Board of Health — Skokie, IL
Date: 2013-05-09

Skokie Board of Health
 May 9, 2013

Present____________________ _ Absent Excused
Dr. Drachler Dr. Sood Dr. Gaynes Dr. Luka
Ms. Nickisch Duggan Dr. Topouzian Mr. Gordon
Dr. Herwitz Ms. Urbanus Dr. Kaplan
Mr. Nidetz Dr. Usman Dr. Prince
Mr. Pandya Ms. Varma
Dr. Plotkin Dr. Veis
Dr. Polin Dr. Williams
Mr. Shah Note: Dr. Vicencio has resigned from the Board of Health

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

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m.
Dr. Drachler introduced Trustee Bromberg to the Board. Trustee Bromberg gave a brief overview of her
background for the Board’s information.
The Board then had their photo taken for inclusion in the next FY13 Health Department Annual Report.

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

Catherine A. Counard, MD, MPH, Director of Health – Board of Health Year in Review
Dr. Counard gave a presentation on the “Board of Health Year in Review”. A copy of the presentation is
attached.

Dr. Counard outlined and gave detailed information on each of the following areas that the Board has
focused on in the last year:

Board of Health Purposes
 • Recommend to the Mayor and Board of Trustees amendments or additions from time to time to
 those portions of this Code dealing with public and environmental health matters.
 • Recommend to the Mayor and Board of Trustees specific public and environmental health
 improvements within the Village.
 • Give aid to municipal officials charged with the direction of projects relating to air, water, noise
 or other environmental pollution problems.
 • Review and consider those matters of public and environmental health concerns referred to it by
 the Board of Trustees.
 • Cooperate with the Mayor and Board of Trustees, Village departments and other public and
 private agencies in carrying out a volunteer blood donor program within the Village.

Skokie Board of Health FY13 Accomplishments
 • Actively participated in state re-certification process
 • Joined the Medical Reserve Corps
 • Volunteered for the community flu shot program
 • Judged student “Don’t Smoke, Don’t Start” posters
 • Public Health Partners of Excellence awards
 • Summer Board Dinner
Invited speakers on topics of interest:
 • Mr. Bruce A. Jones, Dr. Catherine A. Counard, Dangerous and Vicious Animal Ordinance
 • Susan Reisberg, R.N., Public Health Nurse Update on Adult Immunizations
 • Mr. William V. Ramsey, Emergency Preparedness, Lovell Federal Health Care Center
 • Larry Williams, DDS The National Prevention Strategy (NPS): An Important Health Initiative
 • Mr. Rich Casey, Vice President, Skokie Hospital Vision for the Future of Skokie Hospital
 • Mr. Robert Berry, Mr. Dave Zazra, North Shore Mosquito Abatement District
 • Mr. Jeff Burman, Chair Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission
 • Mr. Bruce A. Jones Skokie Animal Control Review

Board FY14 Objectives
  Organize education and training for Board of Health members.
  Exchange ideas with neighboring health departments to identify and solve public health problems
 in the region.
  Publicize activities of the Board of Health and Health Department through diverse venues, to
 improve citizens awareness of available services and the important public health work performed
 in the Village.
  Develop the Board of Health portion of the Village Website, including adding meeting minutes
 and other activities, to promote better accessibility for public information.
  Provide input to the Health Department, Mayor, and Trustees regarding health legislation.
  Continue to serve on the Erie Evanston/Skokie Family Health Center Advisory Boards, and
 promote access to healthcare for Skokie residents.
  Assist the Health Department and IPLAN Committee with assessing childhood obesity rates in
 Skokie public schools.
  Provide a tobacco use prevention training program for Skokie healthcare providers.
  Support Health Department initiatives


Dr. Drachler brought up the topic of IPLAN Review and encouraged the Board Members to bring any
topics and think to the future about ideas that should be brought towards the IPLAN. This is the chance
to improve the Skokie Community as a whole.

Dr. Williams suggested the Board take home the topic of a SWAT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats). Looks at the SWAT issues before the Board and the Community and then
submit these issues to Dr. Counard. Then these could be approached and possibly be brought to the
Village Board.

Dr. Herwitz echoed Dr. Williams by looking how the IPLAN words/ language be placed into actions and
is looking forward to work on various issues.

