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Home My WebLink About10-20-2021 Health & Human Services Minutes MEETING MINUTES HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BOARD October 20, 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 October 20, 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 CountySupervisorExcused Dave OstnessSt. Croix CountyChairPresent Scottie ArdSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Greg TellijohnSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Paulette AndersonSt. Croix CountyVice-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, HHS Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke, Public Health Epidemiologist Elle Klasen & Public Health Administrator Kelli Engen (Via Zoom), Public Information Officer (PIO) Adam Kastonek, and several members from the community APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Health & Human Services Board Regular Meeting September 15, 20215:00 PM Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Dave Ostness asked the Board if after review of the minutes from the Sept. 15, 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. Chair Ostness informed everyone that public comment will be kept to 2 minutes per person. A resident from the Town of Forest addressed the Board regarding large wind turbines and health issues. One other member of the public addressed the Board regarding concerns around the handling of COVID-19 in particular information on ways to improve and support your natural immune system. He wonders if this could be part of the information that is shared during contact tracing or on the County website. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. COVID-19 Updates Public Health Administrator Kelli Engen and Epidemiologist Elle Klasen presented information and data to the Board regarding COVID -19 cases within the county as well as the state. Klasen informed that currently the highest numbers of cases are within youth 9-17 years of age and the age group of their parents 36-53, this is likely due to school starting and the transmission among them within the household. She shared that we could see over 1200 cases of COVID-19 in St. Croix County during the month of October based on the trends, and hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase and show significantly higher in the unvaccinated. Engen shared that the Public Health Advisory has been continued in St. Croix County, related to masking, to diminish disease transmission among county residents. She informed that testing for COVID-19 should be done when you experience even the slightest symptoms. The Wisconsin National Guard (WING)testing started up again in SCC today with 29 people tested. This testing will continue through Dec. 8th and will go between the highway shop in Deer Park and Baldwin running 12-4 PM every Wednesday. This information is on the County website. Engen then reviewed the different types of tests available; molecular, antigen and antibody. She shared that molecular tests are the most reliable. Engen states that category one diseases, which COVID-19 falls into, are reportable diseases and Public Health (PH) is informed about these tests and the results through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS). PH then follows up with consumers on these results. Engen then shared information on which COVID-19 vaccinations are approved or are expected to be approved. They have been alerted that they might see the 5-11 year olds approved for vaccines by early November. They have pre ordered vaccines for that age group. The Covid-19 shot or a booster shot is available on Mondays at the St. Croix County Services Center from12-4. Residents can sign up on the County website. www.sccwi.gov Engen reminded that Flu vaccines are also available on Mondays at Public Health in the St. Croix County Services Center and there will be 2 different school districts that will hold flu vaccine clinics as well. Comments and discussion from the Board followed. Thanks to all the staff and the volunteers. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Health and Human Services Monthly Financials Health and Human Services (HHS) Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke reviewed the monthly financial report with the Board. She shared we are starting to see where the variances for 2021 are going to be. The report shows that Purchased Services continues to run high, and the large grant funds for the various programs have been fully received. The Health Center Campus continues to run behind, with general relief funding being applied for to help cover some of the losses. Questions from the Board followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Board Orientation- HHS Administration Office Support Team As part of the Board orientation, Executive Administrative Assistant, Colleen Linder reviewed a power point with the Board highlighting the work of the Office Support Team. This group of staff is often the first point of contact for many consumers whether they are entering the building or calling in. They strive to provide excellent customer service to our residents and support to the staff. HHS Board Chair Ostness and Director Rohret thanked them for their good work. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. 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 provided an update on the initiatives being worked on in utilizing the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Four initiatives have Request For Proposal's (RFPs) that have been posted, looking to fill positions to fill roles in supporting early interventions for those dealing with mental health or substance use issues. The hope is to select providers to fill these positions by Jan. 2022. He also informed about other plans for use of the ARPA funds including; withdrawal management assistance, recovery housing with the hopes of providing rental assistance for those in recovery housing, a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) for Public Health, improved technology for Economic Support as the Great Rivers Consortium also has ARPA funds available, and looking to provide bonus payments for Health Care Campus employees. Rohret shared that also at the Health Care Campus, Nursing Home Administrator Sandy Hackenmueller is pursuing workforce solutions through the state for temporary staff. Rohret highlighted the retirement of Brad Beckman, Administrator of the Aging and Disability Resource Center after 14 years with St. Croix County. Beckman will be leaving Dec. 10, 2021. Chair Ostness then read a letter from Brad Beckman on his behalf. Rohret also congratulated Lisa Leahy who received WI Nursing Home Social Workers Association Award for Social Worker of the year. Lisa has worked for the St. Croix County Health Care Campus for over 40 years. RESULT: DISCUSSED REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS * Chair Ostness shared that the homeless issue/affordable housing will be an ongoing agenda item moving forward, and will be back on the agenda next month * Update on the Wind Siting Council, Supervisor Ard has some information she could share * Update on creating a cemetery for unclaimed remains ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE * HHS Director Bob Rohret thanked the HHS Board for their ongoing support. * Supervisor Ard informed that Grace Place housing program is in need of efficiency 1-2 bedroom apartments as families are meeting their limit on shelter stays. Please contact Salvation Army Grace Place in New Richmond if you are aware of any availability. ADJOURN HHS Board Chair Dave Ostness called this October 20th meeting of the HHS Board adjourned at approximately 6:21 PM. DATE OF NEXT MEETING November 17, 2021 @ 5:00 PM, Government Center Boardroom, Hudson