Health and Wellness Commission

Morgantown Health and Wellness Commission Meeting Minutes September 8, 2022 7:00pm ATTENDANCE: Kimberly Kelly, Ixya Vega, Alexandria Svolos, Jennie Thoma, Ronalie Abeyratne, Sabina Nduaguba, Susan Mission Statement The Health and Wellness Commission strives to advance a culture of wellbeing and vibrant quality of life in Morgantown, West Virginia. Vision Statement Morgantown is a place where West Virginians work together to achieve optimal wellbeing for all. 1. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm 2. APPROVE MINUTES: August 11, 2022 minutes 3. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS Syringe disposals are already installed Park and Farmer’s market. An additional one will be installed at the waterfront. City council has provided funding to Bartlett House to prepare shelters for the winter months are in progress. Other donors are being sought. The Friendship House is understaffed and is looking for volunteers especially those with training in social work. 4. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS ON CURRENT EVENTS Next Arts Walk is scheduled for October 8. The Health and Wellness design will need to be printed on the stickers and registration materials. Funding will be sought from the City Council. 5. FOLLOW-UP ITEMS: A. Arts Walk The event is scheduled for September 10. B. Survey One manuscript from the survey – the section on food insecurity - is in almost ready. C. Policy from state legislature Two bills on abortion were passed – one from the senate and one from the delegates. Reconciliation of the provisions of the bills are in process.  D. Mental Health 988 Health and Wellness Commission graphic design has been created. It was decided that stickers will be made using the design. Effort will be made to get funding for printing the stickers from the council. E. Food Insecurity Based on the survey, it was noted that individuals who use food pantries also perceived themselves to be food secure F. Substance Abuse/Misuse (smoking, opioids) Complaints about a venue for injecting drug use has brought about its relocation 6. NEW BUSINESS: Jennie is applying for a grant towards organizing a period party aimed at improving women’s health. Items to be budgeted for include hygiene products. 7. PUBLIC PORTION: ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 8:02pm Next meeting: October 13, 2022 via Zoom