02/28/2019 Meeting Minutes
GARRETT COUNTY HEALTH PLANNING COUNCIL
Garrett County Health Department Conference Room
February 28, 2019
MINUTES
Health Planning Council Members in Attendance
Steve Putnam Robin McGill Dr. Willis McGill Robert Stephens
Larry Tichnell Dr. Karl Schwalm Charles Wilt Christie Reckart
Edgar Harman Regina Gearhart
Staff and Visitors
Sue Lisantti (The Reading Station) Tammy Stewart (US Cellular) Donna Fost (GC Alzheimer Assn)
Dr. Bill Pope Andrea Davis (Hospice) Dr. Jennifer Corder (GCHD)
Fred Polce (GCHD) Shelley Argabrite (GCHD) John Corbin (GCHD)
Caroline Argabrite (The Reading Station)
CALL TO ORDER
HPC Chairman Steve Putnam called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. in the first floor conference room.
OLD BUSINESS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the January 24, 2019 meeting were approved as submitted.
PHARMACIST VACANCY
As per the bylaws, a pharmacist is required to be part of the Health Planning Council. Robbin Skipper has filled the position for a few years, but has stepped down. If anyone has an idea for a person to fill this position, please let Bob know. It would be helpful to have a retired pharmacist so they would be available to attend the 8:00 a.m. HPC meetings.
NEW BUSINESS
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Shelley presented a brief overview. (see attached PowerPoint) The framework of the CHA is made up of secondary data, which is a problem because it is out of date by the time it is published. They are trying to bridge the gap between the 2016 and the 2019 assessments. There will be a questionnaire that will be tied into the Health Fair in April. Using that information along with information from mygarrettcounty.com is intended to make the data more current.
THE READING STATION
In 2017, Sue Lisantti began the Reading Station, offering free reading assistance to students and adults. Currently the ages span from 6 to 72 and there is a waiting list. A second site was opened in Northern Middle School.
Students receive 40 minutes once or twice a week; 25 minutes reading skills and 15-20 minutes reading. A board of retired teachers assess each student and each lesson is planned for a student’s specific need. They can also teach groups if needed.
Caroline is a volunteer at the center. She assists young students with reading and does some office work which includes updating mygarrettcounty.com. When Ms. Lisantti began the Reading Station, there was no literacy data for Garrett County. There was trouble collecting data; some came from the schools, but their data comes from standardized testing. The Planning Tool will help in collecting data that can be used when applying for grants.
Through “The Future of Good Program”, US Cellular has selected 16 young humanitarians under 16 for inspirational acts of good they do in their communities. Each receives $10,000 to go towards furthering their cause. Caroline applied for this award and was one of the 16 chosen to continue the programs at the Reading Station.
FUNDING PORTAL ON MYGARRETTCOUNTY.COM
There is a new feature on mygarrettcounty.com. Under the “Community Forum” there are funding opportunities that can be accessed for organizations. You can also see grants that have been submitted and information on how to submit a grant.
MARYLAND RURAL HEALTH STORIES VIDEO
Bob shared a video sponsored by Maryland Rural Health that highlights the Buprenorphine Program at the Health Department and includes health department staff.
AGENCY UPDATES
Hospice – They will be sponsoring the annual Walk for Hospice on June 16th at 2 PM at Glades Park. It is their largest fundraiser. Flyers can be picked up at their office.
Mountain Laurel Medical Center – The STEPS Committee will be holding the 2019 Health Fair on April 13th at 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the CARC. Please contact Charles if you would like to assist the STEPS committee. Also, a Partner in Health award is given to an individual and a group at the Health Fair. The application is available on mygarrettcounty.com and will also be on the garretthealth.org site. If you would like to be on the review committee for the award, please contact Bob.
There is currently a phone survey that is offering $30 to participants that complete the survey. It is a national survey of drug and health. This is a legitimate survey.
Steve Putnam reminded everyone to go share what you learn at these meetings with family, co-workers, friends, etc. If we do not spread this information, others will not know.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m. The next HPC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 28th at 8:00 a.m. in the Health Department conference room.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Stephens, MS
Health Officer/HPC Secretary
Recorded by: BAB
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