With its rich history, beautiful surroundings and friendly faces, Tulsa is a great place to call home. Community spirit runs deep here and our residents take pride in taking care of their own. At THD, we’re impacting positive change through our constant pursuit of a healthier Tulsa.
Since its establishment in 1950, the Tulsa Health Department has served as the primary public health agency to more than 675,000 Tulsa County residents, including 13 municipalities and four unincorporated areas. The agency is one of two autonomous local health departments in Oklahoma, with statutory public health jurisdiction throughout Tulsa County and the City of Tulsa. THD’s mission is to protect and support Tulsa County communities in pursuit of their health goals, in order to help people meet their health goals. THD was among the first health departments in the U.S. to receive national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.
To protect and support Tulsa County communities in pursuit of their health goals.
Tulsa County Communities will meet their health goals.
We're committed to a constant pursuit of a healthier Tulsa, and we do so by carrying out our core values:
The Tulsa City-County Board of Health acts in an advisory capacity to the THD Director of Health. The board sets public health policies and helps establish the THD annual budget. In all that they do, the board’s appointed members and the Executive Director of Health strive to safeguard and promote the health of the people they serve.
Public Health Experience:
Current and Previous Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
Contact Information:
Appointed by: Tulsa County
Current Term Expires: July 31, 2029
Initially Appointed: July 2017
Profession: Veterinarian
Appointed by: City of Tulsa
Current Term Expires: July 31, 2030
Initially Appointed: July 2024
Profession: Child Psychiatrist
Appointed by: Tulsa County
Initially Appointed: April 2020
Current Term Expires: July 31, 2026
Profession: Partner & Financial Planner, Pinnacle Investment Advisors
Appointed by: City of Tulsa
Current Term Expires: July 31, 2027
Initially Appointed: October 2021
Profession: Utica Park Clinic Chief Medical Officer
Appointed by: City of Tulsa
Initially Appointed: March 19, 2026
Current Term Expires: July 31, 2027
Profession: Executive Director, UMA Tulsa
Appointed By: City of Tulsa
Initially Appointed: July 2015
Current Term Expires: July 31, 2027
Profession: Family Medicine Practitioner at OSU Center for Health Sciences
Appointed by: Tulsa County
Initially Appointed: February 2017
Current Term Expires: July 31, 2029
Profession: Retired Chief Strategy Officer at Ascension St. John, Adjunct Faculty, OU Hudson College of Public Health
Appointed by: City of Tulsa
Initially Appointed: July 2019
Current Term Expires: May 1, 2031
Profession: City of Tulsa Deputy Mayor
2026 Meeting Schedule:
There are no scheduled meetings in March, July or December. See meeting notices, agendas and minutes below.
NOTICE OF OPEN MEETING
TULSA CITY-COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING
(Public Body)
Regular Meeting To be Held at:
Date/Time:
North Regional Health & Wellness Center, Room 208 Tulsa City-County Health Department
5635 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Tulsa, OK 74126
Tele: 918-582-9355
May 20, 2026, at 6:00pm
1 Notice by December 15 of each year and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
2 Requires 48 hours’ notice to City and County and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
3 Change of regularly scheduled meeting must be sent not less than 10 days prior to change, posted 48 hours in advance, and agenda posted 24 hours in advance.
