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

April 25, 2007

Present: Sandra Marrero (The Harbor), Lisa Hammond (BHERGroup), Ian Harper (DJJ), Tresa Watson (CENAPS), Shari Noriega (PTA), Karen Gidden (HC Health Dept.), Eugenia Karahalias, Alan Arick (HCSO)

Excused: Richard Forrester (DCF)

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

Lisa presented a motion to accept minutes from March meeting as amended. Karen second the motion. Motion carried

YAAPI

Tresa announced the possibility YAAPI may be reinstated. She further announced Bill Janes, from the Office of Drug Control has been re-instated by the new Governor. Tresa stated the Florida Drug Summit will be held in October this year, as opposed to May. Sandra reported Chill Smart participated in “Week of the young Child” on April 14, 2007. The event was successful. Tresa reported that Charlie and Alex from Chill Smart received rave reviews about their demonstration of “Susie, the smoking baby” at the event. They were allowed to demonstrate how tobacco harms a fetus in-utero. A crowd gathered at their demo and many positive comments were received. Sandra announced Teen Drug Court has referred several youth to Chill Smart. Sandra informed the members of a request for Chill Smart to host a table at an upcoming event entitled “Worlds Greatest Baby Shower”. Sandra polled for interest. Lisa informed the group that she already registered the Coalition for the event, but will need someone to work at the table. Shari stated she could work the event but preferred not to do so alone. Sandra will call a Chill Smart parent to inquire interest in working the event, and will inform Shari.

Youth Speak Out Sessions

Lisa reported a session was conducted at Nature Coast Technical High School. The information gathered was the same as in other venues with the exception that access to marijuana was on campus as opposed to outside of school. Lisa reports not being sure if the issue is particular to Nature Coast Technical High School, or whether it just happen to be disclosed. She further informed had she been able to get into every school, it would be possible to discover school specific issues. However, because of not having access into every school, the survey must be considered county-wide. Nevertheless, the information obtained is sufficient to conduct a “Lock-Up-Your Liquor” campaign. Furthermore, it is evident that middle schools must be targeted stronger than high schools. Lisa reported that by the time students are in high school, their attitudes are already set. Therefore there is a greater probability of influencing middle school students.

Youth Summit

Lisa announced 600 students attended the Youth Summit at Nature Coast Technical High School, throughout 2 sessions. Strength of the Young was great. They hosted interactive skits and giveaways. There was some disorganization initially, but went well overall. Some teens thanked members present for the show, others attended twice. The second youth Summit will be at West Hernando Middle School on Friday, April 27, 2007. All students will attend. Lisa stated Hernando Today was present on Monday, HITV and St. Pete Times will be there on Friday. Lisa commended Deputy Rick Ruiz for his tremendous effort in supporting the coalitions work with Nature Coast Technical High School. Tresa will finish coordinating WHMS youth summit. The principal was aware of the times, but the performers did not have the times. Lisa will call Jill Renehan to inform her fifteen performers will be present. Lisa will also call Deputy Beckwith to inform him of summit. Shari asked if coalition was planning on setting up a meeting with the new superintendent. Lisa confirmed a meeting will be scheduled with the new superintendent.

Fundraising Committee

No one from the fundraising committee was present to report. Therefore, any updates were tabled to next meeting.

Grants Update

Lisa announced the completion of “call to action”. It will give the coalition a minimal amount of funding to write a plan to apply for a larger grant. Lisa further informed the participants that she is reviewing a grant entitled “Neighborhood Excellence Initiative” form Bank of America. In addition she is reviewing grants from SAMHSA and NIDA to see if there is a fit for the coalition. Tresa reported FSU mini-grant is winding down. The State Initiative Grant is currently e. SPF-SIG is still up and running. Currently coalition members are working on the community mobilization. That grant ends on 5/31/07. Lisa will be on “The Business Edge” ( radio show) to promote the coalition on May 14, 2007.

Chill Smart Calendar

Sandra made Chill Smart calendars available for members, since she was unable to send a link in the minutes as promised.

Tresa motioned to adjourn, seconded by Shari. Motion carried and meeting closed at 4:25 p.m.

Next Meeting

May 30, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. at

The Harbor

7074Grove Rd, Brooksville, Fl 34609