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NHCSB Meeting Minutes for June 9, 2014
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A Community Mental Health / Developmental Disabilities / Addictive Diseases
Program
Administration
P.O. Box 5328
2100 Comer Avenue (706) 596-5582
Columbus, GA 31906 FAX (706) 596-5589
Serving Residents of Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph,
Stewart and Talbot Counties
or 24-Hour Emergency Services Call (706) 323-0174 or Toll Free (800) 241-3659
CLINICAL SERVICES PROGRESS REPORT:
Expanded Jail Services: The contract for New Horizons to provide mental health
services at the Muscogee County Jail is on the agenda for a vote at tomorrow?s
City Council meeting. The ground work has been done and some contract
adjustments made. It has been a long process, but we anticipate services will
begin April 1st.
Case Management Services:
Cornerstone Upgrades:
Crisis Stabilization Unit Update:
Serving Residents of Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph,
Stewart and Talbot Counties
For 24-Hour Emergency Services Call (706) 323-0174 or Toll Free (800) 241-3659
Andrea responded that the CSB names varied and the Board asked to table the
vote until the next meeting to review other options.
DBHDD REDESIGN: Andrea reported that while we currently have a contract to
serve GIA consumers, the FY16 contract will switch to fee for service. There
are many details involved in the redesign and meetings/trainings scheduled.
Lyn added there are eighteen standards, scored and rated differently, for core
providers to adher to. Initially, we will receive technical assistance once a
month for a year. In the future, our scores will determine the amount of
technical assistance we will receive. Mr. Shorter asked if the standards
could be reviewed at the next meeting. Andrea responded that board training
will be scheduled to review the redesign standards, some of which apply to the
Board, more closely.
ANNUAL EVENT: David Wallace announced that Frank Thomas from Columbus,
Georgia, who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, will
be the guest speaker at the Annual Event on November 13th. Jimmy Blanchard
is being considered as the Impact Award winner. The Development Advisory
Board will meet tomorrow to further discuss the event. David also
announced the New Horizons video, produced and shown for last year?s event, was
submitted and won a National Telly Award. A press release announcing the
award will be forthcoming. The video had a tremendous impact and was a great
effort by consumers and staff.
RESPECT INSTITUTE: Cheryl Williams reported that twelve consumers
participated in a three and a half day training presented by the Respect
Institute based in Atlanta. The training teaches and empowers consumers to
tell and share their stories in a variety of arenas. Three of the twelve
were chosen to speak at the graduation ceremony at the conclusion of the
training. One of the three, David Harvey, shared his compelling life story of
treatment and recovery with the Board.
LEGISLATION CONCERNING CSBs: Tom Tebeau presented information on Senate Bill
349 to the Board. The new law will reduce the Board in one respect, but
increase it in another. The initial Board composition will be reduced from
eleven to nine, one from each county we serve and two from Muscogee County.
One optional member may be appointed by the Board. Elected officials from
three counties providing the most funding to the agency, Muscogee, Harris, and
Chattahoochee, will also be appointed to the Board. While not yet mandated,
eventually 50% of the Board must consist of consumers or family members of
consumers and also must reflect the social and cultural makeup of the
population we serve. Three of the current Muscogee County Board members, Nancy
Schroeder, Sandra Gill, and Anne Hopp, and one Quitman County member, Linda
McElroy are up for reappointment. M/S/P Nancy Schroeder/Anne Hopp to
recommend to the County Commission of Quitman County the reappointment of Linda
McElroy to the Board, Board approved. Anne Hopp reported she is now a
resident of Harris County. M/S/P Kittye Crockett/Anne Hopp to recommend to
the City Council of Muscogee County the reappointment of Nancy Schroeder to the
Board, Board approved. Board members discussed the appointment of an optional
member. M/S/P David Ranieri/Nancy Schroeder to appoint Sandra Gill as the
optional Board member, Board approved. Andrea Winston discussed nominations
for elected officials and stated either the Board could make nominations or the
governing body in the counties could choose an official. M/S/P Kittye
Crockett/David Ranieri to table discussion of elected/appointed officials for
review at the next Board meeting, Board Approved.
Serving Residents of Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph,
Stewart and Talbot Counties
For 24-Hour Emergency Services Call (706) 323-0174 or Toll Free (800) 241-3659
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR FY15: Andrea announced it is time to elect Board
officers for FY15 and it was recommended that the current officers continue
their duties. M/S/P/ David Ranieri/ Kittye Crockett that current officers,
Wesley Shorter, Board Chair, Nancy Schroeder, Vice Chair, and Carol Greer,
Secretary, continue to serve another term, pending notice from Carol Greer who
was not in attendance, Board approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Andrea reported that the GACSB Board Retreat in Dublin,
Georgia May 15th-16th was very informative with much information on CSB
Boards presented. A section meeting, where Board members would meet with other
CSB Board members is being planned. More information on the upcoming meeting
will be presented in the future. DBHDD contracts for FY15 have not been
received, but we do not anticipate many changes other than intensive case
management services being added. The Pataula Drug Court Contract will not be
renewed for FY15. The Muscogee County Jail Contract will increase from
$634,000 to $650,000. The GACSB Annual Conference will be held in October at
Lake Lanier. DBHDD Redesign and Oversight will be more closely reviewed in
the July Board Meeting as well as discussion and revision of New Horizons
ByLaws. We will not have a Board meeting in August.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Judge Joe Bishop presented Board members with a folder
containing documents including the State Investigative Report, New Horizons
Internal Report, and other correspondence/letters relating to staff misconduct
with Drug Court participants at Randolph County SARC and the Pataula Drug Court
Contract. Judge Bishop expressed his passion and concern for the drug court
participants; discussed problems/delays in getting a copy of the State
Investigation; reported communicating with DBHDD Commissioner Berry regarding
New Horizons letter of intent not to renew the Drug Court contract; and, voiced
concerns about disclosure and transparency, to include no indication that a
vote was taken on the hiring of the Executive Director in the Board minutes.
Judge Bishop commented that the interim director and staff at Randolph SARC
were doing a great job, but that they were only there temporarily until
permanent positions could be filled. He reported he had contacted
Commissioner Berry and that as of July 1st, a new provider would provide
services for the Pataula Drug Court program. Board members expressed concern
and embarrassment over the inappropriate staff behavior; asked the Judge if he
had received all information he requested; and, asked if he had considered that
the Director had done all she knew to do? Mr. Shorter added that he was glad
the consumers? needs were addressed promptly; that it was unfortunate the
relationship with New Horizons and the Drug Court program had been severed;
and, that he hoped trust could be rebuilt.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, M/S/P Nancy Schroeder/David
Ranieri for the meeting to adjourn at 5:40 p.m., Board approved.
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Wesley Shorter
Chairperson
Serving Residents of Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph,
Stewart and Talbot Counties
For 24-Hour Emergency Services Call (706) 323-0174 or Toll Free (800) 241-3659
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