Agenda
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL | Dr. Mike Jones
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES | Dr. Mike Jones
A. Regular Meeting on April 15, 2026
III. CHAIR’S REPORT | Dr. Mike Jones
IV. DIRECTOR’S REPORT | Dr. Bruce Dart
V. THD MISSION MOMENTS | Office of Maternal & Child Health
Nutritionist Jasmine Daviston leads the Cooking Demos
A. Testimonial video - Brenda (participant)
VI. CURRENT BUSINESS | Information Items, THD Reports
A. Vector Update - Adam Austin
B. Legislative Update – Scott & Alexandra Adkins
VII. CURRENT BUSINESS | Action Items
A. FY2027 THD Budget - Dr. Bruce Dart, Executive Director
B. Authority to Execute Contracts – Todd Maxwell
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
IX. FUTURE BUSINESS
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 6:00 pm
James O. Goodwin Health Center (JGHC) – Room 200 5051 S. 129th E. Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74134
NOTICE OF OPEN MEETING
TULSA CITY-COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING
(Public Body)
Regular Meeting To be Held at:
Date/Time:
James O. Goodwin Health Center, Room 200 Tulsa City-County Health Department
5051 S. 129th East Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74134
Tele: 918-595-4434
April 15, 2026, at 6:00pm
1 Notice by December 15 of each year and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
2 Requires 48 hours’ notice to City and County and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
3 Change of regularly scheduled meeting must be sent not less than 10 days prior to change, posted 48 hours in advance, and agenda posted 24 hours in advance.
Agenda
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL | Dr. Mike Jones
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES | Dr. Mike Jones
A. Regular Meeting on February 18, 2026
III. CHAIR’S REPORT | Dr. Mike Jones
IV. DIRECTOR’S REPORT | Dr. Bruce Dart
V. THD MISSION MOMENTS | Office of Maternal & Child Health
A. Health Start Program - My Experience with Healthy Start - Dorthea Fullard
VI. CURRENT BUSINESS | Information Items, THD Reports
A. FY 2027 THD Preliminary Budget - Dr. Bruce Dart, Executive Director
B. Legislative Session Update – Scott & Alexandra Adkins
C. Healthy Start's Strategic Plan - Robin Daniels
VII. CURRENT BUSINESS | Action Items
A. A. Tulsa Food Advisory Council Appointment – Ryan Kenneth Gray | Adam Austin
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
IX. FUTURE BUSINESS
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:00 pm
North Regional Health & Wellness Center (NRHC) – Room 208 5635 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Tulsa, OK 74126
MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:
Staff Present:
1) Call to Order & Roll Call – Dr. Mike Jones
Dr. Jones called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
The meeting notice and agenda were posted at the James Goodwin Health Center, the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, and on the Tulsa City-County Health Department (THD) website, and were emailed to the Tulsa County Clerk, the Tulsa City Clerk, and the Tulsa City-County Library on April 10, 2026.
2) Approval of Minutes – Dr. Mike Jones
Dr. Jones entertained a motion to approve the February 18, 2026, minutes. A motion was made by Dr. Ann Paul and seconded by Dr. Jana Bingman. February 18, 2026, meeting minutes were approved:
3) Chair’s Report – Dr. Mike Jones
There was no chair report.
4) Director’s Report – Dr. Bruce Dart
Dr. Dart expressed his willingness to answer any questions the Board may have regarding his report. He continues to evaluate the various departments while reviewing our processes to identify areas for improvement, with a particular focus on enhancing our finance department and billing practices.
Additionally, Dr. Dart introduced the Board's newest member, Dr. Carolina Hernandez.
5) THD Mission Moments – Office of Maternal & Child Health
Healthy Start Program – My Experience with Healthy Start – Dorothea Fullard
Dorothea Fullard, with the Healthy Start Program, was a participant in the Healthy Start program beginning in 2019 during her first pregnancy. Although she had prior experience working in OBGYN, becoming a mother for the first time introduced a level of uncertainty and overwhelming information that she was not prepared for. When Miss Latoya from Indian Health contacted her and enrolled her in the Healthy Start program, it became a turning point in her journey. During a time when advice, medical information, and opinions came from every direction—family, social media, and even her own clinical background, Healthy Start provided clarity. Miss Latoya helped quiet the noise and empowered Dorothea with practical knowledge, such as how to listen to her baby, how to communicate and bond through reading and singing, and how to understand what was happening during her prenatal appointments. Miss Latoya became not only a case manager, but a trusted support person and, in many ways, a part of the family. After giving birth, Dorothea became critically ill with COVID-19 and required a ventilator for five days postpartum. When Dorothea finally returned home, she lacked basic resources and was unsure how to obtain essentials like formula or a breast pump. Through her case management work, Miss Latoya guided Dorothea through those challenges and ensured that she had access to the support she needed during an incredibly vulnerable time.
