Railbelt Mental Health & Addictions

Nenana Wellness Coalition MINUTES

January 29, 2008

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 was a total of six people in attendance today, including: Tim Horn, Maryellen Kanayurak, Bonnie Reed, Kat McElroy, Karen Kriska and Rob Thomason. We had scalloped potatoes with pork, grapes and sliced apples for lunch.

WELCOME: By this week’s chairperson: Tim Horn, followed by the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT,

PRAYER: Was lead by Kat, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: Agenda presented, no modifications today.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Were completed by Kat last week. Again she is unable to post to the e-list or the web site as the Railbelt Internet connection is still No-Go. She will post as soon as the system is back up & running.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Karen Kriska was welcomed to the WIN meeting. She found out about WIN at the Community safety/Village Pride meeting last Thursday night at the tribal hall. She said she is particularly interested in seeing more activities for young people at the Youth Recreation/Education Center (YERC).

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

Health Fair Planning – Tim Horn reported that she, Kat, Maryellen and Susan Kaufman got together this morning at Tim’s house for the second Health Fair planning committee meeting. Kat reported on the tally of the Health Fair Surveys administered at Community Safety/Village Pride meeting last week. There were 44 respondents. The highest interest topics were: Cancer (29), Drug/Alcohol Abuse (27), Traditional Methods of Healing (24) and Depression (21). Other high scores were Smoking/tobacco, Arthritis, Suicide, Exercise/Physical Fitness, & Stress Management. We discussed how some of the topics cluster naturally and tried to identify possible presenters for those areas of interest. Tim generated letters to the Nenana Native Council, the City and the school. Kat has faxed requests for donations for door prizes and operational expenses to various local and area-wide vendors. The group brainstormed other possible avenues of financial support. Kat will contact them. Susan has asked Phyllis in Fairbanks to see if two of our students (one local, one from the Student Living Center) can attend the Health Fair training Feb. 8^th in Fairbanks. Kat and Tim will be administering another batch of Health Fair Surveys Saturday at Coghill’s Store. Tim has a long email in to Phyllis with many questions that have come up in our planning process and expects to hear back from her before the training February 8^th. Tim asked Karen if she would be willing to people a table at the Health Fair with information about walking and the benefits of regular physical exercise. Karen said she would do this if she doesn’t have a Watershed Council meeting scheduled for the same time. Karen also said that she would bring in a magazine article about walking; Kat will make copies.

Smoke & Mirrors (a History of Denial)– Maryellen Kanayurak brought a DVD from her latest training. It is about how Big Tobacco has “sold” their products by using mis-information to disguise the health risks associated with tobacco use. It is about 90 minutes long. Tim suggested that we advertise around town to let people know we are going to be viewing this DVD in two parts over the next two weeks at WIN. Maryellen will make posters and hang them at Coghill’s, the PO, the A-Frame, the clinic and city offices, the school, library and the Senior Center. We will be viewing it at 12:30 P.M. on February 5^th for part one and & 12^th for part two. Karen said that if Maryellen arranges for the DVD to be viewed by our students at the school that she would be willing to go into the classrooms with Maryellen and talked to the students about nicotine addiction.

Parenting Videos – Tim Horn has generated a list of the culturally based parenting videos that a friend of hers got donated to Nenana Native Council a couple of years ago. The videos were created by the Tling’it/Haida Central Council for their Head Start program. She has previewed one of the videos; Kat previewed several others. Both report that the videos bring forward good information balanced well within traditional Alaska Native culture and values and western scientific theory and strategies. Discussion ensued regarding ways to get these videos out into the community at large. Perhaps they could eventually be housed at the Nenana City Library as Darcia would have a system in place for lending, tracking and storing the videos. One suggestion was a Parent’s Video Night at the YERC, with maybe snacks and small group discussion. Maryellen volunteered to talk to Shaunna Mitchell at Head Start to see if she would be amenable to using the Head Start space for onsite child-care as all agreed this would be good. Karen wondered if there might be anyway to get the teacher’s at NCPS interested in viewing the videos. Tim provided Rob with a copy of the video list. Kat asked if the videos could be copied onto DVD’s. The material is copyrighted, but Tim will contact the Tling’it Central Council to see if they would object to our dubbing copies to DVD. It was also agreed to see if we could use the videos at the health fair. Tim suggested getting a couple of sofas or comfortable chairs and setting up a nook in the corner of the Civic Center so that people who wanted to could sit and watch one or several of the videos.

WELLNESS THOUGHT

Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
—Thomas Edison

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kat announced that Rose will be gone all week. She is in Fairbanks attending UAF classes towards her bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Rob said that they have a tech guy in from Anchorage working on all the computer systems for the school district. When he is finished, the whole system will be updated, and hooked into one another.

Nenana Invitational (basketball) Tournament starts Thursday; the players will begin arriving Wednesday night. NIT runs through the weekend.

John Grimes has been appointed Associate Administrator at Nenana Student Living Center.

The Harlem All-Stars will be coming to Nenana sometime in February. In addition to playing a demonstration game, they will be working with the student This is being funded through the Alaska Native Education grant, the Lion’s Club and the Nenana Ice Classic. The exact date has not yet been set for this activity.

There will be a budget Advisory meeting on Thursday, 01-30-08 at 6:30 P.M. in the school library.

The next NCPS school board meeting will be Tuesday, February 5, at 6:30, in the Pit.

Tim announced that Kirkpatrick Hall, an Alaskan author, will be speaking to the NCPS students in their individual classes.

Bonnie announced that the Seniors will have their annual meeting and board elections on Monday, February 18^th, at their lunch.

Karen said she would like to see more activities scheduled at the YERC. She believes that if a community provides plenty of activities for their youth, they are much less likely to get into mischief.

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION

 

ADJOURNMENT: 2:15 P.M.

Nenana Wellness Coalition MINUTES

January 22, 2008

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 four in attendance today including: Kat McElroy, Maryellen Kanayurak, Bonnie Reed, and Tim Horn. Ginger Charlie came by with an item to add to the agenda but could not stay for meeting. We had moose soup, sliced apples and mixed dried fruit and nuts for lunch.

WELCOME: By this week’s chairperson, Bonnie Reed followed by the READING OF MISSION STATEMENT.

PRAYER: was led by Maryellen Kanayurak, followed by the

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

 

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: Added Living Well Alaska training to the agenda, per Ginger Charlie’s request

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: were submitted via the WIN e-list last week by Kat. She was unable to post them on the web site, however, as Railbelt has lost their internet connection.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: No guests today.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

Health Fair Planning – Tim Horn report on the planning committee meeting held this morning at her house. Maryellen is going to put together a community survey to implement Thursday evening at the Community Safety/Village Pride meeting at the tribal hall. Tim will bring the catalog of exhibits as well so we can poll participants at the meeting to see what educational/informational displays they would like to have at the Health Fair. Kat will tally the responses and report back to the committee. We generated a list of potential donors for operational funding and door prizes; Kat will get contact information and create letters of request. This needs to get completed quickly as some entities may need to get corporate approval for a donation. We determined what funding we’ll need to include costs of the health fair site fee, food for people doing the fasting blood work, food for snacks for volunteers and to pay for clean-up of the Civic Center afterwards. Per Nita Marks suggestion, Tim will generate a letter to let the Native council know about the Health Fair. She thinks it would be good to send letters to the city and the school, as well. There was discussion about PR for the Health Fair. Publicity will include radio station public announcements, posters placed around town and hopefully notices in the local papers. Tim will ask Phyllis to send her a template for the posters. Utilizing the lists from last year, we brainstormed ideas for presenters. Next committee meeting will be 01/29/08, 10 A.M. at Tim’s. Bonnie suggested we need a big sign for outside the Civic Center to let people know that a Health Fair is going on; Tim said she would see if Phyllis has a banner. Health Fair training will be Feb 8^th, 8 A.M.-5 P.M. Susan wants to bring one of the ANE students to the training. Tim said that Robin Campbell had indicated that Keri Rose is the new tribal VISTA volunteer. She will start coming to WIN meetings and will assist with the Health Fair

Substance Use, Substance Abuse, & Addiction– Kat McElroy handed out an informational sheet (see attached) explaining the difference between substance use, abuse and addiction. Interventions and treatment for each are dramatically different. Being able to recognize the subtle differences between these phenomena could mean the difference between life and death. Knowing this information and being able to help educate others can contribute to reducing the stigma that is attached to addiction and substance abuse. We discussed the brain chemistry and structural changes that occur in addiction, the dynamics that can foster substance abuse and possible subsequent addiction, and individual and community responses that may be more effective than ignoring these problems (denial) or shame and blame. Discussed genetic pre-disposition and social and cultural factors that support recovery.

