Approved Minutes of February 22, 2023

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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH February 22, 2023 Media items were in the packet, which focused on Orange County's events and our involvement in various efforts. B. Health Directors Report Some of the highlights provided by Ms. Stewart are below. • As of yesterday, February 21, 2023, the OCHD has a vacancy rate of 16% with 19 positions currently vacant. • The Dental Director position has been filled with an internal hire, Dr. Stephanie George. Dr. George completed 2 years practicum at the OCHD and has been employed as a dentist in OCHD's Dental Clinic for 7 years. With her promotion, we now have a vacant dentist position to fill. • The Personal Health Services Director interviewing process will be wrapping up this week. The Finance and Administrative Services Director is the next executive position to begin the interviewing and hiring process. • HB 108 which provides recurring funds in the amount of 25 million from the General Fund to the DHHS, Division of Public Health has been approved in the House. • Ms. Stewart will be meeting with Representative Allen Buansi next week. • The Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration ends on May 11, 2023. The OCHD still have at-home COVID tests. Dr. Jonnal asked if vacancies are an issue across other local health departments, to which Ms. Stewart replied yes. Ms. Stewart further commented that pay is not the cause for all of the vacancies and thanked the County HR and County Manager for their efforts in trying to stay competitive. Dr. Pickett added that many baby boomers are retiring. Dr. Baldwin chimed in by stating that many people want to work from home. Dr. Crandell asked whether the vacancies are crippling one division. Ms. Stewart responded by stating that it's spread out over all of the divisions, noting that the FAS division only has 1 vacancy. In response to Ms. Royce's question if training was a contributing issue, to which Ms. Stewart said no. In response to Mr. Whitaker's Question asking how to combat the vacancy issue in public health, Ms. Stewart replied by mentioned the statewide "I Am Public Health" campaign. Ms. Royce asked where to go for PCR tests. Ms. Stewart stated that they're available at primary care facilities; however, PCR testing isn't required anymore. Dr. Baldwin stated that at- home tests are still available via mail. Ms. Stewart added that anyone in need can call their local health departments as they have many. VIII. Board Comments BOH member, Tony Walker, expressed that the moving of the Communications Manager's supervision from Health Director Stewart falls in line with the plans that the Board had for her (concern was previously discussed about Ms. Stewart's workload). Dr. Stuebe aired her concerns regarding the abortion bans and how this may affect clinicians. She feared that this ban may affect medical students' decision to apply for gynecological specialty. In response to Dr. Crandell's question about the BOH Retreat date, Ms. Stewart stated S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda&Abstracts\2023 Agenda &Abstracts/ February Page 5