Alcohol and Drug StudiesAdvisory Committee
Minutes
December 8,2005
Welcome and Introductions
Mr.Richard Collins, Dean of Instruction, Career Education and Categorical Programs, called the meeting to order at approximately 8:08 am. Dean Collins introduced Richard Shultz, Interim Vice President of InstructionalServices. Mr. Shultz welcomed the committee members and spoke of the successful collaboration between MSJC and advisory councils. He thanked the participants for contributing their time and input to the ADS program.
Tribute of Respect and Admiration
Dr. Richard Follick acknowledged two individuals, Dr. John Henke and Gene Hughes.
Dr. Henke recently received the rank of second-star general with the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Henke provided more than 18 years’ service to the MSJC, ADS program, offering leadership and guidance. Dr. Follick presented Dr. Henke with a plaque of respect and admiration.
Dr. Henke provided a brief thank you message and exited the meeting for service duty at the March Air Force Base cemetery.
Dr. Follick presented a plaque of respect and admiration to Tish Hughes, wife of the late Gene Hughes. The plaque was dedicated to Gene Hughes for making a significant difference in the lives of many people.
Dr. Jerry Reynolds presented information on the newly formed Gene Hughes scholarship. Previously smaller scholarshipswere funded through individual contributions by the MSJC, ADS staff. Approximately $10,000 is needed to sustain the scholarship thatwill assist many students with completing the ADS program. Dr. Reynolds requested financial support from committee members interested in contributing to the Gene Hughes scholarship.
Entertainment
Dr. Follick introduced Elden Klien, Magician. Mr. Klien performed a variety of magic tricks from his “Magic is in the Air” program.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Follick formally introduced Richard Collins, Dean of Career Education and Categorical programs and Joyce Johnson, Associate Dean of Allied Health, Director of the Nursing program.
Dean Collins identified the role of advisory committees, emphasizing the opportunity for the community to take a look at the MSJC programs and provide input pertaining to what is going right and what is going wrong for students and graduates. Dean Collins spoke of the need of the ADS program, stating the MSJC Police Department made two arrests for amphetamines on the Menifee ValleyCampus in the past week.
Dr. Follick proceeded to introduce Jerry Wengerd, Director of the Riverside County Department of Mental Health.
Mr. Wengerd has been the director of the Riverside County Department of Mental Health for a little over six months. Mr. Wengerd stated the affects of ADS on everything we do. He is new to the position and did not speak to new programs. Presently the CountyDMH is living on savings and trying to maintain same level of service. Mr. Wengerd spoke of the new buzz word “co-occurring.” Alcohol and Drug Studies (ADS) is completely separate from Mental Health. However, there is a co-occurring issue of the use of drugs to mask mental illness. Integrating teams through venues such as MSJC advisory committees bring individuals with different expertise together to discuss the joint issue.
Mr. Wengerd discussed Proposition 63, the mental health services act. Proposition 63 is a spending plan designed for expanding residential services topeople with mental illnesses. Under the county proposal, funds would be used to:
- Expand the county mental health court to divert more people to treatment, rather than prison;
- Expand youth services for those in the juvenile hall or the juvenile court systems;
- Create a mobile outreach team to provide assessments and services to older mentally ill patients; and
- Expand outpatient services for children.
A meeting is planned for Wednesday, 12/14/05 at the SimpsonCenter, 305 E. Devonshire, Hemet, CA. The proposition goes before the board on 1/10/06.
Mr. Wengerd stressed the need for adolescent care. He promoted the importance of having independent providers. Larger providers are too bid and too diverse, which can make it difficult.
Roundtable Discussion
Dr. Follick facilitated a roundtable discussion.
Tonya Holt (Perris Valley Recovery) encouraged adolescent care and chemical dependency programs. Programs such as DUI for kids are not enough. They are not drug treatment or educational programs. RiversideCounty needs local funding for adolescent residential care.
Jane Farmer (La Vista Recovery Center) addressed the need for more substance abuse centers. Teaming with mental health services can provide more services locally.
Avery Chamlis (Salvation Army) spoke of a six-moth residential program in Perris that is committed to recovery. However, many have to leave the program because of the residency requirement for RiversideCounty. If the individual has at least 30 days residency, the Salvation Army can provide services. The Salvation Army currently sendspeople to a shelter in Corona for 30 days. Then they can come back for rehab. Mr. Chamlis also spoke to the issue of the need for mental and medical services provided to all addicted people.
Mario Gomez (Hill Alcohol and Drug Treatment) spoke of the need for adolescent services in Temecula. There was a program that provided assessments for students in Murrieta but the funding stopped. Mr. Gomez is seeking funding for educational programs. Hopefully, Temecula can receive funding through the connection with mental health.
