HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-12 Health and Public Safety CommitteeHEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY APRIL 23, 2012
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Henry Davis, Tim Scott
Citizen Members Present: Kyle Chamberlin
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; Valerie Schey, Gavin Ferlic, Oliver Davis,
David Varner
Others Present: Gary Brown, Margo DeMott, Dr. Felger, Kevin Allen,
Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Mike Meacham
Agenda: Memorial Hospital — Margo DeMott, Gary Brown, Dr. Felger
Committee Project Updates
Health & Public Safety Chairperson Dr. Fred Ferlic with all committee members present as well
as citizen member Kyle Chamberlin opened the meeting by introducing three representatives
from Memorial Hospital. Gary Brown, Margo DeMott, and Dr. Felger were to present the
hospitals healthy community initiative. The initiative begins with a health priority survey of 625
respondents scientifically to represent the demographics of the community. The survey would
identify a base line of disease incidence and pattern of risk behaviors including diet, smoking
fitness alcohol, and other substance abuse. Healthy living initiatives would target problem areas
or populations. By measuring the social determinants of health and encouraging healthy
behaviors the level of well -being among the citizenry could be raised.
During the Council portion, Valerie Schey raised the issue of a community smoking ban. The
recent passage of a partial ban by the state legislature and St. Joseph County action of late fall
short of the ideal felt Schey who suggested perhaps the council could do more. In response both,
Dr. Ferlic and Council Attorney felt the appropriate approach would be to work on a county -wide
level coordinating the effort through the St. Joseph County Health Department in concert with the
County and City of Mishawaka.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson Dr. Fred
Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 5:44 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety