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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
NHCSB Meeting Minutes for February 10, 2014
DBHDD ANNUAL AUDIT ACCEPTANCE: Review of a letter from Robert Dorr, Chief
Audit Executive, DBHDD, stated New Horizons financial statements for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2013 were accepted as presented. Mr. Shorter inquired
about the recommendation of a ?Schedule of Cash Flows.? Valerie responded
that the audit contained cash flow information and indicated she would contact
Mr. Dorr for clarification.
GRANT APPLICATION STATUS REPORT: The Grant Funding Update was reviewed
outlining SAMHSA, HUD, and other grant submissions. A SAMHSA Grant providing
comprehensive, residential substance abuse treatment, prevention and recovery
support for pregnant and post-partum women will be submitted by March 31,
2014. The Social and Emotional Learning Challenge, part of a study
collaborative, application is due March 21. Also due in March, Promoting Safe
and Stable Families application for Muscogee and Stewart counties. The 21st
Century Grant, to enhance our Project Success program by providing
opportunities for academic enrichment to students attending low-performing
schools, was submitted in January. The NIH Natural Experiments to Advance the
Health of People with Severe Mental Illness, submitted in November, is
pending. We have been accepted to the FQHC Look-Alike, and hope to improve our
relationship with Valley Healthcare that could open up opportunities for higher
billing rates, pharmacy discounts, and other competitive funding. Updates on
other funding/grant applications will be provided as opportunities
develop.
LEGISLATION CONCERNING CSBs: Legislation recommending the need for closer
governing of CSBs and their Boards is pending, and it appears that some form of
the bill will be passed. Specific areas mentioned in the bill 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. The major change in the
composition of the board would require elected officials (three in our
catchment area) to serve on the Board. The Commissioner continues to voice his
support of CSBs and his goal to maintain a partnership.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE UPDATE: Andrea Winston presented
information on our Integrated Healthcare program, BetterLife. Grant
Scarborough, MD and Pamela Shaw-Grant, CNP provide services for consumers?
physical and mental health needs. Groups focus on smoking cessation,
wellness, nutrition, and exercise. Referrals to other providers are scheduled
as needed and case managers are onsite to assist with transportation, picking
up medications, and other needs. The program offers a holistic approach that
will have a significant impact on consumer?s lives and lifespan. We are in
discussion with Dr. Scarborough on ways to expand the program beyond the life
of the grant. Kittye Crockett added that this integrative approach been a
long time coming as one of the primary goals when planning the HHS building was
to bring agencies together under one roof for continuity of care, but that plan
never quite came together.
REBRANDING: Because our name, New Horizons Community Service Board, is
lengthy and does not really reflect what we do, Sherman approached the Board
with the idea of changing the name to New Horizons Behavioral Health. Other
CSBs have removed Community Service Board from their name and many have changed
the name completely. Board members in attendance agreed that a name change
was a good idea and Nancy Schroeder asked how much the change would cost.
Sherman responded that a cost analysis would be developed and shared with the
Board.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Board members were reminded that an article entitled
?Community Service Board may get new oversight? was included in their packets
for informational purposes.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Leland Johnson informed the Board that his last day at the
Region office is April 30, 2014. Intensive Case Management will be expanded
in the Region as part of the ADA settlement agreement. He commended New
Horizons leadership on building reserve funds and stressed the importance of
having extra funds available for unexpected expenses. He thanked Andrea
Winston for her presentation on Integrated Healthcare at the recent Provider
Meeting. He announced ongoing discussions with New Horizons on creating a
four-bed DD respite facility. In reference to pending legislation requiring
elected officials to serve on the Board, he indicated that the Regional
Planning Board currently has elected officials serving and their participation
has proved to be very helpful. He added that DBHDD is moving towards more
Performance-Based contracts.
Nancy Schroeder raised concerns about the lengthy wait time (14 hours) at the
Medical Center Emergency Room when trying to get help for a family member in
crisis.
Sherman responded that she has a meeting planned with Bradley Center staff and
would address Nancy?s concerns.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:20
p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 4:23, the Board went 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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