Dorothea is deeply grateful for both the Healthy Start program and the compassionate, dedicated individuals who lead it. This program played an essential role in helping navigate one of the most significant periods of Dorothea’s life. Dorothea continues to recommend Healthy Start to anyone she meets who is pregnant, because the level of care and support it provides is truly exceptional.
6) Current Business | Information Items & THD Reports
A. FY 2027 THD Preliminary Budget – Dr. Bruce Dart, Executive Director
Dr. Dart outlined the proposed budget of $44.6 million for the fiscal year 2026-2027, noting a slight decrease from the previous year. The budget draws from ad valorem taxes, permits, miscellaneous income, local grants, state grants, and federal grants, with an emphasis on the need to diversify funding sources due to unpredictable federal support.
Several grants have ended or have been reduced, including the Strategic Partnership Framework (substance abuse grant), the TSET tobacco program, the TANF grant for the prep program, and the OSU behavioral health workforce development grant. The CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant saw a 33% increase, but its future is uncertain, while the HUD Lead Hazard Control Grant continues to be successful.
Capital expenditures include $800,000 for an air handling unit, fire alarm system upgrades, AV hardware, new vehicles, HVAC replacements, backup server, lab equipment, and security room expansion. The budget proposes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff and aims to cover a 5% increase in health insurance rates, with a focus on maintaining at least six months of cash on hand.
Staffing has decreased from a peak of 360-365 to around 350 due to grant reductions. The department plans to build a true reserve fund for emergency preparedness and monitor cash on hand more closely, with 69% of employees funded by the budget and a majority of costs being fixed.
B. Legislative Session Update – Scott & Alexandra Adkins
Scott and Alexandra Adkins shared a legislative update with the Board. The governor signed Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriations bill, with a 2.92% decrease for the State Department of Health. Cuts were limited to one-time funds, avoiding across-the-board reductions for agencies. The House budget portal provides detailed breakdowns of agency requests and appropriations.
Resolution 39 proposes to slow property tax growth by reducing caps for homestead and agricultural land and introduces a senior freeze for those 65 and older. This measure will appear on the August runoff ballot and may impact future local budgets.
House Bill 4440 and HJR 1067 propose changes to Medicaid expansion funding, with triggers based on the federal match rate. The first would move expansion from the Constitution to statute, while the second could eliminate expansion if the match dropped. Both may appear on the November ballot, creating uncertainty for healthcare funding.
Alexandra is still watching the bills for rural health transformation, medication continuity for children in state custody, maternal health initiatives, foster care support, eviction timelines, and the definition of family resource centers. Immigration status checks for benefit recipients were clarified to protect children’s access to services.
C. Healthy Start’s Strategic Plan – Robin Daniels
Robin Daniels presented the Healthy Start program’s strategic plan. There are four core areas, performance benchmarks, outreach activities, consortium collaboration, and upcoming initiatives. Dorothea Fullard shared her client experience and board members discussed alignment with city priorities and future quality improvement efforts.
The Healthy Start strategic plan was shared with the HRSA program officer, who recognized it as the first of its kind among all Healthy Start programs and requested it to be shared as a model for other recipients and HRSA leadership.
The program focuses on case management and clinical services, group-based education, the fatherhood program, and the consortium. Performance goals include enrolling 250 new pregnant clients, serving 175 infants/toddlers/non-pregnant clients, and maintaining case manager caseloads of 45-50 clients. Year-to-date data shows strong progress towards these goals.
Healthy Start staff have visited 40 locations within targeted zip codes, built an outreach team, and established relationships with pediatric clinics. Ongoing training and referral incentives are used to boost enrollment and participation in case management and group education.
The consortium merged with SHIFT, expanding membership to 110 and planning to form focus groups on mental health, healthcare, and nutrition. Upcoming events include a Medicaid enrollment fair, a campaign on early prenatal care, and a family-oriented zoo trip.
