Railbelt Mental Health &amp; Addictions

WIN minutes 08-28-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
MINUTES
28th of August, 2007

There were 12 people at meeting today including: Tim & Carl Horn, Laura Vance, Bonnie Reed, Kat McElroy Maryellen & Sam Kanayurak, Mike Anderson, George Albert, Tom Titus, Walter Tommy and Miles Martin. RMHA provided a lunch of sandwiches and watermelon.

We had broccoli cheese soup for lunch along with smoked salmon, smoked summer (bear) sausage, crackers, smoked salmon spread, and mixed fresh veggies.

WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: Welcome and mission statement read by this week’s chair person, Laura Vance. This week’s prayer was led by Tom Titus, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS – Laura presented the agenda. George Albert requested an issue to be added.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Miles took minutes last week and sent them to Kat. She forwarded them electronically to the WIN e-list. She provided hard copy at the meeting for any to peruse.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Tom Titus was welcomed by all. Walter Tommy and George Albert have been to previous WIN meetings.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS
Search & Rescue Project –George says he and Uncle Mo have been trying to start an Nenana Search & Rescue squad. They have two boats but are looking for engines for them. They are also interested in getting snow-gos. He said they have looked at various options including Defense Reutilization & Marketing Service. They are looking for support and leads on funding. Sam asked about the Coast Guard as they are in charge of navigatable waters. Walter mentioned that Shirley Dementieff got help from the Boy Scouts of America when she was organizing search efforts. George said he will be asking the barge lines for donations.

Mental Health Stigma- Kat passed out copies of blurbs Traci printed from the National Mental Health Awareness web site: http//:nostigma.org/ of Mental Health Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Each highlights specific questions or issues regarding mental health. She talked about the stigma that often prevents people from obtaining effective mental health treatment including the internal barriers of shame or denial as well as the external barriers of other people’s misunderstanding, prejudice and fears. She talked about the difficulties experienced by people who have a family member with a mental illness as they struggle to understand what is happening to their loved one and to deal with the problems that will create in their lives. She spoke of the many myths about mental illness and cited this web site as a good start at dispelling such myths. “Information is power,” Kat believes. She encouraged others to go to this web site if they are interested in getting more information. The web site also has a good resources list. Miles suggested that someone should use the information in these hand-outs to make short articles for the Nenana Messenger.

Dancing in the Streets – Laura reported that the parade is scheduled for 4:30 PM, followed directly after by dinner at the Civic Center at 5 PM. The parade will be down the main street, starting at 6th street and going all the way down to the Depot building. The dinner menu as provided by Mike was approved and features halibut and bar-b-qued chicken. The band will be Loose Gravel from Healy. The dance will be at the pavilion down by the river. There will be a bon-fire. The Nenana Lions will be providing beverages including coffee and hot chocolate and as well as hot dogs and marshmallows. There was some question about whether the city has approved closing off the street for the parade but Laura has talked to Jason and that has been reconciled. Tom has agreed, per Maryellen’s request, to organize a motorcycle Ride For Sobriety to coincide with the parade. He talked about the challenges of organizing a group of bikers to do anything in a timely and efficient fashion. He had questions about the route logistics.

WELLNESS THOUGHT-
It isn’t for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security.
–Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Most of us are on a long uphill climb at this moment. It is a climb we are making together, and yet a climb we can’t do for each other. I can reach out my hand to you, and you can grasp my hand in return. But my steps are my own, just as you too, can only take one-step at a time.

For brief periods we skip, even run, along the uphill path. The rocks and the occasional boulder momentarily trip us up. We need patience and trust that the summit is still achievable. We can help one another have patience. We can remind one another to trust.

We look back at the periods that devastated us so long ago. And now we are here. We have climbed this far. We are stronger, saner, and more secure. Each step makes easier the next step - each step puts us on more solid ground.

I may run into some rocks or even a boulder today. I have stepped around them in the past. I will do so again.
You are reading from the book: Each Day a New Beginning by Karen Casey

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—None reported.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Bonnie Reed said that TCCC graduation will be at the Civic Center Thursday at 10:30 AM followed by a potluck lunch.

