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BOARD OF HEALTH MAY 22, 1997 3 6. SMOKING CONTROL COMMITTEE REPORT Dr. Foster reported that the sub-committee of Barry Adler, Dan Reimer and Bev Foster, met five times. The sub-committee met and talked with a variety of groups and individuals and attended a local presentation by Mr. Ed Sweda, attorney with the Tobacco Resource Center & Tobacco Liability Projects, Boston, MA. Dr. Foster provided attendees with a preprint of an article being submitted for publication regarding the impact of the Orange County Smoking rules on local restaurants. She also provided attendees a memo summarizing the sub-committee’s recent work and recommendations. The three primary recommendations made by the sub-committee include: 1) endorse a smoking cessation campaign as one of our top priorities for the coming year; 2) collaborate with other interested parties to support a working meeting for interested boards of health, health directors and others to engage in mutual learning and problem solving; and 3) following the actions described in #1 and #2, further consider the advisability of legal approaches to either challenge or change the current law, particularly weighing the benefits and costs for Orange County. Dr. Adler questioned whether or not the manpower is available to do the work if the recommendations are endorsed by the Board. Is the Board of Health capable of pursuing this with staff? Mr. Reimer responded that the position of health educator has been offered to a dynamic individual, who certainly has the skills to implement these recommendations. She has experience in this arena and would be useful as a member of an inter-agency team. She could probably play a leadership role, but, for this to be effective, a lot of community buy-in is needed. Dr. Foster noted that the Institute of Government has an intern assigned to pull together the current case law, which would then be available to the public. There are probably legal interns or public health interns that could also be used. Dr. Ives stated that perhaps the new health educator would be able to devote some time to this, provided the Board gives the commitment to it. What is our level of commitment as a Board to start this process off? A clear recommendation needs to be given to the Health Director as to where the Board wants to take this. Does the Board subscribe to these three recommendations and recommend specifically that this be a focus of the Department that the health educator would then take the lead role in? The motion was made by Dr. Klein and seconded by Dr. Foster that the Board adopt the three recommendations of the sub-committee, prioritizing them as 1, 3 and 2 and that the Board charge the sub-committee, with the inclusion of a couple of key staff members, to develop an action plan which will be brought back to the Board at the July, 1997 meeting. The motion carried without dissent. 7. HSAC REPORT Dr. Foster provided handouts containing information on the Skill Development Center to serve the County, the entities to be involved and the floor plan. She noted that there is a great opportunity as it develops for health to be involved in terms of screening, prevention and referral. HSAC has a flock of new recruits and membership and they are very excited. A policy forum is being planned for the fall which will look at the impact of welfare reform on various aspects of our lives. Dr. Ives asked guest, Joan Barnhardt, to talk to the Board about services available from the Association of North Carolina Boards of Health. Ms. Barnhardt stated that the Association is primarily an information resource for Boards of Health. Questions regarding policies, current issues before the legislature, etc. can be directed to her at 919-677-4137.