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MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> January 21, 2026 <br /> IV. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda <br /> None. <br /> V. Board Comments <br /> Dr. Aparna Jonnal <br /> Dr. Jonnal welcomed the medical students in attendance and told them that part of being a <br /> doctor is advocating for system change to improve health outcomes. <br /> Dr. Jonnal also reminded everyone that there will be a forum held at the Whitted Human <br /> Services Center at 7pm on Wednesday, January 28th on the rising costs of healthcare related to <br /> the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and encouraged those who are able to attend. <br /> Tony Whitaker <br /> Mr. Whitaker shared that he met with the Water Resources Committee of the Orange <br /> County Commission for the Environment on December 30' to discuss board activities and how <br /> the two boards can collaborate in the future. The Water Resources Committee is currently <br /> conducting inventory of wells in the county and assessing water quality. <br /> Dr. Rachel Royce <br /> Dr. Royce requested adding an agenda item to a future meeting to discuss the veterinary <br /> board member seat, as Dr. Lee Pickett will be moving out of Orange County in the future and <br /> has requested not to be considered for reappointment. Mr. Whitaker shared that Dr. Pickett has <br /> been working to find a potential replacement representative before her term expires. <br /> Dr. Royce also commented that the Board has recommended Dr. Natalicio Serrano for the <br /> vacant At-Large seat, which will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) <br /> at their working meeting on February 1011 <br /> VI. Priority Committee Updates <br /> Access to Care Committee <br /> Dr. Royce provided the update for the Access to Care committee. Due to unexpected <br /> conflicts, the committee is in the process of rescheduling their meeting and hopes to meet in <br /> February. Dr. Royce shared that the committee is continuing to focus on Medicaid, and that <br /> Medicaid expansion enrollment numbers continue to slowly increase in Orange County. <br /> Currently, 5.3% of all Orange County adults have insurance through Medicaid expansion. <br /> Behavioral Health Committee <br /> The committee will next meet in early February. <br /> S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agendas &Abstracts\2026 Agenda and Abstracts\ <br /> January Page 2 <br />