George said that Nenana Native Council is trying to take on the TCCC program as TCC in Fairbanks no longer wants to run it. No changes are anticipated. It would still be an Americorp program. NNC’s interest is in keeping the program here in Nenana. Apparently there has been speculation about moving TCCC to Delta.

RMHA – Kat said that the AA picnic Sunday was a big success. She thanked the Seniors for their support and participation. Nine clients from Fairbanks Native Association Long House Program came down and really enjoyed the sun and food. She noted the Ralph Perdue program in Fairbanks has indeed closed their residential treatment program. This is due to funding cuts and we shall likely see fewer treatment beds all around the state as treatment funding continues to be cut. This engendered a discussion on sober transitional housing. Tom said he would like to have a sober camp somewhere near, not like Old Minto, a program, but just a place where people can come and be when they are trying to heal up. Sam agreed that this would be good. He pointed out how difficult it is for people when they first come into recovery: issues of housing, employment and sober support. Miles asked about Railbelt’s attempts to look into sober transitional housing. Kat said that Railbelt does not feel capable of obtaining the funding the state said would be needed to build a new structure; it’s just too much money. Mortgage payments cannot be made from our state grants. She mentioned her friend Scottie in Fairbanks who runs a sober house out of what originally was a derelict and abandoned building. This fits more into the vision that WIN seems to have of a project that would be of immediate benefit to the participants. Kat agreed to bring material to meeting next week and get sober transitional housing onto the agenda.

Carl Horn said that Nenana Student Living Center is still actively recruiting students; current enrollment is 65. School board meeting will be next Tuesday at 6:30 PM, either in the Pit or the school library.

Tom Titus was asked if he is living in Nenana now. He said that this was the intention but he and his wife are experiencing difficulty with Office of Children’s Services regarding the planned relocation from Fairbanks as they are foster parents to three special needs children whom OCS insist need to be in Fairbanks to receive needed services. Tom & Theresa want to adopt these children and brought them to Nenana this summer so they could experience Alaska Native culture including fish camp activities. Somebody complained to OCS that this is too dangerous for the children. Tom says they feel very much stymied in their efforts to provide culturally for the children. He is aware that services would be available to the children through local resources including RMHA and NCPS. Tom also said that he wants to have a tea as a send-off party for Walter Tommy who is leaving October 1st to South Carolina where he intends to be married. Discussion ensued regarding time, place, and logistics. Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 22, at the Native Hall, around 6PM. George will check on use of the hall with NNC.

Sam Kanayurak said that he is also interested in looking into sober transitional housing. If it is true that people will face longer waiting lists as the number of treatment slots available diminishes due to funding cuts and programs closing, what will happen when people say they want to stop drinking? What resources will be available for them? He mentioned Oxford House type options he learned about in the Seattle area. He wonders if this could be an option in Nenana for our people. Discussion ensued regarding various aspects of sober transitional housing WIN has explored over the past three or four years.

Tim Horn passed out prayer cards. She said that the Bahai’i are hoping to get 5000 Alaskans to pray regularly for the well being of children.

ADJOURNMENT at 2:03 P.M.

2007 10 28

WIN minutes 10-23-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
AGENDA
23rd of October, 2007

There were 3 people at meeting today including: Mike Anderson, Laura Vance and Bonnie Reed. Kat McElroy provided a lunch of moose and barley soup

WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: There was no agenda due to computer problems, so no reading of statement. Bonnie Reed said the prayer.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Last weeks’ minutes taken by Miles Martin, not available for this weeks meeting

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:

SPEAKERS/TOPICS-

WELLNESS THOUGHT-

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—None reported.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bonnie Reed – Bonnie reminded everyone of the band concert tonight at the NCPS @ 6:30pm, grades 3-12th. Bonnie also mentioned the “55 Alive” course that is going to take place at the Nenana Senior Center, which gives those 55 and over a reduction in insurance if they take the course. She believes the cost is $10.

