12/3/2020 HPC Minutes

HEALTH PLANNING COUNCIL

VIRTUAL MEETING

DECEMBER 3, 2020

 

PERMANENT MEMBERS PRESENT

Brian Bailey, MLMC                                         Mark Boucot, GRMC                                       Rick DeWitt, GCDSS

Lisa McCoy, U of MD Extension                  Robert Stephens, GCHD                                Duane Yoder, GCCAC

Larry Tichnell, GC Commissioner                               Dr. Phil Lauver, GCPS

 

CONSUMER MEMBERS PRESENT

Brian Boal                                            Nicole Christian                                 George Evans                    Edgar Harman

Robin McGill                                       Dr. Willis McGill                                Steve Putnam                    Christie Reckart

Dr. Karl Schwalm

 

VISITORS            

Shelley Argabrite                              John Corbin                                        Grace Bolyard                    Maria Friend

Clark Lanthier                                    Julie Teter                                           Fred Polce, Jr.                    Donna Fost

Scott Hollingsworth                         Dr. Jennifer Corder                          Rya Griffis                           Joni Diehl

Thomas George                                Kendra McLaughlin                          Kimi Scott-McGreevy     Dr. William Pope

Cindy Sharon

 

Edgar Harman, Vice Chairperson called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m.  The minutes from the October meeting were approved as submitted.

 

GARRETT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER STRATEGIC PLAN

Mark began his presentation stating that the hospital has created a surge plan to care for residents in need of care.  The hospital is seeing more patients and conducting more tests.  There was a question concerning a “rumor” that hospitals are reimbursed for COVID diagnoses and deaths.  Mark assured the council that the hospital received an advance in order to prepare for surges, but they do not benefit from the pandemic.  Mark asked that if there are more questions or concerns to email him at [email protected].

 

See Strategic Plan attached.

 

WORKGROUP ON ADOLESCENT AD CHILD HELATH UPDATE

Dr. Schwalm reported that the group meets monthly.  Yesterday’s meeting was spent discussing the huge need for child and adolescent behavioral health services in Garrett County.  The waiting list is 60 patients for behavioral health ad 40 for opioid treatment.  Things were behind before the pandemic, but the numbers are up even more.

 

The group compiled a list of Behavioral Health providers and is distributing it to the community and medical providers.

 

GoGARRETTCOUNTY.COM

We received a grant that allows us to move forward on the site.  The focus will be on chronic disease and expanding education.  This is a community program promoting existing resources and businesses by earning points by watching videos and learning.  The points can be used toward healthy items and healthy food items at local businesses.

 

Any community resource can post their information and if you want to be featured on the website, make a video and email it to Shelley.  This site gives a way to interact with the community.  There will be a soft launch on Monday and available to the public by the end of the month.  There will be promotions in January for the site.

 

AGENCY UPDATES

Appalachian Crossroads – There are two homes that are quarantined.

AHEC West – Open enrollment runs through December 15.  They can be contacted at 888-202-0212

GCHD/COVID –

• There was a surge in November that began in October.
• There is free community testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the MEDCO building near the airport in McHenry.
• The vaccine may be made available within the next two weeks.
• There have been planning meetings involving partners
• The hospital and nursing homes would receive the first doses
• We will need to accept whatever is offered
• The MEDCO building will be used for vaccine clinics
• There is vaccine hesitancy that will need to be addressed

 

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m.  The next HPC meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Robert Stephens, MS

GC Health Officer/HPC Secretary

 

Recorded by: BAB