Members | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
Devon Reese, Chair | 1:00 p.m. |
Clara Andriola, Vice Chair | |
Paul Anderson | |
Michael Brown | Washoe County Administration Complex |
Dr. Eloy Ituarte | Commission Chambers, Building A |
Steve Driscoll | 1001 East Ninth Street |
Dr. Reka Danko | Reno, NV |
Vice Chair Andriola called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Members present: Clara Andriola, Vice Chair
Paul Anderson Steve Driscoll Dr. Eloy Ituarte
Dr. Reka Danko – via Zoom at 1:30 p.m.
Erin Dixon led the pledge to the flag.
Retirements
Maria Magana – Office Specialist - CCHS – 30.5 years – effective 8/29/2025
Mike White – Office Specialist – EHS – 8 years – effective 8/2/2025 Erin Dixon shared the retirements, and the fact they will be missed.
Years of Service
James English - Environmental Health Supervisor - EHS - 25 years hired 8/14/2000
Wesley Rubio - Environmental Health Supervisor - EHS - 15 years hired 8/16/2010
Matthew McCarthy - Senior Air Quality Specialist - AQM - 5 years hired 8/17/2020
Candace Brown - Environmental Engineer II - AQM - 5 years hired 8/31/2020
Ms. Dixon noted that the two EHS supervisors have a combined 40 years of service in nearly every program within EHS. She noted the programs the AQM staff work in and thanked all for their service.
Health Heroes
Keyla Solorio - CCHS - Collaboration, Compassion, Inclusivity, Trustworthiness
Jordyn Marchi - PHD - Adaptability, Collaboration
Amanda Santos - PHD - Adaptability, Compassion
Eva Sandoval - ODHO - Adaptability, Collaboration
Itzayana Montoya - ODHO - Adaptability, Collaboration Ms. Dixon shared the recognition for Health Heroes.
Possible approval of July 24, 2025, Draft Minutes.
Approve the Grant Agreement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the amount of $717,617.00 retroactive to October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 for the Air Quality Management, EPA Air Pollution Control Program, IO# 12444 and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Agreement and any future amendments.
Approve a Notice of Subaward from the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public & Behavioral Health Retroactive to July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in the total amount of $309,589.00 (no required match) in support of the Community and Clinical Health Services Division (CCHS) Immunization Program, and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Notice of Subaward, any future amendments.
Approve the Notice of Subaward from the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health in the total amount of
$630,054.00 ($63,005.40 cash match) retroactive to July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in support of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP) domains according to the PHEP Cooperative Agreement, and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Notice of Subaward, any future amendments and MOU agreements with partnering agencies and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Notice of Subaward, any future amendments and MOU agreements with partnering agencies.
Recommendation for the Board to uphold an uncontested violation issued to Alston Construction Company, Inc., Case No. 1569, Notice of Violation No. AQMV25-0012 with a $500.00 Administrative Penalty for failing to obtain a Dust Control Permit prior to the commencement of a dust generating activity and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Subaward and any future amendments.
E. Acknowledge receipt of the Health Fund Financial Review for July, Fiscal Year 2026.
Presentation and discussion of the 2025 Vector Season including surveillance, treatment and testing.
Ms. Dixon noted that the number of vector service requests this year are in line with previous years. The monitoring program uses different types of traps for collecting mosquitoes. There have been just under 4000 mosquitoes collected, sorted, and sent to the lab this year, which have all been negative for viruses so far. About 500 larvicide treatments have been done this year, with 598 site visits, 473 mosquito control treatments, and 17 mosquito fish deliveries.
Trapping will continue through September. Thus, the team has been very busy making a difference in the community, even without the helicopter. With the recent rains, they go out to the above ground storm water infrastructure or wetlands, with most storm drains holding water year-round from domestic sources, the temporary increase in humidity will generally increase mosquito activity, with retention basins that were dry becoming flooded again. The community is asked to be on the lookout for standing water and report it if they are unable to manage it. Another update will occur at the end of the season, which ends in October.
Paul Anderson asked if there were any emerging increases in vector borne illnesses as a result of this season’s changes.
Ms. Dixon responded that, as of this time, there have been no emerging illnesses, but it is hard to say that it wouldn’t happen in future years due to weather being a big indicator of mosquito populations.
A video created for social media by the vector team about the mosquito control testing process was shared with the group.
Vice Chair Andriola shared that the video was well done and informative, sharing information about the mitigation efforts. She asked for a baseline comparison of years past to the impact of not having a helicopter, to include in the possibility of next year’s budget.
Recommendation to accept the REMSA Health Monthly Franchise Report for July 2025, which includes REMSA Health Accounts Receivables Summary, Compliance by Zones, Average Response Times, Incident Details Reporting, Summary Penalty Fund Reconciliation, Ground Ambulance Operations Report, Patient Experience Report and Comments, Education Report, and Public Relations Report, and provide possible Board direction.
