HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-21-2021 Health & Human Services Minutes
MEETING MINUTES
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BOARD
July 21, 2021 5:00 PM
St. Croix County Government Center -Room 1284
Government Center -1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Dave Ostness called this July 21, 2021 meeting of
the Health and Human Services Board to order at approximately 5:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Attendee NameOrganizationTitleStatusArrived
Cathy LeafSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Carah KochSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Dave OstnessSt. Croix CountyChairPresent
Scottie ArdSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Greg TellijohnSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Paulette AndersonSt. CroixCountyVice-ChairPresent
Deb LindemannSt. Croix CountyBoard MemberPresent
Natasha WardSt. Croix CountyBoard MemberPresent
Paul McGinnisSt. Croix CountyBoard MemberPresent
Others in Attendance:Health and Human Services(HHS) Director Bob Rohret, County
Administrator Ken Witt, Finance Manager Fay Strenke, Public Health Epidemiologist Elle
Klasen & Public Health Administrator Kelli Engen (Via Zoom), Public Information Officer
(PIO) Adam Kastonek
Several members from the community
APPROVAL OFMINUTES
1.Health & Human Services Board Regular Meeting June 16, 20215:00 PM
Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Dave Ostness asked the Board if after
review of the minutes from the June 16, 2021 HHS Board meeting if any editing was
needed. With nothing noted the minutes were accepted as written.
RESULT: ACCEPTED
PUBLIC COMMENT
Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Ostness opened the meeting to public comment
for items on or off the agenda.
Two members of the public addressed the Board regarding concerns around the handling of
COVID-19 in the community including the lack of use of alternative treatment methods as
well as COVID-19 masking and vaccinations.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. COVID-19 Summary of Current Disease Activity and Vaccine Distribution Efforts
Public Health Administrator Kelli Engen and Epidemiologist Elle Klasen presented
information to the Board regarding the current infection and vaccination rates within St.
Croix County. They also informed that Public Health continues to work with the schools
as they prepare for the fall.
Engen also shared that as Public Health works to get back to doing things other than
addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, they are beginning to work on the Community
Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) along with the Healthier Together team. This
assessment is required to be done every 3 years and is designed off a nationwide model.
Public Health works with several community partners to address the top health issues in
the community based on results of a survey that is sent out and published across the
county. They are currently finalizing this survey and it will be sent out and published
soon.
They also continue to work on the CHNA that was completed in 2019, right before the
pandemic. The identified focus areas in 2019 were Substance Use Disorders and Mental
Health, which are both being addressed here in St. Croix County as well as many other
counties in WI.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
2. Health and Human Services Monthly Financials
Health and Human Services (HHS) Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke reviewed the financial
report with the Board. Strenke pointed out that overall the HHS expenses area tracking
well, though there are some high cost placements within the purchased services line.
The Health Care Campus revenues continue to run on the low side, but the salary and
fringe is low as well as they adjust staffing based on census numbers. They continue to
work to admit people as short- term rehab stays have increased as elective surgeries
increase. Veterans Services is also doing well, running right on track.
Questions and discussion followed.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
3.
To keep the Board informed of things that are happening within the department, Health
and Human Services (HHS) Director Bob Rohret provided an overview of the work that
the various divisions within HHS are currently focused.
Rohret discussed the ongoing efforts and collaborations that are being worked on
and implemented across several divisions to address the interventions needed to
increase wellness and prevent and or reduce emergency placements. He then went
on to highlight several staffing changes, program additions as well as adjustments
throughout HHS Divisions.
Board members asked a few questions and also thanked Director Rohret for the
update and the work being done by all staff.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Ostness asked for any future agenda items. Nothing was noted at this time, but Board
members are encouraged to contact Chair Ostness or HHS Director Rohret if items come up.
* Will look to get an update on housing/homelessness from Peter Kilde with WestCap
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
Supervisor Ard informed that on July 28th a Point in Time (PIT) count will be going on in all
communities to get a count of the homeless. They are still looking for volunteers to help with
this as the more counties that are covered the more funding we can receive. Contact the
Salvation Army if you can help.
ADJOURN
Chair Ostness called this July 21, 2021 meeting of the Health and Humans Services Board
adjourned at approximately 6:15 PM.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
August 18, 2021 @ 5:00 PM