The Navajo County Board of Supervisors has given its approval to the county’s current approach to public health, signaling a significant step forward. This motion wholeheartedly embraces a collaborative Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) involving multiple healthcare entities, both public and private, that operate within the county. This collective effort aims to ensure more efficient allocation of resources for health assessments and a unified strategy for health improvement.
The active participation of the community has further strengthened this collaborative endeavor. Navajo County Public Health Services took the initiative to reach out to residents through a comprehensive survey, seeking to gain a better understanding of the community’s health needs. The response has been extraordinary, surpassing national averages for participation in similar initiatives.
During the board meeting, Bill Ricci, speaking on behalf of the initiative, shed light on the success of the survey. He reported, “To date, we have received just under 2,400 surveys, which accounts for about 2.2% of Navajo County’s population. Nationally, achieving one percent of the population is considered commendable, so we have more than doubled that figure. This achievement is due to the diligent work of our public health employees and the word-of-mouth support we have received.”
The board has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the financial contributions of each organization involved, establishing a clear framework for collaboration and investment in public health. With unanimous approval from the board, Navajo County is now poised to move forward with this innovative, community-focused strategy for improving health.
In addition to these significant developments, the board and the Sheriff’s Office have recognized the exceptional actions of deputies Timothy Tubbs and Jesus Estrada by presenting them with lifesaving awards. Their exemplary actions took place on Feb. 17 when they responded to an agency assistance request from the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The deputies encountered a dire situation—an inebriated man, previously involved in a domestic disturbance, was found unconscious on the railroad tracks with an oncoming train dangerously close. Despite nearly giving up the search, Deputy Tubbs located the man just in time, while Deputy Estrada raced along the adjacent service road, signaling the train to halt less than half a mile from the scene. Deputy Tubbs successfully pulled the man from the tracks. Their quick thinking and unwavering commitment unquestionably saved the man’s life, as acknowledged by Trooper M.T. Wischman of the Arizona Highway Patrol.
During the meeting, the board also made important proclamations. They designated May 14-20, 2023, as National Police Week in Navajo County, highlighting the crucial role of law enforcement in the community. To raise awareness about mental well-being, the month of May was declared “Navajo County Mental Health Awareness Month.”
Finally, the board proclaimed May 9, as “National Fentanyl Awareness Day” in support of the initiatives by the Public Health Services District to address the fentanyl crisis.
In other business the board:
*Approved sympathy letters to Clark and Rob Edwards.
* Approved distribution of National Forest Funds in the amounts of $25,000 for roads and $685,900 to schools and $41,800 for emergency management Firewise program.
* Approved naming of two unnamed roads in Lakeside, Greenlee Way and Yavapai Drive.
* Approved agreement for funding from High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, a program of the City of Tucson, for $123,575 to aid in the county’s Major Crime Apprehension Team’s (MCAT) operational needs and salaries and a $13,800 grant to help lease office space for MCAT detectives.
* Approved funding for repairs to Silver Creek senior center in Snowflake in the amount of $36,895.
* Approved contract with WLB group for Porter Mountain Road culvert replacement for $13,915.
* Appointed Steve North, a current Local Workforce Development Board member, as an Executive Committee Member.
* Approved waivers of tax exemptions to widows, widowers and disabled persons.
* Modified grant/agreement with United States Forest Service to add an addition $10,000 in funding and updating the administrative contact to Kimberley Willis.
* Approved a list of surplus and seized items and authorized public notice scheduling a public surplus auction for May 22.
* Approved a contract with Arizona Department of Corrections-Winslow to renew inmate labor contract at a pay rate of $2 an hour per inmate.
* Approved contract with Belt Law Firm, PLC. for legal services for county dependency cases at a cost of $5,883 per month with a $400 a month expense stipend.
* Approved a liquor license application for Jason Gilmore for Axtex Coffee and Taproom in Overgaard.
* Approved amendments intergovernmental agreements between Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD) for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The first amendment increases current WIC budget from $352,746 to $376,959 and the second takes away funding for indirect costs incurred by ADHS when providing immunization services to NCPHSD.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, in the board chambers, located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.
