CAPHN Executive Board Meeting

Minutes of 1/18/05

CT Nurses Association

Present: Phil Greiner, Joanne Cannon, Barb Quigley, Debbie Horvath, Ruth Knollmueller, Beth Strimpel, Lynn Abrahamson, Heather Henning, Margaret Balint

The meeting was called to order at 8:30AM by President Phil Grenier. There was no Treasurer’s report  but Phil and Debbie will prepare a budget to propose at the March meeting.. Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve was made by Ruth, seconded by Barb and approved.

President’s Report

Phil reported that he had received correspondence regarding a position in Salem for a PHN to sit on an advisory committee. Will forward the information to PHN’s located in that area, and wondered if Monica Farina might be interested.

Phil noted that Polly had referred a nurse working with the CT Fund for the Environment to him. He has subsequently had 2 discussion with her regarding what they are doing re clean air initiatives in CT. They would like us to share information through our partners regarding their ongoing activities, in particular clean cars, diesel emissions and asthma. They would also like to set up a meeting with their leadership, attorneys from Hartford and New Haven. Beth Strimpel expressed interest in attending the meeting, as her health dept is working on a regional asthma grant from DPH. Lynn Abrahamson suggested that they may want to connect with the CT Coalition for Safe Roads.

The ANCC has reconsidered elimination of the Community Health Nursing certification exam at this point. The next exams are to be held in May and October. They will re-evaluate their decision after they have been given. More information is available at the ANCC website, as well as a study guide from Minnesota which is geared more to the Master’s prepared nurses. There is no guide for basic certification, but a review of core functions of public health should meet those needs.

Phil noted that there are grants available through AHEC for a variety of topics, including asthma, lead, chronic disease prevention and aging. Lynn noted that applicants should be able to demonstrate collaborations and partnerships and may need to “tweak” projects in order to be re-funded 

New Business:

Members present reviewed the existing bylaws and recommended changes. It was suggested that copies of the proposed revisions by distributed to members in March, and that members would be asked to bring them to the annual meeting when they would be voted on. Comments on the proposed revisions could be submitted via email prior to that meeting. Arrangements to mail hard copy to those with no email access will be made.

Heather suggested mailing out the membership information at the same time, so it could be returned prior to the annual meeting.

Unfinished Business

Annual Meeting

            The date has been set for May 4, and will include a luncheon and presentation following. The topic selected is “Pandemic Flu” and a panel discussion re the 2004 Flu Season will be held. It was agreed that one hour would be set aside for the flu panel and one hour for the presentation. Matt Cartter and Jim Hadler have been asked to speak. The panel will consist of a representative from DPH (Debbye Rosen will be asked), a public health nurse (Debbie Horvath will be asked) and a director of health (Elaine O’Keefe will be asked). There was discussion regarding inviting other agencies and organizations, such as American Lung, CT Fund for the Environment, etc. Phil noted that will allow us to demonstrate our intent to appeal to a broader audience, which could be useful when we re-apply for our 501c3 status.

Quarterly Meeting

            The site (Meriden Library) and date (2/8/05) have been arranged by Angela. Pizza will be provided at a cost of $10 that can be provided the day of the meeting. Registration will be handled through CNA. Phil will provide a veggie tray. Speakers have been arranged for and the topic will be the “virtual children’s health bureau” per Andrea Lombard. A flyer will go out shortly.

Next Meeting

 The meeting will be February 8th at 11:AM at the Meriden Library prior to the quarterly meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Debbie Horvath

Secretary, CAPHN