Fargo Board of Health Reviews Community Health Assessment and Budget Updates

The Fargo City Board of Health meeting on July 11, 2025, focused on key updates regarding public health funding and proposed amendments to the board's bylaws. The meeting began with a discussion led by Jen and Melissa, who provided an overview of the community health assessment and the community health improvement plan. They emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and announced that further details would be shared in the next meeting scheduled for October.

A significant highlight was the positive news regarding public health funding. Jen reported that funding previously on hold from the state is now being restored, allowing programs such as the Women's Way initiative, which focuses on breast and cervical cancer screening, to resume operations. Additionally, the Ryan White program will continue to receive funding into 2026, albeit with some adjustments. The board expressed satisfaction with the return of immunization grant dollars, which will support ongoing public health initiatives.

The meeting also addressed a proposed amendment to the board's bylaws concerning public notice requirements. The current bylaws stipulate that public notices must be published in the Fargo Forum, which incurs a cost. The proposed change would allow for notifications via the city's media contact list and social media platforms, while still complying with state open meeting laws. After discussion and legal review, the amendment was approved unanimously by the board.

In closing, the board opened the floor for public comments, but no attendees chose to speak. The meeting concluded with a reminder about the importance of maintaining proper communication protocols to avoid unintentional public meetings outside of official gatherings. Board members expressed gratitude for the work done by public health professionals and acknowledged the challenges they face in serving the community.