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Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
OF THE
NORTH CAROLINA
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
July 1, 1956-June 30, 1958
MEMBERS OF THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Appointed by the Governor
H. C. Lutz, Ph.G.
Appointed 1951
Term expires 1959
Mrs. J. E. Latta
Appointed 1953
Term expires 1961
John P. Henderson, Jr., M.D.
Appointed 1954
Term expires 1959
Lenox D. Baker, M.D.
Appointed 1956
Term expires 1961
Z. L. Edwards, D.D.S.
Appointed 1957
Term expires 1961
Elected by the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina
John R. Bender, M.D., Vice-President
Elected 1949
Term expires 1961
Charles R. Bugg, M. D., President
Elected 1957
Term expires 1961
"Roger W. Morrison, M.D.
Elected 1957
Term expires 1959
—Earl W. Brian, M.D.
Elected 1958
Term expires 1959
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Charles R. Bugg, M.D., President
John R. Bender, M.D., Vice-President
Z. L. Edwards, D.D.S.
J. W. R. Norton, M.D., Secretary
EXECUTIVE STAFF AS OF JUNE 30, 1958
J. W. R. Norton, M.D., M.P.H., Secretary and State Health Director
John H. Hamilton, M.D., Assistant State Health Director and Director
of Laboratory Division
Ernest A. Branch, D.D.S., Director Oral Hygiene Division
J. M. Jarrett, B.S., Director Sanitary Engineering Division
A. H. Elliot, M.D., Director Personal Health Division
Fred T. Foard, M.D., Director Epidemiology Division
Robert D. Higgins, M.D., Director Local Health Division
E. C. Hubbard, B.S., M.P.H., Director Water Pollution Control Division
Ben Eaton, Jr., Director Administrative Services
Dr. Morrison elected to fill unexpired term of Dr. Crump.
Dr. Brian elected to fill unexpired term of Dr. Dixon, deceased May 7, 1958.
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LOCAL HEALTH DIRECTORS IN
NORTH CAROLINA
N. C. State Board of Health, Local Health Division
Raleigh, N. C.
Department
Alamance
Alleghany-Ashe-
Watauga
Anson
Avery-Yancey-Mitchell
Beaufort
Bertie
Bladen
Brunswick
Buncombe
Burke
Cabarrus
Caldwell
Carteret
Catawba-Lincoln-
Alexander
Cherokee-Clay-Graham
Cleveland
Columbus
Craven
Cumberland
Currituck-Dare
Davidson
Davie-Yadkin
Duplin
Durham
Edgecombe
Forsyth
Franklin
Gaston
Granville
Greene
Guilford
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood
Henderson-Transyl-vania
Hertford-Gates
Hoke
Hyde
Iredell
Jackson-Macon-Swain
Johnston
Jones
Lenoir
McDowell
Madison
Martin
AUGUST 1, 1958
Health Director
Dr. W. L. Norville
Dr. M. B. H. Michal
Dr. Warren D. Carter,
Act. P.T.
Dr. L. E. Kling
Dr. W. S. Cann
Dr. David Tingle
Dr. C. B. Davis
Dr. H. W. Stevens
Dr. G. F. Reeves
Dr. J. Roy Hege
Dr. William Happer
Dr. Luther Fulcher, Act,
Dr. William H. Bandv
Address
Burlington
Boone
Wadesboro
Burnsville
Washington
Windsor
Elizabethtown
Shallotte
Asheville Box 7525
Morganton
Concord
Lenoir
P.T.Beaufort
Hickory
Dr. Z. P. Mitchell
Dr. Floyd Johnson
Dr. E. D. Hardin
Dr. M. T. Foster
Dr. W. W. Johnston
Dr. J. W. Varner
Dr. John L. Chesnut
Dr. John F. Powers
Dr. O. L. Ader
Dr. W. A. Browne
Dr. Fred G. Pegg
Dr. A. J. Holton
Dr. B. M. Drake
Dr. W. N. Thomas
Dr. J. L. Campbell
Dr. E. H. Ellinwood
Dr. Robert F. Young
Dr. W. B. Hunter
Dr. Raymond K. Butler
Dr. J. D. Lutz, Act. P.T.
Dr. John R. Folger. Act. P.T
Dr. James A. Fields
Dr. A. L. O'Briant
Dr. W. W. Johnston
Dr. Ernest Ward
Dr. H. F. Barnes
Dr. E. S. Grady
Dr. R. J. Jones
Dr. R. J. Jones
Dr. W. F. E. Loftin
Dr. Margery J. Lord,
Act. P.T.
Dr. W. A. Browne
Murphy
Shelby
Whiteville
New Bern
Fayetteville
Currituck
Lexington
Mocksville
Kenansville
Durham
Tarboro
Winston-Salem
Louisburg
Gastonia
Oxford
Snow Hill
Greensboro
Halifax
Lillington
Waynesville
Hendersonville
Brevard
Winton
Raeford
Swan Quarter
Statesville
Sylva
Smithfield
Trenton
Kinston
Marion
Marshall
Williamston
Mecklenburg
NORTH CAROLINA
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
RALEIGH
September 11, 1958
. GRADV DIXON MD. PRtS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Report of the Secretary-Treasurer, July 1, 1956-June 30, 1958 9
Conjoint Report, 1957 46
A Decade of Public Health Adjustment in North Carolina 51
Biennial Report, July 1, 1956-June 30, 1958—Central Administration 62
Local Health Division 67
Personal Health Division 76
Division of Epidemiology 81
Sanitary Engineering Division Ill
Laboratory of Hygiene 116
Report of Committee on Postmortem Medicolegal Examinations 123
Oral Hygiene Division 125
Division of Water Pollution Control 129
Public Health Chronology (1952-1958) 140
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER
AND STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR
July 1, 1956-June 30, 1958
Abridged report of the activities of the State
Board of Health as recorded in the Minutes:
July 8, 1956. There was a special meeting of the North Carolina State
Board of Health held Sunday, July 8, 1956, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., in the
Board Room of the Cooper Memorial Health Building, with President Dixon
presiding.
Dr. Norton asked for clearance on the minutes of the last meeting so that
certain actions taken at that meeting might be considered final and acted
upon. Dr. Lawrence suggested that since this is a special meeting for a
special purpose, the approval of these minutes be postponed until the next
regular meeting, and this was done.
Before going into the public health laws, Dr. Dixon explained that at
Pinehurst certain members of the Board got together and studied the
first Chapter to acquaint themselves with it and to get something started
toward making recommendations. At that particular meeting, the attorney
for the State Medical Society was present. At a meeting in Winston-Salem
about a year ago, the subject came up of changing the name of the executive
officer from State Health Officer to Commissioner of Health, and a resolu-tion
was passed to that effect, and setting up a State Department of Health.
The medical members of the Board talked it over with the attorney for the
State Medical Society, and he advised that so long as things go along as
they are, with the men we have in control, it would be perfectly alright,
but if sometime a different type of man got in as the head of the depart-ment
of health that it would be very easy for that particular man to request
appropriations and laws that would make him a czar in the department of
health, if he so saw fit, and the Board would have no say-so in the policies.
It would become just a figurehead. The attorney saw that as a possibility.
Dr. Lawrence commended Dr. Crump and Mr. Ligon for carrying out
almost to the letter of the law the suggestions as they understood them.
The following changes were made in the proposed revision of the public
health laws:
ARTICLE 1—General Provisions
Section 1, (d) was rearranged to read: "Any action or proceeding com-menced
before this Chapter takes effect, and any right accrued, is not af-fected
by this Chapter, but all procedures thereafter taken shall, insofar
as possible, conform with the provisions of this Chapter."
Item (e) in the same Section was rearranged to read: "Whenever a
power is granted to the State Board of Health, or a duty is imposed upon
a public officer, the power may be assigned or the duty may be performed,
unless this Chapter expressly provides otherwise, by a deputy of the officer
or by a person duly authorized by the State Board of Health."
10 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
Under Section 2, "last known" was inserted before residence and before
principal place of business.
ARTICLE 2—Administration of Public Health Law
Section 3, State Health Officer was changed to State Health "Director".
In reference to Section 1, members of the Board appointed by the Gov-ernor,
Dr. Lawrence moved that in view of the custom for more than
twenty-five years, or for the life of this Board it has been customary and
in practice that the Governor did appoint one or more licensed physicians,
that this particular specification be left as it has been presented at this
time. Dr. Crump seconded, and motion carried.
Section 3—From page 2—In a discussion as to whether or not training
and expei'ience in public health should be inserted as one of the require-ments
for the State Health Director, Dr. Current made this statement
:
The taxpayers of our State have seen fit to set up a school of public
health maintained by citizens' money of the State, and men are trained there
and trained in public health in a fashion similar to the way that medical
men are trained in medicine, dentists in dentistry, and so on down, in the
specialized field of public health. Public health has grown like other parts
of our country has grown until now. It is a specialized type of health
service to the citizens at large. I would not for a minute agree to a State
Health Director who did not have an M.D. degree, but I would in a like
manner not give my consent to one who did not have a degree in public
health training, and that degree by a school that is authorized and re-cognized
as a standard public health school. I see no point in the local
health groups over our State wanting specifically trained physicinas that
are also trained in public health and then this Board feeling that the top
level man should not have equal or better training. So my opinion is that
the top flight man in public health service of our State should be an M.D.
and should also have a master's degree in public health.
Dr. Dixon remarked that Dr. Norton is the first formally trained State
Health Officer we have had. He agreed with Dr. Current that since county
health officers have to have public health training, we should have the
same thing in the top State position. If we lose a health officer, we should
set a precedent that we look about among our county health officers and
find the best man in the State in public health work to promote.
Dr. Current further explained that the reason he said trained by re-putable
schools of public health is that training in the constituted schools
of public health can be done quickly, but it is not the only way that a
person can become trained in public health.
Dr. Crump moved that we add to the fourth sentence of Section 3—"and
shall be trained in, and shall have had experience in, Public Health work."
Motion seconded by Dr. Current, and unanimously carried.
In the same Section, "traveling and hotel expenses" was changed to read
"traveling and subsistence expenses."
In Section 5, the next to the last sentence was changed to read "or by a
majority of the members of the State Board of Health", instead of "the
executive committee."
Section 8 was changed to read: "The administrative staff of the State
North Carolina Board of Health 11
Board of Health shall have and exercise such administrative duties and
authority as may be assigned by the State Board of Health."
Dr. Baker moved, seconded by Dr. Current, that Items 7 and 11 under
Section 8, Duties of the Administrative Staff of the State Board of Health,
be moved to Section 6, Powers and Duties of the State Board of Health.
Motion carried.
Dr. Baker moved that Item 12 of Section 8 be moved to Section 9,
Duties of the State Health Director, and be made Item 5 under that Section.
Seconded by Dr. Crump. Carried.
The word "shall" was changed to "may" at the top of page 12, under
Item 13.
Under Section 9, Item 4 "an employee" was changed to "a responsible
employee".
ARTICLE 3—Local Health Departments
Section 4, Compensation of Board members, was changed to read "except
that they may receive eight dollars per diem".
ARTICLE 7—Vital Statistics
Section 9, Burial-Transit Permit Authorizing Burial or Other Disposi-tion
of Body, Dr. Crump moved that the following be added to the first
sentence: "except for those moves necessary for the body to be prepared
for and removed to the funeral home". Dr. Baker seconded and the motion
carried. The same insertion was made in Section 10, Fetal Deaths to be
Registered.
Dr. Baker moved, seconded by Dr. Crump, that Mr. Ligon study the
wording of this insertion carefully to make sure that it covers our needs.
Carried.
Adjournment for lunch at 12:30 p.m.
In Section 15, "Coffins" was added to the title, to read "Sales of Cof-fins
and Caskets Regulated".
Section 32, Church and Other Records Filed and indexed: Fees for
Transcript, was changed to read "and it shall be the duty of the State
Registrar to preserve such parts of record or transcript and to make a
record and index thereof in such form as to facilitate the finding of any
vital information contained therein".
ARTICLE 9—Immunization
In Section 1, "tetanus" was inserted after the word "diphtheria".
ARTICLE 10—Venereal Disease
Section 2 was changed to read "Any physician or other person respon-sible
for diagnoses' and treats to "treatment of".
ARTICLE 12—Sanitary Districts
Section 6, Item 17e, insertion was made to read "and such person, firm
or corporation shall have at least a reasonable time, to be determined by the
Local Health Director".
ARTICLE 13—Water and Sewer Sanitation
Section 4 was left as is, with the request that Dr. Norton and Mr. Jarrett
12 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
rewrite it in more detail, with the Attorney General's approval, and mail
it to the Board members.
ARTICLE 15—Private Hospitals and Educational Institutions
Section 1, Regulation of sanitation by State Board of Health, was changed
to read "To safeguard the health of patients, residents and students of
private hospitals, sanitariums, sanitoriums, nursing or convalescent homes,
educational or other institutions or abodes in North Carolina". At the end
of the last sentence, "which are covered in ARTICLE 2, Section 8, sub-section
13" was added.
ARTICLE 17—Cancer Control Program
It was suggested that in the note on the changes made in Section 2, the
words "and is not limited necessarily to low income citizens" be deleted.
In Section 5, Reporting of cancer, in the first sentence, the word "require"
was changed to "request".
ARTICLE 19—Loan Fund for Dental Students
Dr. Dixon suggested that a note should be added to Section 1, explaining
that "The Little Jack Loan Fund" be so called at the request of Dr.
