Macon County Mental Health Task Force
April 3, 2009

Members present – Jim Bottomley, Rhonda Cox, Robert Holland, Jane Kimsey,
Paula Ledford, Kathy McGaha, Mike Neidig, Andy Shields and Martin Wadewitz

Approval of Minutes – Robert Holland made a motion to approve the minutes.
Rhonda Cox 2nd the motion, with a unanimous vote for approval.

Action Items:

Jane Kimsey welcomed the task force members to today’s meeting.  Ms. Kimsey
introduced Jim Bottomley as the task force’s newest member.  Mr. Bottomley will
be the community representative for the task force.  Mr. Bottomley gave a brief
history of his past life and also reviewed what committees and boards he is 
currently serving on.

Jane Kimsey reported that the report from this task force was presented to the
Macon County Board of Commissioners on March 23rd.  The report contained the
following six recommendations:
1) 24/7/365 Assessments and A Drop-In Center
2) Convene Local Service Provider Meetings
3) School-based Mental Health Services
4) Alternatives for Transporting Mental Health Recipients
5) Jail Substance Abuse Education Program
6) Development of Local Information and Referral Line

Kathy McGaha explained that the funding (if received) for the School-based
Mental Health Services would be handled through the Health Department.  Paula
Ledford would receive and approve signatures on invoices and then forward them
to the Health Department.

Robby Holland updated the task force members on the Jail Substance Abuse 
Education Program and transportation for mental health patients.  Mike Neidig
said currently there are 8 people in the Jail Program.  Mr. Holland stated 
that he is still working on solutions to the transportation issue. 

Brian Welch informed the task force members about NC House Bill 243.  This bill
covers Mental Health/Law Enforcement Custody.  Mr. Welch said the task force
members needed to be aware of this bill and implications it would have for law
enforcement.

Jane Kimsey gave a brief update on the Information and Referral Line.  Ms. 
Kimsey stated that as of March 31st there had been 598 calls received.  Ms. 
Kimsey said 1.8% of the calls were related to mental health.

Rhonda Cox gave a brief update on the 24/7/365 mental health assessment mobile
crisis team.  This crisis team will be based out of Angel Medical Center.  
Ms. Cox said that most SMC staff have temporary privileges and are the process
of getting permanent status.

Rhonda Cox also said that renovations for a Recovery Education Center (REC) in
Macon County are underway.  Ms. Cox stated that hopefully the renovations will
be done by May 1st.

Shelly Lackey of SMC announced that a stakeholder meeting would be held on May
5th at 10:00 AM at a location to be determined.  Ms. Lackey stated that 
Meridian Behavioral Health Services will discuss the Recovery Education Center
for Macon County.  Issues to be covered are REC’s model philosophy; as well 
as programs and services to be offered.

Shelly Lackey also announced the reopening of the Balsam Center on May 1st.
Ms. Lackey explained that SMC is in the process of recruiting and hiring 
additional nursing staff.  Ms. Kimsey requested a complete list of services
that will be available when Balsam Center reopens.

Shelly Lackey also updated the task force members on the 160A option.  Ms. 
Lackey stated it is still moving forward to cover local delivery of mental 
health services.

Kathy McGaha reminded the task force members to please fill out a Participation
Form and return it to Rhonda Blanton.

Kathy McGaha invited everyone to the Full Partnership Meeting on May 28th.  
This program is being held at Tartan Hall from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.  Ms. McGaha
explained that a viewing of a 30-minute segment from the documentary series - 
"Unnatural Causes."  Ms. McGaha said after this viewing the audience will 
discuss and explore how policy and environmental circumstances are affecting
the lives of Macon County residents.  Ms. McGaha asked the task force members
to RSVP to Rhonda Blanton.

Mary Widenhouse informed the task force members about the recent WRAP 
graduation.  Ms. Widenhouse stated that five Macon County teenagers graduated
from this program as WRAP Facilitators.  

Robby Holland informed the task force members about the upcoming Pill Crusher
event being held on April 18th.  This event will allow everyone to bring their
outdated, unknown, or unwanted prescriptions for free disposal.  This event 
will be from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at any Ingles in Macon County.

The next meeting will be held on Friday, July 17th, 2009.  The meeting will be
held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM in Meeting Rooms A/B at the Health and Human 
Services Building.

Minutes recorded by Rhonda Blanton