26 members from 12 community organizations were in attendance.

Note: The general meeting expenses were paid for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and ARVAC.

Marti Wilkerson welcomed members and introductions were made by members. The agenda for the meeting was reviewed.

Marti Wilkerson reported the following:

ARVAC and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office have both agreed to split the cost of the breakfast meetings 6 more times which would cover the rest of this year.

It was suggested that the March meeting (March 18) be cancelled due to Spring Break at ATU and other events. RVMP members agreed so the next meeting will be in April. We are looking at an August meeting as well.

It is time once again to renew the website. Thanks was given to the River Valley Safety Association for its continued renewal of the website for the RVMP.

Recognition for contributions to the RVMP was given to The River Valley Safety Association. Jerry Hamrick, Superior Graphite, accepted the recognition certificate for the Association.

David Gibbons, Prosecuting Attorney, was unable to make the meeting due to obligations in Franklin and Johnson counties.

The MODEL Project (Meth and Other Drugs: Effects on Life) is a collaborative project between Counseling Associates & DCFS that is providing an in house counseling opportunity for DCFS clients. The project began in November 2007. MODEL participation has included a total of 24 clients so far with a 41% positive outcome. There is no direct cause and effect relationship between the project and these outcomes. Dr. Mark Peacock, Psychology professor-ATU, was introduced to members as an addition to the research and evaluation workgroup. He will assist with data analysis with the MODEL project. The project has been transitioned to another counselor/therapist who is interning with Counseling Associates, Inc. This spring 2009 semester we have had 7 clients referred for the project. MODEL project came about directly from the RVMP.

Mr. Dan Warwick commented on the success of the project and how it is becoming more formalized. He noted challenges and recognized assets to all involved.

Angel Simpson, DCFS, also expressed her thoughts on the success of the project.

Marti Wilkerson along with Drug Court members will be attending a presentation on April 15-17, 2009, where they will be able to talk about the RVMP. Marti is working on a PowerPoint presentation.

The Dental Assistance program has five area dentists involved with four clients who have been served.

Maggie Fitch, the recipient of the Bob Adkison Research Scholarship, has completed the brochures for treatment agencies (resource guide) in the area as well as a brochure specific to faith-based programs. Ms. Fitch thanked ARVAC’s Tanya Hendrix for her assistance with the brochures. A funding source needs to be sought out to help with future production of these brochures. A short video is in the works to be presented in schools regarding drug and alcohol prevention and the goal is to be able to cut the video down to where it is commercial length.

Aaron Duvall, Pope County Sheriff as well as Larry Johnson, 5^th Judicial Drug Task Force were recognized. Sheriff Duvall re-introduced Belinda Shelton. Belinda works in the schools in Pottsville, Atkins, Dover and Hector. Ms. Shelton and Mr. Duvall have been doing many programs in the schools with such topics as Methamphetamine and Marijuana. She is an excellent resource as well. A future project that would like to be completed would be to do a presentation on burglaries in the area since they are related to drug use, distribution and production. Larry Johnson reported on activities in the area as it pertains to the Drug Task Force.

Two ideas for projects were discussed. First, sprucing up and updating the visitation room at Pope County DCFS. Second, working to get specialized women’s services in the area.

Janice Burnside, Freedom House, updated members on the Alcohol tax bill that has been pushed through by support from Senator Wilkins and Trusty. It will allow for a .5 tax on liquor and wine with beer excluded. The bill is also being supported by Arkansas Drug Director, Fran Flener. This tax on alcohol will produce funds for services such as substance abuse prevention, the domestic peace fund, and senior citizen homes. Next week it should go through to the House of Representatives.

Phil Latta, Latta Consulting, Inc., discussed the strategic plan for the RVMP for this year and upcoming year. See flowchart.

Marti Wilkerson asked for members who wanted to volunteer to serve on the steering committee. The following members agreed:

Carrie Williams

Kari Powers

Angel Simpson

Rita Lees

Janet Cook

Aaron Duvall

Note: Jennifer Mitchell, student worker, will work on getting a copy of all AA & Al-Anon meetings in the area so that Angel Simpson, FSWS-DCFS, can be added as a contact for the MODEL Project.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 a.m.