Chris Bitterman

This IT Strategic Plan outlines key objectives for FY24-25 across several critical areas, including office and server computing environments, security, network infrastructure, email services, and telephony systems. Key priorities include maintaining a six-year computer replacement cycle, standardizing virtual environments, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures like monthly updates and annual training, enhancing network security and bandwidth, enforcing multi-factor authentication for email, and providing current and competitive telephony services for county departments.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including a data freeze affecting recruitment due to a county-wide data overhaul, efforts to digitize environmental health records, and the success of the 2025 EB5K wellness event. Discussions also covered the upcoming business office changes due to Karen's maternity leave, the opioid settlement committee's activities, and recent rabies cases. Additionally, the board discussed a letter to county representatives, the patient portal, and debt collection policies.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including the absence of a quorum and the plan to proceed by reviewing planned activities without formal votes. Discussions covered the need to replace the physician, Dr. Williams, and the importance of adding this topic to a future agenda. Updates were provided on staffing, including recruitment efforts for various positions and the challenges of understaffed school nursing teams. The board also discussed the impact of Medicaid rate changes, the federal shutdown's effect on the WIC program, and the implementation of a new time and recruiting system, which includes a data freeze period. Additionally, the team addressed a surprise lab inspection, updates on Open Gov and WebGis, the county finance audit, festival season preparations, and a recent case involving a rabid cat.

The meeting included discussions about breastfeeding support, staffing needs, and a rabies clinic. There was also a discussion regarding a letter concerning THC products and the need for regulation and oversight, particularly regarding accessibility to children. A presentation was given on the use of drone technology for inspections and emergency preparedness.

The meeting included welcoming a new board member, Crystal Yates, followed by introductions. The agenda was reviewed and approved. The health director provided a report covering agency updates, recruitment efforts for vacant positions, budget finalization with the county, and a successful first rabies clinic. There was also a discussion regarding the North Carolina Public Health Association's legislation day and updates on legislative items. The board also discussed the inaugural soft opening of Baby Cafe. Stacy reported 100% compliance with food and lodging inspections. Jana shared that the Community Health Needs Assessment received 839 community responses and the data will be used to guide the health department's next steps.