Health Board Minutes & Recording – January 2025
Health Board Meeting – January 8, 2025
Members Present: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost, Commissioner; Mandi Varner, Commissioner; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Justin LaCroix, Chief of Police; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Amanda Frickel, DES/911 Coordinator; Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health; Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist; Michele Moser, Tobacco Education Specialist; Kimberlee Rost, Community Health Worker; Megan Slagter, Minute Taker.
Members Absent: Brian Sullivan, Health Officer; Aaron Skogen, Baker School Superintendent
Meeting was called to order at 12:05 PM by Chairman Kevin Braun.
Trenton Harbaugh motioned to approve October 9th, 2024 meeting minutes. Amanda Frickel seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carries.
Michele Moser went over Quarter 1 and 2 reports. Tobacco Education scholarships will be available for five graduating seniors in Fallon County. “Young lungs at Play” signs are posted at city parks. Updated on recent and upcoming events. Discussed House Bill that affects lowering taxes on tobacco products.
Kim Bryan reported on virus test results. CDC lowered the recommended age for the pneumonia vaccine from sixty-five to fifty, and anyone sixty-five or older is recommended to have a second dose. RSV vaccines for babies are available at Public Health.
Kimberlee Rost introduced herself to the board as the new Community Health Worker. Has completed training through Catalyst for Change; also received a scholarship to enroll in Montana State University training.
Rich Menger reported on Fallon County licensing being seventy-five percent completed. Updated on the EPA’s five-year administrative order over Fallon County regarding Baker Lake. Discussed the progress of the hold.
Trenton Harbaugh updated on the equipment maintenance for Avel eCare, a telemedicine service; Sheriff Office and the Police Department will each have one tablet. Explained how crisis related referrals are currently going to Eastern Montana Mental Health but once Kimberlee Rost has completed all her training, crisis related referrals will eventually go to Kimberlee Rost or Catalyst for Change. Discussed where to direct alcohol and drug related referrals.
Discussed the Catalyst for Change program and designated locations for Chromebooks, currently at the Public Health and Baker High School. Recommended locations would be the jail, Longfellow Elementary School and Rural Revival Medical Spa.
Mindi Murnion updated on several House Bills that would affect Medicaid services and vaccinations. Reported on results of Community Health Improvement Plan for Fallon County. Survey results show mental health, substance abuse, access to health care, prevention screenings and social services were the top five requested for the public. Will set up townhall meetings with the Commission in attendance as stakeholders.
12:40 PM Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/ Megan Slagter, Minute Taker
