ITAC Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Meeting Minutes, Tuesday December 13th, 2016
The meeting opened at 9:20AM by a call from Rev. Mark Sterlace with a welcome and introduction round and a total attendance of 21. Mark Commended everyone present for coming out at such a busy time of the year and also expressed gratitude to Bette Dehr for her efforts in securing preparation for the meetings and for her commitment along with that of the Iroquois staff community noting how it anchors so many community members.
Minutes were available and sent ahead. A motion to approve the Minutes of the November meeting was made by Bette and second by Joe DePlato. Regarding the treasury, it was noted that Dennis Powers was out of town but that he had commented that things were unchanged.
Tana Yount introduced Student Ambassador Taylor Behlmaier (Character Counts President) who reported that the video is completed and submitted. The subject of the video involves a young woman who dies in an auto accident and elaborates on the much larger network of individuals who then deal with it. A sincere thank-you goes to Chris Kloc who assisted the students as the video unfolded. If the video is selected, it will be shown at a Buffalo Sabres game on the Jumbotron and students from ICSD will be invited. It was concluded that even if we do not win the competition, the significance of the video will be felt as it was a very strong learning experience. Abigayle Grier (Vice President of Character Counts) reported on Project Sticker Shock. We will likely do it again and hopefully it will spread out toward more businesses. Over 1600 stickers were applied by students. The volume and quantity was almost overwhelming. It took 10 people to go through two layers of inventory at volunteer locations. Students were expressing shock at the number of items that actually contain alcohol. Brief discussion followed and we will order more stickers for the next round. This is a good project that highlights, for all involved, the flow of alcohol within the community and potentially the ease with which it can fall into the hands of under-age users. In addition, it’s good-natured and does not confront but highlights the problem of under-age drinking as an avoidable one.
Bette Dehr spoke regarding the logo for ITAC which is currently being explored by the Arts department. They have had a number of requests but feel we may have a logo available for presentation on or about February 2017.
The meeting progressed to our guest speaker, Dr. Karl Fiebelkorn, who presented regarding an omni-degradable medication disposal and, in particular, a disposal pouch system which renders unused medications safe for simple trash disposal. Bags were available for distribution. The UB School of Pharmacy has been working on a project to make these available, as an adjunct to the more typical disposal sites specially set-up for medications to be dropped. Dr. Fieleblkorn presented, within the larger context, the excess medication problem that exists in communities all over the US and how opioid medications and pain killers in particular have expanded in use over the last 30 years. He noted how Erie County and NYS appear to be ahead in the disposal of medications as compared to most every other county in the nation. Erie County has 36 sites while Westchester County was last known to have 2. Local Health Departments and communities have been aggressive in trying to remove medications from the general waste stream. Of course, the downside may be that more “China White” and other fentanyl laced heroin substances get shipped in to feed the market of users left behind as prescription med availability has been reduced. Costs and complications with pending installation of disposal sites in all pharmacies was also elaborated. Some statistics presented were already familiar to ITAC members, but the larger clinical, manufacturing and retail pharmaceutical picture that has brought us to this point was very enlightening. In addition, Dr. Fiebelkorn noted some new compounds such as “U47700” may replace some painkillers as a less potentially addictive pain treatment than those currently prescribed. A return to anti-inflammatory medications is happening. The presentation prompted much meaningful discussion on how prescribing habits have been changing and the new challenges that come along.
Following the presentation, New Business was pursued with a discussion by Sharon Koenig and Cassandra Cannon regarding the DFC (Drug Free Communities) grant process. The DFC is generally a 5 year, and up to 10 year grant of about $125K each year focused on under age substance abuse. The grant considers community conditions, environmental approaches (not simply education), and should be data-based. It does not cover after-school programs, drug court, or mentoring approach programs. The grant application is somewhat difficult to write but generally forces the writers to have their needs and approach thought out. Sharon expressed her observation that ITAC is now well poised to explore and submit a grant after the efforts and growth it has sustained thus far. That said, the group needs to be committed and willing to be involved, following-up on varied tasks as requested. The input of many sectors is critical. Sharon provided handouts that explain the grant and the process. We should not expect instant success but more the positioning of our talents to remain active and dynamic and re-submitting as the grants are available. Bette and Tana reflected on what they had learned and witnessed at the Las Vegas conference over the summer with members of groups from all over the country. Sharon and Cassandra emphasized that we should approach the application as a tool moving forward, even if we decide not to apply for the coming cycle. It was noted that we have had up to 120 different individuals involved in ITAC since the beginning and that we already have good sector representation. Breaking the grant and task process into small parts would be an effective approach to developing the total grant.
Mark Sterlace discussed the need for a timeline for 2017 that was discussed at a work meeting. We will likely distribute some focused questions that will get us started and include the input everyone. We can utilize the 2016 DFC as a structure and see what members can add. There are many pieces out there that can develop a narrative that is cohesive. It was also noted that the 501-C-3 is in process which is another needed piece. Sharon, Cassandra and also Lamont Pugh spoke to using the grant application as a tool, and not an end-point. Lamont spoke to the experience of the National Guard’s strong involvement/experience in this process and said “don’t be afraid to call on the Army!” and to include them in this process.
Before closing, Joe DePlato spoke of a recent meeting of SRO’s (Student Resource Officers) where Jessica presented from KEDS. The group was very impressed and patterns across the region were noted.
The next meeting of ITAC is set for January 23rd at 9:10AM. Please refer any agenda items you may have to Bette Dehr. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30. The group concluded with a brief social and sharing of holiday treats/cakes and snacks along with a trivia contest. Best wishes for the coming holidays and a healthy New Year were exchanged.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Pirrung