Minutes

Attending: Ed Wilhoite (Co-Chairperson), Issy Olivia (WASF), Monty Piepereit, Rebecca Johnson (ICHC), Karen Grossman (ICHD), Al Archer (SHH) and Kim Van Epps (SCHD)

Absent: Gary Stein (Co-Chairperson), Linda Lindegaard and Linda Capriotti (WCHD)

Welcome and Introductions

Sarah McComb, a registered nurse working with Karen Grossman at Island County Health Department, and Darren Davis, Client Services Coordinator at EAF, were introduced.

Approval of Agenda

Rebecca moved; Issy seconded. Agenda approved.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the January 26, 2006 meeting approved by consensus.

Member Updates

Rebecca noted that the Executive Director at Interfaith Community Health Center resigned. Issy announced the upcoming dinner and pie auction on May 13. Karen described some case management work around Medicare Part D and recent tough client issues. Ed announced the following: the departure of Community Programs manager Becky Hutchins (and Darren Davis as her replacement), the election of new EAF director Beth Boyd, a native woman working at Lummi Tribal Health Center, the upcoming July 1, 2006 Positive Paddle/Paddle Positive event in Anacortes, the final week of the Positive Art exhibit at the Skagit Valley College Gallery and data from EAF's CARE Act Data Report.

Consortium Update

Ed gave an update on assessment activity, indicating that 400 consumer surveys were returned in the state and that DOH mailed additional provider surveys due to low return. Ed reviewed the final fiscal and demographic reports and the implementation plan.

Business Items

1. FY 2006 Final Allocation/Funded Services

Ed reviewed the final allocation to funded services. The consortium received an increase of approximately $5,200 which was allocated to case management and consortium support. These were consistent with the fall prioritization and approved by the members. The increase to the region was split between the two consortia 60/40 as in the previous year.

2. EAF Client (Peer) and Community Services

Darren Davis gave a report on the new peer and community services available at EAF. Peer services include peer advocacy, particularly with newly diagnosed and newly relocated PLWH, Healthy Relationships, provider relations and agency ombudsmen. The need for this service was identified in last fall's supplemental consumer survey. While Darren will work out of Bellingham , he will be available in the NCCC service area. Community services will strive to have a public awareness/ community education component.

3. Region 3 Allocation Methodology

The members reviewed the letters from SCAC and EAF regarding the methodology used to allocate resources in the region. The members thoroughly discussed the utility of epidemiological data and service data in funding services. They also discussed the importance of consistent data reporting across consortia. The members reached a strong consensus that allocating equitably to all clients served in the region was paramount. Other factors might be relevant but difficult to quantify or qualify. The members instructed Ed to articulate this position simply but unequivocally to the SCAC and the Region 3 Planning Council.

4. Consolidation of Consortia

The members had a wide-ranging discussion on the merits of having a single consortium in the region. While the notion has theoretical appeal, the practical difficulty of merging the SCAC and the NCCC would make any such change exceedingly difficult and likely not be in the best interest of persons with HIV disease in the region.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes approved by consensus.