BHLT Notes Feb 2011.pdf - Dallas County Behavioral Health ...

Dallas County Behavioral Health Leadership Team
Meeting Notes
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner John Wiley Price at 9:35 a.m.
Ron Stretcher presented two new BHLT members. Anne Leggett Walker, president of
the NAMI southern sector, and Sue Ann Durham from the City of Dallas housing and
community services introduced themselves and summarized their representation at the
BHLT.
Commissioner Price then requested a motion for approval of the Meeting Notes from the
January 20, 2011 meeting.
Action: A Motion by Craig Nuckles, Seconded by Doug Denton to approve the minutes
was approved.
Dr. Chris Cline was asked to provide the BHLT with an overview of what needs to be
accomplished in today’s meeting. Dr. Cline pointed to the capacity that has been
created by the BHLT work groups. People have the opportunity to participate and shape
what this BHLT will look like. Dr. Cline stressed that the BHLT is still evolving. She
pointed to early signs of progress from everyone, such as the ACOT and FACT
contribution to the outcomes language with NTBHA and input into the 9 orders.
Dr. Cline’s overview prompted significant discussion about the process for the BHLT, the
ultimate goals of the process, how to preserve regional cooperation and how to address
funding issues. Concerns included the following:
• number of meetings required to be active in the BHLT and workgroups
• the BHLT process must not leave out the other NorthSTAR counties
• the BHLT process needs to be more agile in responding to issues
• questions about continued support from the consultants
• concerns that the BHLT must recognize that there are two separate, yet interrelated
issues: systemic service improvement and funding for those
improvements
Dr. Jacqualane Stephens reminded the group about the need for everyone to commit to
the whole BHLT process of having open discussion and dialogue to solve problems.
She emphasized that the BHLT represents a chance to go forward as a community.
The discussion lead to a consensus from the group that Ron Stretcher and Josh Floren
would convene a meeting of the work group chairs and develop a formal
recommendation to the BHLT for the next meeting to address improving the BHLT
process, continuing the consultant’s engagement, and a process for the BHLT to react to
proposed budget reductions.
Ron Stretcher gave a very brief update on the BHLT Charter and Alex Smith updated the
group on NTBHA Activities.
The BHLT then considered the approval of two charters for BHLT Committees.
Dr.Hunter presented the charter for the physicians’ leadership group and explained that
their main goal is to go out to all the groups and provide a member to each group to
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provide clinical support and expertise. There was a consensus from the group that no
charter was needed for this group to reach its goal and participate in the BHLT. Joe
Powell then presented the Peer Recovery Support Services Charter. There was
additional discussion about whether or not this group should be chartered in light of
earlier concerns about the number of work groups.
Action: A Motion and Second to approve the Peer Group charter with the understanding
that the future role of the Peer and other groups would be considered as part of the
charge to the work group chairs committee.
The following workgroups reported on their activities:
• FACT
• ACOT
• Juvenile Justice
• Primary Care
• FIXIT
• Housing
• FIRST
All workgroup reports were accepted by vote of the BHLT.
Janie Metzinger was in Austin and not available for the Legislative Committee update.
There was input from several BHLT members about the upcoming legislative breakfast
and other advocacy efforts. City of Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro-tem Pauline Medrano was
presented and updated the BHLT on legislative issues for the City of Dallas, specifically
the homeless assistance funding.
Dr. Margie Balfour briefly updated the group on the work of the Top 200. There was
discussion about the whole Top 200 initiative. Dr. Balfour will provide a more detailed
update at the March meeting.
The consultants reminded the BHLT that they are available for consultation with any
program or organization that requested assistance in how to be successful as the
system begins to engage in the redesign process.
The meeting was adjourned by Commissioner Price at 11:55am.
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