Plans include implementing a quality improvement process focused on client retention and satisfaction through quarterly surveys and continuing to spotlight local resources and develop focus group-driven solutions for community health challenges.
7) Current Business | Action Items
A. Tulsa Food Advisory Council Appointment – Ryan Kenneth Gray | Adam Austin
Adam Austin, Associate Director of the Office of Environmental Health, explained the criteria for Food Advisory Council membership and presented Ryan Kenneth Gray, who has over 20 years of experience with Billy Sims, as a candidate for the food category. The Board voted to approve the appointment.
Dr. Jones entertained a motion to approve Ryan Kenneth Gray to the Tulsa Food Advisory Council. A motion was made by Dr. Ann Paul and seconded by Dr. Jana Bingman. The Board voted to approve Ryan Kenneth Gray’s appointment to the Tulsa Food Advisory Council.
8) Old Business – Dr. Mike Jones
None
9) Future Business – Dr. Mike Jones
None
10) Announcements – Dr. Mike Jones
The Next Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the North Regional Health & Wellness Center (NRHWC) in Room 208
11) Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
APPROVED:
Dr. Mike Jones, D.V.M.
Board of Health Chair
ATTESTED:
Sara Rodriguez, Executive Assistant
Tulsa Health Department
NOTICE OF OPEN MEETING
TULSA CITY-COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING
(Public Body)
Regular Meeting To be Held at:
Date/Time:
North Regional Health & Wellness Center, Room 208 Tulsa City-County Health Department, 5635 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Tulsa, OK 74126
Tele: 918-582-9355
February 18, 2026, at 6:00pm
1 Notice by December 15 of each year and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
2 Requires 48 hours’ notice to City and County and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
3 Change of regularly scheduled meeting must be sent not less than 10 days prior to change, posted 48 hours in advance, and agenda posted 24 hours in advance.
Agenda
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL | Dr. Mike Jones
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES | Dr. Mike Jones
A. Regular Meeting on January 21, 2026
III. CHAIR’S REPORT | Dr. Mike Jones
IV. DIRECTOR’S REPORT | Dr. Bruce Dart
V. THD MISSION MOMENTS | Office of Prevention, Preparedness & Response
A. Health Living Program – Multi-Unit Housing Tobacco Free Policy-Protection for All – Corey Love, MPH
VI. CURRENT BUSINESS | Information Items, THD Reports
A. FY 2025 THD Audit Report – Kirk Vanderslice (Hinkle & Company, PC)
B. Legislative Session Update – Scott & Alexandra Adkins
VII. CURRENT BUSINESS | Action Items None
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
IX. FUTURE BUSINESS
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 6:00 pm
James O. Goodwin Health Center (JOGHC) – Room 200 5051 S. 129th E. Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74134
MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:
Staff Present:
1) Call to Order & Roll Call – Dr. Mike Jones
Dr. Jones called the meeting to order at 6:11 pm.
The meeting notice and agenda were posted at the James Goodwin Health Center, the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, and on the Tulsa City-County Health Department (THD) website, and were emailed to the Tulsa County Clerk, the Tulsa City Clerk, and the Tulsa City-County Library on February 12, 2026.
2) Approval of Minutes – Dr. Mike Jones
Dr. Jones entertained a motion to approve the January 21, 2026, minutes. A motion was made by Dr. Ann Paul and seconded by Dr. Mike Stout. January 21, 2026, meeting minutes were approved:
Dr. Stout aye
Dr. Lewis not present
Dr. Paul aye
Ms. Boyer not present
Dr. Jones aye
Dr. Bingman aye
Ms. Reyes aye
Dr. Galles not present
3) Chair’s Report – Dr. Mike Jones
There was no chair report.
4) Director’s Report – Dr. Bruce Dart
Dr. Dart mentioned the announcement of a new CDC acting director and expressed hope for positive outcomes.
