Florida Partners in Crisis

Board Minutes For 01/29/2009

Present at meeting:
Jim DeLawder, Vice Chair, NEFSH/DCF
Mark Speiser, 17th District Circuit Judge (Broward County)
Rick Wagner, MHA Public Policy Council of Florida
Catherine Jackson, Astra Zeneca - Cullen Communications
Pat Curtis, Curtis Communications
Linda Gregory, Seminole County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force
Michele Saunders, FLPIC Executive Director
Julie Eberwein, SCMHC
Mark Engelhardt, USF – FMHI
Sally Wolfe, Orange County Clerk of the Court
Ken Alexander – Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Fred Alford - Captain, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office/Corrections
Peggy Iacuzio, Lakeview Center- Pensacola
Mike Mathes, NAMI Florida
Marcia Mathes, NAMI Florida
Gail Cordial, Eli Lilly
Brian Garrett, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Donna Wyche, Orange County
Robert Rihn, TCHS, Inc.
Alyce Lee Stansbury, Stansbury Consulting
Joan Helms, JAH Associates, Inc.
Todd Berchen, St John’s County Mental Health
Fred Kennedy, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Susan Lee, Mental Health America, Northeast Florida
Martha Lott, Circuit Judge, Gainesville
Greg Brown, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Tammy Harris, Brevard County Health and Human Services
Sam Kitching, Northeast Florida State Hospital
Terri Gnann, Recovery Jax
Gene Costlow, DCF – SAMH
Peggy Symonds, NAMI Greater Orlando
Anne Swerlick, Florida Legal Services
Hannah Hackworth, Urban Jacksonville
W. David Hale, DBSA CRPS – A
Darlene Little, RBHS
Angela Vickers, JAXAMHC, PAIMI
Marion Moore, NAMI Jacksonville
Darlane Valentine, Advocate
Julie Livesay, Advocate, MHRC Fact Team
Kimberly Hill, Forensic Development Services
Patrick Hendry, Florida Peer Network
Dana Farmer, Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities
Ellen Piekalkiewicz, SAMH Corp
Rafael Robert, NAMI Florida, Eli Lilly and Co
Norma Wagner, Broward Regional Health Planning Council
Fred Sarkees, Renaissance Behavioral Health
Linda Reuschle, City of Jacksonville Behavioral and Human Services
Cindy Carter, Vocational Rehabilitation
Rebecca Pena, Gulf Coast
Tara Wildes, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Julia Dorcey, Northeast Florida State Hospital
Mark Fontaine, FADAA

Judge Speiser called the meeting to order at 10:08 AM. He welcomed everyone and thanked Chief Tara Wildes for coordinating the location and food. He also thanked Jacksonville Behavioral and Human Services for the use of their facilities and LifeStream Behavioral for lunch.

The minutes of the November meeting were approved as presented in the packet on pages 1-6. Judge Speiser explained that the schedule for the day would be altered to accommodate those who have reports to give, but have to leave early. He then turned the meeting over to Mike Mathes for the financial report.

Financial
Reports are included in board packet following the minutes. Mike reported that for 2008 we came in under budget, which was fine. He also advised that since the end of the year, $75,000 had been received from the Florida Bar for year 2009 and another $5,000 had been paid by Charlotte County for CIT assistance. FLPIC has operating funds for 2009, but have no guarantee for any funding after that. Financial report was approved as presented.

Legislative – Mark Fontaine
Mark presented information on the current status of legislative funding and what is expected to occur with more state budget cuts. He then led discussion on various bills, grant opportunities, and the dismal state of Florida’s finances. Thankfully, the Governor did veto the proposed DCF cuts. The Reinvestment Grant has $4 million that is still under DOC and has not been released. PIC needs to push to have this moved to the DCF budget, so it can be allocated.

Mark and others voiced the opinion that the only way to receive any additional funding (or save what has previously been budgeted) will be to show how it can be transferred from other areas, (not building as many prisons) or how to increase funding, i.e. increase sales and corporate taxes, or document stamps – perhaps a larger tax on tobacco and/or alcohol.

Mark suggested we may have success in passing bills that have no price tag, and that we should push for no cut in services by convincing the Legislature that it costs more for prison beds than community services.

Michele mentioned that $16M funding for special projects that has been funded by general revenue has now been moved to non-recurring status and will be gone July 1st.

In addition to the material in board packets, Mark passed out several papers that helped explain the current situation and areas where we may have some impact.

Judge Speiser thanked Mark Fontaine for the detailed report.

Ellen Piekalkiewicz explained that the $33M recouped from WellCare has been transferred to the state’s general budget. There will be additional monies coming and we should push to use these to replace the $16M being lost this year.

Ellen handed out copies of the Florida Substance Abuse and Mental Health Corporation annual report. She advised that all of the Reinvestment Grant funding has been committed for the year. Mark Engelhardt stated that we need folks from those counties that received planning grants to be in Tallahassee telling their stories. Ellen suggested that business leaders should actually be our target audience. rather than legislators.

Mike Mathes led a discussion on the need for State Parity even with the Federal passing their bill – Only companies with over 50 employees fall under the federal guidelines and then only if they have provision in their insurance for mental health and substance services. The parity bill is currently in rule development.

There is also legislative work going on to revise the Baker Act. Senator Gaetz has recommended changing the wording from “imminent danger” to “at risk”. DCF has some revisions they want in the Baker Act. Keep watch on the websites and add your input. Judge Lott stated it should be put in same category as the Marchman Act, but there are no resources. She said it works if there is funding.

Other Reports
Anne Swerlick, Florida Legal Services, discussed Medicaid reform. There is a push to expand the reform to other areas of Florida. She is looking for stories of people who have had difficulty in accessing the system. Florida does not have procedures in place to handle the reform.

The Florida Bar Foundation through Legal Services assists those coming out of jails and prisons apply for social security and Medicaid. Judge Speiser advised that local offices were denying assistance if on conditional release. Anne suggested contacting local legal services offices.

Michele's Moment
For those who might be unaware, Judge Speiser explained that this would be Michele Saunders’ last meeting as Executive Director of PIC. He stated that it will be hard to replace Michele. He described Michele as being multi-dimensional, with lobbying, fundraising, CIT, and administrative office skills, in addition to having a compassionate heart. He said he has been impressed with her passion and energy. In Judge Speiser’s words, she has been our “Joan of Arc” and is a living legend. We all wish the very best to her in her new position. As a small token of appreciation, Michele was presented with a painting of the Capitol building, and a card signed by members.

Judge Speiser emphasized that FLPIC will move forward and continue to work for quality mental health services. Around ninety applications for the executive director’s positions were received. Five people were interviewed. The number has been cut to three who will interview again on February 10th in Tallahassee.

Michele thanked everyone for the teamwork in getting out the message in “One Voice”. In her mind, Partners says it all — teamwork, energy and passion. She thanked several people and organizations specifically who have made her job so much easier. She will continue to be part of the “One Voice.”

Advocacy
Michele explained the advocacy material that has been developed for use. There is a one pager for legislators with supporting documentation for aides. Pat Curtis will continue to coordinate advocacy efforts.

Michele explained how the advocacy group came together for a one day training. Pat said it was a rewarding experience as plans were developed for local areas, and there are signs that they are being followed. Pat mentioned Highlands, Polk and Brevard County representatives as those who had made some great headway in reaching out to commissioners and legislators. Pat reminded the group to follow up with letters.

February 10th – 11th Behavioral Healthcare Day in Tallahassee. Exhibits will be in the Rotunda on the 10th, and Florida Council will hold a press conference at 10:30. February 11th will be set aside to visit with legislators and a reception held in the evening. NAMI Florida and Florida Council are working on pins for everyone.

Information and a schedule is posted on the website. Legislators are being notified about the reception through invitations from the Florida Council. Every member should remind his or her legislators of the reception, also.

