June 14, 2005
8:00 AM
Library

Call to order at 8:10 AM
Present: Board of Health –Mr. Lalime, Ms. Lemmon, Dr. McNamara, and & Dr. Tracey
Staff – Mr. Callahan,

Minutes of May 10, 2005 Meeting
A correction was made to the minutes. Dr. Tracey rather than Dr. McNamara seconded the approval of the minutes of the April 12, 2005 meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Lillie, seconded by Dr Tracey and was passed by a unanimous vote.

Pediatric Update
Dr. Shah is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28 or 29, 2005. Pam Bates, RN Health Department Immunization Coordinator and Tim Callahan set up a meeting with Dr. Shah. Larry Cross, Interim Executive Director and Attilio Granata, MD Medical Director at the Norwalk Community Health Center (NCHC). The purpose of the meeting was to establish a plan for the smooth transition of Dr. Shah’s patients upon the close of her practice. Many of Dr shah’s patients are insured by the HUSKY program and therefore will be served by NCHC, the only other pediatric provider in Norwalk that participates in this program. Dr Shah pledged to assist NCHC. Mr. Cross plans to recruit Dr. Shah’s 2 officer workers.

Dr. Maddox, a pediatrician who at one time worked for Dr. Shah, has announced plans to establish a pediatric practice at 148 East Ave. The opening date is sometime in June 2005.

Health District
Mayor Alex Knopp requested the vote scheduled for this evening, June 14, 2005, be tabled and considered at the next Common Council meeting on June 28, 2005. The Mayor took this action because various constituencies have requested more time to review the plan. In reviewing the concerns expressed by the local NAACP the Board concluded that there is a lack of understanding of public health and the role of a local public health department. The issues raised by the unions indicate they are concerned over the prospect of losing members and not the future of the public health department. A public meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 21 at 7:30 in City Hall. The Mayor and Tim Callahan will present and answer questions. The Board members reiterated their strong support for this project and committed to continuing to lobby for a favorable vote by the Common council. Mr. Lalime distributed a copy of a letter he hand delivered to the Mayor encouraging him to heed the recommendation of the Board of Health to create the district. Dr Tracey said he sent an email message to the Mayor asking for his leadership and intervention with the Common Council. Ms Lemmon said she has spoken with various members of the Common council to secure their support for this project.

Other Business
NorWalker

The NorWalker program was recognized by the Connecticut Greenways Council with a special achievement award. Rhonda Collins, Health Educator, accepted the award at a ceremony in Hartford on June 3, 2005. Ms. Collins was also selected to present on the NorWalker program at the American Public Health Association Annual meeting on November 7, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A motion was made by Dr. McNamara and seconded by Dr. Tracey to commend Rhonda Collins and the Health Department staff for their creativity in developing this program and their diligence in securing a grant to fund the project. The motion passed unanimously.

Healthy Norwalk Day

A health fair to commemorate healthy Norwalk day was held on Saturday June 11, 2005 at the Norwalk Community College. Approximately 1500 people attend the event. There were in excess of 30 exhibitors. The plan is to make the Fair an annual event.

Adjourn: 9:15 AM

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