Board of Health — Skokie, IL
Date: 2013-10-10

Skokie Board of Health
 October 10, 2013

Present____________________ _ Absent Excused
Dr. Abbasi Dr. Prince Dr. Kaplan Dr. Herwitz
Dr. Drachler Dr. Sood Dr. Polin
Ms. Nickisch Duggan Dr. Topouzian
Dr. Gaynes Ms. Urbanus
Mr. Gordon Dr. Usman
Dr. Luka Ms. Varma
Mr. Nidetz Dr. Veis
Mr. Pandya Dr. Williams
Dr. Plotkin


Dr. Counard, Director of Health
Bruce A. Jones, Staff

Guests: Molly Jenkins and Melissa Foxworth both MPH candidates at UIC School of Public Health

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.

Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as submitted.

Margaret Provost-Fyfe, RN, MPH Health Director Village of Oak Park and Dr. Kamana Mbekeani
Chair, OP Board of Health Village of Oak Park
Margaret Provost-Fyfe and Dr. Kamana Mbekeani gave a detailed presentation on the programs and
services they offer in Oak Park. A copy of the presentation is attached.

Ms. Provost-Fyfe has been with Oak Park for 28 years and Dr. Mbekeani is a 25 year resident of Oak
Park and served 7 years as a commissioner and 3 years as Board of Health (BOH) Member. Many of Oak
Parks programs are very similar to the Skokie Health Department in that they handle Environmental
Health, Rodent control, Clean Indoor Air Act (SFIA) enforcement, Communicable Disease Control,
Community Health Services, Family Case Management, Child Care surveillance, Long term care
surveillance and Emergency Preparedness and Response issues.

Oak Park’s Board of Health has similar authority that reads:
The Board of Health is an advisory body to the Director of the Department of Public Health and the
Board of Trustees, and as such has authority to make recommendations as to such rules, regulations and
orders as it may deem necessary for the preservation and improvement of public health and for the
prevention and/or suppression of disease.

Both Ms. Provost-Fyfe and Dr. Mbekeani discussed many topics related to Oak Park’s community and
Health Department issues including:

Oak Park population (2010 census) was 51,878 and broken down by race (White 67.7%, Black or African
American 21.7%, Asian 4.8%, Two or More races 3.6%, ‘Some Other’ race 2.0% and AI/AN 0.2%)
Oak Park Estimated Median Household Income 2010 = $77,602.
Oak Park Unemployment rate, 2010 = 7.2 (Average, annual), and District 97 students eligible for free or
reduced lunch – 21.26%

Oak Park’s 2011 IPLAN issues were:
 • Chronic Disease
 • Access to health and dental care
 • Obesity
….with other areas of interest including Teen Alcohol and Drug Use and Mental Health for all ages

Ms. Provost-Fyfe also mentioned that at one time gun control was a very important topic being looked at
by their Board of Health.

Dr. Drachler mentioned he was intrigued by the fact substance abuse was being interpreted as a major
issue for their IPLAN. Ms. Provost-Fyfe explained how it became a public issue at the time and a group
called “Impact” received a lot of press which drove this issue.

Dr. Abbasi questioned the issue of gun control. Ms. Provost-Fyfe said that it was raised by a BOH
member as a result of the Supreme Court decision that struck down Oak Park’s existing ordinance. The
BOH felt it was a health issue. Unfortunately the research on the topic did not show enough evidence to
support their intuitive thoughts about this issue and thus they focused on education and the BOH
recommendations are still pending.

Dr. Drachler asked about tobacco cessation, tobacco laws and any other areas they have addressed. Ms.
Provost-Fyfe mentioned that their parks are smoke free and they are looking at a tobacco free campus.
Dr. Drachler asked about e-cigarettes. Ms. Provost-Fyfe said they will need to look at this since it is not
specifically in their ordinance. Dr. Williams said that the FDA has ruled e-cigs are tobacco products and
can be regulated as such.

Dr. Luka asked where people can go for Mental Health services. Ms. Provost-Fyfe said they do have a
private organization that provides community Mental Health services.

Dr. Plotkin asked if Madden provides services. Ms. Provost-Fyfe said they do not.

Dr. Drachler asked where they obtain their potable water. Ms. Provost-Fyfe said it is Lake Michigan
water and its quality may be influenced by the infrastructure (pipes) in the system.


Chair’s Report
Dr. Drachler mentioned he received a notice of an event entitled “Boomers and Beyond” to be held on
November 8 hosted by the Skokie Commission on Family Services at Oakton Community Center, 4701
Oakton Street, Skokie. The Boomers & Beyond Community Resource Fair will showcase an exhibit area
to feature more than 40 vendors. Free wellness screenings, presentations, raffle prizes, refreshments and
numerous giveaways will be available throughout the morning. Attendees will receive helpful
information and expert advice about local resources, community-based programs, volunteer
opportunities, fitness and nutrition, legal assistance, financial products, social and cultural activities,
lifelong education, senior housing, assistive devices, technology and more.
Personal Statements
Dr. Abbasi gave a brief personal and professional background overview to the Board.

