Minutes 01-19-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Price recognized Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett. Dr. Corbett acknowledged her ties to Orange County, and said she may return to the area as a faculty member at UNC. She said this is home. She said the work does not stop. She spoke of learning about coronaviruses several years ago, and wanting to work on vaccines. She said, as a whole, the United States is not well prepared in this effort, and people are dying. She said vaccine hesitancy concerns her, and she is committed to the effort of encouraging vaccinations to change the pandemic. She said she appreciates the County's commitment to equity and reaching people, and encouraged the County to do whatever it takes to get the vaccine to everyone. She thanked her family and friends for supporting her, and she hopes that she will one day come back to work in Orange County at UNC. She introduced her friends and family. She encouraged people to wear masks, distance from family, and help others get the resources they need in order to protect each other. She said each person must do his or her part, and encouraged everyone to pray. Representative Verla Insko expressed gratitude to Dr. Corbett, and said she looks forward to when she comes back to the community. She said everyone is very proud of her. Commissioner McKee said he looks forward to saying, "welcome home." He discussed knowing about Dr. Corbett for many years. Commissioner Fowler expressed gratitude for Dr. Corbett's efforts, and hopes that people will get vaccinated thanks to Dr. Corbett's efforts. Commissioner Dorosin echoed previous comments, and highlighted Dr. Corbett's comments about vaccine hesitancy. He shared concerns about disparities in access to vaccine, and asked if Dr. Corbett had any advice for how the County can ensure the vaccine is distributed in an equitable way. Dr. Corbett said there is a tiered system because of availability, but the Government has purchased enough doses for every citizen, and it is coming. She said some people will need the vaccine almost brought to their door, and distribution on an individual level will help get it out to the community. She said going to the health department may be a barrier for some, not out of fear, but rather simply not knowing a vaccine must be valued. She said consistency in clear messaging is very important. She said vaccine hesitancy is shining a light on what has always been, and there must be an investment in vaccine education. She said the universe presents this challenge and opportunity every flu season. She said a distribution pilot could be run every flue season, and the County can learn from these efforts. She said it helps if people feel like they are part of the process; help people feel like they are included in any way possible. Commissioner Hamilton thanked Dr. Corbett for her work. She said she serves on the Board of Health, and will think about how to pass on this information and ideas. She thanked her for her words about education, and said she brings so much back to the community. Quintana Stewart, Health Director, said the Department hears you loud and clear. She said there was a first run of a mobile clinic in Hurdle Mills, and the Department plans to take the vaccine to the people. Dr. Corbett talked about how individuals can be advocates for vaccines, and said messages have to be personal. Quintana Stewart said that it helps to share with the African American community that an African American woman helped to develop the vaccine and that it safe. c. National Mentoring Month Proclamation The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation designating January 2021 as National Mentoring Month in Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign.