The first quarter vital statistics were discussed in some depth. There were no dramatic changes in any categories, but Dr. Amanda Rogers noted that animal bites are seriously underreported as people often don’t report bites from family pets if they obtain no treatment. Rogers also noted that, as far as she knows, Ohio is still the only state that does not require a rabies vaccination, although many counties do so on their own. There was some talk about efforts to get a state law passed. Such efforts have failed in the past.

There was also some discussion of efforts to get causes of death reported more accurately. For example, a death certificate might say “cardiac arrest” but the actual cause could be something like a drug overdose or a traumatic accident.

The board voted to open a new dental hygienist position. Miller said it would probably not be filled until later in the year or early next year.

Board member Ron Moder made some suggestions for improving board functions, such has having more review of financial issues by the Finance Committee and not having a summary of all the leadership team reports tag each meeting, but instead highlighting a different department each month.

The board approved a contract with Dimension Healthcare Consulting LLC for cost reporting for the Community Heath Center at $140 per hour, yearly maximum $8,400 for the year May 1 through April 30.

The board also approved a contract with Raison Group to prepare the Federally Qualified Health Center New Access Point grant application at a $25,000 rate from March 27 this year to March 27, 2020.

Out-of-state travel was approved for Miller, Joyce Frazee and Stacy Robinson to attend the annual NACCHO in July at Orlando, Fla., at a cost of $6,000.

Approved applying for an agency credit card through First-Knox National Bank with a credit limit not to exceed $20,000.