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DeKalb County, Illinois

Minutes of the
DEKALB COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH BOARD


November 15, 2004


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Board Members Present: Maureen Russell, Mary Petruchius , Bob Krogman,, Julia Fullerton, Doug Fraley and Opal Zitka

Board Members Absent: Norm Gilbert, Regina Parker, Jeanette Vaupel

Other Persons Present: Staff: Jerry Lane and Sue Halbrader

The Community Mental Health Board meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Bob Krogman.

 

AGENDA

                    Motion to approve the agenda was made by Mr. Fraley, seconded by Mrs. Fullerton.

 

INTRODUCTIONS

None

 

MINUTES

Mrs. Russell moved to approve the October minutes, as corrected, seconded by Mrs. Zitka. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Mr. Lane distributed an article from Illinois Issues that described the sad state of affairs in the contemporary mental health system in Illinois. The description that is so accurate today was from the July, 1978 issue. Mental health services have not improved in spite of the advances in medications and therapies, due in part to stigma, the inaccessibility of the system, difficulties with insurance companies and the expense for persons who are unable to work because of their illness.

  • Mr. Lane circulated an action alert from NAMI that discusses medical access protection. This issue is about the ability of persons with mental illnesses to have access to the proper medication that is available for treating their condition. Insurance companies like to insist that people be given scrips for "old" medication - because it is cheaper - until the patient proves to be resistant to that treatment, perhaps by having psychotic episodes or other breakdowns, at which time the person might be considered for newer more costly medicines. This is referred to as a tiered system, and is presented as a cost-effective method of treating people, but by denying state-of-the-art medicines, it damages many patients in the process.

  • More on shrinking services: An article in the Chronicle reported that Section 8 is shutting down for this fiscal year due to inadequate funding. Also in regard to housing, Hope Haven is running a wait list.

  • Board members inquired if Gurler Street Apartments were available as temporary housing, but HUD has long since turned them into permanent housing due to the shortage of affordable housing units. This is not to say that DeKalb County is doing badly. Affordable housing is a serious problem nation-wide.

  • Mr. Lane reported the State Association Planning Conference produced a list of topics to be dealt with in the next three years with the State of Illinois working toward consolidating mental health services.

  • Mr. Lane reported that the Michigan Mental Health Commission Report listed seventy-two areas that needed attention and correction in its system. We have been watching Michigan, as some of our colleagues in the State Association have noted that state has funding for community mental health greatly in excess to what we have in Illinois.

    • FINANCE REPORTS

    Mrs. Zitka moved approval of the Agency claims as submitted; seconded by Mrs. Fullerton. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously.

    Mrs. Zitka moved approval of the office claims as submitted; seconded by Mr. Fraley. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously.

     

    COMMUNITY INPUT

    None

    COMMITTEE REPORTS

    None

    OLD BUSINESS

    Mrs. Russell moved to table the discussion of the December meeting for the Executive Session, seconded by Mrs. Zitka. Accepted by consensus.

    Discussion of the Spring Retreat, usually a half-day meeting held on a Saturday in February to take the place of the January and February meetings followed. Mr. Krogman asked that John Ryan, the lobbyist for the State Association, be invited to speak to the Board about his view of mental health in the Legislature. Ms. Halbrader said she would set a date and keep the Board informed.

    Mrs. Russell moved to table the discussion of the search process for a new Executive Director for the Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Fraley. Accepted by consensus.

    NEW BUSINESS

    Discussion among the Board members regarding an expression of appreciation and gratitude for Mr. Lane’s eighteen years of exemplary service.

    Mrs. Petruchius moved to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Fraley.

    Mrs. Petruchius moved to adjourn from Executive Session, seconded by Mrs. Russell.

    Mrs. Petruchius moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Fullerton. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

     

    __________________________________________

    Secretary/Treasurer

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