The Sherburne County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition met last month to discuss financials, the TETO Campaign, the Sticker Shock/Vape focus, resource FAQ request, the STIR Campaign and information sharing.
Consent Agenda
The financial update was completed by Roxanne Schreder in which she indicated the total currently available ($131,275.90), year seven match funds (150,425.99 - includes carryover from year six), documented match ($29,618.64) and remaining match funds needed ($152,027.35).
Schreder reminded everyone to continue to send their monthly output logs to her, as it is extremely important this year.
TETO Campaign
Schreder said the members have discussed design ideas and tag lines for an upcoming billboard design.
The subject of the billboard will be vaping andshe said this is the other “epidemic” killing people as it weakens one’s immune system. She warns parents to talk to their child about vaping. Vape users are 2x more likely to be diagnosed with depression.
The billboard must be nine words or less so it can be read quickly. Victoria Powell liked vaping and COVID, and how relevant it is today for the damage done. Elle Mark said students and teens are listening to messages about COVID and vaping, listening to how troubling the breathing is with COVID and how then vaping would make it even harder.
Angie said they will need data to support the taglines. “Will there be statistics on it?” she asked. Roxanne suggested changing language from “killing” to “harming” or other type of word. Discussion continued on if epidemic versus pandemic matters for vocabulary.
A suggestion for a tag line was introduced, “Keep your child healthy - talk to kids about vaping.” There was discussion about narrowing it down to two words, with one positive and one negative focus to grab attention. Roxanne said she will share ideas with Community Blueprint for further assistance.
The current billboard contract ends February 28. The new one would start March 1 for one year with a cost of $6,050, up $50 from last year. Location would be south of Broadway in Elk River. Members would like to have one closer to St. Cloud area as well if in-kind is available.
A motion was made to spend money for new billboard by Melissa Cribb. Seconded by Eric Balabon. Approved by Coalition.
Sticker Shock – Vape Focus
Schreder said they will be be using the same stickers as last year and are having volunteers pick up the stickers for their location(s), as well as the half sheet. The group reviewed info on pizza retailers that participated last year and who has agreed to participate again this year. Elk River and Big Lake locations have not been asked yet.
Paul was assigned to Becker, Nicole to Princeton and Zimmerman, and Ryan Johnson to Rogers. Angie volunteered for Big Lake and Roger for Elk River. The coalition hopes to launch the campaign the first week of February for weekend of Superbowl on February 7.
Tom recommended possibly reaching out to sports with half sheet potentially. Discussed emailing it out.
Resource FAQ Request
Cribb asked if there are any resources available to use as incentive to encourage families to attend a parent-ed series? A gift certificate was suggested and could be used as a “giveaway for participation in the education series. Roxanne offered a donated SUP gift card to a restaurant in Elk River for the one focusing on vaping in February..
A question was asked, “How do schools stay connected to families and youth doing distance learning?
The answer was texts, emails and phone calls. Elk River has a website and Facebook pages, videos, texts. Big Lake discussed their resources, cyber café (can come to school to use wifi) for some students in building that qualify for special education. Or a school-based therapist with CMMHC.
It was asked if someone would like to join a group to increase socialization and what types of groups to join? Teen or children support groups? Church groups? Community connect group at the YMCA every other Monday, now reopened but can’t meet in groups yet. Know the truth is working on getting groups up. They have a 24/7 text number for anyone interested.
STIR Campaign
Cribb said the campaign is for February 2021.
From April – August , it will focus on wellbeing, “Thriving Together - A Message of Hope”.
STIR also recently applied for a mini grant for media outreach, held three presentations focused on wellbeing in different areas, attendance and promotion of efforts at local farmers markets, promotion and giveaways focused on wellbeing.
Melissa said it’s important to educate the community on substance use, vaping, and suicide prevention and on these difficulties many individuals are having.
The group promised to discuss upcoming efforts and opportunities to share messages.
Information Sharing/Agency Updates
• Angie was awarded the Minnesota Assistant Principal of the Year 2020/2021 and will now be in the running for the national competition for that honor;
• ISD 728 has upcoming outreach efforts for parents/caregivers (Nicole) – once a month including Zoom webinars;
• January 20, from 3-4 p.m., some social workers/counselors will discuss how to help children deal with stress and anxiety. The event will be recorded and shared on a webpage;
• Building resilience in your Teens will be held Thurs., Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. for parents and caregivers and then on Feb. 5 for 6-12th grades at 11 a.m. All students can participate if they so wish.
• Volunteers are needed for future content for SUP monthly e-newsletter. Please provide articles, news, etc. to Roxanne by Feb 15;
• Deterra drug deactivation kits are still available to provide to organizations, etc. to use/share to dispose of any unused or expired medications;
• Alicia will be back for the next coalition meeting, Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
