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MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> September 24, 2025 <br /> Dr. Alison Stuebe <br /> Dr. Stuebe commented positively on the flu vaccine drive held by the board in advance of <br /> the meeting and noted that it will be used in an educational campaign to help promote vaccines. <br /> In response to Dr. Stuebe's question, Ms. Stewart replied that promoting the science and <br /> evidence around vaccines is the best way to support the Health Department around vaccine <br /> uptake at this time. She added that the COVID vaccine is not currently in stock at the Health <br /> Department but that they are encouraging people to get it at pharmacies. In response to Dr. <br /> Royce, Ms. Stewart said that materials promoting vaccines are being shared at community <br /> events, including the upcoming Hillsborough Last Friday event. <br /> IV. Priority Committee Updates <br /> Access to Care Committee <br /> Dr. Pickett provided the update for the Access to Care Committee. The committee has been <br /> working on a resolution promoting access to public health resources for vulnerable populations <br /> considering current immigration enforcement policies, which they will present to the board <br /> tonight. The committee will next meet in mid-October. <br /> Behavioral Health Committee <br /> Dr. Baldwin provided the update for the Behavioral Health Committee. The committee met <br /> in early September and heard from Dr. Luke Smith from El Futuro, a community-based nonprofit <br /> organization that seeks to transform Latino mental health in a welcoming environment of healing <br /> and hope. They offer bilingual and culturally responsive mental health services including <br /> therapy, psychiatry, substance use treatment, and case management. El Futuro currently <br /> serves more than 2,500 Latino youth and adults per year; using telehealth, they can offer <br /> services across more than 53 counties. All clinicians and community health workers at El Futuro <br /> are required to speak Spanish, and they aim to increase the number of providers by either <br /> training native speakers as clinicians or teaching Spanish to licensed clinicians. One finding that <br /> Dr. Baldwin highlighted was the fact that immigrant families who maintain their language and <br /> culture typically have better mental and physical health compared to those who assimilate. The <br /> committee will next meet in early November. <br /> Dr. Baldwin concluded by saying that the committee will be tabling at the September <br /> Hillsborough Last Friday event for Suicide Awareness Month. Ms. Stewart noted that the table <br /> will be shared with Orange Partnership, who will be promoting youth-focused suicide prevention <br /> resources. Commissioner Fowler said that the table will have resources about the 988 Suicide <br /> Prevention Lifeline as well as information for young people about how to help friends who may <br /> be struggling. Dr. Royce suggested also sharing Medicaid materials. <br /> Connections to Community Support Committee <br /> Dr. Stuebe provided the update for the Connections to Community Support Committee. The <br /> committee will present their current resolution draft in support of promoting affordable/attainable <br /> housing during the meeting tonight. The committee will next meet in early October. <br /> S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agendas &Abstracts\2025 Agenda and Abstracts/ <br /> September Page 2 <br />