Mr. Jerry Wengerd (Riverside County DMH) stated the possibility to reduce adult funding to focus on the kids. There might be away to carve out funds for more kid services.
Mr. Gomez stated 2 ½ months ago, substance abuse counselors with the RiversideCounty school system had after school programs. It was preventive services, not treatment oriented. Mr. Gomez also stated he hasn’t seen any such programs offered in the Southwest part of the County.
Karen Kane (Riverside County DMH) stated the County did set up a program with a grant. 32 schools responded to the request for assistance. Funding ended 08/06/05. There is a possibility for a 1-year extension. However, it is not on-going money. Mr. Gomez is correct. The funds were for preventive measures only. It was a very small percentage of the funding. 20% was set aside for prevention services and sent out to the schools.
Art Earll (Loma Linda Behavioral Health) added that State funds are lacking and he is not sure if the funds are doing the right thing for adolescent care. The adolescent programs should not be repackaged adult treatment plans.
Bob Hillis (YouthServicesCenter) stated there might be a crossover. It’s not just the money it’s also about how the money is spent.
Other Agenda Items
Dr. Follick reviewed the packet content. He outlined the ADS certificate and degree programs. He also provided a summary of the ADS curriculum. He discussed the brochure on advisory committee meetings. Dr. Follick publicly thanked his assistant, Toni Whipperman, for her help to make sure the meeting was well put together.
Dr. Follick provided input on the ADS program performance. Greater than 85% of ADS students have a position prior to graduation. He stated the ADS program will offer a course on ADS Law and Ethics, which will be taught by Dr. Jerry Reynolds.
Question: Most students are leaning toward a State certificate in counseling. Will MSJC programs match up?
Response: MSJC has to adhere to two criteria: accreditation and CAADAC. Any student can transfer if MSJC makes sure the college is in line with those two agencies. MSJC has no control over independent and private college programs.
Eileen Weillein (La Vista Recovery Center) stated she was excited to be a part of the meeting and thanked the college for the internship program that combines education with field work. Internships help people to be able to help the county.
Several others commented on the successful, excellent ADS internship program.
Closing Remarks
Dr. Follick provided a summary of the challenges faced by the ADS program:
- Problem identification with drugs and alcohol;
- Development of a specific class that focuses on adolescent recovery;
- Senior Studies – As of 2002, 450,000 people over the age of 65 admitted to being addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol; and
- Dual Diagnosis – co-occurring diagnosis and treatment
Dr. Follick thanked everyone for their attendance. He stated the people present are people of influence. Dr Follick provided the 10 steps to multiply people of influence.
- Integrity
- Nurture others
- Faith in people
- Listen to people
- Understand people
- Enlarge people
- Navigate for other people
- Connect with people
- Empower people
- Reproduce other people of influence
Mario Gomez is also a MSJC graduate. He thanked Dr. Follick for his guidance and leadership.
Dr. Follick adjourned the meeting at 9:55 am.
ATTENDEES:
Larry Aragon, Substance Abuse Counselor, Valley Wide Outreach Program
Teresa Bullock, SunRay Addictions Counseling
Avery Chamlis, Director, SalvationArmyAdultRehabilitationCenter
Richard Collins, MSJC Dean of Career Education and Categorical Programs
Carla Cox, SunRay Addictions Counseling
Art Earll, Director, Loma Linda Behavioral Health
Jane Farmer, Executive Director, LaVistaRecoveryCenter
Janeen Foster, MSJC Consultant, Career Education-Special Projects
Debra Gardner, MSJC, Student ADS program
Mario Gomez, Hill Alcohol & Drug Treatment
Dr. Jack Henke, Partners in Recovery
Bob HIllis, YouthServicesCenter
Tanya Holt, PerrisValley Recovery
Tish Hughes, SunRay Addictions Counseling
Joyce Johnson, Associate Dean, Allied Health, Director of Nursing
Karen Kane, Program Director, Riverside County Department of Mental Health
Jessica Lopez, MSJC, ADS Instructor
Irene Lund, MSJC ADS Instructor
Debbie Nall, SunRay Addiction Counseling
Robin Reid, Legislative Assistant to Supervisor Jeff Stone
Dr. Jerry Reynolds, MSJC ADS Instructor
Don Sercombe, MSJC, Student ADS program
Mark Thuve, Program Supervisor, Riverside County Department of Mental Health
Eileen Weilein, Guest, LaVistaRecoveryCenter
Jerry Wengerd, Director, Riverside County Department of Mental Health
Toni Whipperman, Administrative Assistant to Dr. Follick
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