COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
MINUTES: APRIL 5, 2005
MEMBERS: CHAIR: Andrea Stewart-Cousins, LEGISLATORS: Judy Myers, Jose Alvarado, George Oros
IN ATTENDANCE: LABS & RESEARCH: M. Hyland, Larry Fasnacht, HEALTH: Mark Johnston, LAW: Brendan McGrath, C.E.O. Bill Randolph, Kevin Ryan, Andrew Neuman, BOL STAFF: Sally Schecter
The meeting was called to order at 10:40 a.m. by Chair Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
Chair Stewart-Cousins welcomed the newest member of the committee Legislator Judy Myers and told her that they were happy to have her as a member.
The first item discussed was A4, an act authorizing the County to enter into an agreement with the Medical Center regarding microbiological and other health care services. This contract is a fee for services with a guarantee of a minimum of $375,000 and a maximum of $410,000. This is a decrease from last year which was $477,000. The previous contract was a three year contract and Labs & Research was not paid anything so they decided to enter into only one year at a time. The Medical Center is Labs biggest client. In the 2004 budget, Labs did not show any revenue from the Medical Center for the previous contract. On the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Myers, the item was passed by a vote of 3-0. Legislator Alvarado was out for the vote.
The next item was Crystal Meth legislation. This was discussed last week in Legislation that there is a growing use in New York State. Oklahoma has the most stringent laws. This is extremely addictive, it is easy to make because the items that are needed to manufacture it are readily available. This legislation would limit the amount of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine that can be sold to 9 grams or approximately 366 pills. Derivatives are Sudafed, Actifed, etc. This would not apply to liquid. On the motion of Legislator Myers, seconded by Legislator Oros, the legislation was passed by a vote of 4-0.
A3 is an act authorizing the County to enter into an agreement with the Medical Center to provide colorectal cancer screening services for residents of Westchester in an amount not to exceed $25,000. Chair Stewart-Cousins wanted to know where the services would be provided. The last contract, April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005, 800 were enrolled in the program and Sleepy Hollow and Sound Shore provided breast/health sites and while people were there they were screened for colon cancer, either by a colonoscopy or a fecal screen. Planned Parenthood was another site. Health Fairs are held to raise awareness. White Plains Hospital is partnering with the Health Department. Of the 800, 50 were referred for a colonoscopy. On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Myers, the motion was carried by a vote of 4-0.
Chair Stewart Cousins then began a discussion of the United Way Report. She said Chair Ryan looked at the overall studies and referred them to various committees. The two that were referred to Health were ”lack of accessible and affordable assistance for the frail elderly, adults with disabilities and their families” and “lack of accessible and affordable medical care.” Chair Stewart-Cousins’ concern is that people are not aware of what is available. There is day care for smaller children and there is a need for adult day care. The committee had concerns about family health care, Child Health Care Plus, uninsured children, how to reduce the cost of Medicaid. There is a senior summit in Washington. The committee feels Commissioner Mae Carpenter and Commissioner Kevin Mahon should be brought in to a meeting as well as the Hispanic Senior Coalition. They also felt that the Health Committee should reach out to the various communities.
Legislator Alvarado made a motion to accept the minutes of December 20, 2004, seconded by Legislator Oros.
On the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
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