CESSA - Region 6 Committee Meeting Approved Minutes 02/20/2024

Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) Region 6 Advisory Committee

Meeting Minutes - February 20, 2024 - 2:30-3:00 PM via Zoom

Meeting Minutes - Approved by Members 05/21/2024

  • Welcome and Call to Order
    • Meeting called to order at 2:30 pm by John Aguilar
    • Introductions
  • Roll Call
    • Attendees:
      • Via Zoom: John Aguilar, Joseph King, Asantewaa Darkwa, Sarah Ferguson, Terry Soloman, Lindsay Lansu, Allan Axelrod, Dustun Rhea, Andrew Quarnstrom, Greg Chance, Matt Henson (on behalf of EMS Provider Representative, Steve Bennett), Melissa Pappas, Jennifer Brown, and Betsy Smith
      • Absent: James Russell, Ursulla Idleman, Jeffrey Kiesling, Dustun Heuerman, James "Cory" Koker, Jeffery Dean Ray, Amy Marley, Megan Cambron, Clay Curtright, and all Expert Consulting Group members.
      • Public Attendees: Angela Catalano
  • Approval of Minutes
    • No comments/corrections to the 07/17/23 Minutes.
    • Motion to Approve 07/17/23 Minutes made by Andrew Quarnstrom. Seconded by Betsy Smith.
    • Motion approved by all members present.
  • Open Meetings Act
    • Members were advised that the meetings are subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
    • Meetings are recorded and you have the option to switch your camera off if you choose to.
    • A copy of this recording and minutes will be posted to the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health Open Meetings Page.
    • All participants are muted to reduce interference of background noise.
    • Please make note of the raise hand feature. Appointed Committee Members wishing to contribute to the discussion will be asked to raise their hand and then will be unmuted to speak. Public members will raise their hand and comment during the public comment section to provide input.
  • State Updates
    • Asantewaa Darkwaa shared that the state has filed new bills: CESSA deadline has been extended to July 01, 2025, and it's no longer required for RAC Chairs/Co-Chairs to be EMS Medical Directors.
    • Asantewaa Darkwaa shared information about work group implementation - Meetings with Power Phone have been held in order to bring work structure to a more local level: PSAPS, EMS, law enforcement, fire, etc.
  • RAC 6 Current Progress/Goals
    • John Aguilar requested general feedback from RAC 6 members, as well as feedback regarding the establishment of alternative responses and arranging meetings with stakeholders.
    • John Aguilar then offered his contact information to members to provide additional information following the meeting.
  • Hyperlocal Regional Implementation Approach
    • John Aguilar briefly reviewed the Interim Risk Level Matrix and alternative response models.
    • Asantewaa Darkwaa shared that they are currently focusing on calls made that fall within level one. It is being asked of all RAC's to select a pilot PSAP that uses Power Phone to assist with implementing these new protocols.
    • John Aguilar asked if any PSAPS within RAC 6 are currently using Power Phone or if anyone would be willing to coordinate meetings with local agencies to begin plan development.
  • Training Plans - 911, 988, 590
    • John Aguilar asked RAC 6 members to review slides associated with these training plans and to provide feedback on these training plans during the next RAC 6 meeting in March. Once feedback regarding these training plans are solicited, John will submit a feedback survey in April 2024.
      • Terry Solomon provided additional information about training plans and the hope to create partnerships between DMH, UIC Crisis HUB and RAC's. Terry emphasized that feedback from members is needed to identify any gaps in curriculum developed, and highlighted that there will be opportunities to shape these trainings specific to each region. Terry also stated that an FAQ document will be created and welcomed questions.
  • Next Steps
    • Select pilot PSAP that uses Power Phone for implementation
    • Review training plans for next month
  • Questions from the Committee
    • Joey King asked RAC 6 members if they were aware of any local EMS providers currently meeting regularly with law enforcement and 911 centers within RAC 6.
  • Next meeting will be Tuesday March 19, 2024 from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Public Comment
    • None
  • Adjournment
    • Motion to Adjourn made by Andrew Quarnstrom. Seconded by Allan Axelrod.
    • John Aguilar called for the meeting to Adjourn at 3:06 PM without any opposition.