CAPHN Executive Board Meeting

Minutes of 9/21/04

CT Nurses Association

Present: Phil Grenier, Andrea Lombard, Joanne Cannon, Barb Quigley, Debbie Horvath, Heather Henning, Debbie Buxton-Morris, Beth Strimpel

The meeting was called to order at 8:35 AM by President Phil Grenier. Phil reported on an email message from Jennifer Johnson stating that due to personal reasons, she would be unable to fulfill her term as treasurer of CAPHN, and requested we explore the possibility that someone would be willing to fill that position for the balance of the year. Jennifer submitted a correction of the July report, noting that the balance in checking as of July 13 should have read $2952.99. The current checking balance is $2652.08

In addition, Phil reviewed the status of the 501c3 application and invited discussion re how to proceed from here. It was generally agreed that we would temporarily hold off on the process until Phil could review the paperwork Jennifer had provided him.

Committee Reports:

Education

            Barb asked for clarification on where the topics for the annual and quarterly meetings come from. It was noted that the board members usually suggest topics of interest. There was discussion re whether to plan for an annual meeting that would allow for other health professionals to attend. That could allow for an “educational focus” and help us to comply with the requirements for 501c3 status.  Phil suggested Influenza as a possible topic, with a speaker and possibly a panel discussion.  Participation by CADH, DPH CPHA could assist with the expenses for the meeting, and possibly a vaccine manufacturer could provide funding. Barb noted that that type of meeting seems to be an ambitious undertaking and possibly would not allow us sufficient time for planning. She will email the committee members and schedule a meeting to begin planning for the annual meeting tentatively scheduled for May 4, 2005.

In addition, Barb noted that we have been asked to co-sponsor a portion of the CNA  convention on October 14 and 15^th. Margaret Balint has agreed to make some opening remarks as a way to present CAPHN and solicit additional membership. There are no specific times for those remarks as yet, and it was noted that there is a potential conflict with the CPHA meeting as well. Barb will clarify the events we would sponsor. It was noted that CAPHN is not listed on the convention brochure as a sponsor.

Monica reported via email that the presentation for the quarterly meeting in October has been arranged. The topic will be Isolation and Quarantine. Luncheon will be provided. It was agreed to charge $10 to members for the meeting, which will offset the costs of the food. She is working on providing CEU’s. A flyer will be available for distribution shortly.

New Business:

1199 chapter - Phil noted that he had received an email from Ken Foscue re attending a meeting with other public health entities. He and Debbie Buxton-Morris were both present at that initial meeting. There is interest in forming a coalition of public health groups to address topics of special interest, possibly to issue position papers. It was agreed that CAPHN should continue representation at the meeting, so Andrea will attend the October 5 meeting.

There was some discussion re increasing or expanding our membership. Several members are looking at a revision of our logo, possibly working with a graphic designer to produce a flyer describing who we are and what we do. However, it was agreed that this should be the final logo revision.

Quarantine and Isolation

            Beth Strimpel reported on the planning for a series of three sessions addressing this topic. The first, a half day session for health directors and others involved in legal planning for preparedness issues, will take place on Sept. 28. On Oct 26, a half to whole day session will be held for health directors, chief sanitarians, nursing supervisors, and response coordinators. It will include tabletop scenarios using SARS as a model for discussion. There will be a third session sometime early next year for community members

Next Meeting

            The next meeting will address the 1199 chapter and coalition, and the 501c3 process. Phil will review the paperwork and if possible he will email to board members prior to the meeting. The meeting will be October 25 at 4:00 PM at CAN.

Respectfully Submitted,

Debbie Horvath

Secretary, CAPHN