HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-17 Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council MinutesSubstance Abuse Advisory Committee Minutes for November 17, 1999 Present: Michael Hanifan, Jane Fiore, Sandy Michaud, Dale Merrill, Marc Alterio, Dave LiBassi, Mike Lucey, Dave Stamatis and Mary Williams Called/Excused: John Costigan and Leone Sullivan Guest: Sharmeen Irani, RSAPAC Others: community parents Meeting delayed until 8:15 pm, due to needed Quorum 8:15 Meeting called to order Motion to approve Oct. 21, 1999 minutes, approved 10-0 Item: Marc Alterio presented two items 1) RMHS and MS will participate in a study health and research group. This study/survey is random and assesses risky behavior, especially alcohol, tobacco and drug use. Results will be pooled for Massachusetts. No permission is needed. Mailings will go out to parents in order to inform them of this. This survey is initiated by the DPH and DOE and final results will go to them. 2) Marc attended a Teen Dating Violence training program in Malden held by DOE. He requests volunteers to form a subgroup to review current services and programs in place in schools and also in the community. This is a community issue. Action: Michael Hanifan will check with the Peer Leaders regarding this. Goal of this is to create a working committee to further develop and evaluate teen dating violence issues. 8:30 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Item: Sharmeen Irani, Epidemiologist, guest speaker from Massachusetts Prevention Ctr. 1) Sharmeen reviewed YRBS as a tool to evaluate risky behavior. 2) Gave names and numbers to Jane Fiore for concerned parents to call with any questions or concerns about the DOE survey. 8:35 Open discussion on YRBS. Concerned parents interacted and questioned Sharmeen. Dave Stamatis remarked that the survey results will have the potential to increase health and wellness programs for the youth and perhaps help with current curriculum where needed. YRBS may help initiate the DARE program in the middle schools. He also remarked on positive end results with YRBS. Motion: To continue YRBS discussion at the next meeting. (12/99) Invite school administrators and school committee to the next meeting. ♦ It was suggested that before next years YRBS is sent out, a sample of questions be mailed to the parents. (Not real questions, but a flavor of topics to be discussed) Voted in favor of this 10-0 ♦ Also suggested to do YRBS before MCAS ♦ Copy of survey with school system curricula review week. 9:45 Drug Free Week ♦ Health Fair - March 9, 2000 ♦ Free Skate - March 12, 2000? 6-8 pm? Need to reserve ice, call Fire & Police Dept. ♦ Free Swim at Burbank YMCA. Mike Hanifan to check on this and report at next meeting. ♦ Talent Show Further discussion next month. Think of alternatives to this show. ♦ Perspectives A good avenue to inform the community. 10:10 Meeting adjourned Next meeting scheduled for J Town Hall Conference Room Respectfully Submitted Cathy Kosta Secretary