Thursday, November 1st, 2007

9:00 Am

North Naples Government Center

In Attendance:     

• Marie Walker, PRMC;

• Sandy Theobald, American Diabetic Support Group;

• Eileen Vargo, CCPS;

• Mauriann Patterson, I CAN;

• Jennifer Frost, Family Chiropractic;

• Bill Goulding, CCPS; Sheila Sheridan, CCPS;

• Kelly Robinson, CC University Extension;  

• Deb Millsap, DOH

Deb Millsap sadly announced Sybil John’s absence at the meeting was because her grandmother passed away and Sybil is in India for two weeks to attend the funeral and help her father take care of end of life issues. 

Member Updates:

Marie Walker – Marie works as an inpatient dietitian at the Physicians Regional Medical Center -Pine Ridge where she sees many issues revolving around diabetes, renal patients, feeding tubes etc.. Changes from two separate Physicians Regional Medical Centers (Pine Ridge and Collier Blvd.) with each having their own CEO to leadership under one organization are still underway and will probably be happening for awhile. Marie has not been receiving e-mails.  Deb Millsap will add her to our distribution list.

Sandy Theobald announced November is Diabetes Month and she is planning a presentation called A1C Champions. This presentation is motivational and helps people control their diabetes. Tuesday November 20^th at 1:00 pm at the American Diabetic Support Group located at 3860 Via Del Rey Suite 102 in Bonita Springs (next to Royal Scoop ice cream, the irony was not lost) Sandy provided an electronic flyer for the coalition and it is attached.  Please help get the word out!

Sandy provides monthly support groups free of charge every third Tuesday, 1 – 2 pm.  This gives people skills to manage their diabetes.   For more information, call 1-800-830-9211, ext. 228.

A new group for teens with Type 1 Diabetes is being formed and planned to start in January. The school system – Eileen Vargo – will help get the word out by forwarding to all school nurses.

Eileen Vargo – announced Dr. Khan is a new endocrinologist opening up practice at the Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers – a needed resource in our community.

She reported a push for hygiene in the schools system. The volunteer school nurses are being trained by coalition member, Char Thompson.  CCPS completed a video they hope to show on channel 20.

They just completed Red Ribbon Week a campaign against substance abuse

Middle schools have started intramurals and this adds activity into their day

She will meet with the Ronald McDonald Care mobile to assess how to do more in the community for the underserved. 

The school health programs are partnering to increase services.

Jennifer Frost is a chiropractor who is building her patient basis. She did not have anything to report this month other than she is willing to support the coalition in any way she can.

Mauriann Patterson provides a weight management class called I CAN Weight Loss. She is a resource in the community for weight loss motivation.

Kelly Robinson announced she will begin teaching food safety in the community.

Kelly reported that she can do parent education - a discussion on the need for parents to get nutrition advice preceded her report.

Kelly reported that 4-H is having a health club starting Dec. 15^th at Lowdermilk Park. The goal is to train youth for the June triathlon.  She was asked to provide flyers in the community and send one to Deb M. so she can get it out to the coalition members.

Kelly reported that the Health curriculum in schools is increasing education and the University is helping with the OrganWise Guys presentations in three schools – Golden Terrace, Pelican Marsh and Village School.

Kelly reported that she is doing adult education on fresh food choices and can provide this as a resource. The next scheduled class is with the Seminole Tribe.

Kelly will also start providing nutrition education for seniors in the community

Bill Goulding reported that he is starting a Growing Connections club at Veterans Elementary with interested parents. Children learn about fruits and vegetables and use the internet to connect and discuss their growing with children in Ghana and Nicaragua, etc.

Bill is looking into meeting with local growers to provide produce to youth from local sources – Farm to School.

Sheila Sheridan reported on the Governors Council saying meetings are public and that outcomes seem to be pre-determined and directed by the State. The nutrition group would like to present to the house and pass a bill that declares obesity as a disease.  A discussion on the pro’s and con’s ensued.

Sheila also updated the group on issues in Collier County including the cost of food increasing and problems with the block schedule in the high schools.   Meal participation is low and food choices are limited because the lunch periods are short.

Deb Millsap reported that the time has expired so the next agenda item – media outreach – was moved to the next agenda.

Deb said that it is her understanding that a coalition is a broker of information and that she felt the meeting met that definition. Bill suggested we invite media to be members of the coalition. Deb said that is a possibility though tough to find a reporter who is allowed or willing to dedicate the time to come to the meetings. Many of the media outlets are doing more of the “hard” stories and less of the “soft” informative, non-sensational ones.  But, we can invite folks and see if we can find someone.  Bill felt that this would help relay the info to the community rather than just have a conversation between members.  The discussion we will have next week on media outreach may be a good compromise if we do not find a willing reporter to join our coalition.

Meeting adjourned. Next Meeting – Thursday December 6^th – North Naples Government Center

See attached Diabetes Flyer