Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition 6147 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606 Phone: 352-596-8000 * Fax: 352-596-8002 info@hernandoantidrug.org

Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition

Meeting Minutes

February 28, 2007

Present: Sandra Marrero (The Harbor), Lisa Hammond (BHERGroup), Harry Hill (DJJ), Tresa Watson (CENAPS), Richard Lewis (City of Brooksville), Richard Forester (DCF), Mary Ann Peavler (BBBS), Eileen Copple (YFA)

Meeting called to order at 3:40 p.m.

Lisa presented a motion to accept minutes from January meeting. Richard second the motion. Motion carried

YAAPI

Tresa announced that Chill Smart has been asked to participate in “Week of the young Child” on April 14, 2007. Chill Smart members agreed to host a table. The coalition will use interactive displays such as the “Smoking Suzie”, Fatal Vision Goggles and Spin the Wheel display, which demonstrates risks involved in drinking. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Tresa Watson at 596-8000.

Art Reception

Sandra announced the art reception took place last month and went well. Fewer students attended than anticipated. However, those who went did enjoy themselves. Moreover, some art teachers accompanied the students and made it a point to express their pleasure about the art contest. Some instructors offered to participate next year as well. The bill boards are up and look great.

Youth Speak Out Sessions

Lisa reported 2 more YSO sessions took place. There is a consistent message ringing true throughout the sessions. Where youth access alcohol and what is perceived as high risk drugs, are uniform across the board. Lisa announced she will be looking at findings, to see what projects can be targeted based on data.

Town Hall Meeting

Lisa stated Congresswomen Ginny Brown Waite has agreed to accept the coalition’s invitation to participate in a town hall meeting. Lisa will coordinate dates with her office. Once date is set, Lisa will approach other officials to attend.

Youth Summit

Tresa announced Janice offered dates, but Rashad was unable to perform on those days. Janice agreed to pay for one day and the coalition will pay for the 2^nd day. The two schools will be West Hernando Middle School and Nature Coast Technical High School. Both schools will host two performances.

Atlas & Athena

Lisa reportedly met with Jamie Blosser assistant for Hanley Center. Lisa questioned if the coaches at Nature Coast Technical High School, who have been trained in Atlas & Athena, to train coaches at Central High School, would Hanley Center be willing to provide materials for free? Ms. Blosser will bring question to Hanley Center, and Lisa will follow up.

Fundraising Committee

Richard Lewis stated he is waiting for Deputy Bill Pope to set availability times. Tresa gave Richard Lewis sponsorship packets as promised.

CADCA

Tresa reported regarding CADCA conference. She explained there were several cancellations due to the weather. Deputy Ruiz did attend the conference. Tresa was able to see the preview of HBO documentary entitled “Addiction”. One of the producers of the documentary approached Tresa and asked if Hernando Coalition could partner with Hillsborough Coalition while Terri Gorski facilitated at a town hall meeting. Tresa will contact Sue Carrigan of Hillsborough Anti-Drug Coalition. Tresa is unsure if she will attend again. She noticed many coalitions missing as well as representatives of the Office of Drug Control. However, the Youth Track was good. Lisa reported she attended NIDA workshops regarding pharmaceutical information. She reported that the most important part was the explanation that an adolescent brain does not truly develop until their 20’s. She reported interest in NIDA’s initiative of Genotypes and Phenotypes.

Grants Update

Tresa reported YAAPI grant is dead. Although no official word has been received, three other coalitions informed her. From this point forward, other funding sources must be pursued in order to host summer events such as skate party, art reception and dance. Tresa announced the FSU grant coming up soon. SPF-SIG grant will cover the community mobilization and town hall meeting.

Spotlight on Hernando

Lisa reported she and the Sheriff were on “Spotlight on Hernando” with host, Brenda Frazier. The 30 minute show to promote the Quality of Life Committee. The show was about substance abuse and it will be on channel 19. One can look up the website for viewing. Richard Lewis agreed to mention it at Progress Hernando.

Confiscated Funds

Richard Lewis reported having the opportunity to view the new Emergency Operations Center of the Hernando Sheriffs Department. After explaining the details of the state of the art equipment, Richard explained that the EOC was made available with confiscated monies. Tresa asked if Richard would ask Sheriff for a donation to the coalition from the confiscated monies. She explained that many county coalitions receive confiscated funds regularly from their Sheriffs Office. Richard announced he will talk with Deputy Pope about approaching the Sheriff for a donation.

Culture of Drug Use and Stats

Maryann requested information be given to parents when in community. She explained information she shares with parents in her parenting group is beneficial. Lisa confirmed information is given to parents when at community events. Harry shared relevant statistics regarding youth drug use of youths assessed at DJJ. He reported the statistics should be shared with the community. Maryann announced there are good statistics on www.fightcrimeinvestinkids.org. Eileen shared that there is an “It will never happen to me” mentality present among middle school youth. She reported how popular the PAL (Police Athletic League’s) were in Maryland. She believes there is a lot of money available for Policy Development. Eileen will make some calls and follow up with the coalition about any leads for grants. A discussion then ensued regarding the culture of drug use among adolescents.

Lisa motioned to adjourn meeting. Richard Lewis second the motion. Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Next Meeting

March 28, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. at

The Harbor

7074Grove Rd, Brooksville, Fl 34609