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, March 22, 2006, at 1:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
James A. Lawrence, D.D.S.
H. Banks Carroll, M. D.
Mrs. Brenda Dozier
Mr. Isaiah Hugley, City Manager
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mayor Bob Poydasheff
James H. Sullivan, M.D.
Howard Willis, M. D.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mr. J. Ed Wilson, For Mayor Poydasheff
Bill Rumer, Attorney
Zsolt Koppanyi, M. D.
Ed Saidla
Margaret Gosden
Pam Middleton
LaQuita Rogers
Nannette Turner
Dr. Carroll called the meeting to order and asked for a motion to approve the
minutes of the last meeting. A motion was made by Ms. Dozier, seconded by Dr.
Lawrence and approved by those members present.
Dr. Carroll asked if there was any Old Business and referred to the Action
List. Ms. Gosden stated there were no items to be discussed at this time.
Dr. Carroll asked if there was any New Business to bring before the Board. Ms.
Gosden stated there was an item of equipment to be purchased requiring approval
from the Board. Ms. Gosden stated there is a new standard of care applied in
the Women?s Health Program. Women who undergo depo provera shots as their
choice of birth control require an annual bone density screening. The agency
owns one screener which is occupied and booked most of the time. A second
machine is needed to be used in Women?s Health. A price of $7,995.50 was
obtained from the Instrument House for an Ultrasonic Bone Sonometry with a
carrying case. Ms. Gosden asked for the approval of the purchase in order to
meet the standard of care. Dr. Carroll asked for a motion to approve the
purchase of this piece of equipment. A motion was made by Dr. Lawrence,
seconded by Ms. Dozier and approved by those members present.
Dr. Carroll asked if there was any other New Business to be discussed.
Dr. Carroll stated there were two Excused Absences for today?s meeting the
first being Dr. Sullivan who is ill and Dr. Willis who had a previous
appointment. Dr. Carroll asked for a motion to accept the Excused Absences. A
motion was made by Dr. Lawrence and seconded by Ms. Dozier and approved by
those members present.
Dr. Carroll asked Dr. Koppanyi for the Director?s Comments. Dr. Koppanyi stated
that in response to the MMRS monies, the Sheriff?s Department will do a CERT
Training for the Emergency Response Team. Nine weeks ago the training started
with fifty-two people. At this point, forty people have completed the rigorous
three hour/nine week course. They were given some basic equipment to take with
them. The participants are all average middle-aged to older persons who were
very anxious to participate in the course. The people come from various
backgrounds. There are going to be several more groups that will be training
here in Muscogee County.
Dr. Koppanyi stated that public health has been working very closely with other
agencies in the city on pandemic flu plan preparedness. This is a very complex
situation.
Dr. Koppanyi stated that yesterday he received a slide show of a mosquito
trailer that was bought out of CDC?s monies to study the different mosquitoes.
Dr. Carroll asked if there was any other comments from Dr. Koppanyi.
(Noted- Mr. Hugley came in late but he voted ?yes? on all three actions by the
Board.)
Dr. Carroll called on Pam Middleton for the financial report for February,
2006.
Dr. Carroll called on Nannette Turner, Cancer Coalition for the presentation to
the Board.
Mr. Hugley asked if he might speak to the Board Members. He stated that he is
the President of the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition and works closely
with Nannette Turner as the Executive Director. The Cancer Coalition has an
excellent active Board. State Representative Debbie Buckner is the Vice
President and President Elect. Representation from all of the local hospitals
and interested persons throughout the counties served, is the hallmark of the
organization. Mr. Hugley wanted the Board Members to know that he is involved
with the Cancer Coalition and wants to enjoy the relationship with the health
department in that regard. The Cancer Coalition has received designation as a
501C3. The Coalition is in the third year having had as past president Nancy
Johnson of the John Amos Cancer Institute. Mr. Hugley was elected as President
this year. Mr. Hugley stated there was a grant received through the John B.
Amos Cancer Institute. This grant was received through Congressman Sanford
Bishop?s office. They are working to establish a letter of agreement on the
deliverables with the John B. Amos Cancer Institute. They are also working on
a letter of agreement with the Health Department. Dr. Carroll asked if there
were any questions for Mrs. Turner.
Dr. Lawrence asked if Dr. Shaw was still retiring at the end of the month. Mr.
Saidla said yes that was true and Dr. Downer is on board already. Also, Dr.
Carroll stated that he was standing in for Dr. Sullivan who was not present at
today?s meeting. We have not heard about his condition lately but will check on
him.
Mr. Saidla said that the information was presented regarding House Bill 1331
and everyone should have received a copy and also a copy is in the Board
Members Books. Mr. Saidla said that Bill did not come out of the House. There
are several bills circulating through the House and one in the Senate to
establish study committees to look at public health, particularly the funding
for Public Health Nurses and the over all mission of public health. Luckily
House Bill 1331 did not go through. We will not be loosing almost 4 million
dollars projected had it passed.
Dr. Carroll asked for any other business. There being none, the meeting was
adjourned.
Respectfully submitted:
_________________________
Pam Middleton, Secretary
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