Quick recap

The monthly huddle focused on updates and challenges in alcohol and drug prevention services, including ongoing hiring efforts and the impact of a new state law affecting consent for behavioral health services in schools. The team discussed various operational issues such as consent form requirements, reporting processes, and tracking methods for community-based activities, while also addressing concerns about Senate Bill 12's effects on educational presentations and screenings. Participants shared updates on system changes and upcoming modifications to the ASAP platform, emphasizing the need for clear communication and continued partnership building despite the challenges posed by the new legislation.

Next steps

• Noelle to share information about phasing out the first 15 hours of prevention training at next week's meeting.

• Providers to bring up specific system challenges during the monthly prevention meetings with HHSC.

• Noelle to drop Casey's email in the chat for providers experiencing IT issues with the software system.

• Providers to consider alternative venues for prevention education to mitigate challenges from Senate Bill 12.

• Andrea and team to create PDF versions of presentations for school websites to address parental consent requirements.

• Noelle to continue advocating for providers' concerns with Dr. Laguna in scheduled meetings.

• Providers to register for the ASAP general membership meeting in November at Homeward Bound in Dallas before early bird registration ends on the 14th.

• Noelle and Catherine to clean up meeting invites and implement a new system on the ASAP website backend.

  
  

Summary

Prevention Services Leadership Transition

Abigail Moore, CEO of the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness and the Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, led a monthly huddle with prevention providers to discuss updates, challenges, and celebrations. She highlighted ongoing hiring efforts and challenges related to a new state law affecting consent for behavioral health services in schools, which has led to some school districts pausing services. Abigail mentioned that her team is preparing a list of challenges to present to HHSC. Terah, who is transitioning out of Cinecor, introduced Kayle Winfrey as the new Director of Prevention Services for Region 1, and welcomed her to the team.

Smartsheet and Consent Form Issues

The team discussed several issues, including the missing Smartsheet for closeout due to IT server crashes, and consent form requirements for presentations and alternatives, with Kendra explaining that schools are using Microsoft forms for parental permission. They also addressed concerns about the fourth quarter report and CSAP strategies, with Kendra noting that community-based processes are not currently being recorded on the main platform, leading to potential reporting inaccuracies.

CSAP Strategies and Education Updates

Cindy reported that their YP numbers are doing well and they are implementing CSAP strategies by tracking hours on monthly activity forms. Kendra noted that community information booths are not tracked in the PAT platform, so they are being tracked internally. Leandra shared that they are providing education in schools despite delays caused by SB12, and have worked with Rainbow Days to find alternatives to lesson two due to school concerns about discussing DEI topics.

SB 12 Compliance and Challenges

The group discussed challenges related to Senate Bill 12, which affects their ability to conduct presentations and screenings in schools. Leandra highlighted issues with consent forms, opt-outs, and the need for parental permission, which may impact their educational numbers. Kendra suggested using teacher attestation forms to identify indicated populations instead of screenings, and Terrance raised concerns about reduced PIS numbers and compliance issues in some school districts. The group agreed to seek further clarity on screening forms and continue networking and partnership building despite these challenges.

Red Ribbon Week Compliance Discussion

Leandra explained that Red Ribbon Week activities don't require permission slips since they focus on fun and engaging activities rather than presentations. She suggested doing a character-building presentation as a workaround for schools that prefer not to focus on drug prevention. Terrance expressed concern about schools' lack of understanding of Senate Bill 12 and the upcoming changes in January, emphasizing the need for clear communication and substance use prevention efforts.

SB 12 Implementation and System Changes

The meeting focused on challenges related to Senate Bill 12, with participants discussing varying interpretations and implementations by school districts. Noelle provided updates on HHSC's limited guidance and emphasized the need for patience and communication as organizations navigate the new requirements. She also announced upcoming changes to the ASAP system, including a new website and login process. The group discussed issues with software systems and the need for more frequent communication with HHSC leadership. Participants were encouraged to attend the upcoming general membership meeting in November and to provide feedback through a member survey.