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Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes from February 4, 2026
Community Updates
Introduction of Deputy Commissioner of Family & Community Health, Lori Plahmer
Communication from Commissioner Dr. Mike Totoraitis
Improving Branch Collaborations & Assignments
Future Agenda Items
Adjournment
Communication relating to the documents submitted to the Board of Health for its meetings in 2026.
Agenda Item
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Chair Dr. Wujie Zhang called the meeting to order at 5:04 pm.
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Chair Dr. Wujie Zhang proposed to add to future agenda items: h – a board member mentioned a discussion related to ICE officials to be added to the meeting minutes.
Vice Chair Tahira Malik motioned to approve, Board Member Darlene Beck seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor and none opposed.
Board Member Ericka Sinclair highlighted that on March 14th (Sat) there would be the 4th Annual Intergenerational Health Fair and Charity Basketball Game, with the proceeds going to prostate and colorectal cancer. (9am – 2PM @ Milwaukee Lutheran High School)
Board Member Ericka Sinclair also highlighted the recent success of Black Health Day.
Board Member Dr. Irum Ziauddin shared that on Saturday, May 2nd from 8-4 at Saint Elizabeth’s, Ascension is having a Medical Mission at Home Fair with screening tools and health education.
Deputy Commissioner Plahmer provided an overview of her background, including more than a decade of experience across public health, healthcare operations, clinical leadership, and emergency services. Prior to joining MHD, she served as the Health Officer and Director of Kenosha County Public Health. Deputy Plahmer began her public health career began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a nurse in disease investigation & temporary vaccinator, and she then advanced into senior leadership roles focused on prevention, compliance, and system improvement.
In addition to her public health experience, she has held leadership roles within major healthcare systems, including Children’s Wisconsin and Froedtert Health. Her background includes overseeing trauma and emergency services, leading large multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex healthcare IT and operational initiatives across multiple sites.
a. Lead (standing item)
Commissioner Totoraitis highlighted the visit by CDC’s lead Team in last week; the CDC has awarded MHD $400,000 to increase lead screening rates in MPS students. MHD has screened ~100 students each school clinic we’ve hosted, and MHD is partnering with COLE to increase parent awareness and consent.
b. STI Clinic
MHD has resumed operations with reduced hours as we’re training our team. A nurse practitioner is scheduled to start next week. MHD intends to bring on a second NP and offer more contraceptive services and bring back MBCCAP. Commissioner Totoraitis said it is planned for the clinic to go back to normal hours but the timeline is currently uncertain.
The clinic is still getting medical orders sorted and experimenting with workflows to improve efficiency .
Question from Board Member Dr. Beck: is there a certain timeline for bringing on another NP?
Commissioner Totoraitis said the intention is to list the position by the end of the month, but it’s dependent on DER & whether file is heard in Council. MHD is working to classify the position, and they’re close to finalizing the JD – the position will do contraception and MBCCAP screenings. MHD is bringing on a temp that worked with us before to help train the new NP.
Question from Board Member Dr. Beck: what else is being put in place to mitigate staffing risks?
Commissioner Totoraitis said efforts included (a) prioritization of scheduling balance – so staff are taking lunch & breaks to reduce burnout. (b) considering virtual visits, and (c) chart audits to make sure staff know roles and are documenting and billing appropriately.
Board Member Dr. Irum Ziauddin: is MHD considering PAs?
Commissioner Totoraitis said MHD is considering having a PA for the additional provider.
Board Member Ericka Sinclair: How are we communicating with the community the hours that clinic will be open?
Commissioner Totoraitis said MHD was using a variety of outlets, including social media and alders sharing communication around the hours and resources available.
c. Measles
In February, Milwaukee had a measles case fly through Mitchell Airport and expose just under 200 individuals. Through contact tracing, MHD ensured folks were up to date on vaccination, 4-5 people quarantined at home for 20 days because they didn’t have proof or weren’t up to date on vaccination, and thankfully there have been no secondary cases. Wastewater surveillance has been negative for measles for 3 cycles now.
(a) Effectiveness of the current format
Board members discussed the current format of branch collaborations. The majority would like to keep the current format but effectiveness can be improved. The Board considered standardizing the number of check in meetings at 4x a year. Commissioner Totoraitis noted he can support scheduling meetings, if necessary.
The Board established these follow-up tasks: Write SOP, including objectives for meeting, when do we present findings, and how often.
(b) Potential Assignments
Tabled because large number of board members are absent.
(c) Commitment of health department branches
The Board & Commissioner Totoraitis agreed on establishing more dialogue and regular meetings. The Board is interested in figuring out ways to support the branches, such as: are their activities in line with strategic goals, how are they including the community, are there ways the Board can support them with reaching out to the community; help Board members support the connection between the community & health department to get the good news out there.
The Board is interested in developing a list of standard questions to help facilitate that support. Board Member Ericka Sinclair said she will get started on standard questions.
(a) Continue with Branch Collaboration Conversation (revisit assignments, SOP)
(b) Review Board bylaws – next meeting (need to review every 2 years)
(c) CHAP update – can be included in Commissioner’s remarks
(d) Presentation of the CHA – presentation from Data Team (15-20 mins)
(e) Make sure Lead is still on the agenda
(f) Discussion of including public comment at Board Meetings – table for now
(g) Table discussion of matters related to ICE – outside scope of Board of Health generally, await further guidance from City Attorney
Vice Chair Tahira Malik motioned to adjourn, Board Member Dr. Darlene Beck seconded the motion, and it passed with all in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 5:49pm.