RMHA – Laura mentioned that RMHA has upcoming audit in November. Also reminded everyone Operation HO, HO, HO would be coming here soon if anyone had referrals for the Christmas box list. Mike Anderson mentioned he would be able to donate turkeys and hams again this year, and would also be willing to cook some, if there were any families who would not be able to.

Mike Anderson – Mike mentioned that the NSLC got the pumpkins for the pumpkin carving competition taking place at the NSLC community dinner on the 30th. He informed us that the NCPS is getting new ovens and an ice machine. He also mentioned that the NCPS is looking into getting a salad bar, which could help to get some choices for next years lunch hour, for example a baked potato bar. Also, he’s hoping to get a better selection of fruit.

ADJOURNMENT at 1:00 P.M.

2007 10 23

WIN Minutes 10-23-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition

MINUTES

23^rd of October, 2007

The Nenana Wellness Coalition is an alliance of representatives from various organizations, government agencies, community groups and individuals that meets weekly to discuss, evaluate, coordinate, consolidate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.

There were 3 people at meeting today including: Mike Anderson, Laura Vance and Bonnie Reed. Kat McElroy provided a lunch of moose and barley soup

WELCOME and the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: There was no agenda due to computer problems, so no reading of statement. Bonnie Reed said the prayer.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA; CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Last weeks’ minutes taken by Miles Martin, not available for this weeks meeting

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:

SPEAKERS/TOPICS-

WELLNESS THOUGHT-

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—None reported.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bonnie Reed – Bonnie reminded everyone of the band concert tonight at the NCPS @ 6:30pm, grades 3-12^th. Bonnie also mentioned the “55 Alive” course that is going to take place at the Nenana Senior Center, which gives those 55 and over a reduction in insurance if they take the course. She believes the cost is $10.

RMHA – Laura mentioned that RMHA has upcoming audit in November. Also reminded everyone Operation HO, HO, HO would be coming here soon if anyone had referrals for the Christmas box list. Mike Anderson mentioned he would be able to donate turkeys and hams again this year, and would also be willing to cook some, if there were any families who would not be able to.

Mike Anderson – Mike mentioned that the NSLC got the pumpkins for the pumpkin carving competition taking place at the NSLC community dinner on the 30^th. He informed us that the NCPS is getting new ovens and an ice machine. He also mentioned that the NCPS is looking into getting a salad bar, which could help to get some choices for next years lunch hour, for example a baked potato bar. Also, he’s hoping to get a better selection of fruit.

ADJOURNMENT at 1:00 P.M.

2007 10 23

WIN minutes 02-20-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition
Minutes
February 20, 2007
The Nenana Wellness Coalition is an alliance of representatives from various organizations, government agencies, community groups and individuals that meets weekly to discuss, evaluate, coordinate, consolidate and help implement plans for improving the wellness and quality of life in Nenana Alaska.

There were 13 people in attendance today including Bonnie Reed, Tim Horn, Carl Horn, Laura Vance, Robert Thomason, Maryellen Kanayurak, Kat McElroy, Leon McElroy, Earl Polk, Miles Martin, Lye Lye, Rita Pierce, and Donald Charlie.

We had a smoked salmon chowder and corn bread, cooked by Kat. Bonnie brought home-made brownies

Meeting was chaired by Carl Horn, who read the Mission Statement.

