10/7/2020 Meeting Minutes

WORKGROUP FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT WELLNESS

October 7, 2020

Meeting Minutes

THOSE PRESENT:  Dr. Karl Schwalm, Jennifer Brenneman, Fred Polce, Jr., Amy Ritchie, Susan Mills, John Corbin, Amber King, Dr. Stephanie Sisler, Dr. Phil Lauver, Shelley Argabrite, Amy Fike, Kendra McLaughlin, Amanda Shreve, Sabrina Tasker, Dr. Jennifer Corder, Beth Brenneman

Dr. Schwalm called the virtual meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.

Update Mental Health, Behavioral Health, and Substance Abuse – Fred, Amanda, and Susan met to devise strategies in using social media.  The Republican Newspaper will run an article.  Prior to submission, all members can view the article in our action group for edit and input.  John can use the final copy to publish it through mygarrettcounty.com.  The school system can also do a push using the school website, Facebook, and emails.

Dr. Schwalm wrote a letter to the editor and a copy of it is in our action group for review by the workgroup.

As part of the Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) redesign, our HPC will receive grant money that will be put toward this workgroup to reach out, encourage, and engage residents in daily activities to earn points to go toward incentives.  We also have a fellow from the University of Maryland reviewing parts of this and is a good referral source.

Kendra mentioned that the Live Hard Play Clean initiative is doing similar activities with K-12 that can tie in with what this group is proposing and to include those that graduate out of their group.  These two platforms can complement each other.  Dr. Sisler offered to help with activities for the younger children.

The results of the survey given to middle school and high school students and parents showed anxiety, stress, and depression are concerns for all groups, but we do not know what the concerns are that lead to anxiety, stress, and depression.  What are ways to delve into these factors?  Susan said it could be discussed with students while counseling.  Making healthy choices when under stress is an important component.

Fred mentioned that virtual town hall meetings are being held throughout the state.  They can discuss concerns, etc.  It would be beneficial to have staff available to answer questions.

Dr. Schwalm suggested this be tabled until the next meeting.

Dr. Sisler has a concern that there is a large attendance to the free sports physicals held in the schools.  UPMC Urgent Care is recommended by SHS volleyball to have their sports physicals completed.  Is there a way to coordinate with the schools and encourage parents to get a well-child check-up?  When the sports physicals are due, the doctor’s office can complete the form.  Dr. Schwalm, Amber King, Dr. Sisler, and Dr. Savopoulos may be able to come up with a plan.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.  Then next meeting is scheduled for November 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Beth A. Brenneman