North Cook News

The city of Park Ridge Human Needs Task Force met June 14 to address prescription drug abuse.

The Human Needs Task Force is a group of citizens appointed by the mayor to address the needs of the citizens of Park Ridge and surrounding communities. The Task Force coordinates such activities as food drives, a clothes closet, medical supply closet, job clearinghouse and other related matters. The task force meets on the second Tuesday of the month.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the city:

HUMAN NEEDS TASK FORCE

CITY HALL SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BUTLER PLACE PARK RIDGE, IL 60068

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016 AT 8:30AM

Members Present: John Benka, Darlene Hejza, Lee Joesten, Alex LaChapelle, Millie O’Brien, Liz Swanson

Members Absent: David Aslesen, Laura Dee, Milada Gorelik, Kate Kerin, Floyd Kortenhof, Erin Lawler, John McNabola, Rev. Lynne Morrow, Ramon Sanchez, Adrienne Timm, Marsha Warnick

Also Present: Dr. Teri Collins - MCYAF, John Bradescu- Center of Concern and Brigid Madden

I. Invocation

Invocation offered by Alex LaChapelle.

II. Action Items

A. Approval of Minutes

Meeting Minutes from May 10, 2016 approved.

III. Presentation

A. Dr. Teri Collins - Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation (MCYAF)

Dr. Collins explained that MCYAF offices have moved into Maine South High School, which has increased the Foundation’s interaction with the students. MCYAF not only serves Maine South students, but also Maine East and Maine West. Dr. Collins receives calls from parents who are concerned about their child using alcohol or drugs. MCYAF does not offer treatment but refers to Maine Township and other nearby treatment centers and psychologists. She explained that there is a stigma about talking about drugs and alcohol. The movement in the 1980’s “Just Say No” has been revised today to “Just Say Know” to stress the importance of education and making good choices.

The MCYAF Youth Group started approximately two years ago in an effort to bring in more students. Dr. Collins explained that the Foundation also hosts Town Hall meetings. This year the Maine East Life CM group selected MCYAF as one of their service organizations.

Dr. Collins explained that MCYAF will now be offering classes for first time student offenders, who have been issued a ticket for drug or alcohol use. Due to the closure of Maine Center students did not have a local option for drug and alcohol awareness classes. Brigid Madden provided additional details on the Adjudication process.

Dr. Collins addressed prescription drug abuse and its increasing presence among teenagers. She explained that the United States makes up only 5% of the world’s population, yet prescribes 95% of the world’s opiate prescriptions. Dr. Collins is currently working on a program for teen athletes. She stated that Vicodin is the leading entry into prescription drug abuse and is often prescribed to student athletes following an injury.

Dr. Collins described the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction, describing drug abuse as when an individual takes more than the recommended dosage and drug addiction is when an individual feels as though they cannot function without the drug.

MCYAF has a prescription drop off box located in the Police Department available 24 hours a day; and the City’s Health Department also collects prescription drugs, including sharps, once a month.

Dr. Collins discussed the conflicting messages students receive about marijuana use and how it is addressed in her classes.

Dr. Collins indicated that while MCYAF does not provided any mental health assessments, it is recommended in certain situations.

MCYAF will be hosting a fund raiser on September 15th. They are also funded through donations, grants and foundations. This year MCYAF received funds from Maine Township, the City of Des Plaines and the Park Ridge Community Fund.

IV. Ongoing Business

A. Community Needs – Follow Up or New

B. Review of Funds

Current account balance: $709.99.

V. Agency/Church Reports

Access Community Health Network No Report.

Avenues to Independence No Report.

Center of Concern (COC) John Bradescu explained that the Arts for the Homebound program will begin in the fall of this year. An intern from Oakton Community College will be joining the COC in the fall as well. Mr. Bradescu explained that he will be providing occupational therapy during home assessments for seniors to help with mobility, range of motion and fall/injury prevention. He described the Connecting for Good program, which familiarizes seniors with the computer and internet. Mr. Bradescu added that the COC will be hosting a miniature golf tournament this evening at Mountain View Adventure Center in Des Plaines beginning at 5:30pm.

Environmental Health No Report.

First United Methodist Church No Report.

Healthy Community Collation (HCC) John Benka reported on the launch event for the Mental Health Resource Guide which was held at the Park Ridge Public Library on May 23rd. He distributed copies of the guide. The Collation will meet on Friday to discuss a strategy for distributing the guides.

Lutheran General Hospital No Report.

Maine East High School No Report.

Maine Township No Report.

Mary Seat of Wisdom Church (MSW) Darlene Hejza reported that over the next three weekends, the Church will be collecting backpacks for children at the WINGS center. MSW will also be offering the AARP Smart Driver class on June 27th and 29th from 9:15am - 1:00pm. Participants are eligible for an insurance discount.

Park Ridge Community Church (PRCC) Liz Swanson reported that Dean Whitford has officially retired from the Medical Lending Closet. She explained that they are looking to computerize their system to keep up with the high volume, perhaps using bar code scanning to track equipment coming in and out. The Medical Lending Closet has relocated within the building, making it more accessible.

Park Ridge Community Fund (PRCF) Millie O’Brien explained that the Harry O’Brien Run/Walk was successful. The Park Ridge Senior Center continues to offer a wide range of programs and is beneficial to the senior community. She stated that the Kemnitz Senior Center has closed.

Park Ridge Ministerial Association (PRMA) Lee Joesten explained that the first Crop Walk planning meeting will be on Thursday.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Alex LaChapelle reported that Sunday Night Suppers have concluded for the year, serving between 70 and 80 people last Sunday. The meals for next year are already booked. Suppers will begin again the week after Labor Day. Rev. LaChapelle explained that the Church’s relationship with Whole Foods will be maintained through the summer. Perishable food collected over the summer months will be donated to Catholic Charities.

St. Luke’s collected 1,200lbs of food during the Memorial Day Parade, which is double what had been collected in past years.

St. Paul of the Cross Church No Report.

VI. New Business

VII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:39am.