Branch. The act was supposed to have been named that when it was set
up by the fund and was left out of the original law through oversight.
ARTICLE 22—Remedies
In Section 1, "Except where otherwise provided" was inserted at the
beginning of the paragraph.
Section 15, Effective date, should read "This act shall be in full force
and effect from and after December 1 following adjournment of the
Legislature."
Mr. Ligon was asked to explain the background and purpose of the re-organization
commission appointed by the Governor to study organiza-tion
of state government. The commission asked the Institute of Govern-ment
to make a study of the inspectional activities of the State Board of
Health and the State Department of Agriculture in the areas of meat,
milk, poultry, rendering plants, pure food and drugs, soft drinks, to
present to them what the statutes of the State Board of Health are and
what the statutes of the State Deparment of Agriculture are. If they feel
that some functions in one department should be in the other, they will ask
the heads of the departments to meet with them to discuss those possi-bilities.
A factual report, stating where the functions are, is to be pre-sented
to the reorganization commission next week. Dr. Norton and Mr.
Ballentine have been asked to meet with them.
Dr. Norton reported that there had been another meeting of the Polio
Vaccine Advisory Committee on June 21. The main thing brought out was
the fact that 1,904,412 ccs. of polio vaccine has been allocated to North
Carolina, which includes the thirty per cent that the State Board of Health
is permitted to buy and also the amount that is made available to phy-sicians
in private practice. We have an eligible population of about 1,800,000
which includes those under 20 plus pregnant women. Also the State has
had quite a large amount of vaccine which has not been purchased by com-mercial
channels and has not been available for State Board of Health
North Carolina Board of Health 13
purchase, and other states are asking for it. The Committee authorized
Dr. Norton as Chairman of the Committee to use his discretion and re-lease
vaccine for use in other states, where there is a demand for it and
where our demand hasn't caught up. We can call it back when the demand
is greater. Under that provision we have released approximately four
hundred thousand ccs. The President of the Medical Society, who is a mem-ber
of the Committee, Dr. Donald Koonce, was asked to form a committee
which would sponsor a publicity campaign to build up the demand for the
polio vaccine so that the children would get their protection as promptly
as possible. Dr. Koonce is moving along with the formation of that com-mittee
with Dr. Sam Ravenel of Greensboro, as Chairman, and plans
for informing the people about the fact that the vaccine is safe and that
it is, as far as we can tell, now apparently relatively effective. The de-mand
now is to be stimulated to become equal to the supply of Salk
Vaccine.
Dr. Norton, in explaining the material that had been distributed to the
Board members, suggested that every Board member use every possible
opportunity to inform whatever groups are available of the program of the
State and local health departments, so that the people will be better in-formed
with regard to the work and responsibilities and the importance of
the public health work and when we have our next meeting of the Legisla-ture
it will help us to have more friends there. Dr. Norton has asked
Mr. Richardson to prepare additional material, correlating services, bud-gets,
budget needs, etc. When that information is gotten up it will be
sent to the Board members. This should serve as a basis for private and
group discussions by Board members to help people to be better informed,
such groups as medical society, dental society, service clubs, PTA, women's
clubs, etc.
Dr. Norton asked the Board's approval that he discuss the matter of
raising the salary range of Division Directors with Mr. Coltrane and Mr.
Dinty Moore, who in turn would help sell it to the Advisory Budget Com-mission.
He requested that the President of the Board go with him.
Dr. Baker moved that the Board request of Dr. Norton to take up the
salaries of division heads with the assistant director of the budget and
with the Advisory Budget Committee with a request that they be at
least equal to the range for superintendents of State Mental Hospitals.
Dr. Current seconded and the motion carried. Dr. Dixon asked Dr. Norton
to make an appointment for them with the assistant director of the budget,
to discuss salary increases of the Division Directors.
August 19, 1956. A regular quarterly meeting of the North Carolina
State Board of Health was held on Sunday, August 19, 1956, at 10:00 a.m.,
in the Board Room of the Cooper Memorial Health Building with Presi-dent
Dixon presiding.
Dr. John Bender moved that the minutes of the Executive Committee
meeting held on April 19, 1956 be approved as circulated to Board members.
Motion seconded by Dr. Crump, and carried.
Dr. Dixon read a supplemental paragraph from a letter from Dr. Baker,
dated July 6, 1956 which he suggested should be added to the June 1, 1956
minutes of the Board. This insert, or paragraph, also had been circulated
14 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
among Board members. Dr. Crump moved, seconded by Mrs. Latta, that
Dr. Baker's statement be added to the June minutes, after which the min-utes
would stand approved as circulated. Motion passed.
On motion of Dr. Crump, duly seconded, the minutes of the July 8, 1956
meeting of the Board, were unanimously approved as circulated.
A further discussion was held regarding Dr. Ann DeHuff Peters' re-quest
to be permitted to use sterile normal salt solution in the eyes of new-born
babies instead of silver nitrate. It was pointed out by Dr. Elliot that
the Board has not approved the proposed procedure. It was the consensus
of the members that presently approved procedures should not be changed
at this time by the State Board of Health. Dr. Bender moved that the Board
notify Dr. Peters of this fact, in a letter. Motion seconded by Mr. Lutz,
and unanimously carried.
At this point, proposed budget requests and justifications for the bien-nium
1957-1959 were taken up. Each Director was asked to present the
proposed budget for his Division and explain the various proposed changes
and justifications for same. Secretary Norton presented the tentative
budget request for Central Administration Division and explained the
reason for the transfer of some of the Federal funds to State was in order
that several key positions paid for by Federal funds may be transferred
to the State payroll,—that we would be on safer ground if Federal funds
should be further curtailed. Secretary Norton discussed two new positions
for the Board of Health, namely, an Administrative Assistant and a full-time
Deputy State Health Officer. The office of Administrative Assistant
to the Secretary and State Health Officer was provided when the Board
was reorganized on its present basis, in 1950, but no appropriation has
been requested up to this time.
Discussing the possible request for a Deputy State Health Officer, the
Secretary explained that this position was now in force in many of the
up-to-date health departments and its importance was being stressed at
national meetings.
At this point, Dr. Norton paid tribute to and expressed appreciation
of Dr. Hamilton's work as Assistant State Health Officer, in addition to
his many other duties. In considering this new item of the budget, Mr.
Lutz moved that the Board go on record as approving this new position and
that the official title be Deputy State Health Officer. Motion seconded by
Dr. Current, and carried.
In discussing the increase of salaries for Division Directors, it was
thought that the salary for the Deputy State Health Officer should rank
about the same. The Board also approved the inclusion of a flat 10 percent
increase, across the board, for all employees.
Dr. Fred T. Foard, Director of the Division of Epidemiology, went into
detail, explaining the proposed requests in his Division and various Sec-tions
for increase in salaries, personnel, equipment, etc., and giving justi-fications
for each item. He told why a considerable increase in the alloca-tion
for Occupational Health program is necessary and displayed charts
and graphs comparing employees engaged in manufacturing industries
1950-1955, and other information pertaining to increase in industry in
North Carolina.
North Carolina Board of Health 15
Dr. C. C. Applewhite, Director of the Local Health Division, reported
on the proposed budget and justifications for local health services. He said
that he would appreciate guidance by the Board in preparing a formula
to be used for the distribution or allocation of funds to local health de-partments.
This was discussed. Dr. Bender moved that the Local Health
Division staff be authorized to propose the same, or to work out a new-formula
which will provide for a most equitable distribution of State
funds to the county health departments, subject to the approval of the
State Health Officer. Motion seconded by Dr. Crump, and unanimously
carried.
The meeting recessed at 11 :45 a.m. for lunch and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
The first item presented was by Dr. Foard, Epidemiologist, who reported
to the Board regarding a case of lepromatous type of leprosy which was
diagnosed last year in Surry County and is now receiving treatment in the
Public Health Service Hospital in Carville, Louisiana. He said Dr. R. B. C
Franklin, the Health Officer, does not want to assume the responsibility for
permitting the patient to return to Surry County and is seeking advice
from the State Board of Health as to whether the patient should be per-mitted
to return as long as he is in the infectious stage. The subject was
discussed at length, and it was the consensus that no leprosy case, in an
infectious stage, should be admitted to North Carolina. Dr. Crump, there-fore,
moved that the North Carolina State Board of Health disapprove of
individuals who are under treatment in the Carville Leprosarium infected
with leprosy returning to the State until they are certified by the proper
authorities of the USPHS as being non-infectious. Motion seconded by Dr.
Bender, and carried unanimously.
Dr. A. H. Elliot, Director of the Personal Health Division, reported on
the proposed budget for the Personal Health Division giving justifications
for all recommended increases.
Dr. John H. Hamilton, Director of the Laboratory of Hygiene, was next
on the agenda for reporting on his requests and justifications for the
Laboratory. He discussed the continued growth and activities, especially
in cancer cytology, virology, chemistry and bacteriology. He also stated
that he was happy to report that on June 30, 1957, the twenty year bonded
indebtedness would be paid off for the Shore Laboratory of Hygiene
Building.
Discussing the proposed budget and justifications for the Oral Hygiene
Division, Dr. Branch reported an imperative need for more school dentists,
to provide for expansion of work among the children of North Carolina
—
for corrective and educational work.
Mr. J. M. Jarrett, Director of Sanitary Engineering Division, followed,
explaining the needed increase in personnel for his Department and the
justifications for same.
At the close of the hearings, President Dixon recognized Miss Reynolds,
the Budget Officer, and gave her an opportunity to make comments with
reference to the proposed budgets. There was a general feeling expressed
by Board members that the proposals were minimum and that the Board of
Health could not carry out its duties with less.
Mr. Jarrett presented a proposal for a new sewage treatment plant and
16 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
sewer extensions at Littleton, North Carolina, stating that the town re-quested
it be ordered to make this improvement, so the money could be
raised. Mr. Jarrett stated that an investigation had been made of the
situation in Littleton which resulted from improperly maintained privies
and residential septic tanks, along with four highly overloaded municipal
septic tanks which discharge partially treated sewage into small streams
creating a health hazard. He also pointed out that all documents relating
to this matter had been carefully examined, and were in order according
to legal requirements, and recommended that the request be granted. Dr.
Crump moved that the RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE NORTH
CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF HEALTH ORDERING THE TOWN
OF LITTLETON, NORTH CAROLINA TO MAKE NECESSARY SEW-ERAGE
AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL IMPROVEMENTS, be approved.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Latta, and unanimously carried. (Resolution filed
in Minute Book)
Mr. Jarrett also presented a request from the City of Oxford, North
Carolina, for the State Board of Health to permit controlled fishing in
Lake Devin, the municipal water supply lake. He explained the regulations
applicable with the granting of this request and said that, in his opinion,
no adverse effects would be experienced in the quality of the water and
that fishing from boats would be feasible and safe from a public health
standpoint. On motion of Dr. Current, seconded by Dr. Bender, the
RESOLUTION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF
HEALTH AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF OXFORD, NORTH CARO-LINA
TO PERMIT CONTROLLED FISHING IN LAKE DEVIN, MUNI-CIPAL
WATER SUPPLY LAKE, was unanimously passed. (Copy filed in
Minute Book)
At this point, a further discussion of the revision of the Public Health
Laws was considered, and the following changes made, with instructions
that Secretary Norton transmit them to Mr. Roddey M. Ligon of the
Institute of Government to be included in the revised edition:
—
It was moved by Dr. Bender, seconded by Mr. Lutz, that the Board
reconsider the action taken at the July 8 meeting relative to changes in
the Public Health Laws and omit the wording "a licensed physician" in
Article 2, Section 4, page 5. The motion was unanimous. It was moved by
Mrs. Latta, seconded by Dr. Bender, that in view of the fact that the
General Assembly has seen fit to have a dairyman listed as a must ap-pointment
by the Governor, that the wording "reputable dairyman" be
added to the revision as a member of the Board. Motion unanimously
carried. The revised change reads as follows:
—
ARTICLE 2, Section 4, page
5—Change last sentence of paragraph to read "One of the members ap-pointed
by the Governor shall be a licensed pharmacist, one a reputable
dairyman, and one a licensed dentist."
ARTICLE 13, Section 4, page 138:—Sanitary sewage disposal; rules,—
should read as follows:—"Any person owning or controlling any residence,
place of business, place of public assembly, or other improved real pro-perty
shall provide a sanitary system of sewage disposal consisting of an
approved privy, an approved septic tank or a connection to a sewer system
under rules and regulations promulgated by the State Board of Health."
North Carolina Board of Health 17
The following items of interest were reported on and discussed by
Secretary Norton:—(1) Dr. Leroy E. Burney's appointment as Surgeon
General of the USPHS to succeed Dr. Leonard A. Scheele at Washington,
D. C, (2) attendance by the Secretary at the Work Conference on Nuclear
Energy held in St. Petersburg, Florida; (3) met with and addressed for
the third time the State Association of County Commissioners. The Secre-tary
also reminded the Board that the NCPHA will meet in Asheville,
May 28, 1957, for only one day because North Carolina will be host to the
Southern Branch, APHA, in Asheville, May 29-31, 1957, which consists of
sixteen Southern States and the District of Columbia. Dr. Norton urged
that as many of the Board members as possible attend meetings of the
health officers at State Medical Society meetings and NCPHA—that it
gave the health officers inspiration and stimulus to know that their
State Board is back of them with understanding and support. Dr. Norton
also announced the meeting of the State and Territorial Health Officers and
the Conference of the Surgeon General of the USPHS and the Chief of the
Children's Bureau in Washington, November 2-10; also the meeting of the
American Public Health Association, Atlantic City, November 11-16, 1956.