Dr. Veis asked what the most pressing issues in our IPLAN are. Dr. Counard spoke briefly about the four
priority areas within the IPLAN have been identified as the key issues before the Health Department.

Dr. Plotkin brought up a topic questioning what type of school education our teenagers are receiving on
Sexual Transmitted Illnesses (STI’s). Trustee Bromberg commented on how she could only speak to Old
Orchard Jr. High which has a very extensive health educational program which included information on
STI’s. Dr. Drachler said we could hopefully reach out to the schools via our nurses to investigate what is
being offered.
Dr. Polin brought up the topic of contacting other local Health Departments and ask if a couple member
could attend their Board meetings and we could reciprocate the offer in order to hear new ideas.
Dr. Counard said we have had other departments attend and present at our BOH and that these are all
public meetings that our members can attend.

Mr. Pandya asked about anti-littering signs. Mr. Jones explained that the Skokie Environmental
Sustainability Advisory Commission is looking into this issue.

Chair’s Report
Dr. Drachler mentioned that the summer dinner has been scheduled for August 15th with more details to
follow on the specific location and menu.
Dr. Drachler stated that the Board of Health budget hearing will be held on May 22nd and that the next
IPLAN meeting is scheduled for August 14th at 3:00 p.m. at the Village Hall in the Annex Room.

Personal Statements
Ms. Nickisch Duggan gave a brief overview of her background for the Board’s information.
Dr. Drachler asked that Dr. Kaplan be prepared to give the same brief background overview to the Board
at the June meeting.

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

3rd Annual Public Health Partners of Excellence Awards
This year the Health Department and Board of Health recognized the Skokie Public Library and the
North Shore Mosquito Abatement District as “Public Health Partners of Excellence” at the April 3
Trustees meeting. The Library provides many educational activities and served as a key partner during
the creation of the Skokie Community 2012 Health Plan. The Mosquito Abatement District collaborates
every year with the Health Department to monitor mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, and implement
control measures.

Student “Don’t Smoke, Don’t Start” Poster Contest winners
The Health Department partnered with PEER services of Evanston, to conduct a “Don’t Smoke, Don’t Start”
poster contest in Skokie middle schools. Three winners were selected out of 120 posters submitted, based upon
content and artistic merit, and recognized at the April 3 Trustee meeting. The winning posters were displayed
at the Skokie Public Library and Village Hall throughout the month of April, and were featured in the May
edition of NewSkokie.

Continued work on Food Safety training Bill HB1546 in Springfield
Dr. Counard traveled to Springfield to negotiate with key stakeholders regarding the food safety training bill.
The involved parties were the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Illinois Restaurant Association, Illinois
Department of Public Health, and Local Health Departments from across the state. Speaker Madigan sent a
representative to facilitate the meeting, so after three years of negotiations, it looks as if the bill will become a
reality.

FY13 grants and awards – State Fiscal Year ends June 30
As of April 30, the Department’s FY13 grant and award funds totaled $268,708, which is a 33% increase
from FY12. Of that amount, $230,856 (86%) has been billed, and $196,679 (85%) of the billed funds
has been received. Three of the FY13 grants (PHEP Carry-over, IPERLC Mini-grant, and RBFI) are one
time grants totaling $42,260. The main grant that has not yet been paid by the state is for the Illinois
Tobacco Free Communities grant with more than $19,000 outstanding as of the end of April.
Community Health Plan Initiatives Updates
• Access to Healthcare – The new location for Erie Evanston/Skokie Health Center will open and
 dedicated in September 2013. The Erie clinic has hired a physician in training Elizabeth Marsh and
 will be providing obstetric services through Evanston Hospital.

• Obesity Prevention – Moving forward on accessing the BMI data and childhood obesity rates. This
 will be accomplished next fall.

• Tobacco Use Prevention – We will have Graduate Student working on various programs including
 work place wellness. This will include topics within the IPLAN.

• Healthy Environment – The cleanup of at the MGP at Oakton & McCormick is continuing and Dr.
 Drachler is still very interested in pursuing more bike paths in Skokie. Mr. Pandya mentioned that
 May 13-17 is take your bike to work week

Old Business
Dr. Counard informed the Board that the NorthShore University HealthSystem Omega Occupational
Health Medical Group is signing epi-pen prescriptions and providing protocols for any area school that
has a school nurse for a cost of $50.00.

