Opioid Abatement Commission

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Opioid Abatement Commission convened with Dr. Stephanie Raglan presiding as the meeting officer. The commission focused entirely on informational presentations and updates related to opioid recovery and treatment services in the community.

The meeting featured four agenda items, all informational in nature, including Recovery Ready announcements and updates, and presentations from three organizations: Participation Station, Isaiah House Community Health Center, and Peacefully Whole Recovery. These presentations provided the commission with insights into current recovery programs and services available to individuals affected by opioid addiction.

The commission conducted two votes during the session, though the specific details of these motions were not specified in the available records. No public comments were received during the meeting, indicating the session was primarily focused on receiving information from the presenting organizations rather than public input.

The meeting served as an informational session for commissioners to learn about various recovery and treatment initiatives operating within their jurisdiction, helping to inform future decision-making regarding opioid abatement efforts and resource allocation.

Attendance

Present (7 members): • Dr. Stephanie Raglan • Sierra Bowman • John Moses • Margaret Pesciano • Dale Sanders • Dr. Matt Webster • Dr. Mark Woods

Absent (5 members): • Tara Stanfield • Kimberly Beard • Connie Neal • Laurie Brock • Angela Evans

Late arrivals: • None

Seven commission members were present for the meeting, while five members were absent. No members arrived late to the session.

Votes and Decisions

The Commission took two votes during the meeting, both of which passed unanimously by voice vote.

Agenda Approval 2:00 Commissioner John Moses made a motion to approve the agenda for the day, which was seconded by Commissioner Dale Sanders. The motion passed by voice vote with no opposition.

Minutes Approval 4:00 Commissioner Mark Woods moved to approve the minutes from the last meeting, with Commissioner Sierra Bowman providing the second. This motion also passed by voice vote without any dissenting votes.

Both votes were conducted as voice votes rather than formal roll call votes, indicating unanimous or near-unanimous support from the Commission members present. No conditions or amendments were attached to either motion.

Recovery Ready Announcements and Updates

10:00

Carmen Combs presented updates on the Recovery Ready initiative during the Commission meeting. The presentation covered recent activities and future planning efforts for the program.

Combs reported on a recent reception that was held as part of the Recovery Ready initiative. The event appears to have been successful in bringing together stakeholders and partners involved in recovery efforts within the community.

Looking ahead, Combs outlined plans for developing a local directory of Recovery Ready partners. This directory would serve as a resource to connect individuals and organizations with recovery services and support networks in the area. The directory represents an effort to improve coordination and accessibility of recovery resources for community members.

The presentation was informational in nature, with Combs providing status updates rather than seeking specific action from the Commission. No concerns or issues were raised during this agenda item, and no formal decisions were required from the Commission members.

The Recovery Ready initiative continues to move forward with both completed activities, such as the recent reception, and planned developments like the partner directory that will enhance the program's effectiveness in supporting recovery efforts throughout the community.

Participation Station Presentation

30:00 Phil and Kelly Gunning delivered a presentation to the Commission about Participation Station, a program operated by NAMI Lexington focused on peer support services and mental health initiatives.

The Gunnings outlined the organization's work in providing mental health support through peer-to-peer services. Participation Station operates as part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lexington chapter, emphasizing community-based mental health resources and support networks.

During their presentation, Phil and Kelly Gunning highlighted the various mental health initiatives and programs offered through Participation Station. The presentation focused on how peer support services can effectively complement traditional mental health treatment approaches by connecting individuals with others who have shared similar experiences.

The presentation was informational in nature, providing the Commission with an overview of the organization's mission, services, and impact within the community. The Gunnings shared details about their approach to mental health advocacy and the specific ways Participation Station serves individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.

No formal action was taken following the presentation, as it served to inform Commission members about the valuable mental health resources available through NAMI Lexington's Participation Station program. The presentation provided insight into community-based mental health support services and their role in addressing local mental health needs.

Isaiah House Community Health Center Presentation

60:00

Albert Kraut presented information about Isaiah House and its services to the Commission. The presentation focused on the organization's comprehensive addiction recovery programs and highlighted the establishment of a new Community Health Center located in Lexington.

During the presentation, Kraut outlined the various services that Isaiah House provides as part of their addiction recovery mission. The discussion emphasized the organization's expanded healthcare offerings through their newly established Community Health Center, which represents a significant development in their service delivery model.

The presentation was informational in nature, providing commissioners with an overview of Isaiah House's current operations and their healthcare initiatives in the Lexington area. No formal action was taken by the Commission following the presentation.

Peacefully Whole Recovery Presentation

90:00 April Edwards and Callie Byrne presented information about Peacefully Whole Recovery, an organization focused on holistic health and wellness approaches to support individuals recovering from opioid use disorder.

The presentation introduced the organization's mission and methodology, emphasizing comprehensive wellness practices that address multiple aspects of recovery beyond traditional treatment models. Edwards and Byrne outlined how Peacefully Whole Recovery integrates various holistic health approaches into their support services for individuals working to overcome opioid addiction.

The speakers detailed their organization's approach to recovery support, highlighting how holistic wellness practices can complement existing treatment programs and provide additional resources for individuals in recovery. Their presentation focused on the comprehensive nature of their services and how they address the whole person rather than solely focusing on substance use.

This was an informational presentation designed to introduce Commission members to Peacefully Whole Recovery's services and approach to supporting individuals with opioid use disorder. The presentation provided insight into alternative and complementary approaches to traditional recovery support services available in the community.

No formal action was taken following this presentation, as it served to inform Commission members about available recovery resources and holistic treatment approaches in the area.