The Secretary also reminded the Board members that when they call in
to the Central Office here on official business it is appropriate for that
call to be made "collect".
Dr. Norton invited the Board's attention to an article in the "News and
Observer", in which it was stated that he is opposed to making vaccination
against poliomyelitis compulsory at this time; that, in his opinion, it should
be continued on a voluntary basis until that has been given a fair trial
and the necessity for compulsion should arise. The article commented that
two local health officers favor a compulsion enactment by the 1957 General
Assembly. The Board appeared in agreement with postponement of any
request for legal compulsion.
The Secretary announced that the official budget hearing for the State
Board of Health would be held Wednesday, September 5, 1956, 9:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m., Room 513 Revenue Building, and urged that as many mem-bers
as could possibly do so attend on an official trip for which they would
be entitled to reimbursement.
Dr. Dixon stated that he had reached the conclusion that it was not
advisable to call Board meetings on Sunday and that there would be none,
unless absolutely necessary.
October 17, 1956. A meeting of the North Carolina State Board of Health
was held on Wednesday, October 17, 1956, in the Board Room of the
Cooper Memorial Health Building, 2:30—4:50 p.m., with President Dixon
presiding.
On motion of Dr. Lenox D. Baker, seconded by Dr. G. Curtis Crump,
the minutes of the August 19, 1956 Board meeting were approved as
circulated by the Secretary.
Secretary Norton discussed a revision of a change in the recodification
proposal to include the mayors of cities other than county seats, when the
population is above 15,000, on county boards of health as regular ex-officio
members of a county board of health. The Secretary was asked if he recom-
18 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
mended the change, and he replied that this proposed change would have
many supporters and few to object. Dr. Baker moved that ARTICLE 3,
Section 1, page 15, line 7, be amended to read after the parenthesis: "the
mayor of any other incorporated city within the jurisdiction of the county
health department, and which has a population in excess of 15,000 according
to the latest decennial census, and that other appropriate changes to con-form
to this amendment be made." Motion seconded by Dr. Crump, and
carried unanimously.
Secretary Norton called the Board's attention to the fact that in the
old public health laws there was no reference to the position of Vice-
President of the Board, and since the Board has such an office it should
be recognized by statute. It was moved by Dr. Baker, seconded by Dr.
Current, that the word Vice-President be inserted after the word President
on page 6, line 6, Article 2, Section 3. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. J. M. Jarrett, Director of the Sanitary Engineering Division, pre-sented
a request for the proposed new sewage treatment plant and sewer
extensions at Ayden. He stated that the town of Ayden had requested an
order from the State Board of Health to install said plant and sewer ex-tensions.
He pointed out that his Division had investigated the sanitary
conditions—that the Board of Commissioners had adopted a resolution re-questing
an order making it mandatory that Ayden install an adequate
sewage collecting system and sewage treatment plant in order that the
town could issue sufficient bonds to cover the two installations. Mr. Jarrett
recommended that the request be adopted. On motion of Dr. Lawrence,
seconded by Mr. Lutz, the RESOLUTION ORDERING THE TOWN OF
AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA TO MAKE NECESSARY SEWERAGE
AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL IMPROVEMENTS was unanimously car-ried.
(Copy of resolution filed in Minute Book)
Mr. Jarrett also presented a request from the town of Creedmoor for
permission of the State Board of Health to permit controlled fishing in
Creedmoor Lake, the municipal water supply lake. He pointed out that
with the volume of water in the lake and the strict regulations controlling
fishing activities no adverse effects would be experienced in the quality of
the water and that fishing from boats would be feasible and safe from a
public health standpoint. He recommended favorable action by the Board
on this request. On motion of Dr. Current, seconded by Mrs. Latta, the
RESOLUTION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF
HEALTH AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF CREEDMOOR, NORTH
CAROLINA TO PERMIT CONTROLLED FISHING IN CREEDMOOR
LAKE, MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY LAKE, was unanimously carried.
(Copy of Resolution filed in Minute Book)
In the absence of Mr. Earle C. Hubbard, Executive Secretary of the
State Stream Sanitation Committee, Mr. Jarrett gave a preliminary re-port
on a study of closer coordination between the State Board of Health
and the State Stream Sanitation Committee as it relates to overlapping
duties and stated that it was the opinion of the Committee that it might
be well to have Mr. Ligon of the Institute of Government review the
Stream Sanitation laws in connection with revising the regulations re-lating
to water and sewerage as contained in our public health laws, in
North Carolina Board of Health 19
order that the Stream Sanitation Committee would be more closely allied
with the State Board of Health. After this report and review from Mr.
Ligon, Mr. Jarrett and Mr. Hubbard will go over the recommendations of
Mr. Ligon with the Stream Sanitation Committee and then submit the
revisions to their Boards for their consideration and advice.
Secretary Norton reported briefly on the four personnel recommenda-tions
from the Commission on the Reorganization of the State Government,
as they affect the Board of Health. He read each recommendation and com-mented
on them; also said he had had a visit with Mr. Donald Hayman and
that the Merit System Council was in contact with the Reorganization
Commission. The first two are probably unnecessary and there were part-icular
objections to items three and four. No action taken other than a
request to keep the Board informed.
Dr. Martin P. Hines, Chief of the Public Health Veterinary Section,
presented a request for two amendments to Regulation 40, relating to the
quarantine and destruction of psittacine birds. In presenting these re-quests,
Dr. Hines asked that in the regulation providing for the destruc-tion
of infected psittacine birds, a paragraph be added to Item 1 of Section
P entitled "Authority and Notice", which will provide that treatment
recently made available may be given in lieu of the destruction of birds
in infected aviaries. Dr. Hines also requested that Item 4 of Section P
(Page 3 of existing regulation) entitled "Birds Not of the Psittacine
Family" be entirely deleted from the regulation governing infected turkeys
and other domestic fowls, and another paragraph substituted. The change
in regulations was discussed. Dr. Lawrence moved that the following-revision
of the communicable disease Regulation 40 relating to psittacosis
be accepted. Motion seconded by Dr. Crump and carried unanimously. The
revision follows:
REVISION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REGULATION 40
RELATING TO PSITTACOSIS
WHEREAS, various methods of treating psittacine and non-psittacine
birds known to be infected with psittacosis, have been found to be effective,
and
WHEREAS, no indemnity is provided the owner or other person in pos-session
of infected birds which must be destroyed under present Regula-tion
40,
NOW, THEREFORE, Regulation 40, governing the control of psittacosis
is hereby revised as follows:
Section P. Control of Birds.
1. Elimination or treatment of Infected Birds.
Authority and Notice. By adding, at the end of existing paragraph,
the following:
"The owner of proved infected birds or those which have been ex-posed
to or associated with birds proved to be infected with psittacosis may
elect in lieu of destruction, to treat said birds under the supervision of and
in a manner prescribed by the North Carolina State Board of Health. If,
following treatment, the quarantine authority finds that a health hazard
no longer exists, it may release the bird or birds from quarantine."
Section P. Control of Birds.
4. Birds Not of the Psittacine Family. By striking out the entire para-graph
beginning with the word "Birds" and ending with the word "Health"
and substituting therefor the following paragraph:
20 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
"Birds not of the psittacine family are to be regarded as dangerous
to the public health when they have been proved to be infected with psit-tacosis
or have been exposed to or have associated with birds proved to
have psittacosis. Such birds shall be quaranted by the local health officer
or by a representative of the North Carolina State Board of Health, and
shall remain in quarantine until either destroyed or treated under super-vision
of and in a manner prescribed by the North Carolina State Board
of Health. If, following treatment, the quarantine authority finds that
a health hazard no longer exists, it may release the bird or birds from
quarantine."
Secretary Norton, Dr. Branch and Dr. Current all discussed the fluorida-tion
of municipal water supplies, expressing their hearty approval of this
public health measure which had previously been approved by the Board.
Dr. Current, in his discussion, described the program now being promoted
in Gaston County.
At the request of Dr. Grady Dixon, Miss Mary B. Deaver, Chief of the
Nutrition Section, was present. He had asked her to present some ideas
for combating the problem of malnutrition in infants and young children
as this seems to be a primary need in his community. She discussed the
possibility of using a community such as Pitt County for developing a
pilot study in this area of nutrition.
Dr. Baker moved that the Board go on record as approving such an
educational study or program, and also that the one additional nutritionist
be secured which has already been included in the proposed budget. Motion
seconded by Dr. Current and unanimously adopted.
At this point, Dr. Baker referred to the Board minutes of July 8, 1956,
in regard to the motion of Dr. Crump, seconded by Dr. Current and passed
relative to the State Health Director's holding a Master's Degree. Dr.
Crump moved that the above motion be rescinded and deleted from the
minutes with regard to this qualification and that the wording in lieu
thereof be inserted as follows: "and shall be trained in, and shall have had
experience in, Public Health work". Motion seconded by Dr. Current, and
unanimously carried.
Dr. Baker also stated that there was another sentence in the same para-graph
which could be improved on. It now reads "The State Health Director
shall be the Executive Officer of the Board and shall devote his entire
time to Public Health work". That public health work as now used would
not limit his work in that field in other areas not of interest to the State
of North Carolina, and he suggested adding to that sentence the words
"as approved by the State Board of Health". Dr. Baker moved that this
change be made. Seconded by Mr. Lutz, and carried.
February 14, 1957. The meeting was called to order by Dr. G. Grady
Dixon, President, presiding. The new member of the Board, Dr. Roger W.
Morrison, (replacing Dr. Curtis Crump) was sworn in by Justice William
H. Bobbitt.
The minutes of the October 17, 1956, meeting were approved as read.
Dr. Norton gave a further report on polio vaccine. Dr. Foard had made
available a folder of material for the information of the members. One of
the problems facing us now is that federally purchased vaccine can only
be given to those under twenty and pregnant women. With that in mind,
the American Medical Association called in the President of the State
North Carolina Board of Health 21
Medical Societies and Dr. Sam Ravenel, Chairman of the Special Com-mittee
on Polio Vaccine also attended a meeting- in Chicago on January
26. At that time, it was felt that something should be done to try to get
the people between twenty and forty protected. In the discussion, it was
suggested that the Board of Health and the Medical Society go in together
and make a request of the Governor and Council of State for funds from
the Contingency and Emergency Fund to provide polio vaccine for this
age group between now and June 30. It was suggested that a rough draft
of a letter to the Governor and Council of State be prepared requesting
funds from the Contingency and Emergency Fund. Dr. Norton asked that
the Board approve this action. The Executive Council of the Medical
Society has already approved. They also approved support by the Legis-lative
Committee of our budget request and also request for recodification.
Early reports on intradermal vaccine indicate that it is of no value, or of
so much lower value, that it is well to stick to what we have been doing.
In answer to another question brought up, information gathered by Dr.
Salk indicates that it does not matter if the third inoculation is given
more than seven months after the second inoculation.
Dr. Baker moved that the Board join the Medical Society in a request for
funds from the Contingency and Emergency Fund. Dr. Current seconded
the motion. Unanimously carried.
Dr. Foard added that within the last two or three weeks, the vaccination
program over the State has been greatly stimulated.
Dr. Norton said that the Executive Council, on February 3, also asked
the President to get out a letter to all local medical societies and request
the Editor of the Medical Journal to do everything they could to stimulate
getting this protection prior to the opening of the warm season. The State
Board of Health staff is to provide background information to Dr. Koonce
and Dr. Johnson for these.
Dr. Charles F. Cameron gave a report on the accident prevention pro-gram
and gave comparative figures on home accidents with other accidents
and communicable diseases of children and other diseases. Dr. Cameron
expressed the hope that since the three-year Kellogg Foundation support
of the accident prevention program rapidly draws to a close, there might be
some procedure whereby this activity can be continued. Mr. Hasson of the
Foundation is to come for a visit February 20. Dr. Norton advised the
Board that the Advisory Budget Commission did not recommend any funds
for continuation of this work.
Dr. Baker moved, seconded by Dr. Lawrence, that the Board make an
appeal to the Joint Appropriations Committee. Approved.
Dr. Dixon introduced Dr. Morrison to the division directors who were
present, and also two health officers, Dr. H. W. Stevens of Asheville and
Dr. G. O. Moss of Rutherfordton.
Miss Reynolds was called on to make a report on the budget. She in-formed
the members of the budget requests that were approved by the
Advisory Budget Commission and those that were denied, and explained
each item. Dr. Norton stated that copies of the summary which she pre-sented
would be mailed to the members.
Dr. Applewhite gave a report of the Health Officers' Conference held on
22 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
February 13, the main purpose of which was to discuss the results of the
Advisory Budget Commission's recommendations in the hope that the
health officers might be of assistance in getting appropriations for local
health work.
Dr. Norton gave a report on staff changes. Dr. Robert D. Higgins has
succeeded Dr. Benjamin M. Drake as Assistant Director of the Local
Health Division, and Dr. Charles F. Williams has replaced Dr. Madeleine
E. Morcy, now with the Children's Bureau, as pediatric consultant in the
Maternal and Child Health Section. Dr. Bertlyn Bosley, who has been
away for a year helping with the nutrition program for the Indian Health
Service, has asked for a few more months, perhaps a year, to complete her
work before coming back to the State Board of Health, and she has been
written that such a recommendation will be made to the Merit System
Council.
