Quick recap

This meeting was a regional provider update session where Anna facilitated discussions about recent changes and updates from various organizations across Texas. The main topics covered included contract amendments for YPCCP programs, with multiple providers reporting receiving revised contracts that changed deliverable dates from the 15th to the 30th and removed some multiple deliverables. Providers discussed the removal of travel expenses from indirect and equipment categories, though there was some confusion about whether this change would be effective immediately or starting in fiscal year 2027. Regional updates were shared across different areas, with providers reporting on back-to-school preparations, summer programs, and MOU development. The group also discussed challenges with information dissemination presentations, including the need for team review processes and ensuring appropriate imagery. Anna reminded attendees about an ongoing policy strategy survey that would inform legislative committee meetings and the organization's 3-5 year framework.

Next steps

Anna

• Add Vicki (and others from her organization) to the mailing distribution list for the policy survey, if needed.

Jennifer

• Reach out to her contract manager (Allie) again to clarify the ability to move travel funds this fiscal year.

Kail

• Continue working with public health agencies to review and improve information dissemination materials for fentanyl and vaping presentations.

REACH

• Sign up for meeting updates through the ASAP website portal to receive automatic notifications and updates.

• Double-check with her contract manager about the ability to move travel funds this fiscal year, based on conflicting information.

Collaboration

• All attendees: Complete the policy strategy survey sent by Anna via Constant Contact. Deadline is next Friday before the legislative committee meeting on July 21st.

• All attendees: Submit nominations for the Lone Star Awards, open throughout July.

• All attendees: Share the link to the policy survey with their teams to encourage participation.

• All attendees (especially those with presentation responsibilities): Review and vet community presentations for accuracy, current information, age-appropriateness, non-stigmatizing images, and diversity.

  
  

Summary

Meeting Access and Notifications Process

The meeting began with participants joining and introductions, including Julie and Priscilla from Aliviane in El Paso. Anna discussed Noelle's recent visit to multiple locations, though the full details of meetings were unclear. The group addressed technical issues with meeting access, which have been largely resolved, and Anna encouraged anyone experiencing further problems to contact her directly. The discussion concluded with Anna explaining the process for signing up for meeting notifications through the portal system to reduce manual processes.

Policy Strategy Survey Announcement

Anna announced a policy strategy survey that was sent to membership and voting representatives, requesting feedback to inform a 3-5 year legislative framework. She encouraged attendees to complete the survey and reminded them about the open Lone Star Award nominations throughout July. The meeting began with a follow-up question about implementations from the recent APPM provider meeting, though no specific changes were reported by attendees.

Contract Amendments and Implementations

Julie clarified that while some changes won't be effective until fiscal year 2027, their department expects to see some implementations starting September 1st. Several providers, including Jennifer and Terrance's organizations, reported receiving and signing revised contracts for YPCCP, with Jennifer noting this was the first time they successfully executed a contract amendment in years. Lakeysha from Youth 180 shared that their amended contracts changed deliverable dates from the 15th to the 30th and removed multiple deliverables for the curriculum implementation plan, which will help spread reporting responsibilities across a more manageable timeframe.

Travel Expense Implementation Discrepancy

Julie announced that travel expenses were successfully removed from indirect and equipment categories and will be implemented in 2027. Jennifer and REACH discussed conflicting information about whether travel expenses could be moved this fiscal year versus waiting until 2027, with REACH's contract manager indicating it could be moved this year while Julie's indicated otherwise. Both Jennifer and REACH agreed to follow up with their contract managers, Emily and Allie respectively, to clarify the discrepancy in guidance.

Contract Amendments and Travel Funding

The meeting focused on contract amendments and travel funding. REACH clarified that they had moved money in a BPA contract amendment, while Jennifer and Julie discussed a blanket unfreeze of contract lines that didn't require specific amendments. Lakeysha provided an update on Region 3 activities, including work on MOUs, preparation for back-to-school fairs, and a successful site visit from HHSC representatives who met with staff but did not review records.

Back-to-School Compliance Updates Meeting

The team discussed updates on World Cup activities winding down and schools preparing for back-to-school events, with more compliance requests coming in due to Senate Bill 12. Terrance reported on Region 6's activities including summer camps and tobacco compliance checks, while Kail shared updates on Regions 1, 6, and 7, including efforts to utilize media budget for fentanyl and vaping education. Kail also raised a concern about recent legislation allowing class time for Bible teaching, which is affecting scheduled CVSG programming in some schools.

School Implementation Challenges Discussion

The team discussed challenges with managing time and implementing new legislation in schools, particularly in Conroe ISD where they are exploring hiring additional teachers to handle new curriculum requirements. Kail noted that schools are struggling with finding confidential spaces for facilitation due to SB12 requirements. Terrance inquired about CBSG classroom connections implementation, but no updates were provided regarding HHSC approval or implementation status.

School Year Preparations Update

The team provided updates on their current activities and preparations for the upcoming school year. Julie reported that CBSG is not affecting them at present. Priscilla from Region 10 shared that they completed a summer program partnership with Parks and Rec in June and are working on getting MOUs for the new school year, which starts at the end of July. John mentioned they finished a summer program site in Corsicana and started one in Waco, while Alicia from Region 2 discussed their work on a youth advocacy committee project focused on online safety and AI, in addition to preparing for the next school year.

Presentation Review Process Guidelines

The group discussed processes for reviewing and vetting presentations created by prevention specialists. Alicia shared that her team of three reviews presentations for accuracy and reliability, while Terrance explained he allows experienced specialists leeway but reviews their work for current terminology and accuracy. The discussion included specific guidelines for presentation content, with Vickie explaining that non-stigmatizing images should avoid depicting people in depressed or drug-related states, and Alicia noting the importance of using diverse, relatable images rather than staged photos. Anna reminded attendees to complete the policy survey before their next meeting in a few weeks, as this input will help inform future policy and the 3-5 year framework.