Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

2

NHCSB Meeting Minutes for January 13, 2014



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







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







GRANT APPLICATION STATUS REPORT: The Grant Funding Update was reviewed

outlining SAMHSA, HUD, and other grant submissions. The 21st Century Grant,

due January 29, 2014, would enhance our Project Success program by providing

opportunities for academic enrichment to students attending low-performing

schools. An application for Promoting Safe and Stable Families funding for

afterschool care and summer programs in the Stewart County area, along with a

renewal for Muscogee County will be submitted by March. We await word on the

NIH Natural Experiments to Advance the Health of People with Severe Mental

Illness that was submitted in November and continue working on the FQHC

Look-Alike that could open up opportunities for higher billing rates, pharmacy

discounts, and other competitive funding. Updates will be provided as other

funding opportunities develop.



COMMISSIONER?S VISIT: Commissioner Berry visited New Horizons Friday, December

20th. A brief meeting with Staff, Board Members, and Peer Specialists was

followed by site visits to BetterLife and DD Supportive Employment. The

Commissioner was visibly moved by the New Horizons video and a copy was

presented to him. Other highlights of his visit were the Peer Specialist?s

stories of their personal journeys and interaction with consumers, family

members, and front line staff during the site visits. Sherman added that the

Commissioner?s message was one of support and success for CSBs. He also

talked about upcoming legislation that could have an impact on Boards

throughout the State. Mr. Shorter added that he was pleased to have been a

part of the meeting with the Commissioner and felt that both he and his staff

were very open and transparent.



LEGISLATION CONCERNING CSBs: As a result of the difficulties at Gateway CSB,

the governor and legislators are recommending the need for more governing of

CSBs and their Boards. A summary of the proposed Legislation, compiled by

the Georgia Association of Community Service Boards was presented to Board

members. Specific areas mentioned include: Composition of the CSB Governing

Board, Departmental Powers, CSB Executive Directors, CSB Powers, Duties,

Responsibilities, and Functions, and the Commissioner?s Emergency Powers to

Operate a CSB. While the State currently has the power to regulate, control,

and oversee, the Governor and Commissioner are partnering with CSBs for input

and feedback on the proposed changes that could result in stricter

regulations.



ANNOUNCEMENTS: For those unable to attend the Annual Event, the New Horizons

video, produced prior to the event, was shown to Board members. Consumers,

staff, and family members participated in the video that was described by

Board members as very powerful and moving.



PUBLIC COMMENT: No comments were presented.



ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, M/S/P Lawrence Young/Kittye

Crockett to adjourn the meeting at 4:15 p.m.



EXECUTIVE SESSION: M/S/P Lawrence Young/Kittye Crockett to go into Executive

Session.





_________________________________

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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