Discussion Highlights:

Mission/Vision Statement:

·        Mission: The GATHER / GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee addresses health and social issues in the Greater Attleboro/Taunton communities resulting from substance abuse.

·        Vision: This is accomplished by coordinating with existing community resources to heighten public awareness and to develop programs to prevent, reduce and treat substance abuse.

Substance Abuse Round Table XI – So far 166 signed up. Funding covers 125. Expected attendees include assistant commissioners, school systems representatives from Taunton, Raynham, Attleboro, Norton, Dighton, Berkley, Seekonk, Somerset, Bridgewater and Middleboro, Taunton and Attleboro court and police. Also expected are DYS, Morton Hospital and DPH. Each of 21 tables will complete an evaluation.

Project TEAMS training will be rescheduled. 18.5 CUs will be available.

Project YELL - SAMHSA continuation funding and a bid for technical assistance from SE Center for Healthy Communities was not granted. CADCA has begun a campaign about the grant process in which 10% (63) of continuation funding coalitions were not funded. 88 Coalitions were given a 30 day probation. The grading system changed under the new funder. Reapplication can be made in 2006 with a more broad-based coalition that shows participation by businesses and parents. Feedback has not yet been received. Approximately $20-25,000 is needed to continue the youth component

Technical Assistance is needed to do community and coalition building.

Community Crisis Intervention Team training will be held from 8-4 on November 1, 2 and 3. Police from Attleboro (6), Brockton (3) and 15 other individuals (DMR, Taunton public schools nurses, Attleboro court, Brockton crisis, Southbay and other providers) will attend.

Red Ribbon Week – T.H.S. students decided to heighten drug awareness by addressing one substance per day and would like to use Project YELL data, focusing on positive slogans. Students are aware of Project YELL and primed for more activities. Short-term funding is needed to keep the momentum of the youth component.

Next Steps:

Contact SAMHSA funded communities for technical assistance

Next Meeting: 11/16/05, 3:30, Probation, 18 Broadway.

Contact Person:

Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.