BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING
OCTOBER 25, 2017
Attendance:
A. Antoniak P K. Gurl A J. Li A P. Bellenbaum P D. Harris A W. Schubert P F. Brown A L. Hill A S. Turet P E. Felder A T. Jackson A N. Zephyrin A R. Freeman A F. Jean P
P = present, E = excused, A = absent
Guests:
K. Hedstrom S. Rabinowitz B. Korn T. Friedman K. Viechweg M. Hardy A. Butea K. Snyder
***MINUTES***
The meeting began with introductions by the chairpersons.
Updates on the operation of the Dole Clinic located at 25 12th Street.
The presentation was made by Teri Friedman and Brad Korn, representatives of the Mount Sinai Dole Clinic located at 25 12th Street near the subway at Smith/9th Streets. Opened 15 years ago. Beth Israel is the largest U. S. provider of opioid treatment – Dole is one clinic of many. Patients receive medication, counseling, medical attention (comprehensive treatment) Social workers are vocational aides on staff to assist with reintegration into society and the work force. Referrals from correctional facilities and probation officers. Serving 400 patients daily. On Saturday they were serving more patients from the recently evicted clinic (Cumberland Clinic). Have recently absorbed 400 patients from the evicted clinic so total patients has increased to 800. Also absorbed staff.
Paige Bellenbaum explained history of efforts to “Fair-Share” community based aid. The Smith and 9th subway station serves as ground zero for drug addiction treatment facilities. Two Police Officers now present at the subway stop. However, still regular loitering and passed out individuals.
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Teri Friedman outlined efforts toward relationship building and regular communication with neighborhood business. Attempted collaboration with other non-Beth Israel clinics.
Paige Bellenbaum suggested as a Social Worker and community resident, establishing an advisory board with members of various parts of the community.
Question: Who/what would be ideal/target neighbors and surrounding businesses as a way to diversify and combat current climate? Answer: Mental health clinic Job placement programs “We are trying to be good neighbors” Brad Korn reiterated. Patients with jobs have priority for morning treatment so they may go directly to their jobs.
Question: Do you have a relationship with the Park Slope Women’s shelter? Answer: Yes – try to be in touch and provide services where needed.
Success rate I determined by retention. Consistently at or above State averages for retention. Patients take medication for the remainder of their lives (like a diabetic with insulin). Coordination of care consent forms are of the utmost importance.
Question: How do you manage on-line drug purchasing? Answer: Testing! Behavior tends to reveal the most.
Cuomo is allocating money to “underserved” parts of NY State. Since NYC has so many clinics, it is difficult to justify more clinics, even if there is more need. Full continuum of care with hospitals.
Paige Bellenbaum reiterated the importance of community involvement and regular communication. Could we have an open conversation on the committee level with methadone clinics, parole regulators and community members? Forum focused on substance abuse first and then follow-up conversations. Perhaps a multi-part forum that develops along the way.
Propose an idea at December meeting for possible May forum which would hopefully give time to get other providers on board.
Announcements Next meeting will be November 14th in Red Hook. School Construction Authority and Community Education Council will be presenting.
Meeting ends without a motion since we don’t have a quorum.
Minutes submitted by Whitney Schubert
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