5) THD Mission Moments – Office of Prevention, Preparedness, & Response – Corey Love, MPH
Corey Love from the Healthy Living Program presented a case study on tobacco policy advocacy. It involved a recent incident where the department received a call from a resident experiencing secondhand smoke in their apartment. The team contacted the apartment management, provided education on health risks, and advocated for voluntary smoke-free policies, leading to a 25-foot smoke-free perimeter policy and enhanced resident well-being. The department collaborated with apartment complexes and local businesses to develop and implement tobacco-free policies, highlighting community health benefits and cost savings for property owners related to fire prevention and reduced maintenance. The broader impact includes successful advocacy for tobacco-free policies in multiple cities such as Tulsa, Owasso, Collinsville, Sand Springs, and Jenks, covering city-owned properties and vehicles, and supporting grant applications for tobacco-free initiatives. The team also offered ongoing support for policy enforcement, including tenant meetings, distributing cessation resources, installing signage, and adding legal clauses to enforce smoke-free policies, all while protecting resident anonymity to prevent retaliation.
6) Current Business | Information Items & THD Reports
Kirk Vanderslice of Hinkle & Company, PC, presented the audited financial statements for 2025. The audit concluded with a clean, unmodified opinion regarding the financial statements, internal controls, and compliance with federal programs, with no issues or disagreements identified during the process.
Three major federal programs were tested, all of which demonstrated satisfactory supporting documentation and compliance, with no difficulties encountered. Additionally, there was an increase in the net asset position for both the fund and government-wide statements, indicating positive financial trends for the organization.
Scott and Alexandra Adkins, legislative lobbyists, provided a comprehensive update on current public health-related bills, legislative dynamics, and advocacy strategies. Alex highlighted specific bills related to Medicaid, immigration, property taxes, tobacco, marijuana, vaccines, maternal health, and food policy, while also discussing the impact of election-year politics.
They noted that some bills require immigration status checks for Medicaid and SNAP recipients. Recent amendments limit these checks to the actual recipients, rather than their parents, which improves access for children in need. Ongoing debates are focusing on property tax repeal, homestead exemptions, and budget constraints. These issues underscore the importance of maintaining funding for public health and other essential services amidst tight fiscal conditions.
The discussion also covered several bills regarding secondhand smoke, marijuana regulation, and the expansion of smoke-free policies. This includes efforts to define marijuana as part of smoke-free regulations and to regulate marijuana-infused beverages and edibles to protect children and pets. Additionally, they talked about bills related to vaccine requirements and liability; however, most of these have been assigned to committees unlikely to advance them. Ongoing monitoring of vaccine-related policy developments is essential.
Scott and Alexandra explained the legislative process, including committee assignments, and emphasized the importance of community advocacy. They encouraged constituents to build relationships with local legislators, attend town halls, and communicate directly about their concerns. The lobbyists described the heightened political tensions and primary challenges facing legislators, the influence of the Freedom Caucus, and how election-year dynamics affect policy outcomes and legislative priorities.
They recommended that community members meet with legislators both during and outside of session, attend local town halls, and voice specific concerns. Direct engagement with constituents is seen as highly effective in influencing legislative decision-making. They acknowledged the complexity of tracking bills and suggested using official legislative websites and advocacy networks. Additionally, they emphasized the value of building ongoing relationships with local clinics and representatives to stay informed and advocate effectively.
7) Current Business | Action Items
None
8) Old Business – Dr. Mike Jones
None
9) Future Business – Dr. Mike Jones
None
10) Announcements – Dr. Mike Jones
The Next Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the James O. Goodwin Health Center (JOGHC) – Room 200
11) Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
APPROVED:
Dr. Mike Jones, D.V.M.
