Nancy Chapman
The Central Nevada Health District Board of Health approved a $25,000 contract with Nevada Strategies during its July 8 meeting to develop a comprehensive public health preparedness plan for the district's five-county service area.
Nevada Strategies is owned by Bruce Breslow and Jim Barbee and specializes in helping businesses connect with local, county, and state governments with a focus on economic development and navigating government rules.
The agreement, which required board ratification, calls for Nevada Strategies to evaluate local public health resources and work with district staff to develop a coordinated emergency preparedness plan outlining how local agencies would respond during public health emergencies.
The contract was approved unanimously.
The meeting itself was briefly delayed after only five of the board's 11 members were initially present, leaving the board without a quorum. Chairman Ken Tedford postponed official business until two members joined by video conference, allowing the meeting to proceed.
Board members also unanimously ratified a letter supporting the Nevada Health Institute's application for the Nevada Rural Health Transformation Program. Administrator Shannon Ernst said the partnership is intended to strengthen workforce development and training opportunities in rural and frontier communities.
The board approved a second letter of intent with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health to expand chronic disease outreach throughout rural Nevada. Ernst said the initiative is designed to increase education and services for residents living with chronic health conditions.
A third agreement, approved unanimously, establishes a partnership with Comagine Health to expand chronic disease management services by improving referrals and connecting patients with additional resources.
During her administrative report, Ernst updated the board on several ongoing initiatives, including development of a Community Health Needs Assessment and a districtwide public health preparedness plan.
She said staff are also preparing for increased public health responsibilities during this year's Burning Man event while continuing work on several grant-funded projects.
Among those efforts is the Rural Health Outcomes Accelerator Program. Ernst said the district submitted the Crescent Valley Medical Station project for funding after it was encouraged to resubmit the proposal through the Flex Fund process.
The district is also collaborating with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Northern Nevada Public Health and Carson City Health and Human Services on a statewide Title X family planning grant application that would expand services throughout northern and rural Nevada.
Dr. Tedd McDonald provided updates on clinical operations and inventory management, while Ernst reported the district continues working to fill several vacant positions and expand its environmental health program.
Fiscal Officer Chastity Jackson reported the district had spent approximately 82% of its budget through June 30 while receiving about 52% of anticipated revenue. Jackson told board members several grant reimbursements remain outstanding but said most grant agreements are expected to be extended. The board unanimously approved the financial report.
Board members of the CNHD are listed on the district website as: Chairman Ken Tedford (City of Fallon), Vice Chairman Dawn Whitten (Churchill County), Bob Erickson (City of Fallon), Matt Hyde (Churchill County), Dr. James Zubernis (medical representative), Jeb Rowley and Nichole Cooley (Eureka County), Denise Ferguson and Tony Ruse (Mineral County), and Brandon Chadock and Connie Gottschalk (Pershing County).
The next meeting of the Central Nevada Health District Board of Health is scheduled for Aug. 12 at 1:30 p.m.
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