WC CWF Health District Board Minutes - 02/25/2005WICHITA FALLS - WICHITA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD
PLACE: Wichita Falls- Wichita County Public Health District
TIME: 12.15 p.m.
DATE: February 25, 2005
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
HEALTH DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVES:
WICHITA CO. REPRESENTATIVE:
WICHITA FALLS CITY COUNCIL:
Beverly Stiles, Ph.D.
Deborah Garrison, R.N., Ph.D.
Richard Sutton, M.D.
Larry Rains, D.D.S.
Kathy Sultemeier, D.V.M.
Greg Stockton
Tom Delizio, M.D.
Lou Franklin, Assistant Director of Health
Reuben Warren Jr., Director of Health
WICHITA FALLS CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Matt Benoit, Assistant City Manager
MINUTES:
I. Call to Order
Kathy Sultemeier called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m.
II. Approval of Minutes:
Moved by Beverly Stiles and seconded by Larry Rains that the January 7, 2005
minutes be approved. The motion passed.
III. Swear in New Members:
Matt Benoit, Assistant City Manager, administered the Oath of Office to new Board
members Richard Sutton, M.D. and Deborah Garrison, R.N., Ph.D.
IV. Election of Officers:
The departure of two Board members last month left the Chair and Vice Chair
positions vacant. Nominations were made and the following members were elected
unanimously: Deborah Garrison, Chair; Greg Stockton, Vice -Chair and Kathy
Sultemeier, Secretary.
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V. Hepatitis C — Jayna Phillips, R.N.
Mrs. Phillips gave a slide presentation on Hepatitis C: An emerging Health Concern
for Texans. A brief overview revealed the following:
The number of infected Texans and the anticipated serious health effects of
hepatitis C infection establish this newly emergent infectious disease as a serious
public health concern. The virus is transmitted in infected blood or blood products.
Sexual and perinatal transmission are possible but infrequent. Without effective
intervention, deaths from hepatitis C related conditions will triple in the next 10 to 20
years. Screening and counseling persons at high risk of hepatitis C are important
interventions to prevent the spread of this virus in the general population.
Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C infection are expensive and not routinely available
through the public sector. Treatment is available but is lengthy (6 -12 months),
causes significant side effects, is costly and is not always successful. Education of
persons infected with hepatitis C virus can result in lifestyle changes that help
prevent further progression of liver disease.
The Texas Department of Health does not possess the resources to adequately
address this emerging public health threat. Diversion of resources currently
allocated to the control of other communicable diseases would adversely affect the
health of Texans. A new commitment to the fight against this newly recognized
infectious disease is needed.
VI. Overview of Health District Services
Mr. Warren gave a brief overview of the various divisions in the Health District and
services provided by each one. A handout was distributed detailing services and
also providing a contact phone number for each division.
Mr. Warren also discussed the Health District expansion project that will begin soon.
It should add approximately 10,000 sq. ft. to the existing building.
VII. Tour of Health District
Mr. Warren and Mrs. Franklin escorted several members on a tour of the building.
VI. Next Meeting Date:
The next meeting will be held on April 22, 2005.
Greg Stockton was granted an excused absence.
VII. Adjourn
It was moved by Kathy Sultemeier and seconded by Larry Rains that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
Kathy Sult4neier, Secretary
Public Health Board
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