PRAYER lead by Bonnie Reed and was followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE

There were several additions to the agenda including Kat’s request for a Juneau update from NSLC, a request by Tim for a Neighborhood Watch update and a request by Miles to speak a bit about the Alaska Railroad re-routing.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: There were no guests, no special visitors this week.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

Nenana Student Living Center –Earl Polk said our students did very well down in Juneau. They were worried because the Newsminer article about the Student Living Center had come across as somewhat abrasive, “We were ready for the cold shoulder when we got down there,” he said, “But we had our information and it was well presented.” He said they visited with many legislators and that it was “eye-opening for us as well as for them.” He said they found out they have a lot of “emotional” support and were given some good directions in regards to seeking other funding. Robert said that Earl is now working on some of these including getting funding from various Native Corporations. The Faces book and our video were well-received. Rob said, “We’re on their radar but it is plain that we will have to chart our own course.” Rob said that they are still actively seeking applicants for the Budget Review Committee including a city rep, Native Council rep and at-large rep. Tim asked about the disparity in funding between Nenana, Galena and Mt. Edgecombe. Rob said that he has learned that Edgecombe receives BIA funding, “And so now we are looking into this as well.” He said that the Department of Education told him that Nenana “have our numbers wrong,” in regards to funding disparities. They are looking at those again as well as having the District’s attorney preparing an operations funding request, making a letter of intent with exact amounts per student per month. Bonnie asked about the building loan. That is an issue with USDA, separate from operations costs. Jim Pohlman in Fairbanks has been the primary contact on that. He is scheduled to come down and do a walk through and to discuss options.

Health Fair – Tim Horn gave an update on the Health Fair. There was a meeting of the planning committee last Thursday. The upcoming Health Fair is officially slated fro March 22, beginning with blood draws 7:30-9:00 A.M. The Fair will take place in the gym at NCPS and will be open for students from 12:45-2:30 P.M. and then to the general public from 2:30-5:30 P.M. The planning committee roughed out a “wish list” of possible stations including: Seat Belt Safety, the Lion’s Vision Testing, Depression and Substance Abuse and Tobacco Education by Railbelt, Prenatal, STD’s and Pregnancy by the public health nurses, Healthy Families perhaps by Nita Marks, Traditional Healing with Audrey Sunnyboy, Burn Barrel Safety by Forestry and Fire Safety by the fire department, Breast Cancer Detection, Organ Donation by Life Alaska, Parent Education and Nutrition by Headstart staff, Bone Density testing, and MADD. We also talked about Kids Don’t Float, Dental Care, Infant Care and getting the Blood Mobile. Tim said she had a conversation with Chuck Hugney who has already been trying to get the blood mobile to come down. Don said he has spoken to the woman who does presentations about methamphetamine, Rita Haas, and she would need room and board for the time she’s here. He will call Mitchell with Life Alaska about organ donation. Tim is in contact with Phyllis Alexander in Fairbanks who should be able to assist us in determining who can present on our various topics. It is understood that the planning committee have hammered out an ambitious agenda. They will meet again this Thursday, 10 A.M., at the YERC.

Alaska Railroad Nenana Bypass-Miles asked about the Railroad Bypass. He said he noticed the Newsminer had a story quoting the Mayor, and that the ARR has promised to keep the switch open for an industrial spur to the barge lines. Miles wonders if this will be so for passenger service, as well. Tim said that it is her understanding that it is all still in the planning stages. Apparently the railroad is trying to buy land for the bypass. Miles reiterated his hope that the Railroad will keep their promise of planting trees and preserving our little lake out on the highway, per his questions at the first Railroad meeting several years ago. Discussion ensued regarding the meeting last month.

Neighborhood Watch –Rita showed us the latest rough draft of the NW newsletter with the State Troopers arrest blotter. She is unable to keep it to one page, which is frustrating. She is having problems with her computer still, which is another challenge. Tim wondered if we could offer copies of this at Coghill’s as well as posting it electronically. She also wonders if people might think it is too aggressive to print names of juveniles. Discussion ensued regarding putting the names of minors out into the public record when charged with Minor Consuming Alcohol. Kat said she thought the Newsminer didn’t do that. Don said that he thinks that they do. The basic question seemed to be would this be a deterrent or would it become a badge of honor by young people? Donald said he thought it could go either way. Consensus opinion was that we would go ahead and do so and see what manner of reaction it would bring. There were some questions regarding emergency contact numbers and the actual protocol for response if there is violence or threats of violence during a medical, substance abuse or mental health emergency. It was agreed that the rough draft looks good. Miles will send Rita his shortened article. Rita is soliciting articles or input for future editions of the newsletter. Bonnie mentioned that Coghill’s Store has refrigerator magnets with emergency contact numbers including the 800 number for Troopers emergency response.

