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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
Meeting November 30, 2006
Minutes

The Sampson County Meth Task Force met on November 30, 2006 at Sampson Community College in the Warren Student Center Board Room.

Chair, J.W. Simmons, called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. The meeting was opened with prayer by Cory Oliver.

Present: J.W. Simmons; Sarah Bradshaw; Amber Cava; Cory Oliver; Michelle Warren; Pat Green; Mary Margaret Hobbs; Deleon Wilkes; Renee' White; Terry Miller; David Turner; Gregory Jackson; Darlene Wolf; Carl Barr; Dennis Newton; Ken Jones; Oscar Rodriguez; and Janet Rosenberger.

The minutes from the October 30, 2006 meeting were unanimously approved by the Task Force with a motion from Pat Green and seconded by Sarah Bradshaw.

J.W. distributed a flyer declaring today National Methamphetamine Awareness Day by the President.

OLD BUSINESS

J.W. stated that a Strategic Planning sub-committee was formed after discussion at the last meeting regarding a need to look at the structure and initiatives of the Task Force.

Sarah Bradshaw headed the sub-committee that met November 6, 2006. Present were Sarah, Oscar Rodriguez, Amber Cava and J.W. Simmons. Recommendations for restructuring the Task Force were presented to the group and discussed. The strategic plan for the Task Force would be to have 4 Sub-committees:

This setup lends flexibility and creates a more formalized structure assisting the Task Force with more public awareness. The Task Force members could branch off into one of the sub-committees for their area of expertise. The Task Force could meet bi-monthly with the sub-committees meeting the alternate months. It was recommended to have sub-committees co-chaired to allow for continuity and minutes would be taken at sub-committee meetings and reported at full Task Force meetings.

The Strategic Planning sub-committee would like to prepare notebooks for each Task Force member containing by-laws, guidelines, sub-committee descriptions, and meeting calendars and minutes. They suggest providing an annual report to the Commissioners each January offering an update of the efforts of the Task Force. Cory Oliver made a motion to approve the recommendation for restructuring the Task Force. Michelle Warren seconded the motion with unanimous support by the Task Force.

J.W. added that this format would assist when reporting to the Commissioners and show the legitimacy of the Task Force. The fact that other drugs are usually a gateway to Meth is a reason to address other addictions. Ken Jones stated that addicts sometimes come full circle back to old addictions. The name of the group reflects our focus. It was recommended to consider renaming the Task Force because work involves other addictions as well. It was decided that, for the present time, the name would remain the same. Cory Oliver and Mary Margaret Hobbs agreed that the Mission Statement could be revised to include other addictions.

Gregory Jackson introduced Darlene Wolf from the District Court Judges Office. This is another avenue we can reach. It would be good to send out the Meth information we've developed with a cover letter to all legislators. J.W. also welcomed Dr. Carl Barr to the meeting as a new Task Force member.

Deleon Wilkes presented information on the newly implemented S.A.S.S.Y. school program: S ubstance A buse S creening S aves Y outh. The flyer will go home with all county middle school and high school students. This is a pilot program that will be presented to the city schools when they see how it progresses. Renee' White with the Clinton City Schools stated that parents are picking up the kits for use already. Stewart Hobbs wanted a program that would not only give them a way for children to be drug tested, but also give them information needed to raise the awareness in the community of the problem. The tests are for 3 drugs: Meth, marijuana and cocaine. They've issued 50 tests per county school. This is funded by a grant from Eastpointe. Also being utilized is All Stars at the middle schools which serve 30 children and the Ninth Block curriculum for 6 th and 7 th graders. Confidentiality issues have been addressed on the postcard for S.A.S.S.Y. They give the option to come clean and remain with the counselor for additional help if they test positive. None of the positive drug tests will be discussed with teachers. Presently the schools do not want this information in the newspaper. Ken Jones stated that there are available funds through Eastpointe for treatment. If families can't afford it, they should be referred to them. DeLeon continued that they will be doing presentations on the S.A.S.S.Y. program to all the school PTA groups.

NEW BUSINESS

J.W. informed the group that John Wengert has retired from Star Telephone but would like to continue to work with the Task Force when he is available. His replacement, Jeff Shipp, will be continuing to support the effort. J.W. would like to see another Meth Task Force event in 2007. It could possibly be directed specifically to rehab.

Sarah added that the notebook will be prepared in time for the January meeting. She suggested that members invite their department head to that meeting.

Carl Barr stated that he appreciated the summary of what the Task Force is doing. Addiction is a disease and more difficult to deal with than some health issues. It's a psychosocial ailment and the addict has to want assistance in dealing with it.