Meeting Minutes from April 3, 2013 Meeting

Members present:
Brian Dawson, Kari Sparks, Tom Meagher, Anita Scheve, Lynn Malleck, Lisa Stouffer, Travis Rickford, Rayna Flax

CDRR Activities: Radio spots promoting the free online/phone tobacco cessation counseling program, Kansas Quitline, are being aired on Eagle Communications stations KJLS and KKQY from April 15th through April 26th.
Media Awareness detailing the CDRR Leadership Team’s Community Action Plan is planned later this spring. The plan for FY 2014 includes strengthening tobacco policies in schools, workplaces and housing to include a school-based cessation/intervention program. Other future goals in CAP include increasing physical activity opportunities for youth and healthier options at concession stands, vending machines and worksites.

SWOT Review: A report from February’s SWOT Analysis was disseminated for review. Creating community awareness on goals, creating clear mission/vision statement and name, and active 12 sector representation was discussed as goals to work on for in immediate future. Brian Dawson suggested the 12 sectors be emailed to ECCP members so members know what gaps exist in ECCP active membership. Dawson also noted that he knows many people who support ECCP efforts, but are unable to attend every meeting and suggested a Memorandum of Understanding be created so those members can sign stating they support the ECCP and are willing to help. Kari Sparks will follow-up on the MOU’s.

National Alcohol Awareness is April: Alcohol Free Weekend April 5-7th is National Campaign.

Ellis County Community Data Report: A copy of County Health Rankings from the University of Wisconsin for was disseminated. While Ellis County ranks 5th in Kansas in health outcomes, adult obesity and adult alcohol use and tobacco use remains a concern according to data. It was also noted results the Kansas Communities that Care survey will come out in late May or early June. The CTC will give us a chance to look at youth substance tobacco, alcohol and other drug use among 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grades. With USD 489s participation in the CTC this year a more comprehensive idea of usage in Ellis County will be seen as last year TMP-Marion, Ellis and Victoria took the test but USD 489 did not.

Agency Updates:

Rayna Flax, RADAC – ECCP’s newest member is from the Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center based in Topeka. Rayna, an Addictions Counselor, shared she represents NW Kansas for RADAC. RADAC is a not-for-profit agency that has contracted with the State of Kansas to complete substance abuse placement assessments and related case management services for persons meeting eligibility criteria.

Travis Rickford, Bureau of Health Promotions from KDHE and CDRR Outreach Coordinator – Travis shared CDRR Request for Proposals from across the state will be reviewed soon. The ECCP should get word on status of the RFP for Ellis County in late May or early June.

Tom Meagher, Principal for Wilson Elementary – Tom shared schools are busy with state assessments. Tom also shared a task force at Wilson is brainstorming interventions to help children who seem to be dealing with some anxieties at home which are impacting behavior at school.

Brian Dawson, Hays Police Department – The police deparment is experiencing a record number of DUI arrests and is brainstrorming prevention efforts and working with local bars as timely transportation via the Safe Ride seems to be an issue – people just not wanting to wait for the often-utilized Safe Ride.

Lisa Stouffer and Lynn Malleck from University of Kansas Area Health Education Center – The center is busy connecting rural hospitals to Kanquit in which patients utilize hospital stays to receive tobacco cessation information and support. The Center is also busy providing education on elderly abuse

Anita Scheve, USD 489 Learning Center – Anita Scheve shared the Learning Center continues to see a record number of students enroll and graduate with a USD 489 high school diploma from the Center. Anita shared an online program for students is also available and continues to be a great success as an alternative avenue for anyone wanting to obtain a high school diploma.

Next Meeting: June 5th at noon at the Regional Prevention Center, 2714 Plaza Avenue.