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Health staff report on Pap/colposcopy training, QI metrics and PFAS outreach
Summary
Staff described a five-day Pap and colposcopy training, presented 2025 quality-improvement metrics showing 44% of goals met, reviewed quarter-one communicable disease data, and discussed Oneida County PFAS sampling outreach tied to a May 3, 2026 DNR handout.
At the May 12 meeting, health department staff reported on clinical training, performance metrics and environmental outreach.
Linda Jerzak reported on a five-day training in Florida covering Pap tests and colposcopy procedures. She said local provision of colposcopy improves continuity of care for patients referred elsewhere who often did not follow up. "Cervical cancer causes more than half a million deaths worldwide," Jerzak said, and she emphasized that early testing and treatment are important. Jerzak also noted that positive HPV cases have decreased since the vaccine became available and explained vaccine dosing: "Children vaccinated before age 15 only need two doses, while older individuals need three doses."
Kyla Waksmonski, Community Health Specialist and Accreditation Coordinator, reviewed the department's Quality Improvement and Performance Management report for 2025. She said the department tracks about 35 metrics, with about 44% of goals being met or exceeded and 56% approaching targets. Linda Conlon stressed the importance of quarterly data monitoring and said data available only annually make timely corrective action difficult.
Rebecca Wold reviewed the quarter-one communicable disease report and committee members discussed trends and public-health implications.
Conlon also reviewed a Department of Natural Resources handout about expanded private-well PFAS sampling in Oneida County as of May 3, 2026. Conlon said the department's role would focus on educating residents and sharing resources, and that the county can support residents even if the state controls program administration and funding.
The committee asked staff to continue monitoring performance measures and keep the board informed about PFAS outreach, communicable disease trends and service availability. The next Board of Health Committee meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2026, at 9 a.m.