Dr. Norton explained some of the recommendations in the report of the
Reorganization Committee, and suggested each Board member request a
copy of the report.
Dr. M. T. Foster, Health Officer, and Dr. Richard Knight, Veterinarian
from Fayetteville, were introduced.
Dr. Hines was called on to make a brief report on the proposal to recog-nize
rabies vaccine of chick-embryo origin for a period of three years. He
read a statement from the Communicable Disease Center of the U. S.
Public Health Service and presented a resolution passed by the State
Veterinary Association in June of last year for the Board's consideration.
This resolution requests that the State Board of Health recognize the
vaccine for a period of three years, allowing the counties, in which there
are no veterinarians to administer the chick-embryo vaccine, to continue
the use of vaccine of nervous tissue origin to be administered every year.
The health officers at their meeting on February 13 voted 44 to 3 requesting
this action by the State Board of Health.
Dr. Foster and Dr. Knight explained their positions. Dr. Foster pre-sented
a letter to Dr. Norton from Mr. Roscoe Blue, Chairman of the
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and of the County Board of
Health, which Dr. Norton read to the group. They are of the opinion that
in two or three years it might be fine to change their vaccination program,
but wonder if it would not be a little premature at this time.
After some discussion, Dr. Baker moved that the resolution be adopted
with the exception that in the last sentence of No. 2, after "when a district
or county board of health", "or the State Board of Health" be inserted.
Dr. Current seconded and the motion carried. (Copy filed in Minute Book)
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:30 p.m. In the afternoon meeting,
Mr. Jarrett presented three items for consideration of the Board.
Dr. Bender moved that the Saw Mill Sanitary District in Caldwell County
be created, seconded by Mrs. Latta. Unanimously carried. (Copy filed in
Minute Book)
Dr. Baker moved that the extension of the Rural Hall Sanitary District
in Forsyth County be approved, seconded by Dr. Henderson. Approved
unanimously. (Copy filed in Minute Book)
Dr. Baker moved that the State Board of Health order a new sewage
North Carolina Board of Health 23
collection system for the Town of Parkton, seconded by Mrs. Latta. Ap-proved
unanimously. (Copy filed in Minute Book)
Mr. Jarrett explained that the new Stream Sanitation law is written in
such a way that the State Board of Health will be the administrative agent
and the State Stream Sanitation Committee will set the policies, which is
what was originally intended when the law was passed. Stream Sanitation
would be a unit of the State Board of Health, retaining its own board.
Senator Whitfield, who is Chairman of the State Stream Sanitation
Committee, read a resolution passed by the Committee, approving the new
law which will be presented to the Legislature if approved by the State
Board of Health. He explained that the purpose of the law is to eliminate
duplication that industry has complained of and put all Stream Sanitation
under one agency. He said that the Reorganization Committee has drawn
up a similar bill. Mr. Hubbard read portions of the Stream Sanitation
Committee's proposed bill and gave a copy to each member of the Board.
Dr. Dixon suggested a called meeting of the State Board of Health, or
Executive Committee, and the State Stream Sanitation Committee.
Dr. Baker commented: "it appears that the changes outlined by Mr.
Whitfield cannot possibly be reviewed today as to details. It also appears
that some early tentative approval is needed in order that they may pro-ceed
with their preparation for introducing the bill. I, therefore, move that
the State Board of Health approve of the principles as outlined by Mr.
Whitfield concerning the proposed legislation but until the members of
the Board of Health have had an opportunity to read the bill, this approval
is not to be interpreted as approving the details thereof. Also that we concur
in principle with the resolution of the State Stream Sanitation Committee
passed at the meeting on February 12, 1957 regarding the establishment
of a Stream Sanitation Unit within and administered by the State Board
of Health." Dr. Current seconded the motion. Approved unanimously.
It was decided that the Executive Committee of the State Board of Health,
and any of the other members who could be present, would meet with the
State Stream Sanitation Committee at two o'clock Thursday, February 28.
Mr. Ligon was also asked, and promised to be present.
Mr. Ligon gave a further report on the recodification of public health
laws. The following changes were made since the last revision by the Board.
Page 7: The last sentence of the last paragraph 130-6, "He shall be
subject to the provisions of Chapter 126 of the General Statutes of North
Carolina" was added so that the Assistant State Health Director will be
under the Merit System.
Page 7: In 130-7, "1958" was changed to "1959".
Page 8: In 130-9, (1) Poivers and duties of the State Board of Health,
"facsimile of the signature of the State Health Director" was added. The
same phrase was added in 130-11, 8.
Page 8: 130-11,10, after "State Board of Public Welfare or other state
agency or institution", "of public institutions and facilities including those
subject to license or inspection by such State Board of Public Welfare or
other state agency or institution" was added.
Page 15: "the ex-officio member shall name the four public members"
was added.
24 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
Page 17: "meeting jointly" was added in the sentence "The ex-officio
members shall be selected by the chairmen of the boards of county com-missioners,
meeting jointly, of the counties concerned". In the next sentence
"at least" was added after "Shall include". In the same paragraph, the
sentence "If more than four counties form a district, an additional public
member may be added for each county in excess of four." was also added.
Page 18: In the last paragraph "by the chairmen of the boards of
county commissioners of the counties within the district, meeting jointly"
was changed.
Page 19 : 130-16, "plus necessary travel expenses" was added.
Page 21: 130-18, Health Director.
Page 21 : 130-19, "principals and teachers" was added after "The
county and city boards of education, the county and city superintendents
of schools".
Page 23: Plural was changed to singular to conform.
Page 23: The last sentence "The person employed as county physician
may be appointed as county medical examiner under the provisions of
G. S. 130-197."
Page 38: 130-47, "shall" was changed to "may" in the sentence "the
board of county commissioners may pay the coroner a fee or salary."
Page 43: All of 130-57 was added.
Page 51: 130-70 was changed so that birth and death records will be
confidential except to certain persons.
Page 65: The last sentence of 139-94, "All applicants for a marriage
license must obtain a health certificate in accordance with the px-ovisions
of Chapter 51 of the General Statutes of North Carolina." was added.
Page 65: 130-95, "and local boards of health" was added after "and
shall cooperate with the State Board of Health".
Page 89: 130-128, 15, after "and to provide fire protection in said
district" "such taxes to be levied and collected at the same time and in the
same manner as taxes for debt service" was added.
Pages 116 and 117: The whole paragraph beginning "In addition to the
above-stated method of dissolving a sanitary district" was added.
Page 124: 130-166, 1. is completely new.
Page 157: 130-200, (d) was deleted.
Dr. Baker moved that as the report was read, it be automatically ap-proved,
unless said otherwise. Dr. Bender seconded. Approved unanimously.
Dr. Baker moved that his thanks and appreciation be put in writing in
the form of a letter and if feasible be turned over to the public relations
department and be made public. Dr. Current seconded.
Dr. Baker again referred to the Stream Sanitation Law and asked Mr.
Jarrett to comment on certain items. Mr. Jarrett said that he has some
minor reservations but that he approves of the proposal.
February 28, 1957. There was a joint meeting of the State Board of
Health Executive Committee and the State Stream Sanitation Committee
held on February 28th, with President Dixon presiding.
Senator Whitfield explained that the purpose of the bill, Chapter 143,
is to establish State Stream Sanitation under the State Board of Health,
the State Board of Health to be the administrative agency and the State
North Carolina Board of Health 25
Stream Sanitation Committee to be the policy-making agency, in order to
avoid duplication in the two agencies and criticism on the part of the public.
This is similar to the Tennessee plan, which is working very satisfactorily.
Mr. Jarrett, at the request of Dr. Norton, presented changes in Chapter
143 suggested by Dr. Lenox D. Baker, a member of the State Board of
Health who could not be present, along with Mr. Jarrett's comments on
those changes. After lenghty discussion of all items referred to by Dr.
Baker in his letter to Dr. Norton and members of the Executive Com-mittee,
the following changes were approved by the groups:
Section 143-211 was amended by adding after the work "methods":
subject to the approval of the State Board of Health, designed to protect
the water requirements for health. Further, this agency is authorized to
establish methods designed to protect the water requirements for recrea-tion."
Section 143-213 (e) was amended to read as follows by inserting after
the word "nominees": "acceptable to both the Board and Committee".
Section 143-214 (d) 2, page 6, was amended by adding after the word
"economic": "or health".
Section 143-215 (a) 4, was amended by adding after the word "com-mittee":
"or State Board of Health".
Amend Section 143-215 (a) 5, third paragraph by adding after the word
"section": "and under provisions of Chapter 130 of the General Statutes".
Amend Section 143-215.2 (a), page 14 by inserting after the word "may":
"under provisions of this article".
Amend Section 143-215.2 (b), page 15, by inserting after the word "ap-proval":
"pursuant to this section."
Amend Section 143-215.3 (b), page 17, by inserting after the word
"Board" in lines 4 and 8 the words: "or committee".
Amend Section 143-215.6 (a) 2, page 21 by changing the word "has" to
"had".
Mr. Ligon also discussed the legal language of a number of sections
questioned by Dr. Baker and agreed that slight changes in language in
some instances might tend to clarify, but since the wording used in this
bill was copied from the existing law, it was thought best to not suggest
any drastic changes at this time to the Reoi'ganization Commission.
Senator Whitfield asked if items 159-161 in Chapter 130, pages 121 and
122 of the re-write of public health laws would not be a duplication in
Chapter 143, if both bills are passed by the Legislature. Mr. Jarrett ex-plained
that since the State Board of Health is to be the administrative
agency, this part of Chapter 130 would strengthen the Stream Sanitation
program. Mr. Hubbard agreed.
It was decided that these suggested changes would be presented to the
Reorganization Commission for their approval. Senator Whitfield explained
that the Reorganization Commission has drawn up a similar bill which will
be presented to the General Assembly, but this bill will be presented as a
substitute bill.
April 25, 1957. A regular meeting of the North Carolina State Board of
Health was held in the Board Room of the Cooper Memorial Health Build-ing
on Thursday, April 25, with President Dixon presiding.
26 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the February 14,
1957, meeting were approved without being read, since all members had
previously received copies. Also, the minutes of the Executive Committee
meeting, held on February 28, 1957, were approved as circulated.
Secretary Norton gave a further progress report on the budget request
for the biennium which had been presented to the Advisory Budget Com-mission
and Joint Appropriations Committee with the order of priority
determined according to most vital need such as—aid to local health de-partments,
training, accident prevention, visual aid films, additional funds
for cancer, nutrition, bacteriologists, etc.
Dr. Norton also gave a report of progress made so far in the recodifica-tion
of Public Health Laws. He stated that the Bill had been introduced in
the House and Senate and was referred to the Health Committees of both
Houses. The Committees have been meeting jointly; also, a joint sub-committee
has been appointed by the House and Senate Health Committee
Chairmen. This subcommittee was reported to be progressing very nicely.
Dr. Norton pointed out that Dr. Baker had met with the Committees several
times and had been able to explain a good many things in such a way that
they have been accepted very well. When the Bill is completed by the sub-committee,
then it goes to the Health Committees of the House and Senate
;
then to the floor of the General Assembly. Mr. Reid Thompson, House
Member from Pittsboro, is Chairman of the joint subcommittee and has
done a superior job.
During the meeting, a discussion developed regarding a change in the
hour for the Conjoint Session of the State Board of Health and the State
Medical Society meeting. It was pointed out that while the statute provides
that such a meeting shall be held on the second day of each annual meeting
of the State Medical Society there is nothing mandatory about the hour
which must be decided now solely by the Program Committee of the Medical
Society. It was the consensus that the State Board of Health should be
consulted as to its convenience in the matter. The discussion led to the
passage of the following motion, made by Dr. Baker :—There shall be four
regular meetings of the State Board of Health each year, one of which
shall be held conjointly with a general session of the annual meeting of
the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina, at a time and place
designated by the State Board of Health and the Program Committee of
the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina at which time the State
Director of Health's annual report shall be submitted. The motion was
seconded by Dr. Bender, and carried unanimously.
Dr. Norton announced that Dr. John H. Hamilton, the Assistant State
Health Officer and Director of the Laboratory, would present the Conjoint
Report for this year.
Dr. Fred T. Foard, Epidemiologist, gave a statement on the present
status of the poliomyelitis vaccination program and a summary on polio
vaccine inoculations given in North Carolina from 1954 to the present.
Dr. John H. Hamilton, Director of the Laboratory Division, discussed the
method and way in which the Laboratory has been receiving gamma
globulin from the NFIP and the American Red Cross, and how it has been
distributed. Also, as of December 1955, the National Institute of Health
North Carolina Board of Health 27
discontinued the allotment of gamma globulin to North Carolina and that
the American Red Cross has reduced its allotment. Dr. Hamilton stated
that the Laboratory is receiving requests for more gamma globulin than
its allotments. After discussion, it was the consensus to restrict its use
to the control of measles and hepatitis and that a policy be adopted for a
method of procedure for distribution was presented. Upon motion of Dr.
