Daisy Meeting: December 12, 2015

Attending the meeting: Edie Barfield, Heather Best, Sue Ellen Cottle, Maria Romero, Ben Thigpen, Tom Fife, Lisa Jones, Beth Lanier, Karen Pacheco, Shannon Smith

Edie Barfield welcomed all. The minutes from the October 13th meeting were approved.

A brief video was shared with the members of DAISY. BF Grady students were featured in parts of a promotional video for the nutrition education program called Steps to Health. Dana Adams, an educator for the program and Amy Wallace, Assistant Principal of the school were shown in the video and spoke about unique aspects of the program which include: promoting healthy eating and physical activity, taste testing of new foods, and parental outreach. Links to the videos are listed below.

Youth Specific

Overalll promo

Dr. Ben Thigpen shared the Executive Summary Report Card from the Prevention Partners Assessment dated November 30, 2015. It was pointed out that Prevention Partners seeks to help establish effective preventative policies that will reduce preventable illness and early death caused by tobacco use, poor nutrition, and physical activity. The overall district grade was B. A list of recommendations was provided.

Dr. Ben Thigpen reported that we are in the process of developing a logo for DAISY. The EDHS drafting department and students will be consulted and involved in recommendations for the logo. It was noted that our priorities for the committee will be part of the logo design.

Agency Sharing:

Sue Ellen Cottle reported on school nursing service in the district:
Vision Screening: 2316 students screened, 271 students referred, 82 students (30.2%) with secured care. Hearing Screening: 2651 students screened, 50 students referred, 3 students with secured care. These referrals are followed closely by the school nurse to achieve > 90% secure care rate before the end of the school year.

A Teddy Bear Child Advocacy Workshop was attended by all school nurses and social workers.
New school nurse, Kim Ramsey to serve at ED & ND beginning in January 2016.
Met with Vidant Physician Liaison to discuss possible staff development or health career club involvement.
Abstinence grant funds have been utilized on Poe Health Education Center education sessions for 5th and 6th grade students countywide. 5th grade field trips for these sessions included puberty education and a nutrition lesson. 6th grade field trips are being arranged in January and February and will include a reproductive health and safety education session called “Changing Lanes” and a nutrition session.

DCS was invited to participate in another nutrition grant program called Move to Nutrition. This program will be delivered to a group of 30 students in 4th grade at Beulaville Elementary. Sue Ellen Cottle attended a staff development session on the particulars of the grant and she will be providing lessons according to a specific curriculum once a week for 7 weeks. Program participants will be challenged in various fun activities, learn to read labels, increase knowledge of fruits and vegetables, make a smoothie in class, and receive various incentives for achievements along the way.

Karen Pacheco reported that the Duplin County Partnership for Children has a new executive director, Trista Brunner from Lenoir County. On December 18th a toy drive sponsored by professional athlete Nate Irvin will be held at the American Legion in Wallace 5-8 pm. The Partnership for Children is seeking volunteers to help distribute toys at the toy drive. Volunteer may contact 910-289-7980 or 919-296-2000 for more information.

Maria Romero reported that the Health Department continues to have plenty of flu vaccines on hand.

Mr. Tom Fife reported that the Community Benefits Grant Call for Proposals would soon be going out. Vidant has enjoyed good partnerships on previous grant endeavors with DAISY and other organizations within the county to promote healthy citizens. Nutrition and learning how to eat well for better life long health continues to be a priority for the grant committee. Mr. Fife encouraged everyone to consider submitting grants proposals.

Heather Best indicated that Faison United Methodist Church was currently in the process of organizing a program designed to get food to kids throughout the summer months.

Edie Barfield reminded everyone that there would be no meeting for DAISY in January. The next meeting will be in February at the Board of Education Large Conference Room.