Orange County NC Website
5 <br /> Quintana Stewart said the Health Department obtained a mobile dental van in 2020, and <br /> will have a soft launch in August, if COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. She said a tour of the van <br /> will be provided to the Board of Health members when they are allowed to meet in person. <br /> She said the BOCC would also be invited. <br /> Quintana Stewart thanked the community and partners for their response to COVID-19. <br /> She said the Health Department and Emergency Services implemented a strike team to visit <br /> long-term care facilities in the early days of COVID-19 and helped with testing and PPE. She <br /> said the state provided funding for infection prevention teams across the state, and there is one <br /> such team here in Orange County that covers 9 counties. She said this team will be highlighted <br /> on the weekly NC DHHS call on COVID-19. She said the strike team is also working with <br /> vaccination clinics. She said there was a robust group of communicators and the messaging <br /> was effective, and the education campaign was really strong. She said everyone worked <br /> together, which was so encouraging. She said the county provided its 10,OOO1h first dose <br /> vaccination last week. She said this is a great milestone, and there is great relief in the public <br /> to receive vaccines. She said the process will transition from a drive through method, to indoor <br /> clinics due to increasingly warm and stormy summer weather. She applauded everyone's <br /> efforts in fighting COVID. She said Orange County cases are stable, and she wishes the <br /> numbers were going down. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin left the meeting at 7:42 p.m. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin rejoined the meeting at 7:43 p.m. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin left the meeting at 7:44 p.m. <br /> Quintana Stewart said the community has remained vigilant, and the governor may lift <br /> restrictions soon. <br /> Chair Price thanked Quintana Stewart for her leadership, and noted her dedication. <br /> Commissioner Greene thanked Stewart for her and her staff's work. She highlighted an <br /> award that employee Victoria Hudson received for outstanding contributions to the area of <br /> environmental health. She said she received this award for working with local organizations <br /> and businesses to develop COVID safety plans. <br /> Quintana Stewart said the department is very fortunate to have Victoria Hudson as the <br /> Environmental Health Director. <br /> Commissioner Fowler thanked Quintana Stewart for her leadership. She asked if the <br /> Health department is doing targeted vaccinations for the Latinx community. <br /> Quintana Stewart said yes, the Health Department has partnered with organizations <br /> providing services to the Latinx community. She said the mobile unit ensures access, by going <br /> out into the community to reach people more easily. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said those who have showed up to clinics say it is because their <br /> employers told them to come. <br /> Chair Price said the website has translated information. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked about vaccinations for homebound residents. <br /> Quintana Stewart said the Health Department will go to the house and give vaccinations <br /> in the home. <br /> Commissioner Bedford praised the Health department for its efforts over the last year. <br /> Chair Price thanked Quintana Stewart. <br /> Quintana Stewart introduced her board chairs. <br />