Lawrence, seconded by Mr. Lutz, the following motion was unanimously
passed:—"(1) That gamma globulin made available by the American
National Red Cross and distributed by the State Laboratory of Hygiene
be distributed to local health officers. (2) That all such gamma globulin
be limited to the control of infectious hepatitis and the attenuation of
measles in children, provided that for debilitated children it may be used to
prevent measles."
Mr. J. M. Jarrett, Director of the Sanitary Engineering Division, was
present and discussed a request for an order to construct a new sewage
treatment plant and sewage collection system at Red Springs, N. C. He
stated that documents and other pertinent data had been examined by his
office, and in his opinion, were in order. He, therefore, recommended that
the Board act favorably upon this request. Dr. Baker moved that the
resolution ordering the Town of Red Springs to make necessary sewerage
and sewage disposal improvements be adopted. Motion was seconded by
Mrs. Latta, and unanimously carried. (Resolution filed in Minute Book)
Mr. Jarrett also discussed an order for Spring Hope, N. C, to construct
a new sewage treatment plant and collection system. He recommended
favorable action by the Board on this request, stating that all documents
and transactions had been carefully examined and found in order by his
office. On motion of Dr. Lawrence, seconded by Mrs. Latta, the resolution
ordering the Town of Spring Hope to make necessary sewerage and sewage
disposal improvements was carried unanimously. (Copy of Resolution field
in Minute Book)
Mr. Jarrett presented a request from Mr. P. J. M. Bayne, Chairman of
the Dare Beaches Sanitary District, to promote temporary relief from the
mosquito menace by fogging on the ground and also spraying from the air.
The matter was discussed in full. Mr. Lutz moved, seconded by Dr. Baker
as follows: "That approval be given the Dare Beaches Sanitary District to
engage in a program of mosquito and malaria eradication by the applica-tion
of space spraying from ground equipment, in accordance with Para-graph
11, Section 130-39 of the General Statutes of North Carolina." Motion
carried.
Dr. Baker then asked Mr. Jarrett if he was satisfied with the rewrite of
the Stream Sanitation Law. He stated that he was not in favor of the
amendment as suggested by Mr. Whitfield and gave his reasons as to why,
in his opinion, it would be bad administrative policy to have two engineer-ing
units at the State Board of Health. Mr. Jarrett stated that his recom-mendation
would be that a section of Water Pollution Control be established
in the Sanitary Engineering Division as he felt that in this way the pro-grams
could be more closely coordinated and less friction and overlapping
of responsibility would follow.
Mr. Reid Thompson, representative from Chatham, who is a member of
28 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
the House Health Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee of the
House group, was introduced to the Board. Secretary Norton complimented
him very highly for the wonderful job that he and his co-workers are doing
on the recodification of the Public Health Laws.
April 25, 1957. There was a joint session of the State Board of Health
with the Executive Committee of the State Stream Sanitation Committee
held at noon, Thursday, April 25, 1957, in the Board Room of the Cooper
Memorial Health Building, President G. Grady Dixon, presiding.
Mr. Whitfield opened the discussion by stating that the purpose of this
joint session was to consider ways and means of bringing about closer
cooperation of policies for both industrial and municipal wastes and the
avoidance of duplication and confusion. An open discussion then followed
—participated in by all present. The general conclusion was that the Stream
Sanitation Law should be amended so as to bring about closer cooperation
between the Stream Sanitation Committee and the State Board of Health
and that the administrative staff on the State Stream Sanitation Committee
would serve under the State Board of Health. By clarifying the duties of
each it is proposed to eliminate actual duplication of work. The unit
carrying out policies determined by the State Stream Sanitation Committee
would be known as the Division of Water Pollution Control. Whereupon,
Dr. Baker made the following motion.
"(e) A Division of Water Pollution Control shall be established within
the State Board of Health to do stream sanitation work. This Division
shall be responsible for administering the provisions of this Act and
shall be responsible for performing such other duties as may be as-signed
to it by the State Board of Health relating to the control of
municipal institutional and industrial sewage and waste collection and
disposal systems. The director of such Division shall be selected by
the State Board of Health from nominees acceptable to both the
Board and Committee. He shall be a well-qualified sanitary engineer,
fully trained and experienced in the field of waste disposal. He shall:
(1) serve as the administrative officer of the Committee and shall
attend all meetings of the Committee, without voting power, and
shall keep an accurate and complete record of all meetings, hearings,
correspondence, laboratory studies, and technical work and shall make
these records available for public inspection at all reasonable times;
(2) review and approve plans, specifications and such other documents
as may be required in connection with applications filed for certificates
of approval, permits, or other documents of approval under the pro-visions
of this Act; (3) and perform such other related duties as the
Committee or State Board of Health may from time to time direct."
The motion was seconded by Dr. Lawrence, and carried unanimously.
May 8, 1957. The State Board of Health and the Medical Society of the
State of North Carolina met in Conjoint Session, as required by law, in
the Municipal Auditorium in Asheville, Wednesday, May 8, 1957, at 9:05
a.m., Dr. G. Grady Dixon of Ayden, President of the Board, presiding.
President Dixon presented Dr. J. W. R. Norton, State Health Officer and
he in turn presented Dr. John H. Hamilton, Director of the State Laboratory
of Hygiene and Assistant State Health Officer, who, at the request of Dr.
Dixon and Dr. Norton, gave the annual conjoint report of the Board of
Health to the Medical Society.
North Carolina Board of Health 29
Dr. Dixon announced that the Medical Society had set its approval on
three members of the Board. Dr. John R. Bender, of Winston-Salem, was
re-elected. Dr. Roger W. Morrison, of Asheville, appointed by the Execu-tive
Council of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina to serve
until the next meeting of the Society, was elected to fill out the remain-ing
two years of the unexpired term of Dr. Curtis Crump, also of Ashe-ville.
Dr. Charles R. Bugg, of Raleigh, was elected to succeed Dr. Ben J.
Lawrence, whose term had expired. Dr. Dixon recognized Board members
present at the Conjoint Session and noted that Dr. Lenox D. Baker, member
of the Board was elected President-Elect of the Medical Society of the
State of North Carolina.
No separate session of the Board was held.
July 18, 1957. The North Carolina State Board of Health met in regular
quarterly session, Thursday, July 18, 1957, in the Board Room of the
Cooper Memorial Health Building. Associate Justice Emery B. Denny, of
the Supreme Court of North Carolina, administered the oath of office to
the following for four-year terms, expiring in May, 1961
:
Governor Luther H. Hodges' appointees:
Zeno L. Edwards, Sr., D. D. S., (new appointee), Washington
Elected by the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina:
Charles R. Bugg, M. D., (newly elected), Raleigh
John R. Bender, M. D., (re-elected), Winston-Salem
Roger W. Morrison, M. D., (re-elected), Asheville. (Two years to run
on term of Dr. G. Curtis Crump, resigned)
The meeting was called to order by President Dixon.
President Dixon announced that, due to changes in the Board, a Vice-
President and Executive Committee should be elected. Dr. Baker moved
that, since the Governor had not named all of his appointees, the Board
elect a temporary Vice-President until the two new remaining members are
appointed. Motion seconded by Dr. Bender, and unanimously carried.
Dr. Henderson moved that Dr. John R. Bender be nominated temporary
Vice President. Motion seconded by Mr. Lutz, and unanimously passed.
President Dixon appointed Dr. Lenox D. Baker to serve on the Execu-tive
Committee until he is re-appointed or his successor named.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the Board meet-ings
held on April 25, 1957, were approved without being read, as copies
had been circulated to members.
It was moved and seconded that minutes of the Board meeting held on
May 8, 1957, be approved as circulated.
Dr. Fred T. Foard, Director of the Division of Epidemiology, presented
a further progress report on the Salk poliomyelitis vaccine and the vac-cine
program in North Carolina. He distributed information to the Board
members on the amount of vaccine purchased and distributed, also perti-nent
further breakdown information on inoculations, as of July 18, 1957.
In summarizing, Dr. Foard stated that "of 46 poliomyelitis cases reported
to date this year, 10 were paralytic and two of these had three inocula-tions
of vaccine. Thirty-six were nonparalytic. Of the nonparalytic, 10
had three inoculations, two had two inoculations, 24 had no vaccine. Onlv
30 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
21.7 per cent of all cases have been paralytic in 1957 as compared with
56.8 per cent in 1956."
As further information for the Board, Dr. Foard discussed the temporary
release of Mr. William H. Hudson of Dobson, from the Carville, Louisiana,
Leprosarium, to visit his home in Surry County, for a 30-day period. Mr.
Hudson, a patient at the USPHS Hospital in Carville, requested permis-sion
to return home last year. This request was denied by the Board of
Health until such time as Mr. Hudson could be released with assurances
of safety by the Hospital authorities at Carville. Mr. Hudson made a
second request about two months ago to the State Health Officer, and he
was advised that the matter would have to be deferred for further considera-tion
and action by the Board. In the meantime, the State Health Officer was
advised by Dr. Rolla R. Wolcott, Clinical Director of the Leprosarium,
that Mr. Hudson was leaving for Surry County by auto. He also stated
that there was "no contraindication to the patient's leave of absence from
the Leprosarium and that the hospital could not hold the patient under
present circumstances." The Health Officer of Surry County advised that
the patient had arrived, was very cooperative in maintaining isolation,
and will return to the Leprosarium after 30 days.
Dr. Foard also reported briefly on the rapid spread of influenza through-out
the Far East and Asia, and of the recent outbreaks of a similar type
in California, New England and Iowa. All contacts who attended the Grin-nell,
Iowa meeting in North Carolina are being followed through and there
have been some cases of influenza reported in North Carolina. Dr. Foard
stated that this is definitely a different type of strain A influenza and the
PHS is studying, typing and using sera collected from influenza-like in-fections
occurring in different parts of the country with the view of
determining the extent to which the Asiatic type of influenza has spread.
A vaccine is being prepared to include this new strain.
Mr. J. M. Jarrett, Director of the Division of Sanitary Engineering,
outlined and discussed the proposed revisions to the Restaurant Sanitation
Regulations. He stated that these revisions were necessary, in order to
clarify requirements for food stands and drink stands. Dr. Bender moved
that the Board approve the Restaurant Sanitation Regulations as sub-mitted.
Motion seconded by Dr. Baker, and carried. (Copy filed in Minute
Book)
Mr. Jarrett presented a request from the Town of Graham for permis-sion
of the State Board of Health to permit controlled fishing in Town Lake,
the municipal water supply lake, located on Back Creek. He stated that
an investigation had been made by the Division and with strict regulations
controlling fishing activities, that no adverse effects would be experienced
in the quality of water and that fishing from boats would be feasible and
safe from a public health standpoint. Also, Mr. Jarrett presented and
discussed a similar request from the Town of Kernersville for permission
of the Board to allow controlled fishing in Kernersville Lake, the municipal
water supply lake. Mr. Jarrett stated that this request also had been
thoroughly investigated by his Division, and in view of all the information,
he recommended approval by the Board. On motion of Dr. Baker, seconded
by Dr. Henderson, the resolutions authorizing both the Town of Graham
and the Town of Kernersville to permit controlled fishing in their respec-
North Carolina Board of Health 31
tive municipal water supply lakes, were passed. (Copy of resoultions filed
in Minute Book)
Mr. C. M. White, Chief of the Insect and Rodent Control Section, gave
a report on the activities and work of the Salt Marsh Mosquito Control
Commision since 1955. The 1957 General Assembly placed mosquito con-trol
in North Carolina within the State Board of Health, and in his dis-cussion
Mr. White submitted for the Board's consideration, proposed rules
and regulations governing State aid to mosquito control districts and other
local governmental units engaged in mosquito control undertakings. After
discussing these regulations, Mr. White, as Chairman of the Salt Marsh
Mosquito program, recommended the adoption of the resolution. Dr. Baker
moved the acceptance of the proposed rules and regulations relating to the
allocation of State and federal aid to assist local governmental units in
carrying out mosquito control projects. Motion seconded by Dr. Bugg, and
unanimously carried. (Resolution filed in Minute Book)
Dr. Wm. M. Peck, Assistant Director of the Division of Epidemiology,
reported briefly on public health responsibilities in radiation hazards.
He pointed out certain potential radiological health hazards and their
implications for control regulations and other control methods, particularly
education. Recommendations made previously by the National Committee on
Radiation Protection (National Bureau of Standards Handbook 61, issued
December 9, 1955) were discussed in some detail. Dr. Baker moved that
the North Carolina Radiological Society be invited and requested to set
up a Committee to study radiation health hazards, and to suggest to the
State Board of Health a framework of regulations to eliminate or minimize
harmful exposure. Motion seconded by Dr. Bugg and unanimously carried.
Dr. John H. Hamilton, Assistant State Health Officer and Director of
the Laboratory Division, presented a progress report on the Postmortem
Medicolegal Examinations Committee. This law becomes an integral part
of the public health code. Rules and regulations of the Committee are to
be subject to the approval of the State Board of Health, effective January
1, 1958.
Secretary Norton read a letter addressed to him from Senator J. V.
Whitfield, Chairman of the State Stream Sanitation Committee, regarding
the setting-up and suggested duties and responsibilities of the Water Pol-lution
Control Division and the Engineering Division in the field of stream
sanitation, also a copy of a letter from Governor Hodges to President Dixon.
These were discussed. President Dixon presented for the Board's considera-tion,
a proposed plan of procedure in the administration of the State Stream
Sanitation program within the Board of Health. After a full discussion, the
Board adopted President Dixon's suggestions as constituting a good working
program for the present time.
