{"id":888,"date":"2023-07-20T14:38:27","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T18:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/?page_id=888"},"modified":"2023-07-20T15:49:56","modified_gmt":"2023-07-20T19:49:56","slug":"pchac-bylaws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/pchac-bylaws\/","title":{"rendered":"PCHAC – Bylaws"},"content":{"rendered":"

Portsmouth Community Health Advisory Council <\/span>
\nBylaws<\/span><\/h2>\n

Article I \u2013 Name<\/span><\/h3>\n

The name of this organization shall be the Portsmouth Community Health Advisory Council. The Council will serve a primary purpose as advisory to the Portsmouth Health Department\u2019s Senior Management Team.<\/span><\/p>\n

Article II \u2013 Objectives and Functions<\/span><\/h3>\n

The objectives of this Council shall be to perform the following functions for the City of Portsmouth:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Advocating for equitable public health services and policies that improve the health of all who live, work, and play in Portsmouth, VA.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Promoting the community\u2019s understanding and support of policies and strategies that will promote the public\u2019s health.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Fostering and strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion in decision-making on matters related to public health in Portsmouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Participating in quality improvement efforts to ensure quality and effectiveness of local services.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Participating in studies relating to long-term public health needs of people living in Portsmouth, VA.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Participating in a structured ethics process and\/or exercise to make recommendations to the Senior Management Team.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Obtaining community member input regarding public health issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Reviewing program proposals developed by the Portsmouth Health Department to develop recommendations to the Senior Management Team.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Reviewing proposals and making recommendations to the Portsmouth Health Department\u2019s Senior Management Team on public health matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Reviewing any policies and ordinances relating to public health prior to Council adoption.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. Reviewing budgets and other matters as deemed appropriate by the Senior Management Team.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Portsmouth Community Health Advisory Council will serve as a liaison between the community and the Portsmouth Health Department\u2019s Senior Management Team by: <\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Serving as an advocacy group for public health programs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Helping to inform community members about programs and services provided directly, through contract and in partnership with other providers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Building consensus and support around common goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Article III \u2013 Membership<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. Members shall consist of representatives from local public health agencies; health care providers; consumers; city agencies; faith and ethnic organizations; and other organizations, agencies, and communities that represent the continuum of Portsmouth social demographics, and have an influence on health equity.\n

        <\/span><\/li>\n

      2. Appointment of Members
        \nMembers of the Advisory Council shall be appointed by the Health Director of Portsmouth Health Department.<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/li>\n

      3. Duration of Appointment
        \nMembers shall be initially appointed for one two-year term. Members in good standing \u2013 having attended the regularly scheduled meetings, and actively supported the Portsmouth Community Health Advisory Council mission may be appointed for an additional two-year term.<\/p>\n

        To assure membership retains continuation of historical knowledge, the Health Director may make additional appointments as needed.<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/li>\n

      4. Condition of Appointment
        \nIndividuals meeting the Membership criteria (defined in Section 1) serve solely at the pleasure of Health Director of Portsmouth Health Department.<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/li>\n

      5. Representation of Stakeholder Interest
        \nMembers shall be encouraged, to the extent possible, to communicate with other organizations similarly situated.<\/p>\n

        Members shall be expected to make a good faith effort to represent the concerns and interests of their stakeholders, and to ensure that any recommendations developed by the council shall be representative of the said stakeholders and the organization the member represents.<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/li>\n

      6. Resignation and Termination\n

        <\/span><\/li>\n

      7. Any member may withdraw from the council at any time without prejudice. The Health Director shall determine need for replacement. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        ARTICLE IV \u2013 OFFICERS<\/span><\/h2>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Officers
          \nPortsmouth Community Health Advisory Council officers shall consist of a Chair and Vice Chair.<\/p>\n

          <\/span><\/li>\n

        2. Election of Officers:
          \nThe officers of this body shall be elected bi-annually by majority vote.<\/p>\n

          <\/span><\/li>\n

        3. Terms of Office
          \nOfficers shall be elected for a two-year term (not to exceed the membership period), or until successors shall be elected or appointed. The term of office shall commence on the first meeting following the election period.<\/p>\n

          <\/span><\/li>\n

        4. Duties of Officers
          \nChair<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n