Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
MINUTES-Draft <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> May 28, 2025 <br /> profit could ever be good for health. She added that this is very timely, as there are accounts of <br /> hospitals no longer offering certain types of care because they are not considered profitable, <br /> and this is a particular concern for those who live in rural areas. She added that, should <br /> Medicaid be substantially cut, things are likely to get worse. <br /> Dr. Stuebe noted that the book Switch by Chip & Dan Heath is about persuasion and uses a <br /> metaphor of a person riding an elephant to discuss decision making and change. She said that <br /> when the elephant (emotions) and the rider (logic) are in conflict, the elephant will always win, <br /> and that it necessary to appeal to emotions when trying to change minds. She gave an example <br /> from the book where a hospital ordered supplies from different factories and each factory <br /> charged a different amount for the same products; after repeatedly attempting and failing to <br /> explain the problem, hospital staff set out gloves across a conference room table, each labeled <br /> with the different amount they cost, finally convincing the board of directors to make changes. <br /> Dr. Stuebe referenced the Photovoice method and suggested that Dr. Jonnal take photographs <br /> of empty supply bins, concluding by saying that data doesn't move hearts. Dr. Pickett agreed, <br /> but Mr. Whitaker commented that perhaps hearts aren't what need to be moved, and a different <br /> approach may be needed. <br /> Commissioner Amy Fowler <br /> Commissioner Fowler shared that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are in the <br /> middle of budget season and have several amendments on the table. She said that they are <br /> considering hiring for two new positions, and the relevant amendments can be found online. Dr. <br /> Stuebe asked if there was anything the Board of Health can do to be helpful, but Commissioner <br /> Fowler wasn't sure. <br /> Dr. Bruce Baldwin <br /> Dr. Baldwin thanked the health department staff for all that they do to improve health in the <br /> county and applauded the gallery members who regularly attend the monthly Board of Health <br /> meetings. <br /> Dr. Davia Nickelson <br /> Dr. Nickelson shared an upcoming Health Fair at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church <br /> on June 21st. She said that there will be free medical and dental services available, as well as a <br /> resource fair. Dr. Nickelson explained that they will offer basic dental services, such as <br /> extractions, fillings, and cleanings. In response to Dr. Royce's question, Dr. Nickelson affirmed <br /> that services will be available by appointment only, but that appointments are still available. <br /> IV. Priority Committee Updates <br /> Behavioral Health Committee <br /> The Behavioral Health Committee hosted an event at Hillsborough's Last Fridays event in <br /> April promoting the Board's recent Resolution on Social Media, Screen Time, and Youth Mental <br /> Health as well as Screen-Free Week (which took place May 5th-11th). Dr. Crandell has also been <br /> collaborating with Libbie Hough, Communications Manager, to further promote the resolution <br /> and maintain momentum, potentially through collaborating with a local media outlet. The <br /> committee will next meet in early June. <br /> S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agendas &Abstracts\2025 Agenda and Abstracts/ <br /> May Page 2 <br />