CCC CONFERENCE CALL
May 18, 2006
Minutes
Present on the call: Pat Baker, Andres Barbosa- Nancy Callahan,
Bob Friedman, Jody Levinson-Johnson, Regenia Hicks, Michelle Herman, Vivian
Jackson, Gary Mac Beth, Marlene Matarese, Brigette Manteuffel, Marie
Morilus-Black, Keith Pirtle, Maria Rodriguez, Carol Schneider, Diane
Sondheimer, Susan Stromberg and Marjorie Withers
Agenda Items:
Branch Update: (Diane Sondheimer)
1. National Mental Health Awareness Day and related events:
Diane Sondheimer informed the CCC that Gary Blau is in South Carolina
presenting the Key Note address at the Statewide Children’s Mental Health
Conference. It was part of Mental Health Month that had been declared by
the Governor of South Carolina and underlines their commitment to youth and
system of care values.
Diane extended thanks from the branch to all the partners and participants who
made May 8th (National Mental Health Awareness Day) such a success. Over
140 people attended the Hill Celebration. It included an impressive list
of Senators and Representatives from California, Iowa, New Mexico and
Wyoming. Major constituents were represented including the Federation of
Families, the National Mental Health Association, the National Alliance for
Mental Illness, and SAMSHA.
Diane praised the outstanding job done by Sandra Spencer and the youth
voices/presenters, Lauren and TJ. Further appreciation was extended to
the Evaluation team including Brigette Manteuffel and Sylvia Fisher. They
compiled an impressive synopsis of data that reflected the System of Care.
Special accolades were also given to Vanguard Communications for their tireless
work on this event. Across the Nation individual System of Care sites created
wonderful and powerful events and celebrations.
Special thanks and kudos were extended to Lisa Rubenstein whose work inspired
and created much of the success locally and nationally.
2. Re-Applications for Grant Program: The
branch is finishing up its hard work of processing re-applications and should
be finished soon.
Introduction of New Members: The CCC welcomed the 3 new
members who were on the call: Pat Baker, who was formerly with the Utah
Frontier Site, and now lives in Colorado; Jody Levinson-Johnson is the TA
Coordinator from the newly funded site in Monroe County, New York; and Andres
Villanueva Barbosa who is joining us from Puerto Rico where he is a youth
Coordinator.
Open Communication document: Keith Pirtle presented the
Open Communication Document which the TA committee had reworked. Bruce Strahl
had taken the concerns from a prior discussion and changed the wording.
Specifically the document clarifies when a TA provider would need to inform the
branch about significant concerns.
The discussion centered on how to disseminate the policy to sites. Marie
Morilus-Black felt it was important to clarify that the policy was created by
the CCC. Gary MacBeth felt the policy should be prefaced with a letter from
Gary Blau showing the branch’s endorsement of the policy. Since the most
effective way to disseminate it would be through Partner’s list serves and the
Branch’s website, it was felt that Gary Blau should write an email for the list
serves. The policy was then approved by the CCC with no one raising concerns or
dissension.
Making the CCC Known: Pat Baker mentioned that prior to
being asked to join the CCC she had not heard of it. A number of members
thought that it was important for sites to know about the CCC and its role and
relationship to the branch. Beverly Lancaster-Hyde suggested a creating a brief
market plan for the CCC. Keith Pirtle stated the importance of sites knowing
that there is a mechanism for partners to talk together and to plan how they
will be effective for sites. Gary Macbeth, Maria Rodriguez and Beverly
Lancaster-Hyde volunteered. Beverly stated that the plan would just need
a few bullet points to inform the sites of the purpose. The outline for the
marketing plan will be developed by next week and will be sent to members.
Those wanting input should send their suggestions to
MarjorieWithers@maineline.net who will compile them and send it out before the
next CCC call for review by the membership.
Andy Hunt has assumed his role with the branch. He has
transitioned into his new job and is welcomed by the branch and the CCC.
Partner Sharing:
Bob Friedman announced the publication of two important monographs. The
first one is on funding comprehensive mental health services for youth.
It is a planning book and provides information about how to pursue and
secure funding. Diane Sondheimer shared that it was presented to the SIG
sites and Regenia said it is being disseminated at the regional meetings. The
second monograph is on School Based Mental Health. It offers a wealth of
information on this important area of our work.
Bob also shared that Dean David Shern is leaving his current position in
Florida to assume the presidency of the National Mental Health
Association. He will be a good friend to systems of care in that
capacity.
Gary Macbeth requested that each partner prepare a page on what they are doing
to be shared with the NASMHPD participants who are meeting at the Institutes.
The page will be a vehicle for sharing what is being done and how things fit
together. Also Gary talked about a survey being conducted on financing
that will be sent to all the partners.
Vivian Jackson shared the good news that the Cultural & Linguistic
Competency Primer meeting will have its first meeting on June 5th and 6th.
Marie Morilus-Black discussed the wonderful job NY sites are doing by joining
forces and meeting with the state to infuse family and youth involvement.
All 5 NY sites including Monroe (newest) White Plains (graduated) will meet in
Albany to work with the state on embracing system of care in its planning.
Marie stated that the relationship with the Child and Adolescent State director
started when the branch insisted that each site bring a person from their state
government. Jody Levinson-Johnson added the importance of utilizing
opportunities such as this to overcome barriers.
Regenia Hicks said that the start up teams will be wrapping up their work by
September. Follow up that can be helpful to the sites is being planned.
Jody added that their start up visit had just been completed and she found it
energizing and exciting.
Regenia also discussed looking at the early childhood population sites and
deciding how to make sure that things fit appropriately for those sites.
Specifically, the Partnership, the Branch and Georgetown are looking at the
youth guided concept, recognizing it might mean something very different for
this population.
Brigette announced that the CQI document was distributed on May 17th. It
is on the ICN website. Angela Sheehan at ORC Macro is the best source regarding
questions that you may have. There will be a follow up Webanar on May 26th
which is being developed by Angela, Sharon and Yvonne. RTAC s will
provide coordination for the CQI tool. Keith, Regenia and Angela will be
talking about strategies for implementation of CQI. This is an important
piece of work in terms of our programs and their future.
CCC Meeting in Florida. Friday July 14th from 6:30 to
9:00 Pm we will be meeting and dining in the Orange Blossom Room for one of our
rare and wonderful face to face meetings.
OUR NEXT CCC CONFERENCE CALL IS THURSDAY
JUNE 15TH AT 4:00 (Eastern Time) 888-968-4289 access code:
341041#
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