Robertson County Health Council
April 10, 2019
Members Present: Anne Marie Bryant, Lisa Cobb, Tony Cowan, Kathy Finley, Shonday Hall, Kelley Harris, Ryan Martin, Rachel Wright (*Non-Voting)
Members Absent: Deshnell Cobbin, Brad Edwards, Stephanie Evans, Rachel Goodman, Donny King, Rebecca Macfarlane, Kelly Miller, Johnny Norton, Lauren Patterson, Jackie Pipes, Jackie Rawls
Staff: Shirley Corker (Community Development Coordinator)
Guests: Ashley Alexander, Angie Cooper, Milagros Gonzales, Celeste Jackson, Winfred Lassiter, Lorena Tello, April Wilkinson and Susan Thurman (RCHD), Kelli Fly (CCRR & Signal Center) Paula Frank (NCMC), Lisa Frierson, Chasity Lyle and Olivia Spooner (MCRO), Nicole Martin Cheatham Health Department), (Rhonda Martin (Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency), Maria Smith (TAADAS)
Business: The meeting was called to order by Chair Rebecca Macfarlane.
Housekeeping/Announcements:
- Welcome was extended and introductions were made.
- The March 13, 2019 minutes had one correction. NAMI meets the second Tuesday of every month instead of the second Thursday. Motion to approve was made by Lisa Cobb with a second by Tony Cowan.
New Business:
- Comprehensive Care Clinic – Ashely Alexander, HIV Coordinator and Medical Case Manager for the Robertson Co. Center of Excellence, and Susan Thurman, Comprehensive Care RN presented a presentation on the services provided by the Robertson County Comprehensive Care Clinic. The clinic has been in operation for 21 years and was developed out of a coalition meeting. The clinic is housed within the Robertson County Health Department but has its own separate entrance. They offer clinical treatment, medication coverage, assistance obtaining insurance and help with co-pays and deductible for those with insurance, PREP for partners, a dental program and eye care program. They also provide medical case management through the Ryan White program. Their patients rely on the staff to help them meet a lot of different kinds of life issues. A lot of people are not aware of the program, or the services they provide, so they are trying to get the word out. They are audited annually and are rated as a Center of Excellence. The three biggest problems faced by their patients are the stigma of their disease, access to care and transportation. Handouts and a variety of information were made available to those wanting it. The contact information of the CCC will be added to the Robertson Health Council
- The application of Kelly Miller, Director of Highland Crest, was presented and accepted for membership on the Robertson County Health Council.
- Resource Directory.
- Lisa Frierson from the MCRO Hepatitis A Team spoke briefly about the increase in the Hep A outbreak. They are trying to do as much outreach to the public as possible to make them aware this disease can be prevented through good hygiene. Handwashing is the best preventive measure. Hepatitis A affects the liver. It can take up to 6 weeks to recover from the disease. Free vaccines are available but their team is meeting a lot of resistance from people not wanting to take the shots. They asked for the help of the Council in trying to get the word out about the availability of the vaccine.
Old Business:
- Resource Directory – Rachel Wright reported she thought the directory was complete. In response to the discussion regarding paying for printing Kelly Harris offered to contribute $50 toward the printing. The council is looking at printing 50 copies at a time.
- Interfaith Recovery meeting featured 3 different speakers last month in support of families. The group met Thursday at 6:30 at the Covenant Confirmers Church.
- NAMI has been offering their support group in Robertson County for over a year. The group will be implementing their Silence in Schools program in the fall. Tony Cowan continues to man the helpline for NAMI.
- Mental Health first-aid classes are still being offered. Anyone interested can contact Rebecca Macfarlane or Stephanie Evans.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.