OLD BUSINESS—None noted

NEW BUSINESS—Tim asked about the email that Kat sent out with the link to HBO about their series upcoming in March on Addiction as a Brain Disease. It is unknown how long each of the proposed 14 segments will be. Tim noted they are all scheduled to run in a single weekend. Kat mentioned that Traci says that she gets HBO and would be willing to record the segments for us. We discussed watching it together as a group as well as using it to promote public awareness and interest in treatment.

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS—None

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION— None

ADJOURNMENT at 2:00 PM.

2007 10 20

WIN minutes 10-16-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition

Minutes for October 16^th 2007

Minutes taken by Miles

Chaired by Kat

Meeting started at 12:20

Present were Tim Kat Donald Miles Bonnie Mike Rob

Mission statement was read By Kat

Prayer by Bonnie

The Pledge was recited –Bonnie held the flag

Kat brought some yummy food!

Reports

Some of us informally discussed matters of interest before the meeting officially began. Mike is about to go get pumpkins for Halloween. We lost one good student at the Living Center unexpectedly. Partly because a grandparent passed away and he was needed at home. Kat said the last minutes need resending ‘computer crash!’ Miles has them to resend. Kat brought pamphlets to hand out ‘When it is not your kid –how do you deal with drug use and drinking’ We discussed the highlights of this information off and on throughout the meeting. Rob was a little late and asked about the pamphlet and he wants some for the teachers. . Mostly how to talk to the kids and eachother . There is a difference between abuse and addiction. Abuse might be binge drinking for example. We also need to think in terms of the kids not being bad kids for drinking, but having a problem.

Donald informs us there will not be a sobriety potluck this year. He gives us an update on his new job at the Minto camp. This is going very well. It took a lot of river trips to haul fuel food and supplies to Old Minto but the boat is out of the water now. There is a possibility Donald will be asked to run the whole program. This is exciting news.

Kat tells us about a law enforcement video called ‘Leap’ A war on drugs tape. Police officers give accounts of their perception that the “War On Drugs” is bad policy. The advocate for the decriminalization of alcohol and drug abuse; they believe it needs to be treated as a social rather than criminal problem.

Donald talks more about the old Minto camp and tells us someone is there all winter. Don is doing counseling full time. There are about 13 at the camp at any given time. There are some job openings at the present for behavioral health aides and counselors. The jobs require two weeks on and two weeks off. Children who go with parents to this camp do home schooling. It’s a 35 day program with a fixed schedule. Don is planning to hire 2 traditional counselors. We all looked at Kat. (hmmmm) but probably not interested if this requires being gone 2 weeks at a time as she has Leon to consider. But we all know how she loves the river life. We asked Don about the TCC program. The plan is for the Native Council to take the program over, previously run by Tanana Chiefs. Waiting for word from Washington for transfer of funds. There were money issues having to do with how money is transferred that could be solved if the Native Council runs this.

Bonnie lets us know there is a Baha’i celebration this Saturday at Virginia Young’s! Fun food games and everyone is welcome. Someone mentions there is a book fair at the school – a family read night. Thursday at 5:30 with bingo for books and crafts, along with readings from books.

