McLean County Health Committee Met Jan. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
The Health Committee of the McLean County Board met at 4:30 p.m. in Room 404 of the Government Center Building 115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, IL.
Members Present: Chairman Susan Schafer, Members: Lyndsay Bloomfield, Randall Martin, Sharon Chung, Elizabeth Johnston, Hannah Beer (via remote attendance) Catherin Metsker (via in person).
Members Absent: None
Other Members Present: Chairman John McIntyre
Staff Present: Ms. Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator (in person); Ms. Cassy Taylor, Assistant County Administrator; Ms. Cathy Dreyer, Assistant County Administrator; Ms. Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary; Mr. Chris Spanos, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division (via remote attendance)
Department Heads/ Elected Officials Present: Ms. Jessica McKnight, Health Department Administrator; Ms. Terri Edens, Nursing Home Administrator; Mr. Jason Tabb, Juvenile Detention Center (via remote attendance);
Others Present:
Chairman Schafer called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum.
Chairman Schafer presented the minutes from the October 21 and November 17, 2020 special meetings and November 30, 2020 regular meeting for approval.
Motion by Martin/Bloomfield to approve the minutes from the October 21 and November 17, 2020 special meetings and November 30, 2020 regular meeting.
Motion carried. Roll Call Vote. All other members present voted yes including the Chairman
Chairman Schafer confirmed there were comments from the public to be read into the record. Ms. Morlock read into the record the following statements.
Submitted by Zachary Gittrich
I’m writing you because I was very concerned to find out there were new cases of
coronavirus in the McLean County jail. I say concerned because these cases initially appeared over a month ago and were never reported by the sheriff’s department. In the past month we’ve had an additional two cases of coronavirus among inmates and 6 new cases among jail staff. Regardless of what you think about the Sheriff’s handling of the pandemic, we should all be able to agree that transparency is key to effectively overcoming this pandemic. The people demand accurate and prompt information, especially regarding tax-payer funded liabilities like the jail. It is unfortunate the Sheriff has chosen to be as opaque and cantankerous as possible. I was disappointed at the previous Health committee meeting when Suzanne Scott, the director of jail medical,was asked point blank if she had anything to report. She responded, “No. Not particularly.” This despite her receiving at least two positive tests 5 days prior. I say at least, because I don’t yet know when the staff members contracted COVID. There are many questions that need to be asked by this committee:
What laboratory is processing COVID-19 tests for the jail? By law, they (the lab) are supposed to report all positive cases to the local health departments. Yet, there are no reports of this occurring. Why is the health department purposely omitting this information? Studies show that once COVID-19 enters an incarceration environment, prisoners are 550% more likely to get Covid-19, and 300% more likely to die. When outbreaks occur in corrections institutes, infection rates frequently exceed 65%.
I am calling on the County Board to pass a resolution asking the Sheriff to report all COVID-19 cases in the jail promptly & accurately. This should be the bare minimum, but apparently we have to specify. You have a duty to the tax-payers to be fiduciary shepherds for the jail; but, you can’t do that if you don’t have the proper information. It’s time for you to prove you are concerned about a transparent & accountable government.
Submitted by Bunny Maxwell
I have seen the circulars from agitation rising, complaining about the sheriff and covid with inmates.
I support the sheriff. Jail isn't too different than a nursing home and the way they are dealing.
I don't know what this group is trying to do other than they are the same ones wanting to defund the police. Inmates receive treatment. I am sure they aren't being abused. They can't be turned free to run the streets and expose everyone. They are in jail because they broke some law. Lawbreakers can not be allowed to avoid punishment no matter how much these new groups want.
Keep up the good work jail staff and sheriff.
