Carrie Herthel submits resignation at Harrison County Health Department...

The Harrison County Health board met in executive session and public meeting on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022. These meetings featured two notable personnel changes to the health board and the Harrison County Department.

Dr. Kevin Pierson resigned from the board and Greg Reas was recommended as his replacement.

Also, Health Department administrator Carrie Herthel submitted her resignation and Jennifer Caffrey will serve as interim director.

See the meeting’s minutes for more details.

Please note: THESE ARE DRAFT MINUTES FROM THE HARRISON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT BOARD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2022:

The Harrison County Board of Health met on Wednesday Feb 2, 2022 at 8:00 in the downstairs  conference room of the Health Department building. Board members present for the meeting were Dr.  Kelly Grossman, Dr. Lance Richards, Mr. Anthony Combs, Mr. Chris Byrd, Dr. Sharon Christie, and Dr.  Bruce Burton. Dr. Andrew Morton, Health Office, was also in attendance. 

Dr. Lance Richards made a motion to accept the minutes from the January board meeting and Mr.  Anthony Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed. 

Dr. Kelly Grossman discussed the letter of resignation of Dr. Kevin Pierson. Dr. Lance Richards made a  motion to except the resignation on a temporary basis, Dr. Sharon Christie seconded the motion and the  motion passed. 

Dr. Lance Richards made a motion to present Greg Reas to the Commissioners as Dr. Pierson  replacement, Anthony Combs seconded the motion and the motion passed. 

On the matter of a replacement administrator because of the resignation of Carrie Hertel, Dr. Andrew  Morton’s recommendation was to install Jennifer Caffery as interim administrator of 90 days while the  Board of Heath reviewed the matter farther. Mr. Chris Byrd made a motion to put Jennifer in the  position for 90 days with a permanent decision after time period. Anthony Combs seconded the motion  and the motion passed. 

Carrie Herthel, handed out the monthly department numbers and financial report the Health  Department. Carrie discussed full FDA approval for the Moderna COVID vaccine for anyone over 18, also  the request from Pzifer for a FDA review and approval for child as young as 5 under EUA and the request  Novavax for FDA a protein based vaccine for 18 years and over. There is currently a new stain of the  virus, OMICRON BA2. Locally and across district 9 data is showing that cases are hitting a plateau, and  overall the cases across the northern part of the state are trending downward.  

Alyssa Janes, Public Health Administrator, presented a candidate for the open Home Health position,  Amanda Scott is a resident of Harrison County with over 20 years of nursing experience. Amanda  interviewed very well and Alyssa is excited to have the position filled after several months. Dr. Lance  Richard made a motion to offer Amanda Scott the position, Dr. Bruce Burton seconded the motion and  the motion passed. 

Jennifer Caffrey, MCH Director, discussed the recent State quarterly review of the MCH clinic, stating  that the Clinic passed review. 

Jo Polk, Preparedness Coordinator, discussed testing numbers. Jo stated currently Gravity Diagnostic  has a POD set up at the Pool site to work out of. This is actually causing traffic flow issues, Jo will be  going to the site after the meeting to discuss the issues with Sonya Rhodes. In response to a question  about the future of the testing site and opening the pool for the season, Dr. Andrew Morton stated the  MOU with the Parks Department ends in April and grants to run the site end in June. The hopes would  be to move testing to the Health Department in April and stop testing in June if possible.  

Danny Schroeder, Head Environmental Health Specialist, discussed Senate Bill 301 which would allow for  campsites with holding tanks be installed in flood zone. Danny stated this bill would affect Harrison  County with the Parks Department wanting to develop the property at Morvin’s Landing into campsites. 

Barbara L Fleace, Vital Records Registrar, reported that the County has received $95,813.37 in FEMA  funds, and expecting $43,850.83, from three of the four projects currently active.  

Dr. Bruce Burton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 AM, Dr. Sharon Christie seconded the  motion and the motion passed.