At 3.00 p.m. Senator J. V. Whitfield, Chairman and members of the State
Stream Sanitation Executive Committee composed of Mrs. Karl Bishopric.
Mr. Walter Clark and Mr. J. N. Vann, appeared for participation in the
joint session with the State Board of Health. Mr. E. C. Hubbard, previously
Executive Secretary of the State Stream Sanitation Committee, was
unanimously agreed upon by the Executive Committee and the Board for
the new position of Director of the Division of Water Pollution Control.
32 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
The State Stream Sanitation Committee is to determine policy and the
State Board of Health is to administer this Division, effective July 1,
1957. The Board heard the discussion of the Executive Committee on the
plan proposed in the letter, Whitfield to Norton, referred to above, and then
President Dixon read the plan of procedure proposed by the Board of
Health. This was discussed jointly by members of the Executive Committee
and Board members. Dr. Baker moved that the resolution be adopted by
the joint group—State Board of Health and State Stream Sanitation Ex-ecutive
Committee,—as read. Motion seconded by Dr. Bender. There was
some discussion and Senator Whitfield said he did not feel his Executive
Committee was prepared to take action then and that he would like to
bring the matter before his entire Committee at a meeting in the near
future. In a vote on the motion of Dr. Baker, the Board members favored
and the Executive Committee (Stream Sanitation) abstained from voting.
The Board delegated its Executive Committee to work out an agreement
with the State Stream Sanitation Committee.
September 19, 1957. The North Carolina State Board of Health met in
regular quarterly session Thursday, September 19, 1957. The Board as-sembled
first in the Senate Chamber at the Capitol, where at 10:00 a.m.,
Associate Justice Emery B. Denny of the Supreme Court, administered the
oath of office to both Mrs. J. E. Latta, Hillsboro, Rt. 1 (re-appointment)
and to Lenox D. Baker, M. D., Durham (re-appointment) for four-year
terms, expiring May, 1961.
Following the exercises in the Senate Chamber, the Board went into
regular session in the Board Room of the Cooper Memorial Health Building.
President Dixon called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. He asked that
Dr. Bender, the Vice-President, take the Chair. The first business of the
meeting was to re-organize the Executive Committee which consists of a
President, Vice-President and one member of the Board. The Board unani-mously
re-elected Dr. G. Grady Dixon as its President for a four-year term,
ending May, 1961. Dr Dixon then took the Chair and called for nominations
for Vice-President. On motion of Dr. Baker, seconded by Dr. Morrison,
Dr. John R. Bender was unanimously elected as Vice-President. On motion
of Dr. Baker, seconded by Dr. Morrison, Dr. Charles R. Bugg was
unanimously elected as a member of the Executive Committee. The Execu-tive
Committee now consists of Dr. Dixon, President, ex-officio, Dr. Bender,
Vice-President, Dr. Bugg and Secretary Norton. It was also voted to
make Dr. Baker an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee with the
request that he attend as many meetings as possible. Dr. Baker explained,
however, that his duties and activities as President-Elect followed by a
year as President of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina,
together with his medical practice, would not leave him much time for
other activities but he would promise to attend all the meetings he could.
Minutes of the Board meeting held on July 18, 1957, were approved as
circulated to Board members by the Secretary.
Progress report on radiation protection. Dr. Wm. M. Peck of our staff
presented Dr. Ernest Wood, Professor of Radiology of the University of
North Carolina, to give a report of the action of the Committee appointed
by Dr. Raper, President of the Radiological Society, to consider the problem
North Carolina Board of Health 33
with Dr. Peck. Dr. Wood reported that at a meeting of the N. C. Radiological
Society last week, recommendations were prepared as requested by the
State Board of Health. These recommendations have been passed on to
Dr. Norton through Dr. Sprunt's letter of September 17, 1957, which Dr.
Wood read. (Dr. William H. Sprunt III, Secretary of the Radiological
Society and Dr. Robert Reeves had hoped to be present but were unable
to come.) This Committee thought very strongly that it would be advisable
to avoid asking for new legislation in this field because they feel that the
existing powers of the State Board of Health are quite sufficient to cope
with the problem. The Committee specifically recommended certain in-dividuals
for the suggested Committee, although it is up to the Board as
to whether or not they accept the individuals recommended.
Dr. Baker suggested that instead of a "member" of the State Board of
Health the word "representative" be used so that either a member or a
former member could be on the Committee. He moved that the recommenda-tion
be adopted by the Board with this change. Dr. Henderson seconded
the motion. After Dr. Edwards' observation that the dental profession
takes more X-rays than the medical profession, Dr. Baker amended his
motion to include a representative from the State Dental Society on the
Committee. Dr. Henderson seconded that motion, and it was carried. Dr.
Norton was instructed to get in touch with the presidents of the State
Dental and Medical Societies for a nomination by each Executive Committee
for the Radiation Study and Advisory Committee of the State Board of
Health.
Senator J. V. Whitfield, Chairman of the State Stream Sanitation Com-mittee,
was called on to give a progress report on the stream sanitation
program. He reported that they have already classified the Yadkin, New
River, White Oak, Roanoke and Chowan River Basins, and next month
they plan to classify the French and Pigeon River Basins. In March they
plan to classify Cape Fear River and sometime next fall the Neuse River
Basin. That leaves Catawba, Tar and Pamlico Rivers. They will probably
have the field work done on the Pasquotank and Catawba this fall, not
later than the spring of 1959. Next year they will also do the field work
on the Tuckasegee. They hope to have all the river basins classified by
1961 or not later than 1962, which will be a ten-year job completed. Mr.
Whitfield also announced that they do not have enough room in this building
and he has spoken for part of the third floor of the old Health Building.
Mr. J. M. Jarrett, Director of the Sanitary Engineering Division, pre-sented
a request for the extension of the boundary lines of the Walker-town
Sanitary District, Forsyth County. He stated that all documents had
been carefully reviewed and checked and that proper procedures had been
followed in accordance with the requirements of the General Statutes for
the extension of boundary lines. Mr. Jarrett recommended favorable action
by the Board. On motion of Dr. Baker, seconded by Dr. Henderson, the
request for extension of boundaries of the Walkertown Sanitary District,
Forsyth County, was unanimously passed. (Copy filed in Minute Book)
In making his progress report on the poliomyelitis vaccination program,
Dr. Fred T. Foard, Director of the Epidemiology Division, gave figures to
show the number of doses already administered and the number of persons
34 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
who have received these doses for the first, second and/or third time. He
stated that just now there is practically no demand for Salk vaccine in-jections
but that he looked for a marked upsurge with further advance
of fall. Also, Dr. Foard informed the Board that of the 177 poliomyelitis
cases reported in 1957 through September 18, only 22 have been paralytic.
In 1956, through September 18, a total of 206 cases had been reported with
99 of them paralytic. The decrease in the number of paralytic cases re-ported
in 1957, to-date, as compared to the number of paralytic cases re-ported
in 1956, to-date, is 77.8 percent.
Dr. Bugg suggested that all local health officers should be advised that
now is the time to urge vaccination against poliomyelitis for next year,
and that three injections must be given before the desired immunity can
be expected.
The Board returned to discussion of the radiation program. Dr. Edwards
moved that the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Dental Society
be permitted to name their member of the Committee. Dr. Morrison
seconded the motion, and it was unanimously passed.
Dr. Baker moved that the suggestion for this Committee be made as
recommended by Dr. Wood, subject to the approval of the Executive Com-mittee
of the State Board of Health. Motion seconded by Mrs. Latta, and
was unanimously carried.
Doctors Foard and Norton reported on the situation of the Asian In-fluenza
strain and vaccine. Only 49 cases have been laboratory confirmed
by our Laboratory as Asian Strain Flu. This is not representative of the
prevalence of the disease in North Carolina, as it is not a reportable disease.
No outbreaks have occurred but it is endemic quite widely throughout the
State. Beginning this week, estimates will be made to the Public Health
Service and each Health Officer has been asked to submit each week a
report of the estimated number of flu-like diseases. These reports will be
based on interviewing principals of schools on absentees because of flu-type
diseases, by interviewing general practitioners, internists and pedia-tricians
as to how many are seen in private practice, and by reporting on
known conditions where a considerable number of occupational workers
are out of their usual work because of a flu-like disease. There are not
enough laboratories in the State to make laboratory examinations for
confirmation of all cases occurring.
Dr. Norton attended the conference called by the Surgeon General of
State and Territorial Health Officers. Prior to that a conference was
called by the Surgeon General with representatives of the American
Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy
of General Practice, and other groups. Early recommendations of the AMA
and other groups with the Surgeon General was that there be no federal
or state control, and that it be handled on a general understanding with the
manufacturers that they would distribute the vaccine to the states on the
basis of population. It was recommended by the earlier groups and by the
State and Territorial Health Officers that first consideration, primarily
encouragement, be given to those people who are responsible for looking
after the health and medical care of people, physicians, dentists, nurses
and other assisting personnel, and that second consideration and encourage-
North Carolina Board of Health 35
ment be given to others whose absence would interfere with the carrying
on of normal business activities, such as those who have charge of com-munications,
transportation, and those who are taking care of property
such as firemen, policemen, guards at the prisons, etc., and that the third
group would be those who have had some chronic disease, particularly
heart, chronic tuberculosis and other chronic diseases, and the very young
and very old in whom complications are more frequent. This particular
strain so far has been uniformly relatively mild all over the world. Dr.
Norton attended a conference here of representatives of the State Medical
Society, Mr. Barnes and Dr. Bugg who is also a member of our Board, the
Budget Office, State tuberculosis hospitals, State Mental hospitals, State
prison, State correction homes and the State Highway Patrol, and it was
agreed that these State agencies would buy vaccine, which would cost
around 35 cents each, just as they would buy raincoats, etc., for policemen
and guards and others. He has also had conversations with people in charge
of student health at Chapel Hill, State College, and hospitals other than
those particular ones, and most of them are going ahead and putting in
their orders. Also, the National Guard is going ahead with it so that they
would not be handicapped in case of hurricanes or any other kind of emer-gency.
Dr. Norton's suggestion to the Board would be that such an agree-ment
by the Board would take care of what we are being asked for. The
Executive Committee of the State Medical Society will meet Sunday and
the matter will be brought up at that time to determine what the recom-mendation
of the State Medical Society will be. Dr. Norton stressed home
treatment of uncomplicated cases of flu, and recommended that sulfa
drugs and antibiotics be withheld, since they have no effect on the flu
virus, and should be reserved for complications, such as pneumonia, meningi-tis
and other complications.
Dr. Foard commented on the administrative end of flu vaccine. He has
been having calls from health officers as to whether or not they should
obligate themselves to give this vaccine. The industries in particular are
calling on the health offiicers to give it. He thinks this should be left as
far as possible to the private physician. He has advised every health officer
that it should be left entirely to the discretion of the local boards of health
and the county health officers themselves.
Dr. Baker moved that the Board not establish any rule of priority but
make every effort possible to encourage those people in strategic positions
to take the vaccine. Motion seconded by Mrs. Latta, and was unanimous.
Dr. C. C. Applewhite, Director of the Local Health Division, was called
on for a report on the chronic disease budget. The General Health Fund
was increased by Congress by $3,000,000 with a sort of quasi proviso that
this extra money be used to stimulate state and local health departments
to do something about the chronic disease and aged. Dr. Norton called
the Division Directors together and asked them to submit projects for the
$113,000 allotted to North Carolina. The Directors submitted projects
and Dr. Norton called the Directors together again to go over these proj-ects.
At the end of the meeting Dr. Norton appointed a Committee con-sisting
of Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Foard and Dr. Applewhite, Chairman, to
go over these projects to determine which ones would most come in line
36 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
with the intent of Congress. He had distributed to the Board members
a memorandum listing these projects, which are merely recommendations
because the Budget Officer is going to have to go over them and adjust
figures in accordance with the work of other parts of the State Board of
Health. Dr. Applewhite explained each of these projects.
Dr. Baker suggested that we look and see if we have heart funds for
continuing and improving the program set up by the State Board of Health
in the outpatient clinic at Duke Hospital, where 4" x 5" stereo chest X-ray
films are filed in each patients' record. Last year through that unit about
18,000 X-rays were made. He recommended that the Board think along
these lines not only at Duke but in our whole program.
Dr. Morrison recommended studying these projects more carefully, and
Dr. Hamilton explained in more detail the laboratory projects.
Dr. Baker moved that, with Dr. Norton's approval, Board approval be
given in general that the State Board of Health offices go ahead and search
ways and means of using these extra funds in the most economical and best
way. Motion seconded by Dr. Bugg, and was unanimous.
Dr. Baker brought up the fact that while discussing recodification of
health laws, we took up those diseases for which we thought we should
have compulsory vaccination. At the time polio was mentioned and it was
agreed that there was not enough information to make any recommenda-tions
at that time. He thought it should show that at this meeting the ef-fectiveness
of polio vaccine was further discussed again and it was felt
that it was a very effective means of controlling the paralytic phase of
polio. We should give further consideration to the possibility of compulsory
vaccination in the future, so that if we decide to make some request after
this year's study and 1958 study, then in the 1959 General Assembly we
should be able to give legislators better information as to why polio vac-cination
should or should not be made compulsory.
