HomeMy Public PortalAboutBoard of Health -- 2023-08-02 MinutesTown of Brewster
2198 MAIN STREET
BREWSTER, MASSACHUSETTS 02631-1898
PHONE: 508.896.3701 EXT. 1120
FAX: 508.896.4538
Brewster -ma. e ov
WW W.BREWSTER-MA.GOV
Board of Health Meeting
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 6:30PM
Town Hall. Room A
Health Department
Amy L. von Hone, R.S., C.H.O.
Director
Sherrie McCullough, R.S.
Assistant Director
Tammi Mason
Senior Department Assistant
Board members present: Kimberley Crocker Pearson, MS, MD, MPH, Vice Chair: John Keith and Abigail Archer
Others present: Amy von Hone, R.S., C.H.O., Health Director
1. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 6:30PM.
2. Declaration of a Quorum
Quorum present.
3. Recording statement
Noted.
4. Chair announcements
None.
5. Citizen's Forum
None.
6. Pressure Dose letter update
AVH - the office has not received a lot of response so far from the letters that went out. She did speak to an inspector who brought up the Perc Rite
inspection form and asked if that could be used in place of the template the BOH approved. She told him they could be used interchangeably. The 2
emails in the packet were the most recent responses that the office received.
7. COA Liaison position update and possible vote
AVH- she received a response back from the Town Manager's office and it was recommended that the BOH use the Select Board Liaison Policy. Once
the full board is present, we can move forward with the procedure and vote.
8. Opioid/Narcan update
KCP - shared a power point on "Opiate Use Disorder".
There is new acute treatment which includes Narcan (Naloxone) which is available with a prescription now. Chronic treatment is medicated assisted
treatment. Doctors can now prescribe the medications without government interference.
She spoke about Fentanyl and stated that the rate of death is increasing dramatically each year. This drug is actively produced in illegal laboratories.
There is a DEA campaign directed towards middle & high school kids.
The drug "Naloxone (Narcan)" rapidly reverses and opioid overdose. This can be purchased at pharmacies. An example was shown to the Board.
She went over the signs of an OD: BLUE:
• B - breathing - shallow, gurgling, erratic, absent
• L - lips & fingertips are blue
• U - unresponsive
• E - easy to give
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It can take uo to 2 minutes for a response after the Narcan is given. The person should be rolled onto their side and if after 2 minutes, there is no
response, give a second dose.
Insurance may cover the cost and as of September 1, 2023 it should be available over the counter.
There are not many places between Hyannis and Provincetown to get Narcan. There is a potential for the use of Opioid funds to set up a new place.
There are new strategies to prevent and treat Opioid addiction: Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Naltrexone.
A whole patient approach is best when dealing with addiction.
AVH - stated that the Town Manager is going to be meeting with the Chair of the Human Services Committee soon.
AA - we need to figure out how much we need for chronic and acute treatment.
JK - would like to see another treatment center in areas that are lacking. Education is important as well as preventative measures.
AA - CCCC has a certificate program for Drug & Alcohol counseling. She also believes that education is key. She spoke about the "drug take back"
places.
9. I/A Enforcement Discussion
a. Review & approve enforcement letter
b. Review & approve final draft of I/A Flow Chart
c. Discuss non-compliant I/A systems
This was continued until the full Board could be present.
10. Liaison Reports
AA - Recycling Commission has not met.
JK - WQRC has not met.
KCP - Opioid group has not met.
11. Matters not reasonable anticipated by the Chair
None.
12. Items for next agenda
I/A discussion, COA Liaison and Excellence Grant
13. Next meeting: August 16, 2023
Noted.
13. Next meeting: August 16, 2023
Noted.
Informational items noted.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10PM.
"Accompanying documents in packet: Agenda, Opioid information, informational items
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