HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-28 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thurs(lay-- September 28, 2017
7:00 p.m.
1.20 Main Street, 2"d Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room
North Andover, MA 01845
Present: Thomas Trowbridge, Frank MacMillan Jr.,Larry Fixler,Joseph McCarthy,Brian LaGrasse, and
Toni K.Wolfenden
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm.
if. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ill. PUBLIC HEARINGS—not applicable
IV, APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Meeting minutes from July 27,2017 were presented for signature.
Motion was made by Joseph McCarthy to approve the minutes,the motion was seconded by Dr.
Thomas Trowbridge,all were in favor and the minutes were approved.
V. OLD BUSINESS—not applicable
V1. NEW BUSINESS
A. Department Reports
1. Brian LaGrasse presented the Director of Public Health Report
2. Brian LaGrasse presented the Public Health Nurse Report
B. Town Clerk,Joyce Bradshaw required signatures on The New Open Meeting Law and the Conflict of
Interest Law.
C. Flu clinic information has been posted online.
VII. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION
Larry Fixler begins a discussion on educational presentations. The Board of Health will be presenting
educational material in hope to improve overall general health for the community. Larry is looking for
different ways to promote the series. Ms. Rosemary Brodeur of 182 Middlesex Street North Andover,MA
has joined the Board of Health to discuss the meetings and presentations being held in the evenings. She
has asked for the nightly meetings to begin at 3 pm or 4 pm so the elderly or visually impaired and
handicap can join for guest speakers and Board of Health meetings. The Board has agreed to have a
sponsored program at the Senior Center. Upcoming meetings will include: Dr. Megan Bernstein of
Northeast Dermatology,TEC,Melanie Callahan of Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital. Larry would like to
2017 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page I of 2
Board of Health Members:Larry Fixler,Chairman;Joseph McCarthy,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr.,M.D.
-----------
Member/Town Physician;'I.-homas'l'rowbridge,DDS,MD,Member Health Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health Director,
Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;"coni K.Wolfenden,Health Department
Assistant
know how we should promote,what topics,how long the presentations should be and how many
presentations? It can be promoted through North Andover CAM, North Andover website, flyers at senior
center, and social media. Presentations are best kept at a half hour with tell rninUtes of discussions. Dr.
Trowbridge has made the suggestion of doing quarterly presentations. This will allow for proper planning,
promotion and discussion.
Announcement from Larry Fixler that Edwin Pease has resigned from the Board, The Board of Health
thanks him for his work on the board.
Larry Fixler presents an article by the CDC which was published on September 13,2017 discussing the
influenza vaccine.
Larry Fixler presents ail article on"The Top 7 Craziest Drugs in the Pipeline."By Nicholas Hamm
published September 11,2017.
Dr, Trowbridge discusses the sun screen dispensers that are newly placed in Newburyport,MA. This could
help prevent different skin cancers.
The Board of Health has discussed changing the date of the November meeting due to member conflicts.
Septic procedures are discussed by Brian LaGrasse. Brian asks the Board about Septic approvals. The
Board is comfortable with Brian and the septic consultant Mill River working together to resolve issues and
issuing approvals.
Larry Fixler has asked Dr. Frank MacMillan about Clostridium Difficile,which is a life threatening
bacteria in the intestines. The most common symptom is diarrhea. Dr. MacMillan has been treating
patients with C. DIFF for 25 years. Most patients that experience this reside in nursing homes, hospitals
and have recurrent infections,
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS
Ix. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION made by Joseph McCarthy to adjourn the meeting. Dr. Frank MacMillan seconded the motion
and all were in favor.The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pill.
Prepared hyo:
Toni K. Wo(Lmclen, Health Dept. Assistant
)LejLieit(Zd�:
All Board qj'Health Members&Brian LaGrasse, health Director
j5jgqeL(t h
McCarthy,crsep Clerk qj'thOoard Date Signed