Barry Duplantis shared that REMSA Health met or exceeded franchise response compliance with priority one calls to all franchise zones, 91% in Zone A and 96% in Zones B, C, and D during July. There were 8,599 P1 call responses, with 5,461 patients taken to area hospitals, and an average response time of 6 minutes, 1 second. The customer service report for July showed a score of 93.44%, with the highest score in care shown by the medics and the skill of the drivers.
To follow up on Mr. Driscoll’s recent request from a couple of months ago regarding the latency of 10% of patients, they are working to review the data to see developing trends and then will bring this back to the Board.
Recommendation for reappointment to the Food Protection Hearing Advisory Board as members. Staff recommends: The reappointment of Mr. Michael Chaump for a three-year term retroactively beginning on July 1, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2028, the reappointment of Mr. JP Pinocchio for a three-year term retroactively beginning on July 1, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2028, the reappointment of Mr. Christoper Romm for a three-year term retroactively beginning on July 1, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2028, and the reappointment of Mr. Chris Thompson for a three-year term retroactively beginning on July 1, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2028; Applicants include: Michael Connolly, Vance Hardin, Humayoon Lodhi, Shannon Jensen, William Johnson, Nicholas Myer, Jillian Pinocchio, and Travis Stehman.
Amber English indicated that the members being considered for reappointment to the Food Protection Hearing Advisory Board bring exceptional qualifications, diverse industry experience, and a record of meaningful participation on the Board. Their reappointment will ensure continuity, preserve the institutional knowledge, and maintain a well-rounded representation of the local food industry. The recommendation was based on careful consideration of the applicant pool against established criteria.
Air Quality Management - EPA Proposes Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Regulation, Senate Budget Proposal Aims to Preserve Key EPA Programs, June 2025 EPA Small Business Newsletter, Divisional Update, Program Reports, Monitoring and Planning, Permitting and Compliance.
Francisco Vega noted that information was provided on the proposal from the EPA to repeal the endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions on public health, which is utilized to set emission standards for vehicles. The latest information on funding is that Congress is recommending flat funding for EPA categorical grants. They have applied for both EPA grants for the upcoming fiscal year, but have yet to receive an award, with the largest typically received in August. In July, there was one exceedance of the ozone standard, and data show the Green Fire somewhat contributed to that exceedance. AQM is still at 100% of timely completion of plan reviews.
Dr. Ituarte asked if changes in the air quality mandates regarding automobiles were going to impact air quality in Washoe County, and if there was a prediction about that, and could ozone be impacted?
Mr. Vega noted that it is difficult to answer, as the standards are set by the federal government, and Washoe County has become a connection point for heavy-duty vehicles bringing in goods from the port of Oakland. With so many factors going into the formation of ozone, one could make the qualitative analysis that lower vehicle standards will contribute to more ozone, but it’s such a complex chemical reaction that it would be difficult to say with 100% certainty that there will be an increase. With the current standards having been imposed in 2015, and the standard currently set at 70 PPB, the last review recommended a range of 65-67. Washoe County’s is currently at 70 PPB, so we would possibly exceed that with strengthened standards.
Community and Clinical Health Services - National Immunization Awareness Month; Data & Metrics; Immunizations, Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program, Reproductive and Sexual Health Services, Maternal Child and Adolescent Health, Women Infants, and Children, and Community Health Workers.
Christina Sheppard shared that the immunization team has been wrapping up a very busy back-to-school season, having hosted 2 Saturday immunization events this month, where 475 vaccines were provided, on top of the services within the clinic. They have also been doing a lot of outreaches, having participated in 37 events, 12 of which were held directly at schools.
Dr. Kingsley noted that this is part of the process of being engaged with the community, and there may be some limited capacity in the ability for outreach due to cutbacks and having reached the budget for outreach. Any updates will be provided to the Board that, even if we cannot be in the community, we will be as engaged as possible with stakeholders.
Environmental Health Services Program - Consumer Protection (Food Safety Plan Review & Operations, Commercial Plan Review, Foodborne Illness, Special Events, Permitted Facilities); Environmental Protection (Land Development, Safe Drinking Water, Vector-borne Disease Surveillance, Waste Management / Underground Storage Tanks).
Ms. English shared that, in addition to the vector report earlier in the meeting, the program is working on projects with the epidemiology and informatics departments and Animal Services to create a new regional reporting and surveillance tool for rabies, helping to improve early detection and response across northern Nevada. They have completed plan reviews for 2 major hospitality projects: the Grand Sierra Resort’s new arena, which is expected to house over 30 food establishments, and the Cal Neva Resort in Crystal Bay, which will include nearly 20 facilities. These projects involve close coordination not only with our own internal teams, but with partner agencies such as Placer County environmental health and the local building departments. The inspector’s jobs are about more than just compliance, as seen in a comment from an apartment complex for the inspector going above and beyond to help them navigate the steps to open their facility, and another time, rescuing a kitten from a fountain.
