Robin reported that PPHC responded to the HMP RFP by the June 4 deadline and we expect to be notified of grant funding by Aug. 1. The new funding cycle commences Sept. 1.

Under the new grant, PPHC will be required to form an Executive Steering Committee which must meet at least bi-monthly to address administrative/policy issues. An annual meeting schedule for this committee will be established in September. An HMP Action Team will also be established to focus on specific aspects of the work plan.

There was discussion on whether the Executive Steering Committee/HMP Action Team groups should have separate vs. joint meetings. It was agreed that the two groups should have back-to-back meetings scheduled on the same day so that members could attend both, if needed. Robin presented membership rosters for both groups.

The new grant will fund an additional, 40-hour per week PPHC staff position to work with Robin. Mayo is identifying new office space to accommodate the position.

Because the new grant service area is expanding to include the Dexter and Corinth areas of Penobscot County, there was discussion on whether to change the "Piscataquis" in PPHC. "Penquis" is often used to denote the Penobscot-Piscataquis region, but changing to that could cause confusion with Penquis CAP. Since there are three other CCHCs who will also be in Penobscot County, it was agreed to retain "Piscataquis" in the PPHC name to differentiate our area and maintain our brand awareness.

Members reviewed the PPHC by-laws, adopted in 2003, and a revised/expanded mission statement presented by Robin. It was agreed the by-laws could be used, with minor changes needed. The new mission statement was approved.

Rather than spending time at this meeting to review the lengthy work plan included in the HMP RFP application, it was agreed that Robin would email the plan to Executive Steering Committee and HMP Action Team members for review prior to the next meeting.

The group discussed the need for policy development of a written procedure for PPHC to report local public health enforcement issues to appropriate officials, and for a written procedure to collaborate in alerting communities and public health officials to possible health threats and disease outbreaks. It was felt that clarity was needed from the Bureau of Health so that individual CCHCs did not duplicate efforts on this policy development.

Robin discussed the expectation that health assessment work will be completed by June, 2008, and reported to the PPHC Executive Steering Committee. A subcommittee will be established and will utilize the MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planned Partnerships) tool to look at community health stratus. Eastern Maine Healthcare has completed a health assessment on the region and this information will be shared later this summer at a community forum hosted by Mayo and CA Dean in Piscataquis County.

Robin shared the results from two Strategic Prevention Framework brainstorming sessions held in May, tied to the Office of Substance Abuse grant received by Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

-- Other news:

PPHC supported two lunch and learn sessions for laid-off Moosehead Mfg. workers.

PPHC has worked with the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft to provide healthy snacks at the concessions stand in collaboration with MRH's Heartwise and Diabetes and Nutrition Center.

PPHC is supporting the Young Entrepreneurs summer program, and a summer physical activity program for special needs students in the Guilford area. The Healthy Beaches program in Dexter, Greenville and Sebec is targeting children with information on healthy nutrition and sun safety, along with promoting policy and environmental changes in schools and town recreation departments.

PPHC is providing training to school nurses, parent groups, coaches, and C.A. Dean Hospital staff on asthma education.

Area CCHCs are working with the Bangor Daily News to develop an insert introducing the new public health system.

John Spieker reported on pain management education efforts under way in our area, beginning community conversation about chronic pain issues and prescription drug use/abuse. The pain management program also provides 10 week education program for individuals referred by their physician on alternative methods of pain management.

Robin Mayo has been working closely with MSAD 46 and 64 to establish Health Advisory Teams to help them move towards a coordinated school health program.

The State of Maine voted June 19 to ban flavored tobacco, 1st State in the nation to do so.

Next meeting: September, date TBA.

Minutes submitted by Tom Lizotte