By MELODY METZGER – Courtesy of The Lamar Democrat
LAMAR- Project Director Jerod Morey opened the October 14 meeting of the Lamar Drug Free/ROCK Coalition/ORBIT at 5:30 p.m., in the AOK Corporate office. Other leaders of the coalition include Project Director Zach More and Prevention Services Manager/Community Engagement Specialist Dustin Read.
At the beginning of the meeting roll call was held, with three of the coalition members participating via Zoom Video Conference. This is necessary due to the fact that many of the coalition partners are in other areas, with the ROCK and ORBIT Coalitions offering services in Barton, Cedar and Dade counties. This way, if area partners are unable to attend, they can also participate. ROCK was made possible through a one year grant, while ORBIT is for three years.
Jerod Morey stated that the S4 Grant (See Something/Same Something) was in its fourth year out of year five as of October 1, 2019. Jerod reported that while Community Resource Officer Robert Lawrence was unable to attend the meeting that evening, he could attest to the fact that Officer Lawrence is developing a great relationship not only with the schools, but also out in the community.
The P3 app subscription has been renewed for another year and Jerod reported that individuals are continuing to leave P3 tips multiple times a month. He did reiterate that this is for the Lamar community only since other counties and cities are not involved with the coalition.
Kathy Jenkins gave a report on the recent school survey results. The survey concluded at the end of September and covered all three counties involved. Forty-nine percent of the respondents were from Barton County, 21 percent from Cedar and 31 percent from Dade. As to problems with substance abuse in the area, the highest percentage belonged to opioids, followed closely with methamphetamines. Nicotine was a close third.
Sixty-six percent of those participating believed that when it comes to the drug problem, there are people that are making a difference. They also believe that laws are not strict enough and not enforced as they should be. Many of those taking the survey believe that there is currently more criminal activity, families are less strong and they feel less safe. Jenkins also read some of the comments that were left during the survey.
It was reported that the ROCK survey was now complete and that a needs assessment and analysis is currently being worked on, with the due date of November 15.
A date and place for a “coalition retreat” was discussed with various ideas passed around. Jerod commented that coalition members should contact him with any ideas. The retreat was set for the first part of November.
Concerning the ORBIT grant, Jerod reported that he and Read had made contact with partners in all of the three counties and that meetings have been taking place with Cox Hospital, as they have the same grant as AOK. Their grant leaders will visit Lamar on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to discuss further partnerships. Jerod reported that substance abuse education classes had taking place at Lamar High School, as well as Golden City and Jasper schools. He also reported that he and Read had met with students this past week regarding vaping. AOK will be providing substance abuse discussions with the students at Lamar High School on each Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., through the remainder of the school year.
Those attending were reminded that mental health training will take place on Friday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Thiebaud Auditorium in Lamar, presented by Steve Miller from the Community Partnership of the Ozarks. The training will include how to recognize various issues and warning signs for mental illness and is open to 30 participants. Anyone that might be interested in attending this free training should contact Jerod Morey at AOK (417 682-6002).
Following the business meeting Andrew Crockett with CHIPs Church and AO House mentioned that there will be a Barton County Recovery Summit, to be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 5 p.m., at Lamar Memorial Hall. The event will be hosted by Lamar Celebrate Recovery.
Crockett reported that the summit will host all of Barton County’s recovery support efforts all under one roof. He stated that there would be representatives from various agencies and organizations present. Anyone that has a service available to the community for recovery that would like to set up a booth should call 417-214-8375.
The next drug-free coalition meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m., at the AOK Corporate office, 208A W. 10th St. in Lamar. Those interested in the eradication of destructive behavior are welcome to attend.