New Business
None

Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:11 p.m.

Skokie Board of Health
 May 9, 2013

Present____________________ _ Absent Excused
Dr. Drachler Dr. Sood Dr. Gaynes Dr. Luka
Ms. Nickisch Duggan Dr. Topouzian Mr. Gordon
Dr. Herwitz Ms. Urbanus Dr. Kaplan
Mr. Nidetz Dr. Usman Dr. Prince
Mr. Pandya Ms. Varma
Dr. Plotkin Dr. Veis
Dr. Polin Dr. Williams
Mr. Shah Note: Dr. Vicencio has resigned from the Board of Health

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

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m.
Dr. Drachler introduced Trustee Bromberg to the Board. Trustee Bromberg gave a brief overview of her
background for the Board’s information.
The Board then had their photo taken for inclusion in the next FY13 Health Department Annual Report.

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

Catherine A. Counard, MD, MPH, Director of Health – Board of Health Year in Review
Dr. Counard gave a presentation on the “Board of Health Year in Review”. A copy of the presentation is
attached.

Dr. Counard outlined and gave detailed information on each of the following areas that the Board has
focused on in the last year:

Board of Health Purposes
 • Recommend to the Mayor and Board of Trustees amendments or additions from time to time to
 those portions of this Code dealing with public and environmental health matters.
 • Recommend to the Mayor and Board of Trustees specific public and environmental health
 improvements within the Village.
 • Give aid to municipal officials charged with the direction of projects relating to air, water, noise
 or other environmental pollution problems.
 • Review and consider those matters of public and environmental health concerns referred to it by
 the Board of Trustees.
 • Cooperate with the Mayor and Board of Trustees, Village departments and other public and
 private agencies in carrying out a volunteer blood donor program within the Village.

Skokie Board of Health FY13 Accomplishments
 • Actively participated in state re-certification process
 • Joined the Medical Reserve Corps
 • Volunteered for the community flu shot program
 • Judged student “Don’t Smoke, Don’t Start” posters
 • Public Health Partners of Excellence awards
 • Summer Board Dinner
Invited speakers on topics of interest:
 • Mr. Bruce A. Jones, Dr. Catherine A. Counard, Dangerous and Vicious Animal Ordinance
 • Susan Reisberg, R.N., Public Health Nurse Update on Adult Immunizations
 • Mr. William V. Ramsey, Emergency Preparedness, Lovell Federal Health Care Center
 • Larry Williams, DDS The National Prevention Strategy (NPS): An Important Health Initiative
 • Mr. Rich Casey, Vice President, Skokie Hospital Vision for the Future of Skokie Hospital
 • Mr. Robert Berry, Mr. Dave Zazra, North Shore Mosquito Abatement District
 • Mr. Jeff Burman, Chair Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission
 • Mr. Bruce A. Jones Skokie Animal Control Review

Board FY14 Objectives
  Organize education and training for Board of Health members.
  Exchange ideas with neighboring health departments to identify and solve public health problems
 in the region.
  Publicize activities of the Board of Health and Health Department through diverse venues, to
 improve citizens awareness of available services and the important public health work performed
 in the Village.
  Develop the Board of Health portion of the Village Website, including adding meeting minutes
 and other activities, to promote better accessibility for public information.
  Provide input to the Health Department, Mayor, and Trustees regarding health legislation.
  Continue to serve on the Erie Evanston/Skokie Family Health Center Advisory Boards, and
 promote access to healthcare for Skokie residents.
  Assist the Health Department and IPLAN Committee with assessing childhood obesity rates in
 Skokie public schools.
  Provide a tobacco use prevention training program for Skokie healthcare providers.
  Support Health Department initiatives


Dr. Drachler brought up the topic of IPLAN Review and encouraged the Board Members to bring any
topics and think to the future about ideas that should be brought towards the IPLAN. This is the chance
to improve the Skokie Community as a whole.

Dr. Williams suggested the Board take home the topic of a SWAT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats). Looks at the SWAT issues before the Board and the Community and then
submit these issues to Dr. Counard. Then these could be approached and possibly be brought to the
Village Board.

Dr. Herwitz echoed Dr. Williams by looking how the IPLAN words/ language be placed into actions and
is looking forward to work on various issues.

