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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2024 Health & Human Services Minutes MEETING MINUTES HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BOARD February 21, 2024 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 Greg Tellijohn called this February 21, 2024 meeting of the Health and Human Services Board to order at approximately 5:00 PM. ROLL CALL Attendee NameOrganizationTitleStatusArrived Julie SmithSt. Croix CountyCitizen Member-CommunityPresent Kathleen FindlaySt. Croix CountyCitizen Member-DoctorPresent Lisa LindSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Shawn AndersonSt. Croix CountyVice-ChairPresent Cathy LeafSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Dave OstnessSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Greg TellijohnSt. Croix CountyChairPresent Mike BarcalowSt. Croix CountySupervisorLate5:03 PM Deb LindemannSt. Croix CountyCitizen Member-NursePresent Others in Attendance:HHS Deputy Director Shar Lopez, Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke, County Administrator Ken Witt APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Health & Human Services Board Regular Meeting January 17, 20245:00 PM Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Greg Tellijohn asked the Board if after the review of the minutes from the January 17, 2024 HHS Board meeting if any editing was needed. With nothing noted, the minutes were accepted as submitted. RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Greg Tellijohn opened the meeting to public comment for items on or off the agenda. No Public Comment tonight. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Welcome our Newest Member of the Health and Human Services Board Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Director Shar Lopez introduced the newest member of the HHS Board, Dr. Kathleen Findlay from Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin. Dr. Findlay shared some background information about herself and informed that she is devoted to lifestyle medicine, population health & wellness, and the health of rural communities. She is looking forward to working on the HHS Board and serving the community. Welcome Dr. Findlay. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Health and Human Services Monthly Financials Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke reviewed the monthly Health and Human Services (HHS) financials with the HHS Board. Strenke shared that in the packet is financials through Jan. 2024. Strenke reminded everyone that the financial reports for fiscal year 2023 will continue to change, likely through May of 2024, as they work to finalize and reconcile the year 2023. HHS still looks to finish 2023 with a negative balance, mainly due to higher need in purchased services for out of home placements. The Health Care Campus covered their operating expenses but not the depreciation. Discussion had and questions answered. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Discuss the Impacts of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) Closure Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Director Shar Lopez informed the Board of the closure of the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. Lopez also shared about the potential impact this has on these communities, the surrounding area, as well as St. Croix County HHS. This week, Lopez attended the job fair held in Eau Claire, to help find employment for the people impacted by this closure. The hope is that we might draw some to SCC. Other concerns for SCC in this closure of HSHS, is the loss of inpatient hospitalization beds, especially as they admit youth. Many youth could now end up in Winnebago which is not a great placement for them and is very costly. In addition, LE Phillips is the only detox center in the area to help clients reach sobriety and then transition to residential inpatient therapy. The closest detox centers are now in Ashland, Madison, and Green Bay. There are many conversations happening across western Wisconsin on how to lessen the impact and handle the ripple effects. Everyone is still waiting to learn more and as soon as there is more information the Board will be informed. Questions and discussion followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. A Focus On Mental Health Co-Responders Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Director Shar Lopez reviewed a brief history on the creation of the SCC Mental Health Co-Responders, some data on the work they are doing, and the benefits of these mental health co-responders for our communities and those suffering with mental health and/or addiction. There has been much positive feedback about the co-responders, and HHS believes that establishing a sustainable funding source for these positions is essential in better serving the residents of St. Croix County. Questions followed. The Board would like to see a "mock" version of an emergency response and how it is handled by the co-responders. RESULT: DISCUSSED REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Tellijohn asked the Board Members for any requests for future agenda items. Board Members are encouraged to contact HHS Director Rohret or HHS Board Chair Tellijohn if items arise. ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE HHS Board Chair Tellijohn asked if there are any announcements tonight. Nothing shared tonight. DATE OF NEXT MEETING March 20, 2024 @ 5:00 PM in the Government Center Boardroom, Hudson ADJOURN Chair Tellijohn called this February 21, 2024 meeting of the Health and Human Services Board adjourned at approximately 5:45.