Mr. Driscoll mentioned that, with staff completing food safety inspection officer standardization programs, this will show the community that it doesn’t matter who’s walking through the door, but standardization and consistency will be there.
Dr. Ituarte referenced the PFAS chemicals in the drinking water noted in the report and asked if they could see some additional information at a future meeting.
Mr. Anderson noted that he was speaking with a Sparks business, and they spoke highly of their inspector, doing their inspection, but also getting to understand them and their business, and how they are doing things. She then came alongside them and made sure things were being done in the best possible way. In addition, he has received some emails where folks feel that some are snubbing inspections and aren’t too concerned about them. He asked if there was a trend seen in compliance or any decrease in compliance within the county.
Ms. English informed that she is aware of this and feels that it is due to the Reno Gazette Journal only posting the inspection scores that are conditional pass, failed, or closed. This does not highlight the 85% of facilities that also do well, consistent with the last few years.
Vice Chair Andriola suggested that this pass rate also be indicated with these reports as an encouragement to other facilities. This may also be a good opportunity to share publicly some of the things noted in the report, such as the compliment and the rescued kitten. There is already a great job being done on social media.
Ms. English noted that there is an opportunity to publish that information, and the team will review it.
Vice Chair Andriola asked about the Animal Services partnership and if this is related to vector animals that may carry rabies.
Ms. English shared that this will be an enhanced system for animals for surveying animals that could carry rabies and will allow the departments to work strongly together.
Population Health - Epidemiology, Statistics and Informatics, Public Health Preparedness, Emergency Medical Services, Vital Statistics, Sexual Health Investigations and Outreach, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention.
Nancy Diao highlighted that Public Health Preparedness worked with Technology Services to conduct a tabletop strategy board game developed by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and FEMA to promote cyber readiness within the community. The Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Team expanded the power of kids program, educating students on the importance of healthy eating and being active, by offering it during the summer months, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. After weeks of lower outbreak numbers with schools not in session, August saw an increase in outbreaks, mainly gastrointestinal illnesses. Upticks in COVID activities are being seen, likely coinciding with the circulation of the new XFG variants, following national trends, though our rates are still relatively low. Our community is experiencing a noted increase in recent Pertussis cases. To touch on the partnership with Animal Services previously noted, the goal is to use informatics resources to streamline the public reporting and data for dashboards and analytical purposes.
Mr. Driscoll asked about the shakeup of leadership at the CDC and if the recent report that the COVID vaccine will not be changing to include the latest variant, and if the vaccines really should be for those 65 and older with underlying medical issues. Does this cause concern as to trends based on new variants, etc.?
Dr. Diao responded that the recommended changes are still in the process of being digested, but could cause some level of concern for the younger population.
Dr. Ituarte asked if the pertussis cases were seen in the older or younger population, and does this suggest the population is not getting the recommended booster?
Dr. Diao indicated that the cases have not been specified as the older population, but they always encourage booster vaccines every 10 years.
Dr. Kingsley requested confirmation for the community and Board that, with State services being unavailable, the vital records for birth and death records were still accessible.
Dr. Diao clarified that, yes, birth and death records are available and not affected by the outage.
Vice Chair Andriola noted that this may be another opportunity to share information with the community, since this is an important public service.
Office of the District Health Officer Report - Northern Nevada Public Health Communications Update, Accreditation, Quality Improvement, Workforce Development, Community Health Improvement Program, Equity Projects/Collaborations, Community Events, and Public Communications and Outreach.
Dr. Kingsley noted that there have been changes within the CDC, there is no immediate impact, but it will be monitored. The new TB clinic is progressing well, with an anticipated move in either February or March. Work has begun on the Community Health Assessment being done in conjunction with Renown. Community workshops and meetings will begin in September. The last Family Health Festival was held in July at the new Hug High School, with over 400 households attending, back to pre-COVID numbers.
Vice Chair Andriola asked for clarification on whether the outreach reductions would affect the health festivals.
Ms. Sheppard noted that the biggest outreach impacts will be in the school-located vaccine clinics, as they are reducing it to 2 targeted locations, rather than the 12 served previously. The Family Health Festival will remain and will be provided 4 times per year.
Vice Chair Andriola thanked them for the clarification and suggested that it was probably already in the plans to reach out to the school district for collaboration.
Ms. Sheppard mentioned that there was a lot of work done in the past year with Community Health Alliance, which has been a good partner for back-to-school. They are looking at all community partners that are able to assist with these services.
Dr. Ituarte thanked the staff for the outreach and getting healthcare services out to the community, where it is much appreciated.
Vice Chair Andriola announced that TMWA is asking residents to temporarily withhold outdoor watering due to the recent rains and flooding. For further information, refer to TMWA’s website or social media.