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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-28 Board of Health Supplemental Materials (5) June 18, 2018 2018 Board of Health Report Larry Fixler, Chairman BOH Local Boards of Health in Massachusetts are required by state statute and regulations to perform many important and critical duties relative to the protection of public health, the control of disease, the promotion of sanitary living conditions, and the protection of the environment from damage and pollution. Recap Highlights 2017-2018 • Maintain and increase inspections of Permit Holders • Serve-Safe Program recently offered to town staff and food permit holders • New Chairman elected and New Board Member Michelle Davis • Began Body Art Tattoo Regulation Review • Major inspection program of Royal Crest to maintain code • Professional Guest Speaker Series during BOH meetings at the Library and senior center. Topics include : ■ Opioids, Addiction, Flu, Ticks, Town Water Filtration Plant, Trash to Energy Plant, Mosquito Control, Septic Systems, Vaping, Tobacco Dangers, Nutrition-Plus at our June 2811 meeting, Dr. Trowbridge will speak on Oral Cancer • Senior Center Health Fair • Increased the vaccination Program by Town Nurse. Increased flu vaccinations given, high Dose vaccine now offered. • Added cholesterol screenings and blood pressure clinics for seniors. • Work with Police on ticketing of unlicensed and improper route trash trucks • Health Director Brian LaGrasse currently serves on a Regional Opioid Task Force that has received grant funding for several inpatient recipients, had guest speaker's talk about addiction and is working on additional outreach opportunities. • Health Director Brian LaGrasse serves on a Regional Public Health Emergency Planning and Response Coalition that helps plan for public health emergencies and sponsors a Medical Reserve Corp • Obtained educational materials for schools on Dangers of Marijuana, • Obtained educational material for Raising and Handling of Back Yard Chickens • Manage Local Mosquito risk with NE MA Mosquito Control District • Continued Oversight/Enforcement/Education on Rental Housing to Protect Tenants • Had Royal Crest complete several large scale building projects to alleviate groundwater issues affecting multiple buildings. (Foundation Drains and water proofing) • Continued work with Town Counsel on abandoned properties • Sharps Disposal Program set up by Town Nurse • Monthly Operation Reports prepared by Director, Town Nurse and Inspector and reviewed at BOH Meetings • Getting set up for online permitting • Revising and streamlining the entire food establishment permitting process. • Reviewed BOH Fee Structure • Completed the first North Andover "Youth on Track" Running series with almost 80 participants Plans for Fiscal Year 2019 • Complete the Tattoo/Body Art Regulations • Continue Educational Speaker Series • Use of Social Media to Promote Health Dept. Speaker Series and Teaching Information • Health Dept. involved at the school level for educational Purposes • Increase vaccination program and offer shingles vaccine and a new pneumonia vaccine now available. • Identify Doggy Stations to Install in Town • Include Public Health Info in Quarterly Newsletter and with Tax Bills • Emergency Operations and Communication Course for BOH Members • Rental Housing Check List Program to Maintain Safe, Sanitary Rental Protections for Owner and Renters • Updated and continued review of Tobacco Regulations • Continue to offer Serve-Safe Program to Permit Holders • Inspect, Enforce, and Maintain the Highest Public Health Standards in North Andover • Maintain Standards and Expand the very Successful Farmers Market in Town • We look forward to working with the new Community Services/outreach professional the town will be utilizing. • Department wants to offer a mental health first aid course to the community.