Title
a. Receive a presentation from the Monterey County Health Department's Public Health Cannabis Education Program on program accomplishments; and
b. Receive guidance, including planning for education and policy efforts to address adverse effects of cannabis use by youth, young adults, and pregnant and lactating women.
Presenter: Michelle House, Health Program Coordinator, Health Department
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Health, Housing and Human Services Committee of the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a presentation from the Monterey County Health Department's Public Health Cannabis Education Program on program accomplishments; and
b. Receive guidance, including planning for education and policy efforts to address adverse effects of cannabis use by youth, young adults, and pregnant and lactating women.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 2018, the Monterey County Health Department (Health Department) was approved an augmentation from cannabis tax revenue. Public Health's augmentation included a .50 FTE, Management Analyst II. The Health Department has not filled the MA II position, instead, various staff have supported the work associated with meeting community needs. Currently, a Health Program Coordinator (0.10%) and Chronic Disease Prevention Specialist II (0.50%) have absorbed the majority of cannabis education duties. In addition to these staff, a Public Health Program Manager II (0.10%), Public Health Epidemiologist (0.10%) and a Chronic Disease Prevention Specialist I (0.05%) support Cannabis Education Program efforts by providing epidemiological and data support. The Health Department has utilized over 50 percent of the augmentation to implement public awareness, social marketing, surveillance and youth and community-based interventions.
While work is currently under way to address these public health issues, more work and resources are needed to inform, educate, and promote public health policies that will preserve the health of the...
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