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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-18-BOH (Tri-Ton Coalition)-min TriBurlington.Lexington.Wilmington Ton Coalition Advisory Board- Tri-Ton Coalition Advisory Board Meeting Meeting Minutes March 18, 2026 2:00 PM via Webex Attendees: Susan Lumenello, Director Burlington Board of Health, Shelly Newhouse, Director Wilmington Board of Health, Alicia McCartin, Director Lexington Board of Health, Tahycha Soto, Health Inspector/Tobacco Inspector I. Approval of Minutes – January 21, 2026  The minutes from January 21, 2026, were reviewed and approved. II. Presentation – Tahycha Soto, Health Inspector/Tobacco Inspector  Tahycha introduced herself, shared her professional background, and provided an overview of her recent work.  She discussed ongoing compliance checks and educational outreach efforts for tobacco retailers.  Improved compliance rates have been observed, attributed to positive relationships with retailers.  Tahycha will provide Shelly with updated tobacco regulations. III. Program Updates  Rebecca is currently working on Maternal and Child Health initiatives as part of the work plan requirements. She has developed a resource list, which is available on the Triton Coalition website. The primary resource list is accessible on the public-facing portion of the site, with additional materials available on the backend. Anyone experiencing difficulty accessing backend resources is encouraged to contact triton.org for login assistance.  Rebecca is enrolled in a lactation course in preparation for FY27 work plan requirements. She is exploring the possibility of launching a Baby Café and/or providing breastfeeding support services. Additionally, she is conducting trainings in CPR, First Aid, and Matter of Balance (MOB).  Shelly noted that the Wilmington Public Health Nurse is trained in MOB. Susan added that Rebecca is available to assist with facilitating classes and can be contacted through triton.org.  Rebecca is also available to conduct Community Preparedness trainings. Shelly is working to schedule a session at the Wilmington Senior Center.  Isabelle distributed the latest newsletter. Anyone interested in having the newsletter shared with their board members may send email addresses to Isabelle. TriBurlington.Lexington.Wilmington Ton Coalition Advisory Board- IV. Tobacco Updates  Tahycha continues to conduct retail inspections and compliance checks.  Susan reported challenges with incomplete or missing documentation for tobacco products on store shelves and is developing a protocol to address this issue. Shelly noted that similar challenges have occurred in Wilmington and may be related to suppliers failing to provide proper documentation.  Tahycha confirmed that Tobacco Grant funding has been approved for FY27. V. New Business  Susan reported that approximately 50 applications were received for the part-time Health Inspector position; however, none of the candidates had relevant experience and would require training. An alternative option discussed was hiring a contract Health Inspector, who could be compensated per completed inspection and would not require training. Alicia and Shelly both indicated they do not currently need additional inspection support.  Susan proposed the creation of a part-time Community Outreach Worker position to support Rebecca, particularly in developing a Hoarding Task Force. This role could provide training to police and fire departments and assist in responding to cases. Both Shelly and Alicia expressed support for this proposal.  Members were reminded to notify Katie if they wish to make purchases using grant funding.  Susan raised the SAPHE 2.0 survey; Shelly is currently working on its completion.  Susan and Katie recently met with Patrick from the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Rachel Kane from the Office of Regional Local Health (ORLH). Communities are being asked to consider providing local funding to support the Public Health Excellence (PHE) program.  Susan also noted that de-escalation training for staff is under consideration. VI. Next Meeting The next Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM. VII. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 2:29 PM. Notes were transcribed by Katie Capobianco, Program Coordinator.