Mr. Jason Tabb, Juvenile Detention Facility presented the Juvenile Detention Medical report. Ms. Johnston asked if staff was getting tested regularly at the facility. Mr. Tabb indicated if staff members show any symptoms they have to go and get tested. She asked if there had been staff who had been tested. He indicated there had been. Ms. Johnston asked if there have been positive cases. Mr. Tabb indicated he did not feel he could respond because that was a health-related question and that was protected information. Ms. Rodriguez provided further explained that they share only the nursing home because there are regulations that allow general information to be provided, but that the County does not provide that information for any of the other departments. Chairman Schafer asked if there were any questions, hearing none, she thanked him.
Ms. Jessica McKnight Health Department Administrator presented for action request approval of an Amendment to the Funded Full Time Equivalent Positions Resolution for FY2021 for the Health Fund 0012, Health Department 0061, Health Promotion 0067.
Motion by Bloomfield/Johnston to recommend approval of an Amendment to the Funded Full Time Equivalent Positions Resolution for FY2021 for the Health Fund 0112, Health Department 0061, Health Promotion 0067. Ms. McKnight indicated that they have had individuals retire and they are budgeted but have adjusted staffing to use those funds of retirees to help fund this position.
Motion Carried. All other members present voted yes including the Chairman
Ms. McKnight presented the Health Department’s monthly reports to the Committee. She indicated they had received about 6,000 vaccines for the initial phase and further indicated it would probably take about a month to a month and half to get through first phase of vaccine distribution. Ms. Johnston asked her to clarify total number and if hospitals were included in that number. Ms. McKnight confirmed number included health department and hospitals. Ms. Schafer asked her to confirm that did not included long-term care facilities. Ms. McKnight confirmed they would not receive that information until after vaccines had been distributed at long term care facilities. Ms. Chung stated vaccines from Knox County had been a welcome surprise and asked if they could expect anything like that to occur again. She also asked for clarification on vaccine distribution phase A and plans for Phase B. Ms. McKnight indicated they were in regular contact with IDPH on procedure for distribution in Phase B, but IDPH had not finalized who would be included in Phase B, but they were working to get word out about how individuals could sign up for the vaccine once that was determined. Ms. McKnight indicated she did not feel there would not be another pleasant surprise like one from Knox County. She indicated they have been receiving and continue to expect to receive regular weekly shipments. Ms. Schafer asked if 6,000 included the second doses for original individuals. Ms. McKnight indicated it did not. She indicated that IDPH has been keeping track of vaccinations so they can provide second doses in time. Ms. Schafer asked if healthcare workers had been positive about receiving the vaccination. Ms. McKnight indicated she could not speak to all facilities but there had been a lot of calls asking when they would receive the vaccine. Ms. Schafer asked if call center has been receiving calls about vaccines. Ms. McKnight indicated call center had just finalized their training, but the Health Department had been receiving calls. Chairman Schafer asked if there were any further questions, hearing none, she thanked her.
Chairman Schafer indicated that Ms. Suzanne Scott, Adult Detention Facility was not present. Ms. Rodriguez indicated Ms. Scott was working the floor so she could not make the meeting, but her reports were in the packet and offered to answer any questions the Committee might have. Ms. Johnston asked if there were restrictions about reporting inmates who might have COVID-19. Ms. Rodriguez stated she was not aware of any specific restrictions and indicated Sheriff Sandage would be able to answer that question and would be happy to talk to them. Ms. Rodriguez stated that based on her experience with the health department it was a concern to report on a low number as that adversely affected overall total. Ms. Chung stated that when there was the outbreak before the Sherriff indicated regular testing was occurring. She asked about current testing. Ms. Rodriguez indicated the Sheriff could expound on that. Ms. Chung indicated she would follow up the next night at Justice. Ms. Schafer encouraged members to direct questions about the jail to the Sheriff. Chairman Schafer asked if there were any further questions, hearing none, she thanked her.
