I. Welcome

• Leslie Huntley called the meeting to order and welcomed guests.

II. Community Reports

• Sam Sutker announced October 6 will be Mental Illness Awareness Week. Screenings for depression, bipolar illness, generalized anxiety and PTSD will be held in all counties served by the LME with Maryland Technical College serving both Mitchell and Yancey Counties.
• Bill Cook reported on the Advocacy Group for Chemical Dependence and Substance Abuse.
• Nancy Baker reported on payees for persons with disabilities.
• Mechelle Holt reported on a gathering for persons with cranio-facial anomalies.

III. Ground Rules

• Ground rules were reviewed.

IV. Agenda

• Agenda approved

V. Minutes

• Minutes were reviewed.

• Approved as written

VI. Committees

• Steering: Leslie reported that the Steering Committee will meet on September 26 at 10 a.m.
  • The Membership Committee has been asked to come up with a plan for recruitment.
  • Janet Price-Ferrell has been appointed as By-Laws Chair.
  • Bill Cook will replace Mechelle Holt as Finance Chair.
• Finance: A copy of the expenses thus far was presented.
• By-laws: Those who want to make changes should submit to Janet who will present to Steering before sending them out.
• Benefits Committee: Janet Price-Ferrell reported that two forums were held to hear from consumers about the reduction in the respite benefit. While they were poorly attended, those attending found them worthwhile. A report will be made to the LME board. CFAC members will be asked to work with the Consumer and Community Relations Team on finding ways to contact consumers.
• Nominating: Leslie Huntley announced that her term as Co-Chair will be up in December. Mechelle Holt was appointed to Chair the Nominating Committee.

VII. Other

• A discussion ensued about the need for advocates to work as ombudsmen helping people with disabilities connect with natural supports in the community.
• A motion was made to pay for lunch for the SA Advisory Council which is being created.

• Motion passed

VIII. LME Update

• Larry Thompson reviewed the agenda for the board meeting and gave an update on the LME. Adult Care Homes and Crisis Services will be discussed at the meeting on Friday.
• A contract has been signed by the new CEO, Arthur Carder. Larry will be present for an undetermined period of time for a transition.
• The General Assembly approved $2 million in crisis money.

IX. Training

• A discussion ensued about training.

• CFAC voted to send Bill Cook to the Outer Banks Conference on Substance Abuse and Bill and Mario Moraga to the Carolina's Conference on Addictions and Recovery. It is expected that they will report back to the CFAC.

• The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

• Next meeting October 17, 2005
• The committee said good-bye to Alan Ward who was attending his last meeting.