Living Well Alaska—Ginger Charlie talked earlier to Tim Horn about this training opportunity and brought copies of the training application and informational packet to WIN. She is interested in finding someone else who would be willing to attend the training with her and commit to teaching a six week class in Nenana on managing a chronic disease. The training dates are: Friday & Saturday, February 8^th & 9^th and 15^th & 16^th, 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Topics covered will include: healthy eating, relaxation techniques, managing fatigue, low-impact exercise, managing medications, problems solving, goal setting and working with professionals. The trainees must commit to teaching at least one six week course in their home communities by February 2009. Kat indicated she would like to take this, but it conflicts a previous schedule commitment. Tim has a similar scheduling conflict. We tried to brainstorm other likely candidates.

WELLNESS THOUGHT

We move towards and become like that which we think.
–Don Coyhis, White Bison

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bonnie announced that the Seniors have a board meeting Monday, Feb. 28^th, 6:30 P.M. at the Senior Center.

Tim announced the Community Safety/Village Pride meeting will be Thursday at George Hall, 6:30 P.M. Maryellen said it is her understanding that Railbelt will helping to purchase food for the event.

Tim brought a series of parenting videos put out by the Tling’it/Haida council for us to preview. Kat took three of them to look at.

ADJOURNMENT: 1:45 P.M.

Nenana Wellness Coalition
MINUTES
January 15, 2008

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 seven in attendance today including: Tim Horn, Bonnie Reed, Laura Vance, Kat McElroy, Rob and Susan Thomason. We had chicken/brown rice soup for lunch with sliced apples and raisins and nuts.

WELCOME and READING OF MISSION STATEMENT: By this week’s chairperson, Bonnie Reed

PRAYER: Tim Horn sang a prayer For the Children, followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE.

PRESENTATION OF AGENDA AND CALL FOR MODIFICATIONS: Kat presented the agenda. Miles asked that Neighborhood Watch be added.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes generated by Miles were submitted electronically by Kat yesterday.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: There were no guests today.

SPEAKERS/TOPICS

Neighborhood Watch-Miles said that Rita Pierce has a petition to stop the new bar from opening here in Nenana. Miles was told that the time for public comment had passed and that the liquor license for this establishment had been approved already. Rita says she found nothing in the city council minutes indicating approval for a new liquor license in our community. The petition is worded to stop the license. Miles wonders if this is unrealistic: is liquor control more effective than prohibition? Tim asked if there was any data showing the efficacy of limiting how liquor is dispensed. Discussion ensued regarding alcohol history of Nenana and the current laws/regulations and Nenana community norms. Kat said that the Alcohol Beverage Control Board would be the best place to get accurate information regarding the process for getting a liquor license. Kat agreed to ask Sharon at the city office to determine whether city approval is needed for liquor licensing and what the protocol for that would be. Tim will contact the ABC board to determine what the state licensing process is. We agree we do not want to support a petition if it is only going to confuse the issue further. This discussion engendered further conversation regarding the recent alcohol-related death experienced by our community. Feelings of frustration were expressed about the number of alcohol-related deaths we keep seeing each year.
Health Fair Planning – Tim Horn provided information she has received about the free Health Fair training that will occur in Fairbanks on February 8th. Tentitively scheduled to attend from Nenana: Susan Kaufman, Tim Horn, Kat McElroy, Maryellen Kanayurak, and Laura Vance. Kat handed out copies of the agenda for this event generated by Phyllis Tugman-Alexander; it will go from 8 A.M. thru 5 P.M. and include a mini-health fair from 8-10 with blood draws for free screening. Tim will pick up the manual & catalogue so we can pick our displays Thursday when she is in town which must be back to Phyllis by Feb. 8th. We will have our next Health Fair planning meeting next Tuesday, Jan. 22, in the kitchen at Tim Horn’s house, @ 10 A.M. Marilyn Duggar at Coghill’s has given us permission to do a community Health Fair needs survey some Saturday. Susan Thomason has volunteered to assist with the Health Fair.

Depression-Warning Signs– Kat McElroy handed out an informational sheet she made listing some warning signs of depression. She reminded us that people experiencing depression are often the least likely to recognize when it happens. She emphasized the importance of being able to identify depression and to know how to deal with it. She discussed social and clinical interventions, including medication. Discussion ensued regarding the various signs and symptoms of depression on the hand-out, some of which are paradoxical; i.e.: eating too much/lack of appetite, sleeping too much/insomnia, lack of energy/too much energy, emotionality/lack of emotion. Again, it was noted that any single sign or symptom could be nothing, or just normal ups and down; depression is a pattern of these symptoms over time that negatively affect one’s ability to function. A physical exam, consultation with medical personnel, nutritional and environmental interventions were discussed.

