HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BOARD
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Administrative Center – County Board Room
6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Tara Johnson, Sharon Hampson, Margaret Wood, Jill Billings, Loren Kannenberg, Patrick Schippers
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Brad Pfaff, Dr. James Glasser, 1 vacancy
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
GUESTS AND STAFF PRESENT: Doug Mormann, Jerry Huber, Dean Ruppert, Mary Ellen Paudler, Jane Klekamp, Davita Molling, Donna Gunnarson, Chris Sander, Bill Adams, Ron Berg, Jim Steinhoff, John Parshall, Steve O’Malley, Alice Holstein, David Richling, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER
Tara Johnson, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Board Chair Johnson made the following announcements:
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Hampson/Glasser to approve the following consent agenda items:
Minutes
· Health and Human Services Board of 4/10/07
· Coulee Region Public Health Consortium of 4/4/07
· Dental Care Advocacy Coalition of 3/26/07 and 4/23/07
· Health and Human Services Labor/Management of 3/27/07
· Family Policy Board Management Council of 4/19/07
· Criminal Justice Management Council of 4/18/07
· Long Term Care Council of 4/13/07
Fiscal
· 2007 Summary of Contract Approvals
· Vendor Audit Policy Update – Step 3
· Care Management Organization Summary of Revenue and Expenses
Department Reports
· Health Director’s Written Report
· Human Services Director’s Written Report
· Health Department Quarterly Fiscal/Activity Report
· Human Services Quarterly Fiscal/Activity Report
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· Health Department Quarterly Appendix D Reporting
· Human Services Quarterly Appendix D Reporting
Miscellaneous comments and questions on some of the above items. Supervisor Wood questioned the actual dates when the Russian delegation will be at the Health Dept. Doug noted since the last meeting, the dates have changed to May 22 and 29; could possibly change again. John Parshall noted after observing computer usage at tonight’s meeting, plus other server problems, etc., he sees it (going paperless) as not being feasible at this time for this group. Members concurred noting the room setup is also not good. Supervisor Hampson noted a correction needed in the Long Term Care Council minutes under CMO Grievance report, the word untimely should be “ultimately”. Under the Health Director’s report, Supervisor Hampson questioned why decrease in staff time for an interpreter, etc. Doug noted less grant funding relating to the Hmong refugees. Under the Human Services Director’s report, questions relating to juvenile justice and the need to look at continuum of care. Jerry noted his contact with the Carey Group and the development of scope of work; this topic will be on the June agenda. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Glasser excused.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
BOARD EDUCATION
Policy, Practice, People of Outpatient Mental Health and Crisis Support – Jerry Huber read a letter sent by Alice Holstein, who had been a client of Human Services/Clinical Services. Jerry and Bill Adams, Manager of Clinical Services, introduced Alice who shared her story and gave praise to Human Services and staff. Also noted that she will be sharing a longer version of her story at a May 31st event; check with Bill on the details.
Alice noted that she was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder in her mid 50’s, though she now recognizes symptoms that occurred 8 years earlier. She is an educated person with a teaching degree and also received her masters and doctorate. Bipolar is a manic-depressive illness - a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe; results are loss of income due to spending sprees, medical costs, job losses; and at times being homeless. She’s been a part of Chapter 51 and relayed how it felt behind locked doors. With proper medication and in taking a pro-active stance, she is in recovery. She made the following suggestions: less reliance on hospitals and pills; mandatory listening skills training, especially for the hospitals and doctors; need for residential and outpatient center; and a wellness center. Miscellaneous questions and comments. Chairperson Johnson thanked Ms. Holstein for coming and sharing her story.
Policy, Practice, People of Environmental Health Radon – Ron Berg introduced Jim Steinhoff as the “radon specialist” for the County Health Dept. Jim gave a brief PowerPoint presentation. There is some EPA grant funding to assist with staff expenses for education and free consultation services. The department has teamed up with the County Libraries and conducted public educational sessions as well as sold Radon Testing Kits. Thus far over 1,100 detectors sold; of the 420 test results, 40% have levels over the recommended standard and 13% have levels that are associated with lung cancer. Dave Richling, as one of the three certified radon mitigation contractors, was present to review corrective measures. Several techniques are used. One prevents radon from entering a home while others reduce radon levels after it has entered. He noted radon seeps into the home from cracks in basement floors or foundations; radon is
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the decay of uranium from below the earth’s surface. Discussion on how the HHS Board could assist in, not only making homeowners aware, but also lending institutions and home inspectors. It was noted 15,000 die each year in the U.S. from radon related lung cancer.
