Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County health official: rabies clinics, early intervention waitlists and rising transport costs ahead of budget talks
Summary
The Department of Health reported two June rabies clinics that vaccinated 124 animals, early intervention provider shortages with 26 children on waitlists, and transportation contract costs rising to a 4% cap that will push the program over budget.
The Department of Health briefed the Human Services Committee July 7 on June public-health activity and program pressures ahead of upcoming budget discussions, highlighting rabies clinic activity, early intervention provider shortages and rising transportation costs.
The health official said two June rabies clinics vaccinated 124 animals. Twelve animals were sent for testing after potential human exposures; none had tested positive as of the meeting. The department investigated 30 animal bites and eight bat exposures in June; four people were authorized to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis during the month.
On early intervention services, the official said provider capacity remains strained: 26 children are on the early intervention waiting list (13 awaiting speech services, nine awaiting occupational therapy, eight awaiting special instruction and one for respite care). In preschool services, the official said 148 children are eligible and 18 are currently waiting; she proposed including hiring for at least one occupational therapist and one speech provider in a decision package because the program is losing providers to retirement and long-term medical leave.
The official also reported transportation contractors have performed reliably but that costs are increasing. The department's contract allows a CPI-based increase and the contract caps the increase at 4%; the official said actual increases would push the transportation budget over target.
Committee members did not record further directive votes on these updates; the department framed the report as background for forthcoming budget work.