For information and discussion by the Board, Mr. Jarrett presented a
descriptive leaflet and research report on a new glasswasher and sanitizer
developed by the Kidde Manufacturing Company, Inc., Bloomfield, N. Y. for
use in taverns, restaurants, etc. Mr. Jarrett stated that this material and
report had been carefully studied by his division. The Kidde Glasswasher
and Sanitizer has been developed over a period of five years and is now
on the market following tests in New York City, Pittsburgh, and con-clusive
tests in the School of Public Health Engineering at the University
of Michigan with final acceptance and approval of the National Sanita-tion
Foundation. Also, he believes that this device is acceptable in view
of the extensive tests made and the approval of the NSF. Mr Jarrett
stated that our restaurant sanitation regulations concerning this item
will require no charge since they now read as "where it is deemed neces-sary,
mechanical glass and dishwashing equipment shall be required and
such equipment shall meet National Sanitation Foundation standards or
equal." There was no objection raised to the use of this machine. No
official action was necessary.
Mr. E. C. Hubbard, Director of the Water Pollution Control Division,
was present but he had no report. However, it was suggested by Dr.
Dixon that since all divisions and section chief of the State Board of
North Carolina Board of Health 37
Health make monthly reports of activities to the Board members, that his
Division report along with all others. Mr. Hubbard stated that this re-quest
would be gladly complied with. Dr. Dixon also instructed Dr. Norton
to notify the Chairman of the State Stream Sanitation Committee that
he is invited to all State Board of Health meetings.
For information, copies of correspondence was given to each member of
the Board relative to policies, etc. from the Attorney General's office to
Sen. J. V. Whitfield, Chairman of the State Stream Sanitation Com-mittee,
at various times, regarding clarification and duties of the newly
created Division of Water Pollution Control and the Sanitary Engineering
Division as enacted by the 1958 Legislature.
Secretary Norton announced the receipt of a new film on Asian In-fluenza.
He was prepared to have the picture shown, but due to lack of
time this was not done.
December 5, 1957. A regular quarterly meeting of the North Carolina
State Board of Health was held Thursday, December 5, 1957, beginning
at 11:00 a.m., in the Board Room of the Cooper Memorial Health Build-ing,
with President Dixon presiding.
Upon motion of Dr. Henderson, seconded by Dr. Bugg, the minutes of
the meeting held on September 19, 1957 which had previously been circulated
to Board members, were unanimously approved without further reading.
Dr. Fred T. Foard, Director of the Epidemiology Division, gave a report
on the poliomyelitis vaccination program in North Carolina. He stated
that the polio vaccine, at the present time, was being distributed very
slowly. Of the total vaccine purchased for North Carolina under Federal
program of 3,435,975 ccs. there is 144,486 ccs. at the Laboratory of Hygiene
which would become out-dated in January. Local Health Officers, through
several letters, and the public, through news releases, have been urged to
use the vaccine but there seems to be a decrease in the demand. Dr. Foard
reported also that of the 213 poliomyelitis cases reported in 1957 through
December 4, only 40 have been paralytic. In 1956 through December 4,
a total of 299 case had been reported, with 151 of them paralytic. With ap-proximately
100,000 ccs. of polio vaccine becoming out-dated in January,
1958, he asked that the Board consider how to dispose of the supply of
vaccine left on hand. Dr. Lenox D. Baker moved that the Board authorize
Secretary Norton, through Dr. Foard, to dispose of the surplus vaccine
in any manner to the best interest of our people and in a manner through
which it would do the most good. Motion seconded by Dr. John R. Bender,
and passed unanimously. Also, Dr. Foard informed the Board that he had
placed an order for 452,000 ccs. poliomyelitis vaccine, but it was not to be
shipped until notified by the State Board of Health to do so.
Dr. Jacob Koomen, Jr., Assistant Director of the Division of Epidemi-ology,
reviewed the present status of influenza and influenza vaccine in
North Carolina. Approximately 550,000 cases have occured since onset of
the outbreak in late September. The "peak" of the epidemic, 150,000 cases
reported per week, was seen in the last week in October and the first week
in November. In the past week 13,000 cases were reported. The State La-boratory
of Hygiene has processed 1,455 blood specimens of which 477 have
38 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
shown measurable antibody to Asian influenza virus. Several Asian virus
isolations have been made.
To-date, U. S. influenza vaccine manufacturers have produced 51,655,589
ccs. of vaccine; approximately 38.5 million ccs. have been shipped to the
various states. North Carolina with allotment of 2.6% has received about
750,000 ccs. Dr. Koomen briefly discussed the problems concerning con-centration
of virus in the vaccine, route of administration, dosage and sche-dule
of inoculations. The present recommendations were reviewed. Also,
Dr. Koomen summarized by pointing out the iniqueness of the epidemic in
that a new strain of virus, Asian strain, was involved and that for the
first time some vaccine of the specific type, was available before the out-break
reached epidemic proportions. While generally the disease continues
to be relatively mild, some deaths have occurred.
In making a report on responsibilities and authorities in stream sanita-tion
between the Divisions of Water Pollution Control and Sanitary En-gineering,
Mr. E. C Hubbard, the Director, called attention to the memo
issued by Secretary Norton on October 28, 1957, dividing responsibilities for
both divisions. This was presented to the Stream Sanitation Committee at
a special meeting on October 29 and was approved unanimously. Since
that time, Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Jarrett and Dr. Norton have agreed that
certain changes will improve this division of responsibilities. Mr. Hubbard
read both changes, one on page 2, the other on page 3 of the October 28
memo. Mr Jarrett agreed that these changes would be an improvement,
especially from the viewpoint that it was the stated intent of the Legis-lature
to eliminate duplication in the transfer of these activities to the
State Board of Health. Mr. Jarrett pointed out that this is not the answer
to all administrative problems that might eventually come up, and that
they will still need help from the Board and Dr. Norton in separating an
activity much of which for so many years has been a responsibility of the
Sanitary Engineering Division.
Dr. Baker moved that, for the present, and "not as an interpretation of
the law and not setting a precedent", that the Board approve the recom-mendations
made by the memo of December 5 concerning separation of the
responsibilities and authorities between the Water Pollution Control and
Sanitary Engineering Divisions. Motion seconded by Dr. Henderson, and
unanimously passed.
Secretary Norton distributed to the Board members a copy of a pro-posed
draft of a statement that he had prepared at the Governor's invita-tion
for the North Carolina State Board of Health to be submitted to the
Subcommittee on intergovernmental Relations, U. S. House of Representa-tives,
Hon. L. H. Fountain, Chairman, in Raleigh, December 10-12, 1957.
This was read and discussed. Mr. Hubbard also presented a draft of
statement which he had prepared for Dr. Norton concerning the administra-tion
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and Grant Programs au-thorized
by the Act. After discussion, on motion of Dr. Baker, seconded
by Dr. Bugg, the Board unanimously approved the Statement for presenta-tion
to the Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations.
In discussing the "Third Party Encroachment on Private Medical Prac-tice",
it was agreed that the letter originating from Professional Manage-
North Carolina Board of Health 39
ment is a $5,000 survey by the Medical Society of the State of North Caro-lina
and not necessarily intended to be critical, and since there are no
specific charges against the State and Local Boards of Health, Dr. Baker
moved that discussion of this question be deferred until some specific
charge is directed at the State or Local Boards of Health. The motion was
seconded by Dr. Bugg and carried unanimously.
Secretary Norton reported that the State Board of Health has been
losing members of its staff here, and also local health officers, because
they are going to higher paying positions. He cited Dr. Cameron as an
example. Dr. Cameron used to be full-time here at the State Board of
Health and went over to the University, with one day a week here. Dr.
Baker moved that Dr. Norton be authorized to take necessary steps in any
cooperative program that he sees fit for aiding in keeping the Department
well staffed. Motion seconded by Dr. Bender, and was unanimous.
Dr. Norton discussed a directive issued by Mr. Wilson, former De-fense
Secretary, just before he left office, discontinuing the Veterinary
corps in the Armed Forces. Dr. Edwards moved that the Board look with
disapproval on the action and that a letter expressing this be sent to
Secretary Neil McElroy with copies to our North Carolina Congressional
Delegation. It was seconded by Dr. Baker, and carried unanimously.
Dr. Wm. M. Peck presented a progress report on Radiation Protection,
including work of the Study and Advisory Committee. Progress has been
made in obtaining equipment and training personnel. Considerable equip-ment
is on order and some has been promised from Civil Defense, Dr.
Peck reported. Civil Defense is also considering the possibility of paying
half the cost of the equipment on order. With reference to training, a
course is being given in nuclear physics every Monday night at State
College, a joint course between the State Board of Health and the School
of Public Health at Chapel Hill is planned, and the Sanitary Engineering
Division is embarking on a training program. Dr. Peck read the list of
eleven members of the Radiation Study and Advisory Committee with
Dr. Robert Reeves of Duke as temporary Chairman of the Committee. Dr.
Edwards is a member representing the State Board of Health.
Miss Mae Reynolds, Budget Officer, gave a brief report on the budget.
This year the total state, federal and local budget is a little less than eleven
million dollars. The counties are putting up more than five million
dollars and are in need of additional State aid. We are hoping that the
counties will begin now to alert their legislators to the needs, so that when
they come to Raleigh they will come prepared to vote for it. There are
three problem funds, the allotment of $113,500 for chronic diseases,
which came late in the year and is not going full blast yet, mental health
which cannot get people to staff the clinics, and heart. Dr. Elliot has been
using heart money largely for seminars at Bowman Gray and Duke for
the doctors helping in some of the clinics already established, and one clinic
connected with the health department and run by doctors at Sylva. Miss
Reynolds said that we are very proud of the clinic at Sylva and wish that
more doctors were interested in the heart program and would get more
clinics started.
Dr. Dixon reported to the Board that Mr. George B. Cherry, Director of
General Services Division of the State, had assured him that contracts
40 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
have been completed for air-conditioning the Health Building and that the
work would be finished by spring.
Dr. Norton introduced to the Board Dr. Bernard F. Rosenblum, V. D.
Control Officer and Dr. E. A. Pearson, the Assistant in the Oral Hygiene
Division.
February 7, 1958. A meeting of the North Carolina State Board of
Health was held on Friday, February 7, 1958, at 12:30 p.m. in the Board
Room of the Cooper Memorial Health Building. The meeting was presided
over by Dr. John R. Bender, Vice-President, in the absence of the President,
Dr. G. Grady Dixon, who called on Dr. Edwards to open the session with
prayer.
Dr. Henderson moved that the minutes of the Board meeting held on
December 5, 1957, be approved as circulated to Board members. Motion
seconded by Mr. Lutz, and carried.
Dr. Fred T. Foard, Director of the Division of Epidemiology, gave a
progress report on the poliomyelitis vaccination program in North Carolina.
According to the latest reports from counties through January 25, 1958,
3,019,908 inoculations had been given. They include 1,214,904 first inocula-tions;
1,056,890 second and 748,114 third. The figures are on children
under 20 years of age and expectant mothers of all ages as done by or
through local health departments with vaccine purchased from Federal
Funds. Of the 231 poliomyelitis cases reported in 1957, as of December 31,
only 51 were paralytic. In 1956, through December 31, a total of 315
cases had been reported, with 162 paralytic and for the period 1952 through
1956 there was an average of 233 paralytic cases annually. Dr. Foard
stated the Laboratory has about 63,261 ccs. of vaccine and that most of
the health directors were using it. Also, he reported that North Carolina's
citizens are "about as well vaccinated" against poliomyelitis as any other
State, but we should push the program of immunization vigorously between
now and the 1958 polio season.
Secretary Norton recognized Dr. C. C. Applewhite who has been Director
of the Local Health Division for nearly nine years, having come to this
position from 34 years with the USPHS. Dr. Applewhite, who resigned
his position effective as of January 31, 1958, expressed his sincere thanks
for the welcome and cooperation given him throughout the State. The
Board of Health regrets to lose Dr. Applewhite due to retirement, and the
members expressed appreciation for his loyal and effective services.
Secretary Norton reminded that "G.S. 130-9 provides that the Board is
required to hold public hearings prior to the adoption of any rule or regula-tion.
Therefore, he suggested that before the Board adopts any rule or
regulation the President of the Board announce that the Board is about
to consider the adoption of regulations concerning so and so, and that the
Board meeting be announced as a public hearing for the purpose of receiving
the views of any persons concerning the proposed regulations "
Dr. Bender then declared the meeting to be a public hearing in accordance
with Section 130-9 of the General Statutes for the purpose of discussion
of proposed rules and regulations governing the manufacture of bedding
and for the allocation of funds under the Salt Marsh Mosquito Control
North Carolina Board of Health 41
program. Both these items have been discussed fully with the people closely
concerned with these matters.
Mr. J. M. Jarrett, Director of the Division of Sanitary Engineering,
presented rules and regulations governing: the sanitizing of mattresses
previously-used materials, second-hand bedding, and bedding containing
previously-used materials; the storage of previously-used materials, the
issuance of stamp exemption permits; and the transfer of manufacturer's
licenses and sanitizer's licenses. These rules and regulations had previously
been forwarded to each member of the Board. They were discussed by
Mr. Jarrett and members of the Board. Dr. Baker moved, seconded by Dr.
