One of the primary focuses of the meeting was Martina Johnson’s presentation on the challenges residents face in accessing transportation, particularly for medical appointments. Johnson, a supervisor with Cook County Public Health and Human Services, detailed the limitations of Arrowhead Transit, the sole public transit option in the area, which operates on a restricted schedule and covers limited geographic areas. This has posed issues for residents, especially those over 65 and those living in rural regions.

Johnson proposed the acquisition of a standard-size ADA compliant van, which would be owned and operated by Cook County. This van would offer flexible operational hours and cover a broader service area, addressing the needs of residents in hard-to-access locations. The project, primarily funded by a $39,380 grant secured in 2023, supplemented by additional grants, aims to provide free transportation for medical appointments initially, with potential expansion for social rides in the future. Local staff would manage ride coordination, contrasting with existing call centers that may not fully understand the community’s specific needs.

During discussions, board members inquired about the logistics of requesting rides, qualifications for volunteer drivers, and potential reimbursement models to incentivize participation. Johnson clarified that residents could call the Public Health and Human Services office to schedule rides. She acknowledged the need for more volunteer drivers and expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress.

Another topic was the implementation of harm reduction cabinets in the Cook County Courthouse restrooms, spearheaded by the Public Health Team. This initiative aims to enhance access to harm reduction materials, evolving from initial placements at the front desk and lobby to the current location within restrooms. The team is also preparing for community events, including a Bike Rodeo and suicide awareness activities, where they will staff a resource table.

The board also approved a contract with a temporary social work agency to fill a critical vacancy in the children’s mental health team. This agency, based in Minnesota, specializes in providing temporary staffing solutions across various settings. The department has faced challenges in hiring a permanent social worker, with multiple job offers declined by candidates due to relocation issues. The temporary placement is expected to last between 6 to 12 months, providing immediate support to manage high caseloads and ensure adequate services.

The discussion included financial implications, with the temporary social worker’s cost weighed against a full-time equivalent. Questions about the practicality of the temporary placement were addressed, emphasizing the urgency of alleviating the current strain on the children’s mental health team. The board delegated authority to the director to finalize contract negotiations, contingent upon legal review, to streamline the process.

Additionally, the board allocated nearly $70,000 of opioid settlement funds towards harm reduction initiatives. The county received over $125,000 in opioid settlement funds, with more expected over the next 18 years. This allocation aims to provide overdose prevention training and supplies not covered under a federal grant. The proposal received community support, emphasizing the collaborative effort to address the opioid crisis.

The board discussed the need for a more robust process for allocating opioid settlement funds, given the county’s limited financial resources compared to other municipalities. Plans to develop a transparent allocation process were highlighted as a priority.

In another notable move, the board approved delegated authority to negotiate a contract with an electronic health record vendor for Behavioral Health Services. This system, compliant with the Minnesota Department of Human Services mobile crisis response standards, is necessary to become a certified mobile crisis response provider. The investment, funded through a Department of Human Services crisis response grant, aims to unify Behavioral Health Services under a single platform, reducing administrative complexity.

Commissioners also reported on various committee activities, including efforts to promote active living, address substance misuse, and prepare for changes in cannabis sales. The board highlighted the introduction of a regional “Be There Campaign” billboard promoting the 988 crisis hotline and ongoing restorative justice efforts.