CESSA - Region 6 Committee Meeting Approved Minutes 04/16/2024

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

Meeting Minutes - April 16, 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 2:33 pm by John Aguilar
    • Chair and Co-Chair Introduction
  • Roll Call
    • Attendees:
      • Via Zoom: John Aguilar, Joseph King, Brenda Hampton, Lindsay Lansu, James Russell, Allan Axelrod, Steve Bennett, and Betsy Smith
      • Absent: Andrew Quarnstrom, Jennifer Brown, Jeffrey Kiesling, Dustun Rhea, James "Cory" Koker, Jeffery Dean Ray, Amy Marley, Megan Cambron, Clay Curtright, Dustun Heuerman, Greg Chance, Melissa Pappas, Ursulla Idleman, and all Expert Consulting Group members.
      • Public Attendees: Angela Catalano, Matt Henson, Faith Williams
  • Approval of Minutes
    • No Quorum - Minutes from 02/20/24 and 03/14/24 were not approved.
  • 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
    • Brenda Hampton Introduction (Asantewaa Darkwa has transitioned into another role).
      • Brenda Hampton reminded members that the 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.
      • Brenda Hampton informed members that the deadline to submit feedback pertaining to the 988, 911, and 590 training plans has been extended to the 19th.
        • Brenda noted that other RACs have been holding work groups on a smaller scale in hopes to solicit further feedback on these training plans.
      • Brenda Hampton reported that they are still waiting on feedback from Power Phone regarding changes to scripts and protocols. Brenda reported that a meeting will be held in May wherein Priority Dispatch and the expert panel (PSAP representatives, DMH, Crisis Hub, statewide PSAP administrator, etc.) will continue problem solving. Brenda also mentioned meeting coordination with APCO and independents will soon take place.
  • Survey Update and Feedback on Training Plans
    • John Aguilar confirmed that RAC 6 feedback was already submitted to the state, but he encouraged further feedback from members.
  • Behavioral Health Crisis Continuum in Illinois Knowledge Innovation Action
    • Brenda Hampton discussed the one-day forum taking place in Chicago, IL (UIC Forum - Halsted and Roosevelt Rd.) on June 11th, 2024. Brenda noted that national speakers who are experts in crisis delivery services in the continuum of care will be in attendance. Brenda continued by mentioning that local speakers will discuss the innovations that have occurred in the state of Illinois as provider agencies have begun using Mobile Crisis Response Teams and/or other alternative response models.
      • Brenda clarified this event is invitation-only; all RACs have been asked to recommend ten individuals to attend this event. Brenda mentioned that formal invitations are currently being created.
      • John Aguilar confirmed that recommendations have been made for RAC 6 and reiterated the purpose of this event (i.e. to gather new ideas pertaining to crisis response to share with RAC 6, and to ultimately implement these new ideas within local jurisdiction).
  • RAC 6 Membership Invitation Proposal
    • John Aguilar held on open discussion about concerns pertaining to the inability to establish communication with all entities necessary to facilitate change. John suggested extending RAC 6 meeting invitations to EMS Medical Directors, EMS System Coordinators, PSAP Directors, 590 Providers, etc. and requested feedback on this notion.
    • Allan Axelrod voiced agreement, and added that he has found more success in one-on-one communication interactions as opposed to email communication.
    • John Aguilar identified further barriers to meeting this goal including but not limited to employee turnover and being provided with outdated contact information. John suggested RAC 6 revisit this topic within future meetings in order to hold a vote when there is quorum.
  • Updates with Hyperlocal Planning Groups
    • John Aguilar reported no progress made within Champaign County.
    • Betsy Smith reported that a local planning group has been named within her jurisdiction, but no further progress has been made.
    • Joseph King reported no progress made within Coles County due to delays pertaining to 590 DSA coverage changes, but reported that this would be revisited in the near future.
    • Joseph King asked Jim Russell whether he is aware of any planning groups (EMS, law enforcement, behavioral health, etc.) in Vermillion County. Jim reported that he is unaware of any planning groups within his jurisdiction, and expressed concerns pertaining to whether holding these meetings/coordinating these planning groups will make any notable difference. Joseph King validated this concern and agreed that identifying barriers is necessary, but also highlighted the benefits of problem solving as a group.
    • John Aguilar reiterated the purpose of these Hyperlocal Planning Groups and expressed his commitment to support RAC 6 members by providing assistance with coordinating these groups as needed.
  • Next Steps
    • John Aguilar reported he is hopeful to have quorum at our next meeting in order to approve RAC 6's last three sets of Minutes.
    • John Aguilar mentioned he would like to hold further discussion on extending RAC 6 meeting invitations to other entities.
    • John Aguilar stated that he would like to follow-up regarding progress made with Hyperlocal Planning Groups.
  • Questions from the Committee
    • None
  • Next meeting will be Tuesday May 21st, 2024 from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Public Comment
    • None
  • Adjournment
    • John Aguilar called for the meeting to Adjourn at 2:57 PM without any opposition.