Submitted by: Krista Chandler, Research Assistant

Approximately 160 individuals in attendance.

Note: The meeting expenses were paid for by the Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force and ARVAC.

Marti Wilkerson welcomed members and public. Dr. Robert C. Brown, ATU President, welcomed everyone to the ATU campus and commended attendees for their involvement in the River Valley Meth Project. Mayor Tyrone Williamson welcomed all to Russellville and presented speakers, Fran Flener, Arkansas Drug Director; Robbie Wills, Arkansas Speaker of the House; and Dr. Keith Humphreys, Senior Policy Advisor, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, with keys to the city of Russellville.

Phil Jacobs, ATU Vice President for Governmental Relations, introduced Speaker of the House Robbie Wills. Speaker Wills commended law enforcement and Drug Court on their efforts in the area. Speaker Wills highlighted legislation that had passed in 2005 to address the growing problem with drug use and overcrowded prisons. He indicated the need to focus on the root problem and how Drug Courts have proven to be a positive way to help in reducing repeat offenders (only 5.7% repeat). Also included in 2005 legislation were treatment programs for reintegration of early release prisoners. For the fiscal session beginning February 8, 2010, there will be a focus on providing monies at the county level for treatment programs. Also, cameras will now be set up in the House chambers to allow for live viewing of the sessions. Individuals can go to arkansashouse.org

to view sessions.

Fran Flener , Arkansas Drug Director, stated how much she appreciated the efforts of the RVMP. She made mention of the accessibility of the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy and introduced keynote speaker: Dr. Keith Humphreys. Dr. Humphreys spoke about the New Federal Response to Methamphetamine and Other Drugs. Dr. Humphreys focused on President Obama’s 2010 Drug Control Strategy to be released in February of this year. Highlights included: utilizing ideas from around the country involving law enforcement; parents and teachers; prevention and treatment; and supply and control. Dr. Humphreys pointed out that Director Kerlikowske has done away with the phrase “War on Drugs” in efforts to bring about a strategy that brings public health up to the level of public safety. Dr. Humphreys stated that drug policy needs to begin here at home with efforts on reducing demand by focusing on prevention. Drug Courts are viewed in a positive light because they bring the law enforcement and health sides of the issue together. Dr. Humphreys pointed out how both support and structure are needed for those dealing with this issue. He outlined a probation model by the National Institute of Justice called the HOPE study. This program calls for swift, certain, yet less severe consequences. It has been successful in giving immediate feedback for unacceptable behaviors. Re-entry is also a focus with assistance being provided for basic needs for those re-entering life without drugs. “Drug Free Communities” is the phrase attached to prevention with the bringing together of teachers, healthcare workers, and faith based groups. There has already been the launching of a media campaign with advertisements geared more towards young adults.

Marti Wilkerson introduced and recognized several groups contributing to the Project’s cause. Among these were: ARVAC, DCFS, CAI, CSI, Russellville Junior Auxiliary, and RVSA. Presentation of a portrait in memory of John B. Coleman was made to Mr. Coleman’s family. ATU Art Department Professor, Neil Harrington and student art major, Kailey Anderson were recognized for the art work.

Dr. Sean Huss and Dr. Dennis Williams discussed their research efforts. They reviewed data using GIS Mapping. Maps of Pope County and the Russellville area indicated locations of drug related issues. Dr. Huss spoke about how the involvement of students and the community had made so much of the research possible. He pointed out that over a 4 year period 150 students have actively participated in research for this project and 20+ have continued on to graduate school. Currently, there is research being done to find patterns from a random sample of arrest reports. Dr. Williams indicated how individuals with no attachment to community have shown to be 5 X more likely to use drugs.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Liza Brown announced Drug Court graduation for three graduates and introduced Dr. Humphreys who congratulated graduates and pointed out how this was a “transitional degree” because there would be more work ahead. He encouraged graduates to keep doing what they had been doing and to rely on those that had helped them get to this point. He reminded everyone that no one makes it through this alone.

Judge Dennis Sutterfield spoke regarding the Drug Court successes and spoke to the crowd regarding the need for compassion in an area where compassion has been given very little attention in the past. Judge Sutterfield expressed appreciation for government leaders and federal officials for investing in the Drug Court Program. He introduced his staff and proceeded with the graduation of three graduates with perfect records.

The meeting concluded with lunch and updates from workgroups. See agenda and handouts.

Workgroups:

Angie White, Child Development Prevention Specialist, presented copies of the Pope County Prevention Matrix which lists prevention programming information for programs in Pope County. (See attachment of Prevention Matrix). Ms. White requested assistance with improving the matrix.

Dr. Mark Peacock reported on his and Marti Wilkerson’s research and data from the MODEL project. (See attached Power Point).

DCFS and the Junior Auxiliary worked together on giving the Child Visitation Room at Pope County DCFS a face lift. Before and after photos were presented for the group to observe.

Sue Ann Strait with Century 21 Real Estate reported on the awareness necessary for real estate agents concerning methamphetamine production in homes on the market. Safety for agents as well as prospective home buyers has become a major concern over the past few years. Measures have been taken to help educate agents.

Lorrie Chesser with the River Valley Safety Association reported that the organization continues to support RVMP with the website. She also reviewed other activities of the RVSA including support of Operation Medicine Cabinet.

Nelda Alexander with Celebrate Recovery reported on the successes stemming from the Faith Based programs. Ms. Alexander was accompanied by a young woman who had taken part in the programs offered through Celebrate Recovery and is now assisting with other individuals in need of support.

Glenda Hubbard and Kari Powers, both with Drug Court, reported on the successes of Drug Court and the Dental Assistance Program which developed from RVMP initiative.

Sheriff Aaron Duvall reported upon success with Operation Medicine Cabinet.

Larry Johnson, Director of Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force overviewed Shake and Bake method and updated the RVMP.

Phil Latta reported regarding activities of the steering committee.

Russellville Police Department Chief, Tom McMillian reported his on-going support of the RVMP and the importance of community coalition.

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.