MEETING MINUTES (Posted 10/5/05)

The SAARA Bay Counties Chapter's September meeting took place on the 21st at the Bridges' Offices in Kilmarnock. Jim Philbrick, Chapter President, called the meeting to order at 3:10 PM. In attendence were Chuck Walsh, Jayme Campagnola, Myron Gowans, Wes Dolvin, O'Connell McKeon, Keith Johnson, and Carl Gerster.

Wes Dolvin, as President of SAARA-Virginia, sought the Chapter's input as to which SA related issues SAARA-VA should focus its advocacy efforts upon for 2006. After considerable discussion, the group decided that SAARA should support 1) legislation to restore a felon's rights with respect to working as a SA Counselor and 2) the Virginia Legislature budgeting incremental monies in 2006 for SA treatment.

Wes reminded the attendees that the SAARA-VA retreat in Richmond is slated for October 15th and 16th. At that time, Wes will seek a concensus from the Chapters present at to which issues SAARA-VA should advocated in 2006.
While SAARA would like to have each Chapter send at least two representatives, it appeared that Bay Counties members' existing schedules/commitments would allow only Jim Philbrick to attend.

Following up on an item from last month's meeting, Chuck announced that he, alongwith, hopefully, one or two other Chapter representatives, was slated to discuss SA Recovery on Thea Marshall's radio show. The discussion will
be broadcast live on WINDY 104.9 on Tuesday, October 11th starting at 10:00 AM. Jim agreed to be one participant.

With no additional items to discuss, Jim adjourned the meeting at 4:15 PM. The next Bay Counties Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 19th starting at 3:00PM again at the Bridges' offices. Jim indicated that he would try once again to get someone from the new psych ward at RGH to attend and discuss their experiences since the unit's startup.

Respectfully submitted,
Carl Gerster

MEETING MINUTES (Posted 10/5/05)

The SAARA Bay Counties Chapter's meeting for August 2005 was held at the Bridges' offices in Kilmarnock on the 17th. Jim Philbrick, Chapter President called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. In attendence were Chuck Walsh, Jayme Campagnola, Myron Gowans, Wes Dolvin, O'Connell McKeon, Keith
Johnson and Carl Gerster. Mark Blackwell SAARA's newly selected Executive Director from Richmond was also in attendence.

The announcement of two recent appointments of Bay Counties' Chapter members to SA organizations kicked-off the meeting on a very positive note: Chuck Walsh has been appointed to the Governor's Substance Abuse Services
Council;Wes Dolvin is the new President of SAARA-Virginia. The group applauded the fact that we now had two high level SA voices in Richmond.

Jim, then suggested that Chuck, Wes and Mark, in that order, update the group on their area of activity.

Chuck indicated that the VA Legistlature had appropriated $ 3.7 million in 2005 for "crisis stabilization" to be spent by the various CSBs around the State. He further reported that slightly more than $ 1 million had been earmarked for his CSB covering the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsular.
Crisis Stabilization is available to those individuals having either mental health or substance abuse problems, or both, coccurring. Chuck's plans were to fund an existing site in Newport News/Virginia Beach and establish a new treatment facility in Middlesex county.

Wes shared with the group a handout listing the numerous events planned to publicize National Recovery Month (September) in the Richmond area. He then challenged the group to develop a similar program for the Bay Counties.
The concensus of the group was that it was again too late this year to do anything in Sseptember 2005. Mark Blackwell, however, volunteered to "strawboss" an event in the Bay Counties in September 2006 to publicize recovery month. After further discussion as to what the Chapter might be able to do, if anyuthing, this year, Chuck volunteered to contact Thea
Marshall to determine whether she had an unfilled slot on her radio program in September for someone to be interviewed regarding SA recovery. Jim indicated that if Chuck were successful, he would find the indivdual to serve as spokesperson. (A Dick A.'s name was mentioned).

Mark reported that SAARA had arranged with the Hanley rehab facility in Florida to have a speaker discuss their experiences with elder substance abuse. The Hanley facility is unique in that it is only the site which offers a rehab program specifically focussed on and limted to 55 years and older SAers. The session is slated for October 13th at the Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester. The morning portion will be only for the medical staff. The afternoon session will be tailored for "community" leaders.

Mark indicated that his first goal as the new Executive Director of SAARA was to restablish relations with "interested" state agencies. If successful, this would ensure that a united front on substance abuse would be heard by the politicos in Richmond.

Mark reported that most SAARA chapters had a considerable number of activities planned to publicize Recovery Month. Lastly, he indicated that SAARA had scheduled a "retreat" for October 2005 during which each SAARA Chapter would identify their Goals and Objectives for 2006. Mark would
then be on point to help each Chapter achieve them. He indicated that each chapter could have up to two members in attendence at the retreat. (More details to follow.)

With no additional business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM. The next Bay Counties meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st again at the Bridges' Offices in Kilmarnock. Jim was hopeful that he
would be able to get someone from the new psych ward at RGH to come and discuss their experiences, since start-up in April.

Repsectfully submitted,
Carl Gerster

p.s. I've got a new email address <dymergirl@verizon.net> effective immediately. the Rivent address won't work after August 31st. CFG

MEETING MINUTES (Posted 5/11/05)

The SAARA Bay Counties Chapter's meeting for April 2005 was held at Bridge's offices in Kilmarnock on the 20th. Jim Philbrick, Chapter President, called the meeting to order at 3:05 PM. In attendence were Chuck Walsh, Jayme
Campagnola, Tim Banks, Myron Gowans, and Carl Gerster.

OLD BUSINESS

The new Pysch Unit at RGH is up and running 24/7.

Jim reported that there had not been any CSB contacts to the "Volunteers" this past month. Jayme indicated that the meeting between Drs. Tingle and Sutherland (ER at RGH) had not yet taken placed. Jim indicated that he would contact Dr. Tingle to remind him of the need for this meeting to complete the implementation of the "Volunteer" initiative. Because of this
delay, Chuck agreed to determine when the fiscal year for the Ken Batten sourced funds ($4M) would occur. It may be necessary that a pre-buy of medications be made. Chuck did note that someone from Emergency Services of CSB will be made available to assist with a any detoxing effort of a SA.

Chuck reported that the closing of the purchase by CSB of a new recovery house in Saluda was slated for the following Monday (April 25th). This new facility should be up and running by July 1, 2005. It will have facilities for both MH's and SA's.

NEW BUSINESS

Chuck reported that he had been appointed to the Viginia Government's Council on Substance Abuse. He had also been selected to be the CSB representative from the 40 different CSB Executive Directors in the state.

Jayme volunteered to bring an organization chart, with phone #'s, of the Saluda jail to the next meeting on May 18th.

There was no other business to discuss and the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM.

REMINDER-SAARA's Bay Counties meeting for May will take place at Bridges in Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the 18th at 3:00 PM.


Respectfully submitted
Carl Gerster

MEETING MINUTES (Posted 4/13/05)

The SAARA Bay Counties' Chapter meeting for March 2005 was held at the Bridges' office in Kilmarnock on March 16, 2005. Chapter President Jim Philbrick called the meeting to order at 2:00PM. In attendance were Chuck Walsh, Myron Gowans, Wes Dolvin, Carolyn South, Tim Banks, Jayme
Campagnola, and Carl Gerster.

Jayme and Jim discussed the status of the "Volunteer Protocol"; i.e. designed to both 1) assist a client to detox outside local hospital ER's and 2) facilitate the client's reentry to the recovery community. Jayme reviewed for the group the most recent draft of the protocol.

She indicated that this draft had already been reviewed with a NN Doctor (Rocky Tingle). He had suggested that the protocol be revised to reflect the local CSB making available EMS personnel to assist the volunteers and ER staff, if detox were to take place in a local hospital. Dr. Tingle indicated that he planned to review and, hopefully, obtain a sign-off from
the head Doctor in the ER unit at RGH. He also volunteered to develop a Doctor contact in the Gloucester area which could monitor and assist in nonhospital detox activities in that area of the Middle Peninsula. Jim Philbrick reported that he was developing a list of "recovery volunteers" in that area who could assist in achieving the goals of the draft protocol.

Chuck Walsh volunteered that his CSB had received $4000 funding from Ken Batten's office. These monies will be administered by his CSB and can be used to purchase medications to assist in a client's detox process.

It was reported that the new Psyh Unit at RGH had been targeted for startup on April 1st;this is not an April Fool's item!

Wes Dolvin reported that SAARA's Executive Director's job in Richmond was currently vacant. SAARA's BOD had developed a short list of candidates and that, hopefully, by now the position has been filled. Wes indicated that Bay Counties meeting attendees who were not receiving SAARA's monthly
newsletter via email should go to its website <SAARA.org> and request to be placed on its distribution list. Finally, Wes indicated that SAARA's annual conference would take place in Richmond during July.

There was not any additional business to discuss;the meeting was adjourned at 3:50 PM.

A REMINDER-The next SAARA's Bay Counties meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20th at 3:00 not 2:00 PM at the Bridges in Kilmarnock.

Respectfully submitted,
Carl Gerster

MEETING MINUTES (Posted 2/4/05)

The SAARA Bay Counties' Meeting for January was held at the Bridges' offices in Kilmarnock on January 20th. President Jim Philbrick called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. In attendence were Chuck Walsh, Jayme Campagnola, O'Connell McKeon and Carl Gerster.  

The CSB folks indicated that they were committed to having at least one representative from both their Warsaw and Gloucester counseling offices at each future SAARA Bay Counties' meeting.  

Jayme volunteered that the Warsaw CSB had recently established a joint MH and SA meeting on Thursday evenings, which she is leading. As a result, it was agreed to move the monthly SAARA Bay Counties' meeting to Wednesdays starting in February.  

Therefore, the next Bay Counties' meeting is scheduled for February 16th at Bridges. Please note that the starting time has also been changed; our meetings on the third wednesday of every month will now begin at 2:00 rather than 3:00 PM.  

Jim and Carl noted that after a flurry of contacts from both the Warsaw and Gloucester counsellors, no one had contacted them lately with clients wishing to join the recovery community.  

O'Connell volunteered that she and Jayme were formalizing for CSB counsellors the contact procedure and client criteria. They expected to have it finalized and in the counsellors' hands by the February Bay Counties'meeting.

  Jim then recounted his visit with Delegate Pollard. Jim reported that the Delegate was very sympathetic to SAARA's mission. He voiced concern about RGH not being willing to detox SA'ers. He indicated a willingness to introduce legistlation in the Virginia House, if liiablilty concerns became a stumbling block for SAARA's "good samaritian" recovery volunteers. Delegate Pollard finally noted that it he appeared to him, and Jim agreed, that SAARA's efforts in the Northern Neck would not be as effective without the local CSBs' support.  

The discussion then focused on RGH opening a 10 bed psychiatric unit on April 1st. That said, apparently RGH has a major concern about treating MH patients, who also have SA problems.  

To expedite their rentry to the community, O'Connell indicated that she intended to approach Ken Batten, of the Office of Substance Abuse Services, for some funding so that SA'ers could have access to prescription drugs once they are discharged.

Jim volunteered that there is a medical doctor in the recovery community who is willing to monitor SAer's condiition afer they are discharged.   Chuck Walsh volunteered that the Northern Neck CSB is in the process of purchasing a property in Middlesex County. This new house and Portage House in Warsaw could serve as half way houses for SAers.  

There not being any additional business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 PM.  

A REMINDER-SARRA Bay Counties' next meeting is scheduled for
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH AT 2 PM
at Bridges in Kilmarnock.  

Respectfully submitted, Carl Gerster

MEETING MINUTES (Posted 11/18/04)

The SAARA Bay Counties' November meeting was held at Bridges in Kilmarnock on November 18, 2004.  President Jim Philbrick called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. Also in attendence from the Bay Counties chapter were Chuck

Walsh, Jayme Campagnola, O'Connell McKeon, Laurie Keith, Myron Gowans, Carolyn South, Wes Dolvin, and Carl Gerster.  Guests attending were Joe Stallings, Ken Battle and Wade Glover (both from Virginia's Department of Mental Health, Retardation, and Substance Abuse).

Ken's and Wade's presence were a result of Chuck Walsh's letter to Ken dated August 25, 2004. In that letter, Chuck reviewed the current dearth of professional facilities in the Bay Counties willing to detox alcoholics.  He requested funding from Ken's Department to "obtain medical clearances through local hospital emergency rooms, prescription medication to alleviate withdrawl symtoms, and dollars to provide medical follow up".

Ken responded in writing on September 2, 2004.  He indicated that while currently all funds were obligated, "one time funds may becaome available when balances are reported in October".

After individual introductions, Jim reiterated SARRA's concern that in the Bay Counties there is still have a hole, so to speak, when an alcoholic wants to be detoxed by a professional(s).  He discussed the recent SAARA volunteer initiative to provide assistance to the local CSB offices when a client is ready to reenter his/her community; specifically the recovery community.  Jim reported that since our last meeting in October, three individuals have been referred to SAARA volunteers by CSB therapists.

Ken applauded SAARA's recent initiative.  He noted,however, that to avoid liablity issues, those participating should remain volunteers. Ken indicated that most client detoxing is conducted in Virginia's jails versus any other facility in the state.  There is a time constaint with alcoholics, however, of 4 hours because of concern about their possible actions after this time period.  There are Virginia programs for detoxification ( medical and/or social) but an alcoholic "must be willing to be detained" to undergo one. There are two pots of monies for substance abuse-First, there are those dollars budgeted by the Virginia General Assembly and, secondly, a block grant from the Federal government (of about $42 million) with restrictions on how the monies are spent.  Ken then went on to describe ways grass groups, such as SAARA, could attempt to influnce members of the General Assembly to increase Substance Abuse funding in future years.

Jim reported that he had scheduled a dicussion on this subject with the local Assemblyman.  He indicated that he would report the results of that discussion at the next Bay Counties' meeting.

Finally, Jim thanked Ken and Wade for participating in our meeting.  The next SAARA Bay Counties meeting is scheduled for December 16th at 3:00PM at the Bridges offices in Kilmarnock.

Respectfully submitted,

Carl Gerster

MEETING MINUTES (Posted 3/31/04)

The SAARA Bay counties' March meeting at the Bridges in White Stone was called to order by President Jim Philbrick at 3:12 PM. Also in attendence were Wayne Walker, Myron Gowans, Laurie Keith, and Carl Gerster.

OLD BUSINESS

Jim reported and Wayne confirmed, that SAARA Bay Counties had no expeditures outstanding;i.e. everyone's been paid.

Jim and Laurie indicated that they will continue to interface with Roberto ?, of Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, to establish a date for Melissa Warner's presentation on addiction. It was suggested that perhaps an evening session, at an off-hospital site, might be a viable alternative. This suggestion was dismissed, however, because it was felt
that it would likely be impossible to get any doctors to attend an evening session.

Jim volunteered to follow with Betty Self of Diamond Health Services to learn of RGH's response to SAARA's letter supporting the establishment of a psychiatric/addiction unit at the Hospital.

Carl reported that he had been unsuccessful in setting up a luncheon date with Brian Latell, head of the Local Human Rights Council, to review SAARA's mission. Brain has been deeply involved with the current administration's efforts in Latin America.

There was no NEW BUSINESS discussed and this meeting was adjourned at 4:05 PM.

SAARA Bay Counties' next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 20th (there will not be a meeting in April) at 3:00 PM at the Community Service Board office in Warsaw.

Respectifully submitted.

Carl Gerster