The regular meeting of the Columbus Board of Health was held in the
Administration Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Center on
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at 1:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
James H. Sullivan, M. D. Mayor Jim Wetherington
Isaiah Hugley, City Manager
Howard Willis, M. D.
Banks H. Carroll, M. D.
James A. Lawrence, D.D.S.
Ms. Brenda Dozier
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
OTHERS PRESENT:
Zsolt Koppanyi, M. D.
Eileen Albritton
Margaret Gosden
Ed Saidla
Karon Bush
Sonya Cochran
Chauncey Walker-Whiting
Jannette Pruitt
Debbie Wilson, Cordele
Charlene Ellis
Jennifer Serda, Channel 3 News
Dr. Sullivan called the meeting to order and asked for a motion to approve the
minutes of the last meeting. A motion was made by Mayor Wetherington, seconded
by Dr. Lawrence and approved by those members present.
Dr. Sullivan asked Dr. Koppanyi to speak for a few moments concerning the
unexpected death of LaQuita Rogers, Nursing Administrator. We would like to pay
tribute with a moment of silence, and following, Dr. Sullivan asked Dr. Carroll
to say a prayer of remembrance. Ms. Gosden stated there is a book of
remembrance for Ms. Rogers?s mother, if anyone would like to make an entry.
Also, memorial gifts have been designated. You may contact
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Ms. Gosden for details. Kathy Sledge with the Ledger Enquirer has been asked
to write an article about Ms. Rogers in the newspaper. There will be a
dedication ceremony in January designating the Nursing Classroom in Ms. Rogers
honor. There will be an announcement about that at a later date. Ms. Gosden
stated that flowers were sent to the funeral services on behalf of the Board.
For those who were unable to attend the funeral services it was a moving and
uplifting experience. Antonio Lawrence from the health department staff sang.
He has been a presenter to this Board in the past.
Dr. Koppanyi asked for a moment of silence in remembrance ??and this was
followed by a prayer from Dr. Carroll.
Dr. Sullivan asked Ms. Gosden for her comments under Old Business concerning
the dental AR report. Ms. Gosden stated that dental does not carry an account
receivable because of the nature of that program. All of the patients are
either Medicaid or based on the sliding scale, pay little or no fees. These are
collected at the time, so an AR is not carried as is the case in other clinics.
She gave a report on how we stand this year. The impact of purchase of new
chairs would be a $30,000+ expense. Salaries in the program are roughly
$101,000. About 75 to 80% of Dr. Downer?s salary is funded from Atlanta and the
remainder is charged to the local budget. We receive GIA for about 75-80% of
her salary. The support staff makes up the remainder of the salary expense.
Other expenses are projected at about $39,675. A fund balance has been carried
from previous years in the amount of $131,814. The equipment expense of
$30,378 subtracted from income in FY 06 rolled to FY 07 as our Prior Year
Program Income, we started out with $186,423, leaves us a projected spend down
to $146,827. The $30,000 expense did not have a major impact on that program.
Dr. Downer is collecting adequate fees. In the first quarter, which ended
September 30th, Dr. Downer collected $38,171.73. Annualized this would be
$152,600. Generally in the spring the fees increase as opposed to the fall.
With the emerging problem with Kool Smiles, (Medicaid contract terminated) the
income this will increase. She asked for any questions. Dr. Willis asked if
the claims had to be submitted for reimbursement for Medicaid. Ms. Gosden
stated that was true and those have not experienced the delays of other
programs. Mr. Saidla stated that the two dental chairs had arrived. He stated
that Dr. Downer had contacted several different organizations about donating
one of the dental chairs. The other chair was swapped to provide a better unit
to the Muscogee County Jail. They needed new equipment and a
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dental chair so it was provided to them as a governmental property swap. Ms.
