Final Minutes of May 25, 2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES - Draft ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH May 25, 2022 ■ 36 OC deaths related to the health behaviors vs 28% of the NC population ■ 81 people treated for prescription/opioid abuse ■ Opioid Task Force reconvened ■ 6.8 million over 18 years will be received due to the Opioid Settlement • Health Equity o Focused on marginalized communities o OC Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) focused on building an inclusive and equitable culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. o Health Equity Council focused on how to address inequity within OC. o Racial Equity Commission (REC) is an internal OCHD initiative whose mission is "to serve as a catalyst to ensure that racial equity is an active agent throughout all organizational processes of the OCHD." The goals of REC include increasing participation of staff in racial equity training and conversations. Ms. Rawlinson added that this report is shared with NC DPH, BOH, BOCC, HCOC membership and OC Government employees. Electronic versions will be available online via the HCOC and OCHD websites. Lastly, Ms. Rawlinson reiterated that per Activity 38.1 and 38.2, for accreditation purposes, the BOH minutes should reflect that BOH members have received and reviewed the SOTCH report. The BOH had questions and comments that were addressed by Ms. Rawlinson. VI. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action A. Media Items Ms. Stewart stepped in for Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager, and briefly mentioned articles that Ms. Prelipp had included in her media items packet. There was an article about the COVID-19 NC State of Emergency Declaration expiring and the recommendation by Ms. Stewart of mask wearing in crowded areas. There was also an article from the Herald-Sun regarding a proposed property tax raise. The third article was an article from The Daily Tar Heel regarding UNC closing its testing program. Media items were in the packet which focused on Orange County's events and our involvement in various efforts. B. BOH Health Director Report Quintana Stewart, Health Director, presented her report to the Board. Before she began, Ms. Stewart expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the OCHD staff as they have been stretched with additional duties due to COVID and vacancies. Below are brief highlights of her report. • As the Opioid Task Force chose Option B for required deliverables under the Opioid Settlement, the Opioid Task Force will begin a robust strategic planning process this fall. There are plans to hire an outside facilitator. • Fentanyl testing strips will be procured and distributed to partners to assist with harm reduction efforts. • The Epi Team has been reinstated and have begun regular meetings. S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2022 Agenda &Abstracts/ May Page 4