Interagency October 11 Meeting

So sorry for the delay on this post, life happens and we have been super busy.

Minutes from each Interagency meeting are posted here, generally with in a week of the meeting.  Entering your email in the appropriate spot will ensure you recieve emails.'

The discussion of dues was revisited.  The amout of $10.00 was suggested as dues for individuals/agencies as a whole.  We pay SAIL to use the facility, it is not required to pay, but it is surely helpful.

The Tresurer position is also still vacant if anyone is interested in that.  See Judith or Allison regarding the specifics. 

The Interagency Presenter schedule was passed around and was also posted in the Septembers blog post.

We are happy to share the House of Grace will re-open in January and they are thankful for everyones support.

Nutritional Counseling of Warren County has a spot on 98.5 at 430 daily. Nutrition facts shared and questions answered.  Call Warren County for details.

Pam Wickbern is happy to say she still has money available, contact her for further details.

Association for the Hearing Impaired still has its website available until the end on 2011.   American Sign Language classes are availableat the GF YMCA and Ballard Elementary in Wilton, Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers is still performing through the holidays with Kassey.  Assistive Technology is still looking for a "home".

Reminder that the HEAP program will start on November 19 with some changes and the Care and Share Program also has some changes. 

The AIDS Councils Hudson Falls Office is looking for a Care Coordinator.  Go to the website www.aidscouncil.org for more information.

Watch out for Girl Scouts, fundraising starts soon.

Adirondack Health Institude- Jeannie LaLond is available at SAIL on Wednesdays to help with enrollment applications.  Essex, Warren, Washington, Warren and Hamilton counties served here, there is also a sattelite office in Plattsburgh.  They help with Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus.  Help can also be done over the phone in about ten minutes.  They also have a fun safe website that is easy to navigate. Courtnie Smith assists with this via phone at 518-761-0300x 31375 or it can be found at www.chicapp.org.

The program for children does not have income restrictions.  It helps single parents with employer paid insurance as well.  Program for adults over 65 are referred out to another venue, generally SAIL advocates. AHI also offers advocacy services as well.  Willing to do outreach services, meet with employees applicants to screen individuals.

Dr. Cliff Green was here to discuss dual diagnosis.  He is an adjunct professor at ACC and part of WW Ass. of Mental Health, located on Maple Street in Glens Falls.

Dr. Green fielded pre-written questions collected from Septembers Interagency meeting.

Many times a co-occuring diagnosis can combine criminal justice, substance abuse and mental illiness. Housing difficulties can also be a part of the issue.  Re-occurence is ALWAY possible, everyone is different.  Individuals need to be treated as such, "cookie cutter" plans dont apply.

Most helpful? Patience.  One must build a relationship with these individuals.  Showing and proving honesty is key.

Whats available?  In patient services.  All facilities have a branch for co-occuring diagnosis.  Although mental health and substance abuse dont always work seamlessly together.

Why is it hard to get treatment?  The individual has to be ready willing and able.  Unfortunately those may be in place for the individual but not always in the service form.  this can lead to discouragement with the person.

Approach to treatment-training.  Education is key.  Multiple personality disorder secondary to trauma requires specific training.  You must establish a connection, again to prove honesty and trust.

Stigmas/sterotypes- Education is key.  Dont discriminate, think of this as your family member and how youd like them to be treated.

How do you keep one in treatment?- Dedication and funding.

Meetings are held 5 days a week at the 230 Maple street location and peer run sessions are held at GFH. Tuesday and Thursday meetings are held with dinner starting at 4pm.

Social Activities- garden projects, cooking, canning, and garage sales.

Tip 42 was a handy reference he made.  More info on this can be found at www.samhsa.gov.