Commission on Family Services

Commission on Family Services Meeting Minutes February 1, 2023 7:00 pm Present: Commissioners Harold Primack (Chair), Marjorie Goran, Shajan Jose, Linda Lara, Daniel Mann, Arnie Oskin, Nicole Perry, Nancy Schwartz, Naadirah Shapley-Wells, Annie Shear, Phillip Shefren, London Summerville, Melissa Versch (Staff Liaison) Absent: Commissioners Michelle Friedman, Jo Hammerman, Laila Iqbal, Valerie Riley, Daniel Stalilonis, Michael Stiehl, Edie Sue Sutker I. Call to Order at 7:04pm A. Approval of Agenda by consent. II. Speaker: Liz Nelson, Public Health Coordinator/Data Analyst Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs (IPLAN) is a planning process that is conducted every 5 years. The previous IPLAN focused on healthy/active living, social-psychological support and access to health care. For this round, the MAP tool was used to look at archival data, quality of life and assessment of public health system. The process used is Collective Impact, looking at solutions at a systemic level. The assessments have been completed. A health symposium was held in November with Skokie Community Foundation. Stakeholders chose access to health care, access to mental health and affordable housing. Now we need to get more data and information. We need to decide on specific focus, such as a barrier or population. An example was shared from a region that strived to reduce rent burden. We are building our coalition network, including target population and stakeholders. The first meeting of the Skokie Health Equity Network was Monday. There will be a data team and a team for each of the three issues. It is key to be data-driven and be equitable by including people who are impacted. A commissioner asked how data is collected. Liz showed a website for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which provided data included in the Skokie assessment. A commissioner asked about affordable housing being included. Liz responded that there are many health determinants that often lead to overall better health. A commissioner shared that a subcommittee has been exploring the possibility of a 708 mental health board. Liz responded that there are regional and state issues that need to be addressed. One issue is Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements are lower. Another issue is getting new psychiatrists in the field. A commissioner shared that Oak Park successfully set up a 708 board. There are pitfalls, but they have vibrant resources. Liz mentioned we have assets and challenges, like 988 and the co-responder team. The data collection process is ongoing. A commissioner asked about funding. Liz stated that while the state funds some things like vaccinations, but communities fund themselves. Some communities put money aside in the budget to contract data collections. Some work together with other groups, like hospitals. A commissioner asked if there was data that previously existed that could be used. Liz responded  that there was some, but there were limitations. III. Approval of Jan. 11, 2023 Minutes A. Approval of Minutes by consent. IV. Chair’s Report: Harold Primack A. Next month will be a dinner meeting in the cafeteria at Village Hall. If you have dietary restrictions, contact Melissa to let her know. Shajan suggested Grecian Kitchen to cater food. London volunteers to help order, Melissa will help with payment from the budget. B. The April meeting will be April 12 at Skokie Police Department on Niles Center Rd. V. Health and Human Services Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch A. AARP tax volunteers help low-income seniors file income taxes. Seniors can call Health and Human Services to make an appointment. B. The Health and Human Department offers free child car seat consultations to residents who need installation and education. VI. Old Business: A. Boomers and Beyond 2023 Harold reported that on January 18, there was a steering committee meeting with participants from organizations around Skokie. In the past Boomers and Beyond, we’ve had about 40 vendors as well as speakers. Health screenings were offered, vision and hearing screenings. At the meeting we passed around a signup sheet for people to volunteer for outreach, logistics, publicity. The next meeting will be in March. B. Subcommittee reports i. The People with Disabilities subcommittee reported that they are focusing on how business can make people with disabilities feel more comfortable. One way is through customer service. We are putting together suggestions, like asking before giving assistance. We also thought about putting together an award for businesses that excel. Harold shared that previously, the commission looked at doing an award for businesses, as well as putting on a play for D219. They also looked at working with JJ’s List to provide training for business on how to adapt for people with disabilities. ii. The At Risk Youth and Families subcommittee reported they did not meet, but had talked about connecting with Holly Jin with Early Childhood Alliance. Holly let them know that ECA has hired a new director who is interested in talking with the subcommittee. C. March dinner meeting VII. Citizen Comments: None. VIII. Adjournment at 8:02pm