Approved Minutes of February 26, 2025

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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH February 26, 2025 Dr. Stuebe mentioned a pertussis outbreak in North Carolina and Commissioner Fowler explained that pertussis is most likely going around frequently, but it is not always tested for. She added that the adult vaccine for pertussis, TDAP, is only administered every ten years but the pertussis component is only good for about two years, providing limited protection for adults. Dr. Rachel Royce Dr. Royce mentioned that she saw a news article suggesting that the flu has peaked nationally and that cases seem to be coming down. Erica Pettigrew, Medical Director, shared that the flu peaked in Orange County two weeks ago. Ms. Stewart shared that flu cases in North Carolina continue to decrease, with 160 cases statewide detected last week and a total of eight flu deaths this year at UNC. She added that RSV and COVID case numbers are also declining. Dr. Stuebe noted that vaccine messaging on a national level is primarily negative and wondered how the board of health can combat this at a state or local level. Ms. Stewart shared that the Measles Symposium is being rescheduled due to the inclement weather last week. She added that there is a desire for an ongoing communications plan at the health department, focusing in part on vaccine-preventable illnesses. Dr. Royce commented that local communication may be more effective, as it may be perceived as more credible. Dr. Stuebe mused about the possibility of getting local opinion leaders to endorse the flu shot, for example Roy Williams or Bill Belichick. Ms. Stewart mentioned that there was a similar campaign during COVID, and we may be able to get local elected officials to endorse vaccines, such as against the flu. IV. Priority Committee Updates Behavioral Health Committee Dr. Crandell provided the update for the Behavioral Health Committee. The committee has continued to discuss the impact of screens and social media on mental health and ways to address phone and screen use. Dr. Crandell shared that in May, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) will be hosting their annual Screen Free Week, in conjunction with National Screen Free Week. The committee discussed expanding this week to the entire county and is working on a resolution warning about the potential harms of social media and screens and supporting screen free week. He added that the committee is hoping to reach as many people in the county as possible to promote Screen Free Week and plan to share information at Hillsborough's Last Fridays events. The committee will next meet in late April. Dr. Royce clarified whether Screen Free Week is meant to be truly screen free, or just to minimize digital use. She noted that much of her son's schoolwork is digital and all her son's communications about sports go through his phone and asked if the issue is social media or screens themselves. Commissioner Fowler explained that social media is the biggest concern for mental health, but screens in general do carry risks and the goal of Screen Free Week is to encourage people to unplug and engage in real life —for example, playing board games, spending time outside, or talking to friends or family. Dr. Nickelson added that the messaging is to try to spend as much time as reasonable that week away from screens — it is meant to present an alternative, not a ban. Dr. Crandell agreed that the potential scope is enormous and it's important to be specific in the messaging. Commissioner Fowler said that the message is intended to be short and memorable, and there isn't room for a lot of nuances to explain `minimize your screen use as much as reasonably S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agendas &Abstracts\2025 Agenda and Abstracts/ February Page 2