HomeMy WebLinkAbout230427 - Minutes, CHACWashington County Community Health Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
Opening
This meeting of the Washington County Community Health Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:30 am
by Chair Nick Wolfe, via in-person meeting at the Washington County Administration Building.
Present
Commissioner Randy Wagner, Allen Twigg, Jennifer Foltz, Allison Tages, Dave Chisholm, Rich Eichelberger,
Rob Ferree, and Nick Wolfe
Visitors: Lt. Mark Renner HGPD, Casey Crowley Mobile Crisis Services, Melisa Dasch Sheppard Pratt
Old Business
• Approval of minutes from 03.23.2023 meeting. Rob Ferree made the motion to approve, Allen Twigg
seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
• A reminder that Financial Disclosures are due. Jenn Foltz will submit the disclosures that she received.
• Membership recruitment update:
o Nick Wolfe to reach out to the Humane Society to see if they have interest in being members of the
Commission.
o Representation from the City on the Commission is in process.
New Business
• Presentation:
o David Chisholm presented the challenges facing Washington County Emergency Services as it
relates to responding to mental health and behavioral health calls. The presentation will be attached
to these minutes. Item to note is that the first responders only receive minimal training as it relates
to mental and behavioral health.
o Lt. Mark Renner from the Hagerstown Police Department provided an overview of how the police
department has historically handle mental and behavioral calls and how they handle them now.
The police have moved from locking up the individual to working with entities such as Sheppard
Pratt to provide on-site “mobile” crisis professionals. Lt. Renner highly recommends the need for a
brick and mortar crisis center and an urgent care for crisis situations. He indicated that Meritus
crisis beds are an option that has exhibited positive results.
o Casey Crowley is the director of the Mobile Health Crisis Team for Washington County and is
associated with Sheppard Pratt. Additionally, Melissa Dasch the Division Director – Washington
County with Sheppard Pratt was present. Melissa and Casey provided a summary of the Mobile
Health Crisis Team (CIT). The CIT is dispatched by 911 and currently has 12 on staff with plans to
expand. The greatest need is to continue to have open communication. CIT does currently meet
with the police on a monthly basis.
Future Discussion Topics:
• Presentation from Washington County Public Schools?
• Allen Twigg offered:
o Brooke Kerbs BrookeK@wcmha.org 301-739-2490
Director of Child & Adolescent Services for the Wash. Co. Mental Health Authority
o Jeremy Jakoby jakobjer@wcps.k12.md.us
Director, School Counseling, Health and Student Services for WCPS
Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 am.
Next Meeting
• TBD
Minutes Submitted by: Nicholas J. Wolfe
Approved by: