RVMP General Meeting

August 27, 2008

Chambers East Cafeteria-ATU

7-8:30 a.m.

Minutes

Submitted by: Jennifer Mitchell & Amanda Paterak, Research Assistants

 

30 Members from 17 community organizations were in attendance.

Note: The general meeting breakfast was paid for by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Introductions were given by RVMP members. The agenda for the meeting was reviewed. Larry Johnson, of the 15th Judicial District Drug Task Force, was the guest speaker. Glenda Hubbard, of Drug Court, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her work with the RVMP.

Marti Wilkerson reported on the following:

      August marked the 4 year anniversary of the RVMP. She noted that the original goal was to eradicate meth in 120 days (per Keith Rutledge, Arkansas Drug Director in August, 2004).

      Sean Huss sent frequency tables and information from the sociological survey, and requested that questions be submitted to him.

      Amanda Paterak presented a special memorial in honor of Sharley Pettit.

      Blue and You, Healthy Arkansas grant application was submitted (written by Marti Wilkerson and delivered to Little Rock by Phil Latta). Copies were handed out, and a presentation was shown discussing the grant budget for 2009.

      Continued improvements are being made at Freedom House including, increased bed space, offering of GEDs, as well as other improvements.

Tom Hawkins, with Ace³ Communications, reported the following:

      The Governor is still interested in attending a RVMP meeting.

      The next step for the Bill –“An act to create a pilot program for improving the operations and effectiveness of alcohol and drug treatment programs and to create an income tax credit for employers” - is to be signed and sent to the legislature to be ratified.

Janie Worsham, with Pope Co. Literacy Council, reported the following:

      Work is being continued on the Wal-Mart grant in the amount of $1,000 to help with funding through the end of the year.

Glenda Hubbard reported the following:

      The Drug Court is still working on its dental assistance program; 2 clients have been assisted thus far.

      Congressman Boozeman recognized the Drug Court’s work in his speech which is on display in the Court House.

      The Congressman will talk to legislators with hopes of expanding the program statewide.

      The agency is still looking for more Dentists; for a list of participating Dentists see Kari Powers.

Jerry Hamrick, with Superior Graphite, reported the following:

      Text messaging was recognized as a way to reach younger kids. Poster rough drafts were distributed with some sample ideas written in this “text messaging language.”

Marti requested that different workgroups perform the following tasks in preparation for the 5th year anniversary of RVMP and in preparation for potential approval of the Blue and Youth grant application:

Business and Real Estate (Jerry Hamrick and John Bearden) – T-shirt/poster design

Early intervention and faith based (Janet Cool and Nelda Alexander) – Substance abuse directory

      Child Protection and Treatment – Volunteer transporters/DCFS; Updated trainings for medical/DCFS; The continuation of the M.O.D.E.L project.

Law enforcement – Training school personnel and other community organizations

Juvenile Services – Replication of 15th Judicial District Drug Coalition youth project

Freedom House/Medical – Recovery Consultants to RVMP

Pat Nation reported the following about a Marijuana Class she is developing:

      The class is given in lieu of other forms of punishment for first time offenders. The offenders are required to pay for the course themselves to help with personal accountability.

      The class meets at the end of each month.

      The purpose of the class is to educate marijuana users of the social and legal consequences of continued use of the drug.

      Based on a 12-step program with the first step being admitting there is a problem.

      A short test is given at the end of each class to acknowledge that the student retained the information given.

      Mrs. Nation is hoping to introduce the class to other areas.

Larry Johnson, with the 5th Judicial District Drug Task, the guest speaker presented the following:

      Mr. Johnson explained a new, faster way to cook meth called “shake n bake.”

      He presented a crime lab video/photo presentation showing how this method is performed.

      He also described the “Leads Online” website as a way to track individuals purchasing medicine containing ingredients used to cook meth.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.