Ms. Terri Edens, McLean County Nursing Administrator Home presented her monthly Nursing Home report. Ms. Edens indicated they have vaccines scheduled to arrive on January 12th for staff and residents through Walgreens. She indicated most employees are positive about taking. She also provided current COVID case numbers for staff and residents. Ms. Chung stated that she understood several residents had passed from COVID and asked if there was a way to approach this differently in the future. Ms. Edens stated there had been 14 deaths in the facility and 6 were COVID related and the others were due to other medical conditions. She stated she was not sure where the papers were getting their numbers as the Nursing Home reports everything through the Health Department. She indicated they are still using full PPE and handwashing, so they are not sure how the virus initially came into the facility. She stated they to educate, wear PPE and stress washing hands regularly. Ms. Chung indicated she understood how much they care for the residents there and how hard it is to talk about losing residents. Ms. Chung asked about new residents coming into the facility and how they would receive the vaccine. Ms. Edens indicated they are currently not taking new admissions to make sure COVID numbers go down, but hoped to start admitting next week. She stated that once they do start admitting again the new resident would have the vaccine and still go in isolation for 14 days. She indicated most hospitals plan to provide vaccination prior to discharge to the facility. Ms. Schafer stated it is a challenge to all facilities when there is so much community spread. She also stated that she appreciated the explanation on the residents who have passed as IDPH only provides a number and not an explanation as to other causes of death not due to COVID.
Mr. Martin asked which vaccine they are receiving. She indicated she would find out for them. He asked if they had to use Walgreens. Ms. Edens indicated staff could go where they wanted but would get clarification as to whether the residents would only be able to utilize Walgreens. Ms. Johnston thanked her for her report as it helps her understand care that is being given. She asked how the residents are fairing with the extra barrier between them and staff. Ms. Edens indicated Staff has indicated PPE is very hot but staff regularly relieves each other. Sheindicated residents don’t seem to mind it except that they asked that nurses put their names on their gowns where they could see and know who was with them as they all look so similar in full PPE. Ms. Johnston asked about expenses and revenue. Ms. Edens indicated they did take in revenue although it was not on the report. Ms. Johnston asked if they could provide the Committee with a list of what they bill out for so they could possibly know what they should as the State for. Ms. Edens indicated they have worked to get funds from the programs provided by the State. Ms. Schafer indicated that page 37 might help with the question. Chairman Schafer asked if there were additional questions, hearing nothing she thanked her.
Ms. Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator indicated that she had no items for action. She thanked all of the department heads that reported to the Health Committee and indicated how much they appreciated the time that they put in regularly but especially during the pandemic. Ms. Schafer agreed that she appreciated the groups that report to the Health Committee as they all have 24/7 365 day/year staffing. Chairman Schafer asked if there were any questions, hearing none she thanked her.
Chairman Schafer brought up proposed meeting dates for 2021 under other business and communication and asked if members had any issues with the proposed dates. She stated she understood there might be an issue with the one 3:00 p.m. time but hoped this notice would allow members to make other arrangements for that date.
Proposed Meeting Dates in 2021 - All Below at 4:30 p.m. (excepted as noted)
Monday, February 1, 2021
Monday, March 1, 2021
Monday, April 5, 2021
Monday, May 3, 2021
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 (3:00 p.m.) (Memorial Day/Executive Committee)Thursday,
July 8, 2021 (County Holiday is Monday July 5th)
Monday, August 2, 2021
Monday, August 30, 2021 (Labor Day is Monday Sept 6th)
Monday, October 4, 2021
Monday, November 1, 2021
Monday, December 6, 2021
Chairman Schafer asked Chairman McIntyre if he had anything to add under other business. Mr. McIntyre indicated there would be important issues the Committees and Board would have to focus on this year and probably some tough decisions based on State funding. He said they would try to get information to them as soon as they can, but that things change quickly and sometimes hard to keep up with information. He thanked them for being on the Board and willing to consider these hard issues.
Chairman Schafer then presented for approval the Nursing Home bills with a prepaid total $226,989.44.
Motion by Bloomfield/Chung to approve prepaid bills for the Nursing Home as presented.
Motion carried. Roll Call Vote - all present voted yes including the Chairman.
Chairman Schafer presented for approval bills for Jail Medical and JDC Medical with a prepaid total of $55,492.04.
https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7952
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