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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH October 26, 2006 Board of Health Minutes Transcription completed by Anne Miles Cassell 6 October 26, 2006 recommendations that are needed to improve public health across the state. Elimination of health disparities and chronic disease prevention are two large areas of focus. Rosemary Summers pointed out the $40 million set aside for immunization to keep North Carolina as a universal vaccination state, which means that if the state requires a vaccination they must be able to provide the vaccine to participating providers at no cost. Very few states have that mandate. North Carolina is at the top of immunization rates across the country because the legislature puts significant money into buying vaccine for this program. Moses Carey, Jr. is a member of the 2006 Public Health Task Force and commented that the prior reports helped in past years to secure an increase in funds from the legislature. Rosemary Summers suggested the Board review and forward the report to Commissioners for their information in formulating their own legislative agenda. E. Joint Meeting Request with BOCC The Board of Health has requested an annual joint meeting with the Board of Commissioners in the past. There are a number of topics that might be of mutual interest this fiscal year that are directly related to the Department’s Strategic Plan. Possible topics include 1) Central Carolina Health Network (access to health care), 2) accreditation of local health departments; 3) expansion of dental health and primary care services; 4) chronic disease programs (obesity, African-American churches project); and 5) employee Health and Wellness Programs. Rosemary Summers asked the Board for input on choice of topics. The Commissioners may also have specific topics they wish to address or hear about. Moses Carey said that the Commissioners calendar had already been set, so the Board of Health could be added to one of the work session dates. Chris Harlan and Tim Carey expressed their opinion that access to health care should be the main topic. Environmental issues and policy direction or financial implications and additional positions were other suggestions. No decisions were made concerning topics. Early spring next year would be a target date for the joint meeting. F. December BOH meeting For the past several years the Board has chosen to meet in December at a local restaurant for the regular meeting with dinner following to celebrate the holiday season. Because reservations fill up fast at this time of year, the Board was asked to provide direction to the staff. The December meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 14 due to the holidays.