Approved Minutes of August 23 2023

Browse Search

MINUTES-Draft ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH August 23,2023 • Ms. Kelley shared that FSA has done away with the zone model in the county and that all residents that meet program criteria are welcome to join FSA. She added that there has been a 25% increase in diversity among the approximately 70 families (around 210 children) currently served by the FSA Navigator program. There are also around 205 families currently served by the FSA Connections program, including former FSA Navigator clients. Currently about 80% of families served have access to medical and dental care. • Ms. Kelley mentioned that there are typically about 5-6 new referrals per week, but that the program is generally able to manage this volume. She stated that there has only been a waitlist to enroll once or twice in the past, and only due to a staffing shortage (i.e., being down a navigator). • In response to Dr. Jonnal's question about how families are referred to the program, Ms. Kelley replied that there is a simple referral form that is used to introduce potential clients to the program, which Dr. Jonnal is encouraged to use and share among her colleagues. Ms. Kelley also mentioned that no one is ever turned away, and that those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Family Navigator program are referred to the FSA Connections program. Ms. Crews added that if someone in the program leaves Orange County, FSA will set them up in their new county so that they remain supported. • In response to Dr. Stuebe's question about referrals for pregnancy care management, Ms. Kelley said that individuals would be eligible to enroll in the FSA Navigator program once they give birth or if they already have one or more children, but that they would be able to receive support from the FSA Connections program immediately. • Ms. Kelley mentioned that FSA collaborates frequently with community partners, including nonprofit, faith-based, and local government organizations. She specifically highlighted an upcoming collaboration with the Chapel Hill Public Library, who will be offering computer literacy classes specifically to FSA families. Dr. Royce asked if FSA also collaborates with the Orange County Public Library, to which Ms. Crews replied yes and Ms. Kelley added that while they collaborate with both libraries, the Chapel Hill Public Library is generally more proactive about the partnership. • Ms. Kelley shared an update on the Gateway Village and Community Hub project and specific goals, including building stronger relationships with property managers as property management is a common concern among FSA families, completing a community needs reassessment as the COVID-19 pandemic winds down, and organizing community events. • Dr. Pickett asked if FSA collaborates with the DEGA (Determined for Everyone to Gain Access (to veterinary care)) program, as it can help low-income pet owners ensure their pets are healthy, in turn promoting the health of the family. Ms. Kelley asked Dr. Pickett to connect with her after the meeting. • Ms. Stewart commented specifically on the FSA restructure and changes made during COVID to increase accessibility, including opening eligibility for the Connections program to all and removing zone restrictions. • Ms. Kelley and Ms. Crews ended their presentation with photographs from a recent FSA trip to the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC. S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda&Abstracts\2023 Agenda&Abstracts/ August Page 5