same protocols and process that we set up when we contracted with the Sheriff to do jail health. In addition, the Sheriff has instituted skin testing of jail inmates if it