HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-18 Community Health Commission MinutesMINUTES
Edina Community Health Committee
May 18, 2010, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Mayor’s Conference Room, Edina City Hall
Members Present: Kumar Belani, Mary Jo Kingston, Jan Johnson, Mark Johnson, Carolyn Peterson, Student Dolan Lee
Members Absent: Alan Lifson, Idelle Longman
Guests: Dr. Jeff Ho, Marty Scheerer, Michael Nibbe, Kathy Iverson, Ruth Tripp
WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kingston welcomed members and called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the March 16, 2010 meeting were unanimously approved by a motion from Member Peterson and second from Member Jan Johnson.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Kathy Iverson, Edina Chemical Health Coordinator gave an update on chemical health efforts. Ms. Iverson indicated that alcohol is the drug of choice by students and that chewing tobacco
use is increasing. A recent $500 grant made possible a town hall forum on alcohol reduction. The program, "We Can Do This Together" was well attended. Other programming includes talking
with students as early as 5th grade to encourage "no use" concept. Ms. Iverson also talked about "Open House Party", where alcohol is not permitted and increase use of prescription
drugs.
Dr. Jeff Ho, Edina Medical Consultant, discussed his role as a medical consultant to the City of Edina. Because Edina provides their own paramedic service, they are required to have
a medical consultant. Dr. Ho is an emergency room doctor at Hennepin County Medical Center and has been Edina's medical director since 1997. He conducts monthly paramedic training,
remedies dispatched emergencies over the phone and works with police officers on basic emergency medical training. He applauded Edina's very strong emergency services, saying the emergency
response time average is four minutes from time of 911 call. The ratio of medical to fire calls is 7/1 in Edina and new ultrasound equipment is now being used in the ambulances. Dr.
Ho worked with police and fire to stockpile personal protective equipment for pandemic flu and during the H1N1 outbreak, he ensured staff was protected with vaccinations, personal protective
equipment and personal hygiene reminders.
Marty Scheerer, Edina Fire Chief, praised Dr. Ho for the exceptional service he provides to the City of Edina as the medical consultant. He works directly with Dr. Ho on many emergency
situations as they arise. Chief Scheerer welcomed the opportunity to showcase an ambulance to the Community Health Committee at the new fire station. A future tour will be considered
by the Committee. Mike Nibbe, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Edina was introduced to the Committee.
Chair Kingston thanked all guest speakers.
STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Ruth Tripp, Health Specialist and SHIP Grant Coordinator from Bloomington Public Health gave an update on health activities in Edina resulting from the SHIP grant awarded to Bloomington,
Edina and Richfield. To date, efforts have been focused on schools and community and now will
include activities in the worksite and health care setting. Ms. Tripp talked about the Edina Farmer's Market which will open July 1, 2010 at Centennial Lake Park. The market will
provide another option for residents and visitors to access fresh fruits and vegetables for improved nutrition. At the end of a market day, leftover produce will be donated to VEAP.
To encourage physical activity, SHIP grant money will provide for additional bike racks at schools and on city properties. Bike Edina Task Force sponsored an elementary school Bike
Rodeo. Grant money was also used to provide additional "tobacco free" signs in Edina parks. They are encouraging worksite employees to increase physical activity during the work day
by "Energize At Work". Local walking trail brochures have been developed and employers are encouraged to provide on-site exercise equipment for their employees.
Upcoming activities will focus on worksites and healthcare settings by encouraging more physical activity and improved nutrition.
Mini SHIP grants were awarded in Bloomington, Edina and Richfield. Highlands Elementary School received a mini grant to fund a student garden project.
Chair Kingston thanked Ms. Tripp for her presentation.
HEALTH STAFF REPORTS
Member Alan Lifson presented a draft article on sexually transmitted diseases for publication in the Sun Current. Member M. Johnson moved and Member J. Johnson seconded the motion to
approve the draft article. Liaison Engelman will have the Edina Communications Department review the article prior to submittal to the Sun Current. The Committee thanked Member Lifson
for a job well done.
Liaison Engelman informed the Committee that Tom Shirley, Centennial Lakes Manager, was reviewing applicants for the Farmer's Market and once screened, the Health Department would review
each vendor to ensure licensing and food safety controls are in place.
Liaison Engelman said that the Edina Park Board Commission was going to review the current Edina Turf Management Plan. A special task force will be developed to complete the review.
Member Kingston offered to participate on the task force as a representative of the Community Health Committee. Meetings will be scheduled during the summer.
COMMUNITY COMMENT
None presented.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Member M. Johnson and seconded by Member J. Johnson to adjourn. Vote to adjourn was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
________________________
Sherry Engelman
Next Meeting: September 21, 2010
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2010 Meeting Dates: March 16 May 18 September 21 October 19