Dr. Veis asked what the most pressing issues in our IPLAN are. Dr. Counard spoke briefly about the four
priority areas within the IPLAN have been identified as the key issues before the Health Department.

Dr. Plotkin brought up a topic questioning what type of school education our teenagers are receiving on
Sexual Transmitted Illnesses (STI’s). Trustee Bromberg commented on how she could only speak to Old
Orchard Jr. High which has a very extensive health educational program which included information on
STI’s. Dr. Drachler said we could hopefully reach out to the schools via our nurses to investigate what is
being offered.
Dr. Polin brought up the topic of contacting other local Health Departments and ask if a couple member
could attend their Board meetings and we could reciprocate the offer in order to hear new ideas.
Dr. Counard said we have had other departments attend and present at our BOH and that these are all
public meetings that our members can attend.

Mr. Pandya asked about anti-littering signs. Mr. Jones explained that the Skokie Environmental
Sustainability Advisory Commission is looking into this issue.

Chair’s Report
Dr. Drachler mentioned that the summer dinner has been scheduled for August 15th with more details to
follow on the specific location and menu.
Dr. Drachler stated that the Board of Health budget hearing will be held on May 22nd and that the next
IPLAN meeting is scheduled for August 14th at 3:00 p.m. at the Village Hall in the Annex Room.

Personal Statements
Ms. Nickisch Duggan gave a brief overview of her background for the Board’s information.
Dr. Drachler asked that Dr. Kaplan be prepared to give the same brief background overview to the Board
at the June meeting.

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

3rd Annual Public Health Partners of Excellence Awards
This year the Health Department and Board of Health recognized the Skokie Public Library and the
North Shore Mosquito Abatement District as “Public Health Partners of Excellence” at the April 3
Trustees meeting. The Library provides many educational activities and served as a key partner during
the creation of the Skokie Community 2012 Health Plan. The Mosquito Abatement District collaborates
every year with the Health Department to monitor mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, and implement
control measures.

Student “Don’t Smoke, Don’t Start” Poster Contest winners
The Health Department partnered with PEER services of Evanston, to conduct a “Don’t Smoke, Don’t Start”
poster contest in Skokie middle schools. Three winners were selected out of 120 posters submitted, based upon
content and artistic merit, and recognized at the April 3 Trustee meeting. The winning posters were displayed
at the Skokie Public Library and Village Hall throughout the month of April, and were featured in the May
edition of NewSkokie.

Continued work on Food Safety training Bill HB1546 in Springfield
Dr. Counard traveled to Springfield to negotiate with key stakeholders regarding the food safety training bill.
The involved parties were the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Illinois Restaurant Association, Illinois
Department of Public Health, and Local Health Departments from across the state. Speaker Madigan sent a
representative to facilitate the meeting, so after three years of negotiations, it looks as if the bill will become a
reality.

FY13 grants and awards – State Fiscal Year ends June 30
As of April 30, the Department’s FY13 grant and award funds totaled $268,708, which is a 33% increase
from FY12. Of that amount, $230,856 (86%) has been billed, and $196,679 (85%) of the billed funds
has been received. Three of the FY13 grants (PHEP Carry-over, IPERLC Mini-grant, and RBFI) are one
time grants totaling $42,260. The main grant that has not yet been paid by the state is for the Illinois
Tobacco Free Communities grant with more than $19,000 outstanding as of the end of April.
Community Health Plan Initiatives Updates
• Access to Healthcare – The new location for Erie Evanston/Skokie Health Center will open and
 dedicated in September 2013. The Erie clinic has hired a physician in training Elizabeth Marsh and
 will be providing obstetric services through Evanston Hospital.

• Obesity Prevention – Moving forward on accessing the BMI data and childhood obesity rates. This
 will be accomplished next fall.

• Tobacco Use Prevention – We will have Graduate Student working on various programs including
 work place wellness. This will include topics within the IPLAN.

• Healthy Environment – The cleanup of at the MGP at Oakton & McCormick is continuing and Dr.
 Drachler is still very interested in pursuing more bike paths in Skokie. Mr. Pandya mentioned that
 May 13-17 is take your bike to work week

Old Business
Dr. Counard informed the Board that the NorthShore University HealthSystem Omega Occupational
Health Medical Group is signing epi-pen prescriptions and providing protocols for any area school that
has a school nurse for a cost of $50.00.

New Business
None

Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:11 p.m.