Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
She discussed the need for new voices, and who we felt needed to be
invited from our very first meeting in November. Back then we had no
youth and not many in Recovery; but after the introductions it became
evident that both were now represented
Debbie Leach from NEK Learning Services spoke next to introduce her
agency. She stated that they assist those in and out of school in
earning their diploma or GED, completing resumes, honing job skills,
and training for jobs. NEKLS has a mobile computer lab that goes out
to satellite areas
Jim asked why there were so many dropouts in the Kingdom. Debbie
explained that medical and transportation issues are huge, especially
when mixed with school choice. If a student is ill for a long period of
time they may lose credit for that period. If they transfer from one area
school to another some credits may not transfer with them. Some are
just not suited to a traditional school setting and/or need a more
project-based approach. Some of her students disclose substance
abuse issues, some dont. Right now she has 4 that have disclosed
Next we heard from the Youth Advisory Council, a group of teens
ranging from 7th grade thru 12th. They are a self-governing group, with
moderators, that concentrate on drug and violence prevention
amongst other topics. They organize activities, Youth Town Meeting
Day (will resume next year), and guerilla theater. YAC meets weekly
during the school year and summer vacation, in school or out, and are
all volunteers. They are organizing the Out of the Box nature walk for
April 26th, possibly in the Town Forest, which will feature 4 stations
where conversations without words about nature and the environment
will take place.
They are assisting in the formation of a Boys & Girls Club in Lyndonville
at the Outing Club, which will open in September. Transportation will be
arranged to bus kids from St. Jay and other locations to the Club.
They are facilitating a Youth Dialogue Project in the Fall, which will be a
conversation about violence.
The SPERC (sic) Grant was discussed, and it was decided that it should
be advocated for the Kingdom. It is a screening tool that puts AS and
other info directly into the Electronic Medical Record. Gail Middlebrook
was not able to be here this evening, but is on the state committee
and will update next month.
This led to a discussion of why we always seem to be shortchanged
when grants and funds are passed around.
Carl Smith from BAART gave an update on the mass intake of new
patients on Feb. 14; 18 0f 21 were successful and are receiving
services. However, now there are 53 on the waiting list; it was thought
that this can be attributed to those in addiction hearing about new
openings, Hub & Spoke, the Governors initiative, etc. and seeing hope
and light on the horizon, come forward. Carol stated that clients come
from referrals from Community Connections, Primary Care Providers,
are self-referred, or are family/friends of those already receiving
treatment.
Paul asked if additional funding would build capacity; carol stated there
are several factors, but yes it would. The majority of clients are on
Medicaid, some are self-pay. The self pay amount includes counseling
and other services, not just the medicine. Suboxone and Bupe cannot
be self-pay due to prohibitive cost; it is hoped that single payer will iron
out these issues of insurance/treatment.
There was a question of how long someone should be in MAT (Medically
assisted treatment). Carol states that some are in treatment for many
years,, and some are in for shorter periods of time; the length of stay is
voluntary but best decided with counselor, nurse and doctor. Carol
states it takes two years for an addicts life to stabilize, for them to
make new acquaintances and life skills, for the meds to really work, for
the person to become someone who can have a life without drugs.
Carol also related how BAART is a private, San Francisco based
company, and determines levels of staffing. BAART and Barbara
Cimaglio, Deputy Commissioner at ADAP/Dept. of Health are examining
capacity
It was mentioned by Eric that it is extremely difficult for a doctor to do
an induction, and that he had to wait for months; this is self-defeating,
as when an addict is ready so should the treatment be. Eric, Paul and
all the attendees were in total agreement that there should be no
waiting list!
Paul felt that there will be more cooperation between the patient, the
PCP and the Medical Home. Carol mentioned that the staff at BAART is
maxed.
Bill mentioned a medical treatment called Vivitrol, a once a month
injection that eliminates diversion, seems to have no failure rate, and
costs $1300/Mo. (Note: Pam looked it up and Wisconsin uses it, with a
cost of $850/Mo.). This led to mention of other Alternative treatments
like Mindfulness meditation, Yoga, Acupuncture and EFT Tapping.
Sgt. Bickford of St. Jay police wanted to know how the waiting list was
organized. Carol explained that pregnant woman are immediately
treated with no waiting time; next are IV users, as this can help stop
spread of infectious diseases; the returnees from Corrections and
Treatment.
Shawn from ESD wanted to know where else people were referred to. It
would be good to have formal protocol for referrals other than BAART,
PCP, NKHS.