August 15 sutf meeting notes

Transportation – new Quaboag Connector will be making the rounds in the Quaboag region to medical appts, etc.
 
Decision – do we want to join a number of other area coalitions and sign a petition to modify the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey?
 
CES has been petitioning the survey creators to change the survey language from “mother/father” to “parent/guardian”
 
Survey gives solid trend data about youth practices.
 
 **

If we get the Drug Free Communities funding – or don’t – our organization changes. How do we want the organization to change?
 
Nobody in the coalition has thus far stepped up to fill the leadership gap. Gail will either depart because of lack of funding, or if DFC grant comes in, a change in role.

Nothing decided except that the group doesn't want to lose Gail's leadership.

**
 
Sue Lewandowski – received a $2500 award from AARP, and designated $300 for SUTF.

**

Stuart Beckley raised the question – what does this group have to say about medical marijuana dispensaries?
 
A letter came to Stuart asking to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Ware.
 
Monson has also been approached, as has Warren.
 
North Brookfield – Chief Mark Smith – the attorney for the dispensary came to speak to the PD, and would be happy to come speak to the SUTF. They put together a great presentation about what they promised to do for the community.  They do go above and beyond what’s required in terms of security and structure.
 
The law does allow for home delivery if you can’t get to the dispensary. You can also apply for a cultivation waiver – to grow your own.
 
Questions for the dispensary:

• Are you involved in operations in Colorado and WA?
• What are the companies arguing as the benefits of opening the dispensaries? What are the towns’ arguments in favor?
• How will law enforcement change the way it deals with DUIs?

​**

Franklin Recovery Center is OPEN and has beds available and will help people with rides to detox beds.