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Norwalk
Health Department
Board of Health Actions
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October 9, 2007
8:00 AM
Library
Call to order at 8:05 AM
Present: Board of Health – Ken Lalime, RPH, Edward Tracey, MD and Theresa Quell,
PhD, RN,
Staff – Tim Callahan, Director of Health, Tom Closter, Director of Environmental
Health, William Mooney, Emergency Response Coordinator, and David Shockley,
Neighborhood Coordinator
Minutes of September 11, 2007 meeting – A motion to approve was made by Mr. Lalime, seconded by Dr. Tracey, and approved unanimously.
Employee Wellness project
Mr. Callahan reported on the preliminary results of a survey to identify their
interest will be administered. The Employee Wellness Committee met with CIGNA
and Anthem Blue Cross wellness program representatives. There is a vast array
of services available. The committee will work with the two organizations to
make employees aware of the opportunities.
Pandemic Influenza Clinic Drill
On Saturday October 13, 2007, a large-scale seasonal flu clinic will be held
at Norwalk High School. The goal is to immunize 2,000 people during the 6-hour
clinic. William Mooney, Emergency Planning Coordinator, provided an update on
the project. Recruiting volunteers is proving to be more challenging than anticipated.
While there are fewer volunteers than hoped for, Mr. Mooney said he thinks there
will be a sufficient number of workers when Health Department staff is included.
Mr. Mooney asked the Board members to serve as observers at the clinic. Mr.
Lalime volunteered to assist. There are 2,000 doses of vaccine on hand, which
should be sufficient.
Seasonal Influenza Clinics
Seasonal clinics by appointment will be held at the Health Department, St Mary’s
and St. Phillips halls in October beginning the week following the drill. Appointments
will be taken beginning on October 15, 2007
Lyme Disease Discussion
David Shockley, Neighborhood Coordinator, spoke about his involvement with the
Fairfield County Deer Alliance group. A significant increase in the number of
deer has made ticks more plentiful. The Deer Alliance promotes deer population
reduction as an effective means to controlling the number of ticks and consequently
reducing the incidence of Lyme disease. In Norwalk controlled hunts are being
considered for the Village Creek and Harbor Shores areas. Shockley pointed to
studies, which reached this conclusion. Early diagnosis and treatment of this
disease is key in avoiding long-term illness. In additional Mr. Shockley said
designing landscape around homes that is cut close to the ground and installing
borders of wood chips discourages deer from entering these areas. There is a
wealth of information on the Connecticut Department of Public Health web site.
The Board endorsed the development of a regional awareness initiative. Mr. Callahan
will follow up with health directors in the area and plan for a Spring 2008
campaign.
Adjourn 8:52 AM
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