Henderson, that the RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SANI-TIZING
OF MATTRESSES, PREVIOUSLY-USED MATERIALS,
SECOND-HAND BEDDING, AND BEDDING CONTAINING PRE-VIOUSLY-
USED MATERIALS: THE STORAGE OF PREVIOUSLY-USED
MATERIALS: THE ISSUANCE OF STAMP EXEMPTION PER-MITS:
AND, THE TRANSFER OF MANUFACTURER'S LICENSES
AND SANITIZER'S LICENSES, as amended by the 1957 General Assem-bly
be adopted. Motion carried. (Copy filed in Minute Book)
Mr. Charles M. White, Chief of the Insect-Rodent Control Section, was
present and presented rules and regulations to replace those adopted by
the Board on July 18, 1957 governing the allocation of State funds received
by the State Board of Health to aid mosquito control districts or other
local governmental units engaged in mosquito control projects. These
rules and regulations also had previously been forwarded to the members
for their review and study. These regulations were discussed by the Board
members with Mr. White. On motion of Dr. Baker, seconded by Dr. Bugg,
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING STATE AID TO MOS-QUITO
CONTROL DISTRICTS OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL
UNITS ENGAGED IN MOSQUITO CONTROL UNDERTAKINGS, were
unanimously adopted. (Copy filed in Minute Book)
Mr. E. C. Hubbard, Director of the Water Pollution Control Division,
presented a report covering an investigation of the need for sewer extension
and sewage disposal facilities in the Town of Jonesville, North Carolina,
together with a resolution from the Town requesting that the State Board
of Health issue an Order requiring said municipality to install the neces-sary
facilities. In presenting the request, Mr. Hubbard stated that in-sanitary
conditions exist due to inadequate sewage collection and disposal
facilities and that these condtions had been thoroughly investigated and
studied. In view of these findings, he recommended that the Boai'd adopt
the necessary resolution ordering Jonesville to install necessary sewer ex-tensions
and to provide adequate sewage disposal facilities. On motion of
Dr. Baker, seconded by Mrs. Latta, a resolution ORDERING THE TOWN
OF JONESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, TO MAKE NECESSARY
SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL IMPROVEMENTS, was unan-imously
adopted. (Copy of Resolution filed in Minute Book)
Mr. Hubbard also presented a report covering an investigation of the
sewage disposal facilities in the Town of Norwood, North Carolina, to-gether
with a resolution from the Town officials requesting that the State
Board of Health issue an Order requiring the Town to proceed with the
design and construction of adequate sewage treatment facilities. He further
42 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
pointed out that such facilities are necessary for the prevention of excessive
pollution of waters into which the treated wastes are to be discharged and
that an Order from the State Board of Health would be necessary to
permit the Town to finance proposed sewage treatment works. On motion
of Dr. Baker, seconded by Dr. Henderson, a resolution was unanimously
adopted ORDERING THE TOWN OF NORWOOD, NORTH CAROLINA,
TO CONSTRUCT AND PUT INTO OPERATION AN ADEQUATE
SEWERAGE AND NECESSARY SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES.
(Copy of Resolution filed in Minute Book)
Dr. Z. L. Edwards and Dr. William M. Peck, members of the Advisory
Committee to the State Board of Health on Radiation Protection, made
brief reports on a meeting held in Durham on Sunday, February 2. They
reported that the discussions were interesting and that the assignment
deserves and requires serious study before the subject comes for intelligent
and concrete recommendation. Dr. Robert Reeves, Professor of Radiology,
Duke University, was elected Chairman. Two subcommittees were ap-pointed—
one on X-ray and another on isotope radiation.
Dr. Jacob Koomen, Jr., Assistant Director, Division of Epidemiology,
reported briefly on the Asian Influenza situation. There seems to be a
slight recent increase in influenza cases but no large outbreaks, he said.
Vaccination against Asian Influenza as a protective measure continues to
be recommended. He pointed out the increase in the death rate from
pneumonia and influenza, especially pneumonia, in the age group of 65
years and older as much in some areas as three times that for the previous
three year average.
For consideration of the Board, Secretary Norton presented some
samples of slogans for a stamp or plate to be used on envelopes of the
State Board of Health. They will be printed by the postage meter in the
same operation with the stamp and postmark. He pointed out that a good
many health departments and private firms are using this method of ed-ucating
the public to the value of their services—at a cost of approxi-mately
$15.00 per plate—which are easily interchangeable. Dr. Baker
moved, seconded by Dr. Edwards, that the Board approve the plan to
attach to the mailing machine a plate bearing some type of a public health
slogan. Motion carried.
Miss Mae Reynolds, Budget Officer, explained the change in budget
preparation for the new biennium, according to instructions sent out by the
Budget Bureau. The budgets will be in two sections: the (A) or Continua-tion
budget is for continuing programs at the current level. This budget is
to be submitted by March 1, 1958. The (B) budget will carry improvements,
expansions and salary increases, and is to be submitted by May 1, 1958.
Secretary Norton made a brief report on the printing of the compila-tion
of revised Public Health Laws, Rules and Regulations, and of the
need of getting them together and incorporating them in a reprint. Dr.
Edwards moved, seconded by Dr. Bugg, that this reprint of Public Health
Laws and related statutes, be left to the discretion of the Secretary.
Motion carried.
Dr. Norton reported on the Automotive Crash Injury Research Project
being conducted in North Carolina by Cornell University Medical College.
He spoke particularly in regard to automobile crash injury and deaths, and
North Carolina Board of Health 43
stated that Cornell had been requested by two motor manufacturers asking
that they be allowed to have information that had been gathered through
these investigations that might assist in making justified safer changes
in the designing for more and better safety in automobiles. He pointed out
that the Motor Vehicles Bureau had approved the use of their information
with the understanding that no place, physician or individual in North
Carolina could be identified; also, that the matter had been brought to the
attention of the Executive Committee of the Medical Society of the State
of North Carolina on January 26 and that they approved accordingly.
Dr. Baker moved, seconded by Dr. Henderson, that approval of releasing
this impersonal and objective information for the purpose of improving
safety in the manufacture of automobiles be granted. Motion carried.
Dr. Norton discussed the change in the law relative to the conjoint
meeting of the State Board of Health with the general session of the
Medical Society of the State of North Carolina at a time and place desig-nated
by the State Board of Health and the Program Committee of the
Medical Society, and asked if there was any preference as to time. On
motion of Dr. Baker, seconded by Mrs. Latta, the matter will be left to Dr.
Norton, Dr. Dixon and the Chairman of the Program Committee. Motion
carried.
The Secretary made a brief report on the Civil Defense Survival Plan.
He stated that plans were being worked out as to what vital records,
Board minutes and equipment should be carefully protected and moved to
a place of greater safety and use in case of an emergency. Also, he com-mended
Dr. Charles B. Kendall on the good work he has done on preparing
the State Board of Health's Civil Defense Plan.
Dr. Norton reported on the Health Officers' Conference held at Chapel
Hill, January 24, 1958. He stated that much of the time was taken up on
briefing regarding changes in Public Health Laws by the last General
Assembly, and paid tribute to Mr. Roddey Ligon, Assistant Director of
the Institute of Government for the excellent job he had done in explaining
the revisions. Due to the bad weather which kept many local health directors
away Dr. Norton said there probably would be other meetings of this
nature in the near future.
Secretary Norton presented for discussion a proposal to change Nutri-tion
Section to a Division status. There was much discussion, but it was
the consensus of the Board that the Section should remain unchanged at
least for the present.
The Governor's Conference on Occupational Health, held in Chapel Hill
on February 6, was discussed by Dr. Norton. He stated that the Conference
was well attended and very interesting. It has as its objective the bringing
together of a group of leaders in industry, business, labor, the medical
profession, and state officials who are concerned with exploring more effec-tive
ways of providing occupational health protection in North Carolina.
The Secretary called the Board's attention to the matter of a full-time
Assistant State Health Director as provided for in the revision of
our Public Health Laws passed by the General Assembly of 1957. He point-ed
out that such a person should be a young physician, experienced in
public health work, and familiar with North Carolina. In speaking of
44 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
the need for such a position, Dr. Norton paid high tribute to Dr. John H.
Hamilton who has been serving part-time in this capacity since January
19, 1951. Dr. Hamilton has been carrying this "load" in addition to his
many other duties and responsibilities. After a full discussion, Dr. Edwards
made a motion that the Executive Committee, with Dr. Norton, be instruct-ed
to select a candidate for Assistant State Health Director, and then
recommend the candidate to the full Board and the Governor. Motion
seconded by Dr. Baker, and carried unanimously.
Dr. Robert D. Higgins who has been Assistant to Dr. Applewhite in the
Local Health Division since February 1, 1957 was present. Dr. Higgins
was welcomed to the "official family" and is to carry on as Director of the
Local Health Division.
May 7, 1958. The State Board of Health and the Medical Society of the
State of North Carolina met in Conjoint Session, Wednesday, May 7, at
9:00 a.m. in the Sun Dial Room of the George Vanderbilt Hotel in Ashe-ville,
N. C, Dr. G. Grady Dixon, presiding.
Upon motion of Mr. Lutz, seconded by Dr. Baker, the minutes of the last
Board meeting, February 7, 1958, which had been circulated, were approved.
Dr. J. W. R. Norton, State Health Director, then made a report on the
Governor's Advisory Committee on Poliomyelitis Vaccine. He informed the
Board that there had not been a meeting of this Committee since June 21,
1956, but that the members had been kept advised on all developments.
Dr. Norton advised the Board of the State Medical Society's official
decision to ask the next Legislature to make vaccination against poliomye-litis
compulsory. On motion of Dr. Bugg, second by Mr. Lutz, the following
resolution was unanimously passed:
"WHEREAS, the House of Delegates of the Medical Society of the State
of North Carolina, upon recommendation of the Executive Council, voted,
without dissent or discussion, to ask the next General Assembly to make
compulsory the vaccination of all children between the ages of two months
and six years against poliomyelitis; therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That the North Carolina State Board of Health pledge its
support of such legislation and its strict enforcement."
Under the head of new business, Dx*. Norton made a report on the State
Board of Health's activities during the recent influenza outbreak at
Ocracoke.
Dr. Norton then reported on a conference held March 26 concerning
visual screening of school children in the Board Room, at the request of
the Governor's Office. This conference was attended by representatives of
the Board of Education, Board of Health, Medical Society of the State of
North Carolina, Commission for the Blind, the Motor Vehicles Bureau and
the North Carolina Optometric Society. Officials of the last named group
had requested a conference with Governor Hodges. Officials of the Opto-metric
Society discussed some work done in Onslow County (reported in
State Magazine November 16, 1957, page 17), the study made by the
Psychology Department of State College with a $30,000 grant from the
State Optometric Society and proposed that visual screening of school
children utilizing optometrists be extended throughout the State. The
Optometric Society officials were requested to submit their detailed pro-posals
in writing to the Governor's Office and to the agencies represented
North Carolina Board of Health 45
at the conference for further consideration. So far this request has not
been complied with.
Dr. Norton made a report on the refinement and dependability of tests
for intoxication. He also reported the employment of Mr. Ben Eaton, Jr.,
on April 28, 1958, as Director of Administrative Services in the State
Health Department.
On motion of Dr. Bender, seconded by Dr. Bugg, the North Asheboro-
Central Falls Sanitary District was extended. (Copy of Resolution filed
in Minute Book)
On motion of Mr. Lutz, seconded by Dr. Bugg, the Catawba Heights
Sanitary District wras extended. (Copy filed in Minute Book)
A resolution was adopted permitting certain recreational uses of water
supply reservoirs of Raleigh, Lexington and Reidsville. Motions concerning
uses of water supply reservoirs were made and seconded as follows: Raleigh —Dr. Bugg, Dr. Bender; Lexington—Dr. Bugg, Dr. Bender, and Reidsville —Mr. Lutz and Dr. Bugg.
Although he presided over the Conjoint Session of the State Board of
Health and the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina, this was
the last meeting of the State Board of Health over which Dr. Dixon pre-sided.
His death occurred within a matter of hours after he left Asheville
about three o'clock riding with Dr. A. M. Mumford of Winterville and was
stricken as the car approached Hickory. He died in the ambulance on the
way to the hospital there. He probably served longest on the Board of any
member (1931-1958) since its formation in 1877.
On motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
46 Thirty-Seventh Biennial Report
CONJOINT REPORT *
By John H. Hamilton, M.D.* :;:
In order to visualize the public health program in North Carolina one
must realize that it is primarily local health departments which perform
a major portion of the work and that the State Board of Health plays a
secondary but important role. Whether this importance of the local health
department is traditionally due to the place which counties and munici-palities
occupy in North Carolina's plan for government or whether it
is due to the vision and foresight of the men who laid the foundation for
public health work in the State is a discussion into which we will not
enter here.
Beginning in 1877 Dr. Thomas Fanning Wood worked deligently to set
up a plan whereby county boards of health would lead the way. Upon his
death in 1892, Dr. Richard H. Lewis continued to lay a firm foundation.
He was succeeded in 1909 by North Carolina's first whole-time State
health officer, Dr. Watson S. Rankin, who after he took office persuaded
the next General Assembly to enact a law providing for whole-time county
health work. We in North Carolina claim that Guilford County had the
first whole-time county health department in the United States, being
established June 1, 1911. It was not until 1949 that all of the one hundred
counties in North Carolina had a whole-time health program. Today over
$6,600,000 are expended annually by local departments of health. That the
people themselves believe in local health work was shown by the fact that
the sum of nearly $5,000,000 is appropriated by boards of county com-missioners
and city governing boards while $1,132,000 is appropriate