Board of Health Chair
ATTESTED:
Sara Rodriguez
Executive Assistant, Tulsa Health Department
NOTICE OF OPEN MEETING
TULSA CITY-COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING
(Public Body)
Regular Meeting To be Held at:
Date/Time:
James O. Goodwin Health Center, Room 200 Tulsa City-County Health Department
5051 S. 129th East Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74134
Tele: 918-595-4434
January 21, 2026, at 6:00pm
1 Notice by December 15 of each year and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
2 Requires 48 hours’ notice to City and County and posted 24 hours in advance with agenda.
3 Change of regularly scheduled meeting must be sent not less than 10 days prior to change, posted 48 hours in advance, and agenda posted 24 hours in advance.
Agenda
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL | Dr. Mike Jones
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES | Dr. Mike Jones
A. Regular Meeting on November 19, 2025
III. CHAIR’S REPORT | Dr. Mike Jones
IV. DIRECTOR’S REPORT | Dr. Bruce Dart
V. THD MISSION MOMENTS | Office of Preventive Health Services
A. Tuberculosis – Felisha Hamilton
VI. CURRENT BUSINESS | Information Items, THD Reports
A. Breaking Down the ‘Super Flu’ – Madison Brillhart
B. THD Annual Report – Leanne Stephens & Stephenie Wimberly
C. Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Site Visit Schedule – Dr. Leslie Carroll & ReShell Johnson
VII. CURRENT BUSINESS | Action Items
A. None
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
VIIII. FUTURE BUSINESS
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 6:00 pm
North Regional Health & Wellness Center (NRHC) – Room 208
5635 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Tulsa, OK 74126
MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:
Staff Present:
1) Call to Order & Roll Call – Dr. Mike Jones
Dr. Jones called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.
The meeting notice and agenda were posted at the James Goodwin Health Center, the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, and on the Tulsa City-County Health Department (THD) website, and were emailed to the Tulsa County Clerk, the Tulsa City Clerk, and the Tulsa City-County Library on January 15, 2026.
2) Approval of Minutes – Dr. Mike Jones
Dr. Jones entertained a motion to approve November 19, 2026, minutes. A motion was made by Ms. Aimee Boyer and seconded by Dr. Ann Paul. November 19, 2026, meeting minutes were approved:
Dr. Stout abstain
Dr. Lewis abstain
Dr. Paul aye
Ms. Boyer aye
Dr. Jones aye
Dr. Bingman not present
Ms. Reyes was late
Dr. Galles not present
3) Chair’s Report – Dr. Mike Jones
I want to thank the Board for putting their trust in me to become the new board chair starting January 2026. I want to thank Dr. Lewis for her service and dedication as the previous Board Chair and the other members of the board for their continued service and dedication to make sure Tulsa continues to strive to improve the overall Health of Tulsans. I would also like to thank the staff and leadership for their continued commitment to protecting and improving the health of Tulsa County. Your work remains essential to the well-being of our community.
We are in a period marked by much uncertainty and political posture. The Health Department continues to operate within a funding environment that is dependent on local, state, and federal resources. Dr. Dart and staff have shown an incredible ability to manage and budget around this obstacle and maintain a strong fiscal stewardship and careful planning to ensure continuity of our essential services. As funding clarity improves, I look forward to working with leadership on strategic and targeted priorities while maintaining flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances that make our Health Department the best around.
In closing, I would like to thank the THD staff and leadership for their dedication and continued hard work in these trying times. As we know, health does not take a break, and your devotion to making Tulsans healthier is part of the greater call, and the Board and I applaud your efforts.
4) Director’s Report – Dr. Bruce Dart
Dr. Dart asked the Board if they had any questions about his report and shared the health department's budget management, the challenges posed by reliance on local, state, and federal funding, and the ongoing efforts to adapt to changes in property tax legislation and maintain essential services.
