1967-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE license and permits required by the general laws and local regulations, be familiar with and demonstrate an understanding of the public health reasons for these regulations in their particular area of concern. This procedure will reduce the number of violations and com- plaints and motivate those involved to provide the leadership and training that their asso- ciates and employees expect. In addition to their duties as members of the board, supervising the operation of the health department, each member represents the board on other various health boards and committees in town. Mr. McQuillan is a member of the Lexington Visiting Nurse Associa- tion Board, the Air Pollution Committee and Senior Citizens Club. Dr. William L. Cosgrove supervisor of the dental clinic is responsible for hiring the personnel to operate the clinic and establishing policies for the dental health program. Dr. Charles G. Colburn is the rep- resentative to the Mystic Valley Mental Health Association and the director has been desig- nated to meet with the school health services and other regular meetings of the school physicians and nurses. Board members and staff have attended meetings and conferences of their respective professional associations related to public health. Local boards of health have continued to show concern and seek information on the vast amount of legislation enacted and proposed on the federal and state level as it affects local boards of health and the public. Recent legislation has classified the major rivers, streams and tributories affecting public water supplies and has established regulations and procedures to be followed as to their use and alterations by private or public agencies. Mental health districts have been designated throughout the commonwealth to provide co- ordinated facilities and services on a regional basis. Medicare and Medicaid programs continue to be amended on an expanded level to include more services and greater allowances for services provided. The state health department has revised their mandatory immunization regulation which previously required only smallpox vaccination for admittance to schools to include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles and poliomyelitis immunization, unless excused for religious or health reasons certified by proper authorities. Our existing policies and programs have to be reviewed on a continuing basis to avoid duplication by other agencies and to evaluate the need for public health service on the community level and to assure that the objectives of the board of health are achieved. Board of Public Welfare The Lexington Public Welfare Agency administers five categories of assistance, namely: medical assistance, old age assistance, disability assistance, aid to families with dependent children and general relief. The first four categories are commonly known as "federal" programs of assistance inasmuch as the federal government provides a major share of the expense of these federal programs. Of the total caseload, 98 percent receive assistance under one of these programs. Five Year Trends in Public Welfare Administrative Expenses 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 Personal Services 8,028.00 8,121.00 8,500.00 8,781.00 12,497.00 Expenses 740.44 564.80 625.00 625.00 625.00 Staff as of Dec. 31 4 4 4 4 4 30