COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
MINUTES: JUNE 15, 2004
MEMBERS: Chair: Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Legislators: George Latimer, George Oros
IN ATTENDANCE: OPEN DOOR HEALTH CENTER: Chris Wang; LAW: Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster; C.E.: Bill Randolph, Andrew Neuman; BOL: Sally Schecter
The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Services with WCHCC: Dr. Lipsman explained this would provide services to the residents of the County. It is pro-forma. The Health Department does outreach by giving out stool cards to check for blood, they hand out information at health fairs and work with the County Executive. If people need more testing, they are referred to the neighborhood health centers. On the motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Oros, the motion was carried by a vote of 3-0.
Oral Health Care Services that would be provided by WCHCC: This would be provided for individuals living in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam who have HIV/ADS. The money, $265,961, is through a grant that the County receives from the City through the Ryan White Act. On the motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Oros, the motion was carried by a vote of 3-0.
Closure of County run Dental Clinics: Legislature Stewart-Cousins pointed out to Dr. Lipsman the concerns she has about the closure of the County dental clinics. She was told the Neighborhood Clinics would be charging a sliding scale instead of a flat fee of $20 that the County dental clinics presently charge. Dr. Lipsman said the reason for the closing is that in 1995 they treated 5400 children and in 2003 they treated 579. They feel the decrease is due to Child Health Plus with people going to neighborhood health centers. It is costing the Health Department $428,000 tax levy. There are no grants, no state, no fed money. The Health Dept. did a survey, contacting the neighborhood health centers, asking if they could take more dental patients, what their capacity was, and were they interested and the response was yes. Dr. Lipsman feels that maybe 30 children would not be eligible for Medicaid. These people are low income and have medical insurance but not dental insurance. They are not eligible for child care plus. The Health Department will still have staff for public health education. The neighborhood health centers have indicated that they will work with the people.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Public Buildings within the County. A revised act has been submitted to the Health Department. The installation of the detectors would only be installed when there is substantial risk of exposure. These detectors are already installed in many areas – garages and boiler rooms. Legislator Latimer questioned what the estimated cost would be realizing the benefits would offset the cost. On the motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Oros, the motion was carried by a vote of 3-0.
There was a brief discussion on the Health Department not paying for chest x-rays for patients testing positive for tuberculosis exposure. Legislator Latimer pointed out that when the budget was passed and taxes were increased, Legislators assured their constituents that services would be protected but now taxes have been increased and the Legislators are not delivering on services. This applies to all departments. Dr. Lipsman pointed out that all departments have been told they need to present an austere budget.
On the motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
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