Gosden also stated that the new auto-clave was in place. Dr. Willis stated that
this appears to be one of the most successful programs. Dr. Willis stated that
the years that he had been attending the national convention, the health
departments always had an outreach program for the school system and this is
not something in place in this community. A correction of this comment was made
by Mr. Saidla. Mr. Saidla stated that there is a dental trailer we take on site
to offer services to all of the counties that requesting school based services.
Dr. Downer works with the school superintendents and principles to provide any
school services. There were comments from Ms. Dozier and Dr. Koppanyi regarding
this issue. Dr. Willis stated that possibly there was a surplus and the
activities could be increased. Ms. Gosden stated if this was done, Dr. Downer
would need an additional dentist to expand the case load and to assist. At one
time a part-time dentist was employed; however, he joined the staff of Kool
Smiles. Dr. Willis asked when was the last time that the dental unit was in
Talbotton? Mr. Saidla stated that he would find out. He stated that some of the
schools systems choose to use other providers other than the health department
staff. The dental services are available to all of the counties within the
district. Dr. Downer coordinates with the school superintendents and principles
as to the schedule for services. Dr. Willis asked if they are given an option?
Mr. Saidla stated yes, they are given an option and it is their choice. Dr.
Willis asked if the dental unit goes to Marshall? There was a brief discussion
regarding this issue. Dr. Downer is deciding if she is ready to recruit another
dentist. Recruit and finding another dentist is not an easy proposition. This
is what is limiting us at this point is the time of the dentist. Dr. Downer has
a great relationship with the children/patients and is very good at what she
does. Dr. Willis said that if Dr. Downer would become an adjunct professor in
the dental school at Meharry, which probably could get some of its fourth year
dental students down. Ms. Albritton stated that Dr. Downer is on the MCG. Ms.
Gosden stated that this summer she had two students in training. Ms. Gosden
stated that Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Downer have a great running relationship about
issues. Ms. Gosden asked for any other questions.
Dr. Sullivan asked for Dr. Koppanyi?s Health Director?s Comments. Dr. Koppanyi
stated there is a major reorganization happening on the State level. There has
been a major issue regarding the monies from CDC for the Emergency
Preparedness. There will be a cut of about 11%. Dr. Koppanyi
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stated that he is on the Emergency Preparedness program steering group along
with several other health directors. We have also received some good news; the
Safe Kids Program has become one of the four top local programs in the nation.
The annual meeting was held yesterday. There are approximately 200 volunteers
that are trained that help install car seats and restraints. At holiday time,
everyone is getting bicycles, go-carts, etc. so we try and teach them how to
use the equipment properly and also hand-out safety helmets. Last year over 105
safety helmets were handed out and other 250 kids participated in the fitting.
It is a very vigorous and useful program that is doing a good penetration
throughout the community. There is excellent cooperation with the police
department.
Dr. Koppanyi stated that they are awaiting news from the State level to find
out the outcome of all of the changes. A conference call is scheduled for Nov.
5th where the State office will explain to some degree these changes.
Dr. Koppanyi asked for any questions.
Ms. Bush received the information regarding the dental visits to Talbotton and
she stated that it had been 5 years since Dr. Downer had been to Talbot County;
however, Talbot County has their own dentist. Dr. Downer has been in contact
with Talbot County to let them know that she is available for services.
Dr. Sullivan stated that Ms. Gosden distributed the audit for FY2007. He asked
for the Board members to take it home and review it.
Dr. Sullivan asked Ms. Gosden for the financial report to the Board.
Ms. Gosden stated that Larry Young will be at the next Board Meeting to review
the audit. Mr. Hugley asked if this information could be shared and Ms. Gosden
stated that it is public record information.
Dr. Sullivan called on Chauncey-Walker-Whiting, Children?s Medical Services for
the program presentation. She introduced Debbie Wilson from CMS-Cordele and
Jannette Pruitt from the Pediatric Center to present the program.
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Dr. Sullivan asked if there was any other business to discuss. There being
none, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________________
Pam Middleton, Secretary
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