WELLNESS THOUGHT
Life is what happens while you are busy making plans.
–Anonymous

UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rob announced there would be a school board meeting tonight, Tuesday, 01-15-08, 6:30 P.M., in the Pit at NCPS.

Tim Horn informed us that she and Marge and Roland Powers just completed a Junior Youth Animators training which is primarily for young adults, ages 18-25, to work with youths, ages 11-14. The purpose of the curriculum is to provide a safe place for youth to get together and to encourage youth to develop and expand their powers of expression. Academics are stressed, but no more so than creativity and service to others. Roland has indicated that he is willing to be an animator; Margaret will assist. While not explicitly Bahai’i, this material and process is intended to emphasize the capacities of this age group while holding them to high standards. They will be doing this at Tim’s place and the process will be open to all youth.

Miles announced that he will be leaving the 24 or 25th for Tucson to attend the International Gem Show.

Laura announced that she and Rosemary had just returned from the State of Alaska Prevention Grantee meeting. They want o use some of what they learned there to have a communitywide Prevention Dinner, similar to our annual Dancing in The Streets celebration which focuses on treatment; this event would focus on substance abuse prevention. Tim asked if this could be like a prevention fair. Laura said yes. Railbelt will discuss in staff meeting and bring the issue forward in future WIN meetings.

Bonnie announced that the Seniors will have their board meeting at the Senior Center Monday night. She also said that our Nenana kids have basketball game in Anderson on Friday and on Saturday will play a home game here in Nenana.

Maryellen Kanayurak announced that the postponed Nenana Native Council sponsored Community Pride & Village Safety meeting will now be held next Thursday, January 24th, at 6:30 P.M.

Kat affirmed that Railbelt Mental Health & Addictions has a new executive director, Ms. Rosemary Allen. Traci Boschert is in Seattle visiting her Aunt and will then go to Arizona to visit her parents. Rosemary is focused right now on completing quarterly reports and then revising our grant requests. RMHA funding has been cut, as have grants for behavioral health programs all over the state. Staff are looking at our service delivery system to see how best to absorb those funding cuts.

OPEN FLOOR FOR COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION: None

NEXT WELLNESS MEETING DATE/TIME/CHAIRPERSON/GUEST SPEAKERS/SUBJECTS: None scheduled or noted.

ADJOURNMENT: 2:10 P.M.

Nenana Wellness Coalition Minutes for Jan 8th 2008, taken by Miles

Meeting started 12:20: Chaired by Bonnie Reed

Present were Bonnie, Mary Ellen, Susan Thompson (Rob’s wife) Susan (the other Susan) Miles , Tim Horn

Mission statement was read By Not read

Prayer by Bonnie

The Pledge was recited Yes

Reports
Tim tells us New Years at George Hall went especially well this year. Wes played music for 2 hours. Native dance towards the end of the evening. More seemed to stay till midnight then past years. All ages, good food . It was pointed out the community did not have Christmas lights or the annual tree up this season! It was suggested this may be because Jene, who usually does this, was on vacation.

Bonnie tell us the Christmas program and community gift exchange went well this year. Willie is still in intensive care. It was thought he did not want visitors, but it turns out he doe not like lots of phone calls but visits are appreciated.

Tim gives a report on the upcoming Health fair. This is planned for March 22nd at the civic center. The plan is to each year alternate between a week day and a weekend. This will get different crowds. We discussed a blood drive but it was pointed out it might not be good to donate blood and have blood drawn for another purpose at the same event. On Feb 8th there will be a training for site persons. This is at the Carl Brice Center. Tim wanted to know who would be interested in going. Tim reviewed the exhibitors at the last event and these will be asked to come back. We discussed the events we thought were successful and most attended. We reviewed some ideas for anything new to add this year. There were 10 topics at the last event with many people involved in each one. It was decided the committee that works on this will wait for Kat to get back from her trip to decide when to meet. Good days were discussed to meet. 1:00 seemed a good time of day to meet.

Susan Thompson gave a school report. The Living center children are coming back. 11 did not return. Some no returns were unexpected. There is some concern many village children worry about the grades, and would rather get good grades in the village then fail in Nenana. A majority like the challenge and better education in Nenana. Cyberlinks is 700 students strong. On Friday the 11th there is a basketball game against Glen Allen here, and on the 18th another game.

Meeting ends at 1:15