POLICY ISSUES
Recovery Support Program for Substance Dependence – Adults Request for Proposal Recommendation – Chris Sander and Donna Gunnarson reviewed the RFP process for “recovery support program for substance dependence-adults”. The plan is to fill a gap in services in the AODA continuum of care and at the same time reduce costs in the areas of outpatient therapy and residential placements. The plan is to target 25 female Drug Court participants and engage them in 1-3 hours of weekly case management services to develop and maintain addiction-free lives.
An RFP was mailed to known AODA providers, including legal notice in the Tribune and on the County website. Four vendors submitted proposals. An evaluation team reviewed proposals and evaluated and scored each on: program narrative & philosophy, organization capabilities, staff qualifications, evaluation/documentation, price, and interviews; accumulated points could total 150 points. Based on the scoring results, the evaluation team recommends approval of ATTIC which had total score of 108. MOTION by Wood/Billings to approve a contract with ATTIC from June 1, 2007-December 31, 2007 for providing services for Recovery Support of Substance Dependence-Adults. Question asked regarding cost. Chris estimated it at $30,000. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Glasser excused. Other vendors and scores: Coulee Youth Center (104), Lutheran Social Services (54), and New Beginnings Counseling (31).
Aging and Disability Resource Center Design for Regionalization – Dean Ruppert briefly reviewed the revised draft of the La Crosse County ADRC organizational chart. The only difference from the previous chart is the addition of Disability Benefit Service component that includes a Supervisor and staff; functions will include marketing and outreach, website development, and community resource data on intranet. Dean noted two ADRC’s are planned for the region with La Crosse being the lead county for the south area (Jackson, Vernon, Monroe, and La Crosse). As soon as the plan is adopted, could hire up to 7 new positions (self-funded) due to regionalization. Dean noted a lot of work still needs to be done before implementation in November. Noted the smaller counties will receive the most benefit as they will no longer have waiting lists, and La Crosse County clients will continue to get the same level of service. Miscellaneous questions and answers.
Movement from Planning to Implementation of Regionalization of Family Care – Jerry Huber reviewed. He noted in the agenda packet a memo from TMG (HS consultant), addressed to WCC County Boards, committees and project director. The memo addresses 3 tracks: (1) County Planning Track, (2) RFP Response Preparation Track, and (3) ADRC Application Preparation and Review Track. Per #2 track, the RFP Review Board should consist of 11 members with one from each county HS Board or other County Board member; there will be a series of 4-5 meetings over the summer. Chairperson Johnson asked that any HHS Board member wanting to serve on the RFP Review Board, should let her know. Miscellaneous questions and answers.
RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES
Resolution re WCC County Board Resolution Relating to MCO and ADRC – MOTION by Hampson/Schippers to approve the resolution. Noted that the Steering Committees recommended the addition of Pepin and Clark Counties, per their request, to the West Central Consortium; other counties
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include Buffalo, Jackson, Monroe, Trempealeau, Vernon and La Crosse. Chairperson Johnson suggested the title of the resolution be amended by spelling out all of the abbreviations. MOTION by Schippers/Kannenberg to amend per Johnson’s suggestion with the title to read: West Central Consortium (WCC) County Board Resolution Relating to Managed Care Organization (MCO) and Aging & Disability Resources Center (ADRC). Original motion as amended carried unanimously; Pfaff and Glasser excused.
Resolution re Approval of Software License and Service Agreement with Data Resource, Inc. (DRI) – MOTION by Wood/Schippers to approve the resolution. John Parshall, IT Director, reviewed the need for such an agreement with DRI. DRI is the current software provider for Human Services. Jointly, DRI and the County will work to complete an improved software product called HS Connect. The County will benefit by obtaining the knowledge and the code information from the new software and will be able to integrate the new software into a new system to better serve the needs of Human Services and the County. DRI benefits by being able to market the new software without payment to the County. The County also retains the software license and maintenance without future fee charges. Discussion on the effects of the termination clause per both parties (County & DRI). Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Glasser excused.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Committee Chair Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder