Minutes 04-22-2021 Virtual Work Session

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4 Chair Price said some companies are donating PPE, and encouraged Autumn Cox to reach out to the County for PPE if there is a need. Autumn Cox said Shade Little was having trouble accessing the meeting, so she gave a brief overview of the Adult Care Home CAC's work plan and lack of access of adult care homes over the last year. Commissioner Greene noted some of the poor conditions in adult care homes. She referred to #3 on the concerns and emerging issues list, which said, "Local leaders remain apathetic about improving the living conditions for the poor elderly residents in Orange County long term care homes." She asked if there are actions the BOCC could take to intervene to improve the situations, because apathy is not the root of the problem. She asked Autumn Cox if she knew, to what, these comments were referring. Autumn Cox said she did not, as she was given the report, which was approved by the committee. Commissioner Greene said the report asked for incentives to work with adult care providers. She said she was unsure what type of incentives the BOCC could provide, and she would be interested in learning more. Autumn Cox agreed with Commissioner Greene, and said some of the homes are privately owned. She said she would follow-up with the CAC. Commissioner Hamilton also expressed concern about the comments in the report. She said she used to work in adult care homes, and understands that some are in very poor condition. She said she wanted to review the role of the county and the role of volunteers. She said change is needed at all levels, and the Board of County Commissioners should see what it can do. Chair Price agreed. She said she was particularly concerned about no handicap accessible door requirements, and staff ratios. She said the comment about local leadership being apathetic bewildered her. She referred to the comment about incentives for care home providers, and said she would strongly support the Board helping in any way possible. She asked Autumn Cox if she would relay to the CAC that the BOCC would like to work with them remediate these issues. Commissioner Fowler agreed with the previous comments. She asked if inspections are happening, and does the BOCC need to file reports with the State. She referred to the possibility of incentives. She said many staff are underpaid and overworked, and turn over is high. She said the BOCC can continue to focus on raising the minimum wage. Autumn Cox said some of the needs expressed in the report are not required by the state, such as accessible doors and generators. She said assisted living and family care homes are regulated at the state level, while nursing homes regulated at federal level. Commissioner Hamilton said the state Medicaid system is paying adult care homes, and are dependent on what they receive. She said facilities need more compensation to provide better services. Chair Price thanked Autumn Cox for her participation this evening. Quintana Stewart presented on behalf of the Board of Health. She said 3 new board members joined the board in 2020. She said the Community Health Assessment was completed prior to pandemic, which is required every 4 years. She identified 3 new priority areas: access to care, health behaviors, and health equity. She said in the next 4-year cycle, access to health care will be a priority. She said health behaviors will fold in a previous priority of physical activity and nutrition, and will also include substance abuse. She said the goals are broader so as to address as much as possible. She said health equity is also a priority, and the Department will be looking at issues such as poverty, environmental justice, etc.