Marion Moore mentioned that most grants are for programs – there is a need for administrative expenses. Michelle advised that an untapped source is community foundations – usually have small money, but it can be used to help defray these expenses

Pat Curtis brought before the group a request from the State Mental Health Planning Council. The group wants to have marches all around the state in March to promote the slogan “No more cuts”. They are looking for an organization to promote and plan these events. After discussion, it was determined that these might dilute the effect of the NAMI Walks that are held around the state. Marcia Mathes mentioned that state employees want a NAMI Walk back at the Capitol.

Michele introduced Sam Kitching from Northeast Florida State Hospital (NEFSH). Sam told the group that once again there is a move on to privatize the hospital. One vendor wants to privatize all hospitals in Georgia and North Florida. In discussing the issue, Mr. Kitching suggested that everyone consider two things – 1. Cost comparisons and complete financial accounting. The Gainesville Sun published a report showing that it cost $19,000 more dollars in private hospital as opposed to NEFSH. 2. Look at services provided, especially with multiply diagnosis. The state hospital is required to handle physical as well as mental issues of patient. NEFSH runs at 100% capacity, but privates do not. Privates are guaranteed 3% increase each year; NEFSH is not.

Mr. Kitching announced the 50 year anniversary celebration will be held on September 18th. Invitations will be sent to PIC members.

Partnership – Fred Alford
New membership forms are on the website. Fred reminded everyone that officers are elected for two year terms and can be elected for another two year term. Committees are appointed by the board. Currently, Fred heads Partnership: Jon Cherry, Development: Peggy Iacuzio, Education: and Bob Sharpe, Legislative. Bob has indicated he cannot continue in that role for another year. Fred indicated the committee will be working on these leadership roles and make a presentation at the June meeting. There is still a need for an Advocate Board member from the Southwest region. Any suggestions, please forward to Fred.

Organizational Development
Joan Helms, JAH Associates, Inc., discussed the procedures that will be used in the:

A. Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan Audit
1. Need Input from members
2. One on one interviews
3. On-line survey – getting ideas

B. Resource Development Plan – Alyce Lee Stansbury, Stansbury Consulting
We have to make ourselves real to fund-raisers

C. Operating Plan Development – make it work
Joan asked the question – What sets FLPIC apart from other groups? Various responses were given: collaboration, grassroots efforts to improve mental health and substances abuse, unique in that we talked about a crisis ten years ago (it is now here), intersection of mental health and substance abuse with criminal justice, coalition, diversity, consensus, cash, focused, shared leadership, things get accomplished, acceptance and tolerance, and one agenda.

Joan then asked, “How do we envision the future?” Again, various answers were given, among them sustainability, new blood, leadership within and without the organization. Joan suggested a new way of doing business. She said there is a need for long-range planning for capital.

Alyce Lee Stansbury then discussed the process for developing a strategic fundraising plan and in presenting a case for support, e.g., why should a donor care? She suggested the biggest mistakes organizations make during tough times are: spending less on fundraising, being pessimistic, and apologizing for asking. Alyce Lee passed out an information sheet that gave ten strategies for fundraising in tough economic times. The main things to keep in mind are to stay connected, personalize contacts and keep asking.

The planning process will be wrapped up in May, but the board will have the ability to pull up interim reports. Jim DeLawder asked if our diversity would hurt in fundraising efforts. By showing accomplishments of the group should negate this problem.

Community Activity Dates
Angela Vickers announced that the National Baptist Pastor’s Conference will be held in Jacksonville on February 6-10 and once again a table has been provided for Substance Abuse and Mental Health information.

Julie Eberwein announced that Seminole Community Mental Health Center will be celebrating their 40th anniversary on January 30th from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, and will also be announcing a name change to Seminole Behavioral Healthcare.

NAMI Greater Orlando will have their WALK on May 2nd at Lake Lily in Maitland.
New website for Mental Health Jacksonville – MHCJAX.com
Behavioral Healthcare Days – February 10-11, Tallahassee

Future Meetings:
Next meeting: Annual - June 4th in Orlando

Transcribed by Linda Gregory
Peggy Iacuzio, Secretary

Voted or assigned Action Items:

Voted items:
Approved minutes and financial reports

Action Items:
Make appointments with legislators
Attend Behavioral Healthcare Days in Tallahassee
Check website for survey; offer suggestions