Will County Gazette

Village of New Lenox Safe Communities America, Substance Use Prevention Task Group met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the task group:

CALL TO ORDER

This meeting was held via Zoom videoconference. Dan Martin called the meeting to order at 1:33pm.

IN ATTENDANCE

The Substance Use Prevention Task Group Members in attendance were Dan Martin / Village of New Lenox, Allison Thomas / Rosecrance Health Network, Kathleen Burke / Will County Office of Substance Use Initiatives, Jan Dombrowski / HERO, Marie Kress / Kennedy Center, Dominica Dybas / Greater Chicago Area DEA, Gloria Bloodsaw / Gateway, Jen Vujosevic / Lincoln-Way School District 210, Amy Maher / New Lenox Park District, Paul Hempel / Recovery Centers of America, Brooke Garren / Uniquely You Behavioral Health, Marta Keane / Will County Green, Amy Kempa / intern with HERO, James Budrick / Will County Health Department, Dennis Cole / Symetria, Vickie Dance / Illinois Poison Center, and Patrice Martin / Lightways Grief Support Program.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes from the September 11, 2023 Task Group Meeting, which had been disseminated via email to Task Group members, were discussed. Marie Kress made a motion to approve the minutes, and it was seconded by Gloria Bloodsaw. After no further discussion, the motion carried, and the minutes were approved.

OLD BUSINESS

HERO “Hidden in Plain Sight” Trailer Update

Jan reported that they had their last event of the season on November 11, 2023 and they participated in about 50 events this year. There will be upgrades made throughout the off-season and then a grand opening in the spring.

Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Update

Courtney was not in attendance; however, Dr. Burke was able to provide an update on the subcommittee for the opioid overdose program and the Naloxone Plus Program.

“Everything You Need to Know About Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste” Marta reported that this event was held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall with 50 people registered. Marta spent considerable time talking about Unwanted Medication Takeback and HHW (poisons that can be ingested). There was discussion about offering this training virtually in the future.

MAPP Behavioral Health & Substance Use Task Force Update

Dr. Burke explained that this is the Will County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnership, and it meets virtually on the fourth Monday of each month at 1:00pm. It is meant to be a data gathering and collaboration meeting for behavioral health providers throughout Will County. There are several work groups, task groups, and subcommittees that make up MAPP. The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 27th and Dr. Burke invited everyone to attend.

Will County Health Department

James provided updates on the Smoking and Vaping subcommittee and the resource packets for the schools.

Narcan Training

This training was held on Monday, November 6, 2023 via Zoom with 166 people registered. The Narcan Nasal Spray Kits were distributed on Thursday, November 9th and attendees can still pick up kits at the New Lenox Village Hall. Dr. Burke suggested increasing the frequency of this training.

NEW BUSINESS

Dan stated that Educational Presentations are needed, as the winter makes a perfect time to do presentations for the community via Zoom Videoconference. What is needed: Task Group Members and / or Colleagues needed to present on: Substance Use Prevention, Current Trends, Warning Signs, Drug Paraphernalia, etc. Dan requested the task group think about possible upcoming Substance Use Prevention Events to plan, perhaps presentations either in-person or virtual, and invited the group to offer up their expertise for a future event.

GOOD OF THE ORDER / ORGANIZATION UPDATES

Allison announced that the Rosecrance Frankfort office is now offering Adolescent IOP in-person, in addition to the in-person Adult IOP, as well as virtual options. All of these services are for primary substance use disorder. Additionally, coming soon to Frankfort is Rosecrance Therapies for individual therapy. Allison also updated the group on a recent presentation provided at the New Lenox Village Hall which was sponsored by Rosecrance and ERC/Pathlight and enlightened those in attendance on the intersection between eating disorders and substance use disorders.

Gloria shared that Gateway has a gambling program, it is virtual and no cost to clients. She announced that the Bridge program for young adult males ages 18-26 has resumed at the Lake Villa location, and the Downers Grove IOP has both morning and evening groups, and they are also offering LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System).

Dr. Burke announced that they are rolling out a recovery community organization and will be occupying a space in Joliet opening in December. This will be for those in recovery to have a space to create activities that they would like to do, and she invited anyone in recovery to be a part of this organization.

NEXT MEETING DATE

The next meeting of the Substance Use Prevention Task Group will be Monday, January 15, 2024 / 1:30pm via Zoom videoconference.

The next New Lenox Safe Communities Coalition Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 10:30am via Zoom videoconference.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:19pm.

Substance Use Prevention Task Group

“To reduce injuries and deaths associated with substance use, through the establishment of collaborative partnerships and the implementation of educational programs, strategies and initiatives.”

https://www.newlenox.net/files/documents/SafeCommunitiesAmericaTaskGroupsMinutes11-13-23102113112823AM1352.pdf