Weed and Seed 2001

 

 

                                    Health and Social Services Committee

 

                                               

                                                            June 6th

 

 

 

INRODUCTIONS

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:36 PM. Attending were Jim Peterson, Rebecca Teasdale, Polly Burton, Bob Robison, Beth Faulhaber, Patti Swanson, Paulette Keller, Dennis Donin and Sharron Kelley.

 

 

HOUSE KEEPING MEASURES

 

The committee discussed access to minutes and meeting notices through the Internet. The majority of the group stated that they were experiencing very few problems in downloading information. It was suggested and agreed to, however, that future information regarding minutes and other information would be made available on our new web site eliminating excessive e-mails.

 

Patti Swanson graciously agreed to serve as our temporary chair.

 

 

DATA PRESENTATIONS

 

Data was distributed regarding the 1996 Community Survey Data including comparables developed by Diane McBride. Also included was Multnomah County Health Department client survey data.

 

Rebecca Teasdale stated that The Mount Hood Literacy Coalition has reported that 75% of their clients live in Rockwood and that 80% of these clients need ESL instruction. In addition, the MHLC experienced a 40% increase in clients last year.

 

Bob Robison reported that he was working with the Gresham Police Department regarding the frequency of crime rates as well as the geographic area where they exist.

He presented the committee with a proposed Study Area and Census Tracts, Block Groups and Blocks map as well as an additional handout regarding the new 2000 census data on race.

The committee discussed the clarity of the map as well as a concern. The study area included parts of Portland and the committee discussed whether this might become a problem. It was decided that this shouldn’t be an issue for any of the services providers or for the policing agencies.

 

Jim Peterson presented the Multnomah County Data Book developed by the State Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs.  This data describes the prevalence of alcohol and drug use as well as prevalence indicators that can lead to AOD abuse such as child abuse and poverty.

Jim agreed to develop ethnic indicators for the group to use at the next meeting.

 

Dennis Donin contributed some of his knowledge of alcohol and drug use and the percentages and effect on various types of crime.

 

 

IDENTIFICATON Of ISSUES

 

 

The committee identified the broad issues within their particular agency.

 

  1. POVERTY
  2. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
  3. RENTAL HOUSING CONDITIONS
  4. ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE
  5. CRIME
  6. ETHNICAL CHALLENGES
  7. SERVICE ACCESSABILITY
  8. EDUCATION
  9. LACK OF POSITIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH
  10. LACK OF SENSE OF COMMUNITY
  11. TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
  12. LANGUGE DIFFICUTIES
  13. ACCESS TO HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDING DENTAL CARE
  14. HEALTH INSURANCE
  15. LIVING WAGE JOBS
  16. STUDENT MOBILITY
  17. ACCESS TO HOUSING READINESS SERVICES
  18. INTERGENERATIONAL ACCULTURATION CONFLICT LEADING TO GANG ACTIVITIES
  19. CHILDCARE
  20. BREAKDOWN IN TRADITIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT SYSTEMS THAT ASLO EFFECTS THE LARGER COMMUNTIY ELATIONSHIPS
  21. SILO ENVIRONMENT
  22. LACK OF CAREER ADVANCEMEMT
  23. LACK OF COMMUNITY BASED JOBS
  24. MOBILTY OF THE POPULATION CREATING SERVICE ISSUES
  25. INS ISSUES
  26. SPANISH LITERACY
  27. NUTRITIONAL FOODS
  28. DISTRUST OF GOVERNMENT
  29. DISCRIMINATION-BOTH RACE AND POVERTY BASED
  30. YOUTH GANGS                                                                                                                                                                Additional data was discussed which indicates that there are 45 languages spoken in the Reynolds School District and 20% of the student body is enrolled in ESL classes.

 

Patti Swanson agreed to bring information regarding gang activity to the next meeting.

Other surveys of use to the committee are the Caring Community Survey, the Latino Network Survey and the Sun School Survey.

 

 

NEXT STEPS

 

The committee agreed to meet on July 18th from 1:30 to 3:00 at the Alpha Apartment Community Meeting Room located at 18088 SE Market.

 

 

Patti Swanson adjourned the meeting at 3:15 PM.