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Norwalk
Health Department
Board of Health Actions
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November 8, 2005
8:00 AM
Library
Call to order at 8:05 AM
Present: Board of Health – Ms. Burke, Mr. Lalime, and Dr. Tracey
Staff – Mr. Callahan
Minutes of September 13, 2005 and October 11, 2005 Meetings
Correction to the October 11, 2005 – Dr Tracey was absent, Dr McNamara was present.
A motion to approve the September 13, 2005 and October 11, 2005 as corrected
was made by Mr. Lalime, seconded by Dr. Tracey and passed unanimously.
Review and Action on Strategic Plan
The plan was reviewed and the following changes made. On the Balanced Scorecard
goals in the Financial section the second item; Obtain at least one additional
grant. Under Operational goals the public education will focus on public health
and additionally on the differences between public health and health care.
A motion to approve the plan as amended was made by Mr. Lalime, seconded by Ms. Burke and passed unanimously.
Personnel
Darleen Hoffler, RN, Clinical Services Supervisor, started her family leave
today. Barbara Alvord, RN, will act as supervisor during Ms. Hoffler’s absence,
which is expected to be 12 weeks.
Yolanda Sierra and Leroy McIntosh, AIDS Program Outreach workers resigned. Due to a reduction in grant funds, these positions were reduced to part time without benefits. These changes led to the employees seeking and finding other employment. A search to fill these positions is underway.
Anthony Capuano Sr., a former and long time Housing Code Supervisor passed away last week. ACAP’s survivors include son, Tony Capuano Jr., a Housing Inspector and daughter in law Rhonda Collins, Health Educator. Mr. Lalime requested that the condolences of the Board be extended to the Capuano Family and that if the family named a charity, the Health Department make a contribution.
WIC Program
The WIC Program is funded by the Department of Agriculture. Funds are passed
through the Connecticut Department of Public Health to local programs. The Norwalk
Health Department is the local provider of services. Per notification by the
CT DPH WIC Program Director, funding for Norwalk will remain at the FY 05 level,
$202,500, for FY 06 and FY 07. After factoring in the costs for full time staff
with benefits, there is a $30,000 shortfall for FY 06. Mr. Callahan described
an action plan, which includes requesting additional funds form the CT DPH,
identifying other sources of funds and considering a reduction in staff. Mr.
Lalime questioned the high cost for health insurance benefits. Mr. Callahan
explained that the rates are set by the City Finance Department. Mr. Lalime
asked for an explanation of the method used to calculate the cost. Mr. Callahan
will follow up.
Other Business
Ms Burke spoke about the Norwalk Housing Authority’s Health Hire Program. The
project provides an opportunity for Norwalk high school students to learn about
and begin training for careers in health. The Housing Authority is working to
identify internships for program enrollees. Mr. Callahan will discuss this project
with health department staff and identify opportunities for internships.
Mr. Lalime spoke about a Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) currently being formed in Connecticut. Representatives from all sections of the health care industry are represented on the committee charged with the development of this organization. Mr. Lalime said CT Public Health Commissioner Robert Galvin, MD is on the committee. Mr. Lalime was not clear if other representatives from the public health sector are involved. Dr Tracey suggested contacting Pamela Kilbey-Fox, the Director of Local Health Administration for the CT DPH. Mr. Callahan will follow up with Ms Kilbey-Fox.
Public Participation
Diane Lauricella, representing the Norwalk League of Women Voters requested
an opportunity to address the Board. Ms. Lauricella said the League supports
rationalization of services. Per Ms Lauricella, the League endorses public process
and is interested in being involved in any future discussion of a regional health
district.
Adjourn: 9:10 AM
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