Rob was asked to give an update on the latest financial issues at the school. There have been rumors around the community and it is good to hear the other side. Rob went through consultants to determine a priority as to who to pay first. The budget is tight but do-able. The good news is that Cyber Links has lots of new students that the state pays the school for. The problem is this money does not arrive to the school till April and the money is needed now! The state approved advancing some of the money owed, to the tune of 500 grand. This is not a loan and does not need to be paid back. But till that money is released some immediate bills are urgent. The topic of misunderstanding by some is the teachers PERS program (their retirement program). This payment came in #7 on the list of priorities, behind bills like the IRS. The thinking is, waiting to pay into the PERS does not stop teachers from being able to pay immediate bills. As long as the money eventually gets put into the program, retirement is secure. A premature notice was sent out to all teachers by one of the state agencies that caused a bit of a panic that needed straightening out. It’s all taken care of. There is a meeting tonight in The Pit at the school for anyone who wants to attend. Donald interjected that he understands Rob’s position as Don had run a program in 1989 and was accused of embezzling up to $26,000, more money then the whole program had at its disposal. Sounds like Rob has a handle on what is going on and running things well considering the situation. The financial statement is squeaky clean. Attendance is up. The staff is working hard. Sadly no resolution to pen the gym yet. (Open Gym night for the community) No money to pay the volunteers but thinking of doing fund raisers. Rob thinks the plan could be to keep the gym open during the coldest darkest months at least. Oh! Coot is back with us! Cool! He is the one who works well with the kids with dancing—good news. Maybe one more dorm parent is needed. There is study hall at the living center between 6 and 8 and is a good time for anyone in the community to come in and help kids with homework and encourage them.

Miles lets everyone know there is a Ham radio class being started up. There are about 30 licensed ham operators, which is a very high percentage in any community. This will be 5pm at the library. We will discuss upgrading licenses and review how to work the radios. One reason this is of interest for community wellness is that ham radio can be a great communication when there is an emergency. Money was appropriated through the Fairbanks club for Nenana to get some emergency equipment and one thing this would allow is to connect to the internet over the ham frequencies! This does require however Nenana show some interest and a couple of people need to take a short class to be taught how to use the equipment. This class at the library, tentatively once a month, put on by Carl Horn might help.

Meeting ends at 1:45

2007 10 16

WIN minutes 10-02-07

Nenana Wellness Coalition

Minutes for Oct second 2007

Minutes taken by Miles

Chaired by Laura

Meeting started 12:15

Present were Miles, Bonnie, Laura, Susan, Tim stops in late and Rob stops for short hello Big Mike as well struck his head in to tell us about the meals.

Mission statement was read by Not read

Prayer by Bonnie

The Pledge was recited (cute flag bonnie held up)

Reports

Laura let us know Kat is sick and Mary Ellen is at school. The rest of us had various comments that were not reports, just open discussion. Donald Charlie is missed and he has a new job so may not be joining us much. Paul Verhagen has been contacted several times and encouraged to attend meetings as he as well is missed.

There is an audit going on for school so less school presence this meeting. We are reminded there is a meal for the public at the living center the 2^nd Tuesday of each month. There were 48 meals served the last time. This seemed impressive. We discussed the effectiveness of this meal and decided it does help the visiting children identify us if they see us around town. Railbelt did a Health Fair at the YERK for Head Start. Pamphlets with advice for raising children were handed out.

We had an informal round table discussion without specific reports. In this discussion we learned from Susan, 86 children are now at the living center but that number can change, and most important there is a date in Oct that is used as a final count that matters for funding purposes. Rob stops in and lets us know the community will be involved again in the school budget, but after the audit! There was a public auction last Saturday many of us forgot about. It fetched $1,500 for the school and made more room in the warehouse.

Bonnie lets us know the seniors got the long awaited for school bus, brand new and very nice! The old bus will get sold. The new bus has overhead movie showing capability, very cool! The Seniors Christmas bazaar will be December 7^th The Baha’i church got a new big nice sign. There was a senior board meeting and seat changes. Ken Fry took Jack Coghill’s place as chairperson. Endil Moore took Ken’s place as the vice chair.

Xmas food boxes will go out mid November, Railbelt deals with this and asks for help with names of families who may need food. This is project Ho Ho Ho.

Tim mentions the community meeting at the tribal hall coming up soon (Oct 4^th) and wonders if someone should mention during open mike time the high incidents of drugs and how it is effecting the children, and asking for support in reducing this problem or just making us all aware it is an on going problem we should think about.

Meeting ends at 1:00

2007 10 02