Whitley County health board approves HFI budget; staff report cyclospora cases, TB exposure and community events

The Whitley County Health Board approved an amended HFI budget after board members moved and seconded a motion to adopt the changes to the budget the board had sent to the state. The presenter said the amended submission set aside $10,000 of HFI funds for existing local programs and that $171,000 is expected to be awarded with two partners, though partner requests currently exceed that amount.

Why it matters: Board members were warned that state funding levels in 2027 and beyond could reduce partnership allocations if the state or legislature changes funding percentages. The budget will be reexamined and may be reappropriated in January if additional funding or adjustments are necessary.

At the meeting, department staff also gave routine reports on public‑health activity and community outreach. Doug reported that staff have been conducting CPR classes, car‑seat checks and other clinic work, and he highlighted a resource fair set for August 1 at the middle school from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that is expected to include about 120 vendors.

April reported seven cyclospora cases under investigation and said staff are working to trace potential sources, noting many affected people reported eating bagged shredded lettuce and other produce. April also said Lyme disease reports have risen (she cited roughly eight cases) and described a recent active TB exposure linked to the Parkview Cancer Treatment Center that involved 22 residents in Logan County; local follow-up produced two inquiries, and one tested patient was negative. April said staff are monitoring travelers and other potentially exposed people.

Scott described heavier permitting work this season (about 50 septic permits), some complaints that involved law‑enforcement coordination and recent subpoenas related to contractor disputes. He told the board the department accepted a state preparedness grant worth about $25,000 and contracted with Heath Fearnow to administer the grant activities because the county would not allow new hires; the contract covers the contractor’s time, cell phones and some software. Scott said the state appeared to accept contracting in lieu of creating a part‑time FTE for the grant requirement.

Scott and others also noted internal staffing developments: Tom Reimer completed a training program run by Mike Malcolm and the department finally received equipment certification after several years, enabling more enforcement and compliance work. The department’s annual state report (July 1–June 30) was filed with no state comments reported so far.

Other staff briefings included Danielle reporting 16,135 ounces of donated breast milk and plans for a fall 2027 lactation conference, Darcy reporting about 85 blood‑pressure checks and more than 75 attendees attempting hands‑only CPR at a recent fair, and Laura summarizing vital statistics for April–June (53 deaths, two home births, two suicides and three drug‑related deaths) and noting a subsequent drowning of a 3‑year‑old.

The meeting closed with a short discussion about staff routinely working overtime and how those hours are documented. The board adjourned after a motion to close the meeting.