01/08/20 Meeting Minutes

WORKGROUP FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT WELLNESS

January 8, 2019

THOSE PRESENT

Laura Schroyer (MLMC)                    Mitzi Wiltison (GRMC)                       Amanda Shreve (GRMC)

Dr. Karl Schwalm                               Rebecca Aiken (GCPS)                     John Corbin (GCHD)

Phil Lauver (GCPS)                            Amy Ritchie (GCHD)

Dr. Stephanie Sisler (Lovelight Pediatrics)

Dr. Sotiere Savopoulos (Cornerstone Family Medicine)

Incentives for Well-Checks – Medicaid and some insurance companies provide incentives to providers.  Dr. Schwalm and Laura will research incentives for providers and families.

Surveys – The paper surveys and the permission slips were sent home with the Middle School students yesterday.  There are incentives if the parents complete their part and return the permission slip for the student to complete their survey.

Becky distributed a time line for the surveys, which began in December giving a message through GCPS social media and website; then going through the end of January with the completion of the surveys and having them returned to the Health Department. (See attached)

Integrated Health Curriculum – In the spring, the school system is planning changes to their curriculum starting with the elementary schools.  At this time, there is no testing for health, but it will now be included in existing math, English, and science curriculum to assure it is being taught.

Mental Health – There are more abuse and neglect reports than ever before, many due to the opioid crisis.  This spills out into the classroom where the lack of behavior control has increased.  The 2018 change in the law brought Safe to Learn Act with more of a focus school safety and security.

The school system employs school counselors trained in therapy, but are not licensed, that lead groups for students experiencing issues, such as, divorce, depression, drinking, etc.   Two social workers work with families and make home visits.  There are three school psychologists and they are hoping for a fourth to meet with students with learning difficulties.  If there is a behavioral changes, a referral is made and a call to the parents to get to the root of the problem.

The Health Department has counselors in the schools too.  If there are addictions or a student identified as a partier, they are referred to them.

Becky and Phil will find the percentage of students that are in these programs and receiving these services.

It was recommended to have Fred Polce, LMB/BHA invited to the next meeting for Behavioral Health issues and funding. In addition, it would be beneficial to invite Mary VanSickle, a GCHD social worker, to the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.  The next meeting is February 5 in the conference room at the Garrett County Health Department.  Dr. Schwalm is unable to attend, so Dr. Corder will lead the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Beth A. Brenneman

Bold = Action Item

Attachment:  Middle School Survey Timeline