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MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> June 26, 2024 <br /> In response to Dr. Stuebe's question about what body sets reimbursement rates, Dr. Nickelson <br /> replied that Medicaid sets the rates, but the legislature has the power to allot additional money <br /> for reimbursement and to encourage Medicaid to increase the rates. <br /> Commissioner Fowler shared that Senate Bill 630 proposes to cap the state income tax rate at <br /> 5%, which would impact that state's ability to fund everything — healthcare, education, and all <br /> the things that make a vibrant community. She encouraged everyone to reach out to their state <br /> senators and representatives. <br /> Dr. Nickelson added that the money spent to cover emergency room care for preventable dental <br /> services —$3.4 billion annually— could be reallocated to help fund prevention services and <br /> provider training. <br /> Tony Whitaker <br /> Mr. Whitaker announced that the US Surgeon General recently issued a report that firearm <br /> violence in the USA is a public health crisis and that he was happy to see this kind of framing at <br /> the national level. <br /> Keith Bagby <br /> Mr. Bagby shared that he and Dr. Jonnal had recently been featured in a radio interview for <br /> WCHL/Chapelboro's Wellness Wednesdays, speaking about family health and wellness. He <br /> added that Wellness Wednesdays are featured once per month and cover a variety of health <br /> topics, and invited board members to let him know if they are interested in participating. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if the program is always hosted on Wednesdays, to which Mr. <br /> Bagby answered yes, but it is only 15 minutes. In response to Dr. Pickett's question, Mr. Bagby <br /> confirmed that the interviews air live. <br /> Dr. Brian Crandell <br /> Dr. Crandell commented that in the past week, he's noticed that transportation has been a <br /> significant issue for many of his patients, inhibiting their ability to receive their cancer treatment. <br /> He also noted that for foster family situations, barriers to transportation can lead to snowballing <br /> problems and inhibit reunification. <br /> In response to Dr. Stuebe's question about the Mobile on Demand (MOD) program, Ms. Stewart <br /> explained that it works similarly to Uber, but for a flat fee. Dr. Stuebe said that Medicaid- <br /> provided transportation often requires a day or more's lead time, meaning it wouldn't be useful <br /> for a patient experiencing a transportation emergency. <br /> Mr. Bagby asked Dr. Crandell if he referred any of his patients to Orange County Public <br /> Transportation (OPT) Services. When Dr. Crandell said he was not familiar with this service, <br /> Ms. Stewart said she would share information about it with him after the meeting. <br /> Dr. Alison Stuebe <br /> Dr. Stuebe said that the heat is a huge public health issue, leading to an increase in <br /> interpersonal violence due to shorter tempers as well as more deaths for those who are <br /> unsheltered compared to in cold weather. She asked if there were any initiatives in Orange <br /> S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agendas &Abstracts\2024 Agenda and Abstracts/ <br /> June Page 2 <br />