Director’s Monthly Report
Dr. Counard presented the September monthly report (attached). The highlights included:

David Clough, M.P.A., New Public Health Analyst, Joins the Department
David Clough, M.P.A., joined the Department on September 16, filling the vacant Public Health Analyst
position. David worked for 5 years as a psychologist, prior to obtaining his Masters in Public
Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Most recently he managed grants for
researchers at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. David will have responsibility for
budgeting, grant management and program evaluation. Please join me in welcoming David Clough!

Tour of new Erie Evanston/Skokie Health Center set to open in November
On September 17, I toured the new Erie Evanston/Skokie Health Center with Dr. A. Michael Drachler,
Board of Health Chair, and Beth Lindley, of Human Services. The facility is well planned, spacious and
welcoming, with large windows and light throughout. This long-awaited clinic is set to open next month,
with 15 exam rooms and five dental chairs, providing comprehensive primary care including obstetrical
care. A floor plan for the new facility, located at 1285 Hartrey Street, is attached below

Communicable Disease Control Noteworthy Cases
Malaria: Two adult male residents contracted malaria while traveling this summer. One spent 6 weeks in
India and the other spent four weeks in Pakistan. Neither resident took medication to prevent malaria.
Both residents were treated and have recovered.
Cholera: An adult male resident contracted cholera while spending the summer in India. He was ill with
vomiting and diarrhea prior to leaving India and was ill during the trip home. Upon his return he was
hospitalized for 8 days, and is now recovering at home.

Dr. Counard will look into holding the December BOH meeting at the new Erie Evanston/Skokie Family
Health Center. Dr. Avery Hart, site Medical Director, is scheduled to speak to the Board in December.

Dr. Topouzian asked about clarification on the active TB cases. Dr. Counard explained that our 8 cases
last year equates to the 12 per 100,000 rate. Dr. Drachler mentioned all health care workers are tested for
TB and it is prevalent in our community.

Molly Jenkins asked if we had been affected by the TB testing supply shortage. Dr. Counard said there
was shortage in spring and now again so we are doing targeted testing for high risk people only, for
example those who have been exposed to someone with active TB. Mr. Pandya asked what can be done
since they have been out for several months at Walgreens. Dr. Counard recommends that they refer
people to the Cook County Department of Public Health TB testing and treatment center in Des Plaines.

Dr. Abbasi had a follow up question about the rate of TB in Skokie. Dr. Counard explained that the rate
of active TB cases in Skokie is higher than other areas of suburban Cook County and that is why it is so
important for cases to be monitored during the course of treatment.

Community Health Plan Initiatives Updates
• Access to Healthcare – – Dr. Drachler distributed a JAMA article concerning the Affordable Care
 Act which outlines how people cannot be denied access to health care, but if you smoke or are
 overweight you can be charged a premium.
• Obesity Prevention – Dr. Drachler distributed two Tribune articles. One concerning the leading role
 gut bacteria can play in obesity. Another on a teen program targeted to fight obesity and depression.

• Tobacco Use Prevention – Dr. Drachler distributed two articles concerning the Lake County Forest
 Preserve restricting smoking at playground areas. Skokie must continue to work on the issue of
 smoke free campuses. Oakton Community College was looking at this issue but is now on hold due
 to the large amount of backlash they received from smokers on the topic. At next month’s meeting
 the Skokie Park District Superintendent will be presenting and this topic can be discussed then. Dr.
 Counard explained these changes would require an ordinance change that would be brought before
 the Village Manager, Mayor and Board of Trustees.

 Dr. Drachler distributed an e-mail with an outline of issues concerning breastfeeding and what can be
 done at the Erie Evanston/Skokie Health Center

• Healthy Environment – Dr. Drachler explained that his wife had sent him a photo from downtown
 Highland Park showing both a garbage can and recycling can together and the need for Skokie to
 promote recycling more aggressively especially in commercial districts. Mr. Jones mentioned that he
 had followed up with Public Works on this topic. There is a commercial program available through
 LakeShore Waste Services that offered a 95 gallon cart picked up once a week free of charge and
 there are other options offered for a minimum fee. Dr. Drachler feels we need to promote this
 program more widely.

 Dr. Drachler distributed two more articles. One on Lake County reconsidering allowing chickens and
 the second covering a literature review on West Nile Virus. Dr. Drachler asked about any updates on
 WNV. Dr. Counard mentioned we had one human case but the investigation revealed they were
 exposed somewhere outside of Skokie.



 Old Business
 Dr. Veis asked about promoting what type of vaccines individuals should obtain when traveling out of
 the country. Dr. Counard said we have done this before and we can look to have it placed in NewSkokie
 during the spring when people are more likely to travel.

 Dr. Drachler asked for an update on the issue of beekeeping. Dr. Counard mentioned we are working on
 the regulations and will be coming back to the Mayor and Trustees in late October.


 New Business
 None

 Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:04 p.m.