Macon County Mental Health Task Force January 16, 2009 Members present - Jim Bruckner, Rhonda Cox, Jane Kimsey, Paula Ledford, Kathy McGaha, Tim Hubbs and Mike Neidig Approval of Minutes - Jane Kimsey made a motion to approve the minutes. Mike Neidig 2nd the motion, with a unanimous vote for approval. Action Items: Jim Bruckner welcomed the task force members to today’s meeting. Mr. Bruckner asked everyone to introduce themselves and tell what organization they represented. Shelly Lackey announced that the Smoky Mountain Board of Directors had appointed Don Suggs as interim director as of January 1st. Ms. Lackey informed the task force members that Mr. Suggs has lots of experience and service in the mental health field and system. Ms. Lackey said that Mr. Suggs will work out of both the Sylva and Boone offices. Rhonda Cox informed the task force members that Haywood Regional Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit is now up to a 12-bed capacity. Ms. Cox stated that the intention is to reach full capacity of 16-beds upon filling remaining staff positions in the Unit. Ms. Cox also said it is SMC’s intention to reopen the Balsam Center as soon as staff positions can be recruited and filled. Rhonda Cox informed the task force members that Murphy Counseling’s Macon office will close effective January 16th. Ms. Cox said that they are also closing their office in Clay County, but will continue to operate their office in Murphy. Rhonda Cox explained that the Smoky Mountain Center has been endorsed by the state to provide six Mobile Crisis Teams. Ms. Cox said that SMC has asked and received a one year waiver from the state to provide this service with the expectation that they will move it into the private provider network when it is available. Shelly Lackey updated the task force members on the current status of the 160A Option. Ms. Lackey said the seven westernmost counties are still considering the possibility of developing a 160A intergovernmental service authority. Ms. Lackey said smaller groups have formed composed of Smoky Mountain Center staff, Meridian Behavioral Health staff and the County Managers from the seven counties to examine and consider possible budgets for this option. Jim Bruckner passed out a draft of the report from the Task Force that will be presented to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Bruckner stated that the first part of the report was compiled and reviewed in June. Mr. Bruckner explained that the report was updated to include the Implementation Recommendations including suggestions and funding requests. Mr. Bruckner briefly reviewed each section: > 24/7/365 Assessments and A Drop-In Center I. Program Overview II. Current State III. Future State IV. Barriers V. Financial Forecast > Convene Local Service Provider Meetings I. Program Overview II. Current State III. Financial Forecast > School-based Mental Health Services I. Program Overview II. Current State III. Future State IV. Program Budget V. Financial Forecast VI. Measurements > Alternatives for Transporting Mental Health Recipients I. Program Overview II. Current State III. Future State IV. Financial Forecast > Jail Substance Abuse Education Program I. Program Overview II. Current Operations III. Future State IV. Financial Forecast V. Barriers to Service Delivery VI. Measurements > Development of Local Information and Referral Line I. Program Overview II. Current Operations III. Future State IV. Financial Forecast V. Barriers to Service Delivery VI. Measurements Kathy McGaha briefly updated the task force members on the School Based Mental Health Services. Paula Ledford and Ms. McGaha explained that they had been trying to develop a budget for this recommendation. After visiting other school districts, they felt comfortable requesting $40,000. Ms. McGaha explained that the estimation for students who will receive services from this program is 20% or approximately 40 students who would be uninsured. Ms. McGaha and Ms. Ledford stated that next year they would have more accurate information on which to base the budget figure. Jane Kimsey also gave a brief update on the Information and Referral Line. Ms. Kimsey said the temporary help line is operational from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday - Friday) and is funded through June 30th. Ms. Kimsey said during the first three weeks of operation, 183 calls were logged. Ms. Kimsey said the largest number of requests were for assistance with heating and rent/mortgages. Jim Bruckner reminded the task force members that this report would be presented to the Board of Commissioners at their meeting on January 26th at 2:00 PM. Mr. Bruckner and Ms. Kimsey asked the task force members to please attend this meeting if possible to show support and be available to answer questions. The next meeting will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2009. The meeting will be held in the Video Conference Room at Angel Medical Center from 10:30 AM - 12:00 N. Minutes recorded by Rhonda Blanton Follow-Up: The next meeting has been changed to Friday, February 27th, 2009. The meeting will be held in Meeting Rooms A/B at the Health and Human Services Building from 10:30 AM - 12:00 Noon.