Meeting called to order at 10 am by Chairman Tammy Segura.
Motion to approve minutes of 08/14/03 as distributed made by Amy Cox. Seconded by Jannie Scott. Motion Carried.
Tammy Johnson presented Membership Report. Ms. Johnson reported that Judy Johnson is serving on another Stakeholders’ sub-committee, and will no longer serve on the Planning and Public Education Committee. Chairman Segura distributed an up-dated listing of committee membership. Members in attendance: Tammy Segura, Amy Cox, Barbara Miles, Jean Johnson,
Jannie Scott, Sherry Scott, Bobbi Ellis, Kathy Baker.
Chairman Segura presented an “Anti-Stigma Kit” from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (800-487-4890) WWW.SAMHSA.GOV Committee members suggested strategies for reducing stigma:
1) Not mixing marketing aspects (signs on vehicles) with the delivery of services (transporting consumers).
2) Providing educational materials and forums to schools and employers regarding the ability of consumers to function within the mainstream of society.
3) Conducting workshops to educate the community at large regarding mental health services.
Guest speaker Priscilla Dorsey, COG, discussed transportation services in Robeson County. Transportation services are provided to Robeson Center, Southeastern Industrial Center, 2nd Street Compensatory Education site, Robeson Community College, & dialysis centers. COG does not have a current Needs Assessment. Ms. Dorsey distributed the Lumber River Resource Guide developed by the Lumber River Workforce Development Board to committee members. The committee reiterated the needs for a current Transportation Needs Survey. The committee would also like to learn how private providers might bill for the provision of transportation services.
Committee discussed ways to improve collaboration:
1) Open & frequent communication
2) Participants embrace the concept that one person/agency does not dictate participation or roles of others. Everyone must have true individual input.
3) Participants are willingly and actively engaged in the process.
4) Awareness of entities available for collaboration (resource guides helpful).
Committee discussed its’ view that prevention services are available, but often not accessed due to the stigma attached to mental health issues, and the lack of educational awareness of the availability of these services.
Committee questioned liaison member Kathy Baker as to how Mental Health Reform will affect the Planning and Education Committee. Baker informed that the Planning and Education Committee was established as a result of Mental Health Reform. Because Mental Health Reform requires the divestiture of services, SRMH/DD/SAS is working to ensure a seamless transition of services for consumers, and to establish a provider network that can provide the divested services. To assist in this effort, SRMH/DD/SAS has established a Stakeholders’ Committee with sub-committees to gather information from all sectors of the community. The Planning and Public Education Committee will address topics regarding planning and public education, and forward to the full Stakeholders’ Committee for disposition.
Next meeting scheduled for 10/09/03 at 10 am.
Motion to adjourn made by Amy Cox. Seconded by Bobbi Ellis. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned 11:55am.

Ginger Scott
(910) 735-5261