5) THD Mission Moments – Office of Preventive Health Services – Felisha Hamilton
Felisha Hamilton, Clinical Service Manager of Tuberculosis, presented an overview of the Tulsa Health Department's tuberculosis program, detailing prevention efforts, partnerships, recent case management statistics, and collaborative responses to active cases in the community. Felisha spoke about a recent example of their mission in action involving the collaboration with Tulsa Public Schools, and the collaboration with the dialysis company following the identification of an active TB case. The active case of TB could have been big, but with early detection and the partnerships that were developed, everyone was tested quickly. There was a good turnout in the community and infections that could have spread like wildfire were resolved. This case highlights how public health works best when they have trust, coordination, and shared responsibility. The TB team of six employees and collaboration is essential to how TB operates. TB not only prioritizes the care and safety of their clients, but also the safety of each other. The team approach ensures continuity of care, accountability, and resilience in managing a complex and long-term disease process. TB continues to evaluate and improve their processes to strengthen efficiency, responsiveness, and patient experience. TB is constantly working together and communicating on how they can make the process better. Continuous improvement allows the TB clinic to adapt to changing needs while maintaining high standards of care.
Current Business | Information Items & THD Reports
Madison Brillhart, Epidemiology Supervisor, provided a comprehensive report on the current flu season, including national and local trends, hospitalization rates, the impact of the H3N2 'Super K' strain, and updates on COVID-19, RSV, and measles activity.
National Influenza Activity – as of last week, flu activity remains high but declining, 18.6% positivity vs 24.6% from last week. It is primarily influenza A. The influenza-associated hospitalization reached its highest level in week 52. The rate has fallen from a high of 12.6 per 100,000 to 5.6. During week 52, the US had the highest percentage of outpatient visits for ILI since reporting began in 97 – 98.
Influenza in Oklahoma – Elevated percent positivity now declining, we are below the national percentage positivity, predominantly influenza A. Hospitalizations in OK are elevated but decreased since last week, and we have remained below the historical average this season. Oklahomans aged 65 account for most hospitalizations.
Covid – 19 and RSV: COVID-19 activity is low but slightly on the rise, and RSV is elevated across the US and increasing. In Oklahoma, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing and may be declining.
RSV in OK: RSV activity has been steadily increasing but remaining below the historical average.
Measles in 2025 had 2,242 cases and three deaths. In 2026, there have been 171 cases.
Leanne Stephens, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, and Stephenie Wimberly, Community Relations Coordinator, presented the Tulsa Health Department's annual report, emphasizing strategic plan achievements, workforce development, service delivery statistics, and community health initiatives. The Annual Report helps us to protect and support Tulsa County communities by showing the work of the health department within the past fiscal year. In this climate, trust cannot be assumed, but it must be earned. These numbers help build trust within the community. Below is an outline of the Annual Report.
Reshell Johnson, Health Strategy Project Manager, provided an overview of the upcoming virtual site visit for reaccreditation, detailing the process, documentation submitted, expectations for board participation, and the timeline for receiving accreditation results. The PHAB accreditation journey, process, what to expect, board support, site visit schedule, and post-site visit was explained to the Board. PHAB is a national organization that transforms public health practice and is a voluntary program. THD received accreditation in 2013 and was recredited in 2019. The next reaccreditation will be in 2025-2026. Phase one, which is the application and documentation submission phase have been completed. Phase two: the reopened submission is complete, and the virtual site visit will take place on January 23, 2026. At the virtual site visit, there will be facilitated interviews and discussions with THD staff, Board members, and the PHAB team. PHAB will give THD feedback, and THD has 2 days to respond. The PHAB committee will review, make a decision, and then an annual report is due.
6) Current Business | Action Items
None
7) Old Business – Dr. Mike Jones
None
8) Future Business – Dr. Mike Jones
None
9) Announcements – Dr. Mike Jones
The Next Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the North Regional Health & Wellness Center – Room 208.
10) Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 pm.
APPROVED:
Dr. Mike Jones, D.V.M., Board of Health Chair
ATTESTED:
Sara Rodriguez, Executive Assistant
Tulsa Health Department
You can view an archive of Board Health Meetings here.
Contact THD’s Public Information Officer at communications@tulsa-health.org or call 918-595-4402. View the latest news and information from the Tulsa Health Department.
We have 9 locations across Tulsa County that offer a variety of services to help you and your family stay healthy.
