DATE: February 11th, 2026
TIME: 12:30 – 1:30 PM
LOCATION: Volunteer State – Springfield Campus
IN ATTENDANCE
In-person:
Lauren Patterson, Vicky Rowland, Canice Minor, Melissa Morse, Pooja Chandelker, Tiffany Thomson, Kanny Romero, Jocelyn Marinaci, Maria Flores, Mirriam Spencer, Anna Wiginton, Jesse Smith, Amber Sowell, Venessa Edmondson, Debbie Mitchel, Melody Callis, Dustin Putman, Ashlea Smyly, Chelsea Fuller, Stephanie Evans, Danelle Frazier, Rhonda Rosteli, Clarissa Gardener, Michaela Willbanks, Tionna Woodson, Shelley Johannesson, Misty Claude, Brandon Chase
Virtual via Microsoft Teams:
Adele Watts, Amber Adams, Danielle Dessingue, Darla Sampson, Delano Bryant, Katherine Diaz, Maria R. Smith, Mary Clark, Mary Louise Clark, Rebecca Bergman, Suzanna Wilson, Tyler Swanson
CALL-TO-ORDER
Lauren Patterson called the meeting to order on February 11th, 2026.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the previous meeting (January 14th, 2026) were approved from Mellisa Morse and seconded by Canice Minor.
Presentations:
AARP Community Challenge Grant – Brandon Chase
The 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant is opened for applications. These grants are for 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations recognized by the IRS, and Government entities. There are three levels of grants available, Flagship Grants – up to $15,000, Capacity Building Microgrants $2,500, and Demonstration Grants- up to $25,000. These applications are due on March 4th, work can begin on June 24th and the project must be completed by December 15th. Projects for these grants can be any space, place, organization, program that impacts the community, particularly those 50+. The application process is relatively easy, only about 10 pages in length. The administration of these grants is also minimal. This year AARP is awarding twice as many projects as previous years. Some previous projects have been a home repair workshop, community tortilla making space, ADA upgrades at local library, and portable ADA ramp for businesses. Other projects include, murals, community gardens, bike racks, and disaster preparedness workshop.
Go to AARO.com/livable-communities to apply
If you have questions or need help with your project contact Vinny Black, Health Development Coordinator, at Vincent.Black@tn.gov
Recurring Business:
Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Updates
- Adult Obesity/Mental Health
- Adult Obesity and Mental Health are working on putting on a suicide prevention 5k walk/run on September 12th, 2026. The plan is to use the rest of the funds to put on the event. The plan is to have a health fair at 5k to support other areas of our CHIP. The committees have come up with ideas for tee shirts, medals, and flyers. The committee is looking for sponsors to help offset the cost of the event.
- The committee has created a task list, please reach out if you are interested in helping out.
- EMS is able to have an ambulance for the event.
- Goals
- Promote Suicide Prevention
- Provide physical activity supports for adults
- Awareness to the Health Council
- Stephanie Evans made a motion, with a second by Tiffany Thomson, to proceed with putting on a 5k walk/race in Robertson County on September 12th, 2026.
- The Motion passed with unanimous consent
- Drug Overdose/Substance Misuse
- The Drug Overdose/Substance Misuse committee is still working on the designs for their yard signs. The committee will update the council once it has been completed.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Health Department
TN Strong registration has opened up, July 19th-21st. The theme is Tobacco Free is in Our Nature.
United Way
This Sunday (February 15th), there is a volunteer community cleanup event. This is to help clean up storm damage for neighbors in Roberston County that have reported need.
TN Kids Nutrition-
TN Kids Nutrition has a community closet. This is supported by local Walmarts and community donations. The Closet has many items: Comforters, Shoes, decorations, Mattresses, chairs, etc.. The public cannot access this, however, Health Council members can access this on behalf of their clients or families in need. Please come by for a tour and help reach the needs of the community. TN Kids has access to lock boxes for pills. Email: Debbie.Mitchel@tnkids.org
Making a Difference Coalition
Community Care and Connections Fair on March 28th from 10-2 @ Cheatam Park Elementary. Lt. Holmes is looking for organizations to set up tables.
Robertson County Interfaith Coalition
Next meeting is on Tuesday, February 17th at 12:00pm.
Nami-
Nami has started a virtual mental support group. These will be on the 4th Tuesday from 7:00-8:30pm and 4thThursday from 12:00-1:30pm. Both are free to attend. Please reach out to Nami to receive the meeting invite.
Tennessee Commission for Children and Youth
The state of the child report has been released.
TCCY Children advocacy day is happening again in March. This year will be a two-day event. The first day is an advocacy training day, and the second is a networking day.
Mighty Oak-
Free Adult Mental Health First Aid Training on March 28th
ROPS:
Overdose prevention and reversal training will be held on the 2nd Monday of the month at noon. If you live locally and attend, you will still receive a naloxone kit.
Center for Family Development
The Center for Family Development is an evidenced based in home support for families with new babies (2nd trimester- 90 days). Additionally, families can get enrolled after 90 days in certain situations.
Stoke Brown Public Library
The Fourth Monday there is an adult exercise class from 1-2pm.
Operation Standdown-
Operation Commissary- Veterans can sign up to receive monthly food bags free delivered too them.
ADJOURNMENT
- Lauren Patterson adjourned the meeting on February 11th, 2026, with a motion from Mellisa Morse and seconded by Canice Minor.
- The council’s next meeting will be held on March 11th, 2026.
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