HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09 September 23 PHAB Meeting Minutes
“To promote and protect the health and safety of our community.” Updated 10/29/15
Deschutes County Health Services
Public Health Advisory Board
MMIINNUUTTEESS
September 23, 2015
12:00 – 1:30pm
Stan Owen, DCHS Building
2577 NE Courtney Dr., Bend
Facilitator Susan Keys, Vice Chair
Staff Coordinator Tom Kuhn, Community Health Manager
Scribe Lisa Michael
Next Meeting October 28, 2015, Health Services – Stan Owen
Topic and Lead
Introductions & Approval of May Meeting Minutes
The members went around the room and introduced themselves. Charla motioned to approve
the May minutes with a second by Charles. Unanimously approved.
Brief Announcements & Unfinished Business
Tom announced that several board members have terms concluding by the end of year. Jock,
Charles, Kate and Keith have all been reappointed to another term on the board; however,
there are still vacancies for Chair and Vice Chair available. Tom asked Susan if she would
consider the Chair position and she said yes. Tom asked the board if anyone would be
interested in applying for the Vice Chair position. Kate expressed interest if no one else came
forward. Tom said he would email the Board asking for nominations.
Heroin in Central Oregon update
Karen Tamminga, BH Adult Outpatient Supervisor, gave some background information and
statistics about local Heroin use and mentioned that the Bulletin had recently run an article on
this topic in the newspaper. She and Jessica Jacks created a PowerPoint slideshow that was
presented to the BOCC a few months ago. Karen said that many clients are in need of dual
diagnosis treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse coupled with mental health issues. DCBH
offers prevention, treatment and maintenance as part of their services in these cases. Karen
spoke about how Heroin works and all the slang names used for it. Although most users
prefer injection, it can also be snorted or smoked. It can also be white, brown or black in
color and is highly addictive. The number of deaths from overdose is on the rise, but is not
nearly as prevalent as from other drugs such as prescription medications. Statistics show that
most Heroin related deaths are among Caucasians aged 25 to 44 years old residing primarily
in the Midwest to Northeast portions of the U.S. While alcohol is the most highly abused of all
drugs combined, DCHS records show that 190 clients sought treatment for drug addiction in
2014 identifying Heroin as a problem, up from 12 clients in 2005, marking a significant
increase in use. Karen noted that many people are using Heroin as their drug of choice
because it is cheaper and easier to obtain than prescription or pain medications. Economic
change also plays a key role in use.
“To promote and protect the health and safety of our community.” Updated 10/29/15
The top 6 drugs clients are treated for in Deschutes County ranking highest to lowest are:
1. Alcohol
2. Amphetamines/methamphetamines
3. Marijuana/Hashish
4. Heroin
5. Other Opiates and synthetics
6. Cocaine
Overall, statistics indicate a higher percentage of alcohol use and non-medical pain relievers in
Oregon than anywhere else nationwide. A 2014 poll of Deschutes County 8th graders versus
8th graders statewide proved that more 20% reported using alcohol (4% more than the
statewide average). The CDC and the National Governor’s Association have formed a
prescription drug abuse task force. A new epi-pen antidote is in the works for counteracting
drug overdoses.
School Based Health Center update
Lynnanne Hayes, SBHC Lead Nurse, mentioned that DCHS is partnering with all 3 school
districts, Mosaic Medical, St. Charles and La Pine Community Health Center to serve area
youth with their health needs. Currently there are 75 SBHCs in operation statewide. On the
BH team, Elizabeth Fitzgerald is the Clinical Supervisor overseeing 3 full time BHS staff, (one
each located at Ensworth, Lynch and La Pine Elementary schools), and 2 half-time BHS staff
(one at Redmond and one at Sisters High Schools). The SBHCs provide a wide variety of
services from well child and sick visits, sports physicals, immunizations and mental health, etc.
for youth up to 20 years old regardless of insurance coverage or their ability to pay. Lynch
and La Pine Elementary also see adults and have provided services to roughly 6500 clients in a
10 month timeframe. Funding for DC staff is provided by sources such as a Mental Health
Expansion Grant, Medicaid and private insurance. A Base Grant has also been awarded
allotting $55k per year in adding support for the Lead PHN and 1 Health Educator. Medical
sponsors either bill a client’s insurance or OHP if uninsured and unable to pay, or provide a
sliding scale for those who can pay something towards provided services. No one is ever
denied medical attention for the inability to pay and any unpaid balances are never turned
over to collections. Lynnanne spoke about some graphs she created illustrating the types of
visits and age of clients seen by location. All SBHCs follow the Oregon Minor Consent Laws
and has a “consent to treatment” policy to summarize who can receive services without
consent, at what age. All SBHCs test and treat for STI and perform pregnancy tests; however,
most do not dispense contraceptives. Staff interacts with the schools through personal
outreach, bulletin board postings, newsletters and contact with school nurses and health
education teachers to share the latest health care news. All centers conduct monthly team
meetings and collaborate with YACs and our medical sponsors on a regular basis. Lynnanne
noted there is a Facebook page for the SBHCs to learn more about what’s going on at
www.facebook.com/Deschutes.SBHC.
Regional Health Assessment update
Channa gave a summary presentation of the RHA/RHIP and our progress so far. Between
January and August, a quantitative assessment was drafted and more than 40 organizations
were solicited for data and feedback. The final version of the draft is almost complete and we
are now at the prioritization stage. From June to September, Channa gathered professional
and community opinions over the course of several meetings to draft a “theme” of strengths
and weaknesses. These themes are in the process of being prioritized by impact, prevention,
trends, policy and various other factors. By prioritizing, we will be able to establish some
“To promote and protect the health and safety of our community.” Updated 10/29/15
Board Members Present: Susan Keys, Kate Wells, Holly Remer, Jim Powell, Charles
Frazier, Charla DeHate, Steve Strang
Staff Present: Tom Kuhn, Heather Kaisner, Lisa Michael
Guest speakers present: Karen Tamminga (staff), Lynnanne Hayes (staff), Channa
Lindsay (staff)
BH = Behavioral Health BOCC = Board of County Commissioners
DCBH = Deschutes County Behavioral Health DCHS = Deschutes County Health Services
CDC = Center for Disease Control SBHCs = School Based Health Centers
BHS = Behavioral Health staff DC = Deschutes County
PHN = Public Health Nurse OHP = Oregon Health Plan
STI = Sexually Transmitted Infection YAC = Youth Action Council
RHA = Regional Health Assessment RHIP = Regional Health Improvement Plan
goals and strategies and gain a better understanding of what is needed to fill any gaps.
Channa shared some sample questions that were asked during a community forum and
provided the Board with a summation of our strengths and values and our concerns. It was
noted that some of the same issues arose in various locations, particularly in rural versus
urban areas and there were no notable differences in themes in any of the tri-counties. She
also shared an evaluation of what is or might be affecting our local health care system and the
associated threats or opportunities that may arise from these occurrences. The prioritization
process was recently finalized between the Community Advisory and Operations Councils
which include three main topics: disease and health conditions, health behavior and system
issues, and social determinants. Channa presented a list of health issues directly related to
each category that were individually developed by both councils. On September 10th, a joint
council meeting was conducted to discuss these preliminary priorities. The next step will be to
develop goals and strategies for each priority as these elements comprise the backbone of the
RHIP.
Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.