|
Resolution of Support · Strategic Plan · Sampson County Response Protocol · Board Minutes · Agenda · Committee Schedule 10-19-05 · 01-03-06 · 03-17-06 · 07-27-06 · 06-27-06 · 10-30-06 · 11-30-06 Sampson County Meth Task Force
The Sampson County Meth Task Force met on June 27, 2006 at Sampson Community College in the Warren Student Center Boardroom. Chair, J.W. Simmons, called the meeting to order at 8:30 am . Present: J.W. Simmons; Amber Cava; Lois Britt; Michelle Warren; Ken Jones; Lucinda Honeycutt; Dennis Newton; Cory Oliver; Brenda Fisher; Jimmy Thornton; Daphne Green; Terry Miller; Ron Lessard; Alan Guy; Andy Sturdy; Gary Connolly; Dean Wilson and Janet Rosenberger The minutes from the March 17, 2006 meeting were approved by the group with a motion from Cory Oliver and seconded by Jimmy Thornton. OLD BUSINESS Special Presentation : J.W informed the Task Force that in January, Chris Berendt, reporter with the Sampson Independent, did a series of articles on the Meth Summit, Meth Facts and the Task Force. At the March meeting, it was decided unanimously by the group that Chris should be acknowledged for these articles. Today, J.W. recognized Chris for these efforts and presented him with a plaque for his "Excellence in Journalism and Community Education". The articles were very informative to the public and very enlightening as to what the Task Force is all about. Spanish Information and Brochures & Flyers : The Meth flyers have now been translated into Spanish and are being mass produced by Star Telephone. They will be distributed locally. Tri-County Community Health Center is being targeted to help with the distribution. Due to the increase in the Hispanic population in the county, there is a need to get this information out. We also need to focus on developing visual depictions for those who cannot read due to their sometimes limited education. Training Efforts : J.W. discussed M others A gainst Meth - A mphetamine (MAMA) which has put out material targeting the Middle Schools. This material goes into detail about how Meth affects the brain and the long-term affects it also has on the body and health. Expense is a big problem with getting the material where it needs to go. Efforts are being done in grant programs for early prevention & intervention. Ken Jones with Eastpointe interjected that they have prevention funds that have not been budgeted and he would like to get together to discuss this. J.W. added that they are working toward "training the trainer" which would educate certain teachers to train other teachers. Other states are looking at our website ( www.Methdeath.org ). Our site is one of the few of this type that has Faith Based efforts listed. Please continue to go to the site occasionally to review since we're continuously tweaking it. Remember that you can go to the comments section and post any new information you deem important. This is an excellent way to feed information to the public.
NEW BUSINESS Solution Based Initiatives : Civic Clubs, as well as PTO groups would be a good place to talk about resources and alternatives. When given the opportunity to speak, try to relay to these groups the need for them to be aware of and watch for massive quantities of ingredients used to manufacture Meth, not just a few packages. Precursor Restrictions : There has been positive impact with the restrictions of the sale of pseudoephedrine products. The only problem developing is the increased out-of-state trafficking of these products. There was discussion regarding a plan for a Meth Treatment Seminar for a broad based audience including counselors, judicial officials, medical, emergency responders etc. The Workshop/Seminar would focus on the disease/mental disorder associated with Meth addiction and current treatment rehabilitation efforts. Conference presenters would include state and national recognized experts in chronic addiction and treatment. The most positive results seen have been seen from the Montana Meth Project. Their goal is to 'unsell' teenagers on using Meth. Their motto is "Not Even Once". They get the word out through radio, television, posters and major campaigns and have financial backing to help support their endeavors. Brenda Fisher informed the Task Force that she is now at Atlantis Counseling Services full-time as of May. Her referrals have been phenomenal. She has to get the building code approved before she can begin to advertise and bring in business. She stated that she could possibly use an approved location until this is finalized. Dennis Newton offered her the use of Forrest Trails. J.W. added that there is a viable need for this type of service in our area and anyone on the Task Force who can assist with expediting this process, or has the right connections, please do so. Gary Connolly passed around a Meth workbook that is being used for addicted clients in substance abuse treatment. The Matrix Model is a program designed for Intensive Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment. This program was developed by the Matrix Institute on Addictions, an affiliate of UCLA. The Matrix Model has been found to be highly effective with Meth and Cocaine addicts with some data indicating a 70% to 80% success rate. It is divided into Five main sections: 1) Individual and Conjoint Session; 2) Early Recovery Skills Group; 3) Relapse Prevention Group; 4) Family Education Group; and 5) Social Support Group. Cory Oliver discussed how we can lead the way in the community by joining forces and networking together to get the word out about Meth. People think the problem is in large towns and not here. He suggested a possible sub-committee to work on focusing on the Montana Project and adopting some of their ideas for our Task Force. At this time, the following volunteered for a sub-committee for intervention, prevention & awareness: Andy Sturdy, Cory Oliver, Dennis Newton, Dean Wilson, Brenda Fisher and J.W. Simmons. Brenda mentioned that she'd spoken to the Sampson Independent about the possibility of weekly articles being published about addictions. This is a way to educate the community in a non-threatening way since some people view therapy itself as threatening. Dennis Newton suggested getting information out to communities through a newsletter to churches. He offered meeting space at Forrest Trails for the sub-committee if needed and Brenda Fisher also offered her building. Andy Sturdy stated that communication between others is the best solution. As in HIV, all of the health industry knew of the problem when it began but, it wasn't always being communicated to the public. They've now developed outreach programs and are seeing people on their turf. Ken Jones informed the group that effective July 1, 2006, Eastpointe will be a referral agency only and will no longer offer provider services. They will be working on a list of providers in the community which can be added to the website. The following volunteered for an informational sub-committee: Gary Sturdy, Dean Wilson, Lucinda Honeycutt and Michelle Warren (if needed). J.W. suggested that this committee be formed to work together to come up with points to bring back to the Task Force meetings. Information could be directed to Janet Rosenberger to send out prior to each meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 am
|
