Health and the Medical Center

Don Sandford, Dolores Heredia

The meeting commenced at 2:15 PM.

The first item for discussion were the minutes of January 7 and 14. Leg. Swanson moved to approve the minutes of January 7, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [3-0]. Next, Leg. Swanson moved to approve the minutes of January 14, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [3-0].

The next item for discussion was agenda item 8, a letter from the Westchester Coalition regarding the relationship between the Westchester County Department of Health and County providers of pre-school services to children with disabilities. Leg. Swanson explained that the County of Westchester is owed money. The County, who pays transporters/vendors, is not being reimbursed by the State because the County of Westchester is not giving a "rate". Leg. Stewart-Cousins mentioned the list she attained of the members of the "Education Committee" and intends to contact them on this issue. The Committee agreed to further discuss this issue in a joint-meeting with Budget and Appropriations.

Next, Dr. Adel discussed prostate cancer. Dr. Adel believes that a problem with prostrate cancer is that it is closely tied into a lack of preventive care. An increase in male awareness and provider awareness is in need. Dr. Adel stated that WCMC has the capacity to provide speakers to increase awareness and to print educational brochures. Leg. Stewart-Cousins asked what language the educational brochures would be published in. Dr. Adel answered that brochures must be published in at least two languages and the second language would be Spanish. Leg. Stewart-Cousins requested copies of these brochures. Dr. Adel will forward some. Leg. La Motte asked about the moratorium of the HMOs. Dr. Adel stated that he has a verbal promise from the State that the statistics they are gathering would be sent back to the local level.

Next, Dr. Adel discussed the Lyme. Dr. Adel briefly discussed the liability of the County. Next, Dr. Adel discussed how WCMC is currently working with the Department of Parks to make permanent signage. Dr. Adel stated that the County itself cannot do research but there are sources that can provide answers to the County’s questions. Leg. Stewart-Cousins asked the Commissioner to keep the Committee abreast as to any research that the hospital intends to do and any information that the hospital acquires. .

Next, Dr. Adel discussed Heritage Hills, agenda item #2. Dr. Adel stated that they did in fact received an application for a pool permit. Dr. Adel also stated that there is no exact time period for the application process. Leg. Stewart-Cousins asked for Dr. Adel’s response to this particular letter (agenda item #2). This response letter will be forwarded to the Committee.

Finally, agenda item number 8 was discussed. Dr. Adel requested some time to review this issue, and February 18, 1997, is tentatively scheduled for a joint-meeting with Budget and Appropriations.

Leg. Swanson moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. The meeting ended at 3:25 PM.