> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Skamania County Board of Health โ€“ April 8, 2025 Meeting Recap - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/skamania-county-board-of-health-april-8-2025-meeting-recap/ - Published: 2025-05-08T23:13:48.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-08T23:13:48.000Z - Description: The Skamania County Board of Health gathered on April 8 to guide decisions that affect the health and well-being of our community. Made up of both elected officials and appointed residents, the board oversees critical programs in immunization, emergency preparedness, and environmental health. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Skamania County Board of Health The Skamania County Board of Health gathered on April 8 to guide decisions that affect the health and well-being of our community. Made up of both elected officials and appointed residents, the board oversees critical programs in immunization, emergency preparedness, and environmental health. --- ## ๐Ÿ”Š Public Comment Highlights A local resident raised concerns about proposed federal Medicaid cuts and asked whether Skamania County plans to offer **measles vaccination clinics**. While no mass clinics are scheduled at this time, **routine vaccinations remain available** through the county. --- ## โœ… Consent Agenda Approved - **March 11, 2025** meeting minutes - **April 1, 2025** special meeting minutes These were approved without objection. --- ## ๐Ÿ“‘ Contract Amendment #2 Approved The board recommended approval of **Amendment #2 to the 2025โ€“2027 Consolidated Contract** with the Washington State Department of Health. This contract helps fund: - Immunization programs - Emergency preparedness efforts - Family planning services - Youth tobacco and vaping prevention Although the contract includes financial elements, final approval rests with the Board of County Commissioners. --- ## ๐ŸŒฑ Environmental Health Update David Waymire (Community Development Director) announced a **septic education workshop** in partnership with the City of Stevenson. The workshop will help homeowners and realtors understand local permitting and septic system design. A full report on water quality and permitting is expected at a future meeting. --- ## ๐Ÿฉบ Community Health Program Updates Tamara Cissell (Community Health Director) shared two key items: - Skamania County staff will participate in a **statewide emergency medical response exercise** later this year. - The **Healthy Youth Survey** is gearing up for fall. Data from this survey supports grants and community youth programs. --- ## ๐ŸŒ DEI: Discussion on Equity in Local Health The board spent time reflecting on **diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)** in local health efforts. Highlights from the discussion: > โ€œEquity means recognizing that different people have different needsโ€”and removing barriers so everyone can access care.โ€ Some board members emphasized maintaining universal access without overemphasizing labels; others highlighted that **intentional design is often required** to reach marginalized groups. Public Health staff shared real-world examples from COVID vaccine rollout and food worker outbreaks to illustrate the stakes of equitable planning. --- ## ๐Ÿ” Restructuring & Meeting Frequency To better focus on strategy and impact, the board voted to **move to quarterly meetings** starting in **August 2025**, with additional meetings as needed. Members stressed the importance of using their time together to: - Plan for public health emergencies (like wildfires or outbreaks) - Build the **Medical Reserve Corps** volunteer base - Improve communication with neighboring counties, including Hood River --- ## ๐Ÿ’‰ Measles Concerns & Immunization Trends - There is **no current outbreak** in Skamania County, but vaccination rates have dropped below the **95% needed for herd immunity**. - A **measles outbreak in early 2024** in Clark and Cowlitz Counties saw 8 cases and served as a warning sign. - The county reminds residents that **vaccinations are widely available** through local healthcare providers. > โ€œThe mortality rate for measles is 1โ€“3 deaths per 1,000 cases,โ€ noted public health staff. โ€œWe saw how quickly outbreaks grow, and how costly they areโ€”in lives and in dollars.โ€ --- ## ๐Ÿ“† Whatโ€™s Next? **Next meeting:** August 2025 **Focus topics:** Preparedness, vaccination strategy, and cross-county collaboration Find all meeting materials, including agendas, meeting packets, and audio [at this link](https://www.skamaniacounty.org/departments-offices/commissioners/board-of-health?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io). Stay informed and get involved: [www.skamaniacounty.org](http://www.skamaniacounty.org/?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io)