No signs of life yet, I'll let you know when something happens. In the meantime, here's the agenda for this meeting: dwihn.org/Board/Full_Nov…

Just chillin'

Ok! They have called the meeting to order. They started by approving the agenda and minutes from the last meeting.

DWIHN got named as one of the best places to work, they're very proud. freep.com/story/money/bu…

Now a presentation by the public affairs team. They are going over the upcoming change of administration in Washington, and the soon-to-flip Michigan House (it went Republican in the late election)

The presentation is being given by Public Affairs Associates, who has been engaged by DWIHN. Right now Tyrone Sanders is speaking. paa-online.com

Sanders is describing the large "mental health gap" and predicts that more funds might be forthcoming from the new legislature.

They predict that money and funding will be harder to come by as Republicans make attempts to slash the budget.

Moving on to board member reports, beginning with the chair. She says in the next few weeks they will need to form a nominating committee to choose new officers.

The Executive Committee is up next. They confirmed several upcoming events, including sending a representative to the National Council on Mental Wellbeing

Next up the Finance Committee report. They met in October and delayed most of their voting items to today.

The reports from the committees are, to put it mildly, not robust. It's clear they're working from a packet that everyone else has, so the actual reports are hard to pick out substantive actions.

Now board actions First up, a contract to find the Direct Worker Training Program Which is contacted with the American Society of Employers for leadership, training and pre-employment services

The motion was approved

Next is more funding for behavioral health facilities Elmhurst Home, Inc and Neighborhood Services Organization

Some background: dwihn.org/behavior-healt…

That motion was passed.

The next motion was to add several facilities to the list of approved facilities.

Board members raised concerns about adding unlicensed facilities. That is, unlicensed facilities are those without 24/7 care. This was explained, and the motion was passed

These votes are going so fast I can't keep up

Next one, more help for inmates. It passed.

Next up, lease agreement with Advantage Health, passed.

Next up, $10 million of privacy breach insurance. They employed an insurance agent to find the company, and it was cheaper than others.

Passed

Next up $110,000 to update the DWIHN website. Approved

Next, $4 million and change for "Children Waiver Services". Approved

Next item is a walk on (not that it makes difference) it's a building lease in Wyandotte for a million dollars

There are concerns from the board about cost overruns depending on the number of people the facility will end up servicing.

Board member William Philips voiced reservations about the amount of money the department is committing to spending, given the upcoming changes in the government. The motion was nonetheless passed

Next up, changes to bylaws regarding CEO compensation and performance reviews

They need a roll call vote to change bylaws. First, making the bylaws standing committee a permanent committee. Approved unanimously

The proposed changes to the CEO performance review process has been moved and approved unanimously. Some changes are being made to the previous professional, in red:

Now a vote to disband the CEO search committee. Motion passed

Now James White is giving the President and CEO report

This is the selfsame James White who recently left his post as police chief. bridgedetroit.com/new-job-for-de…

Some more info:

I think White is wearing the same outfit as in that photo up there. That's fun.

The issue of Pontiac General came up. Inaction was taken. just some background. wxyz.com/news/pontiac-g…

Next is the Communications Department presentation. They say next year they will be putting up billboards emphasizing crisis services for children and the many free services they provide, like the text line and crisis hotline.

They will also advertise Narcan trainings.

As an aside, everyone go to your local pharmacy and pick up some Narcan. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Now, Michael McElrath from public affairs is reviewing some local press coverage if DWIHN.

Next the Visual Design and Outreach director is talking about some events DWIHN hosted and attended

Taking about the work of Youth United dwihn.org/YouthUnited

Next Marlon Tate, Social Media Strategist will present on social media outreach

Predictably, this part's got some nice slides:

The board is moving on to announcements.

Eva Garza-Dewaelsche spoke in praise of James White.

The board is moving to public comment

First commenter says there should be a specialized crisis line, as the current line directs to administration, and needs rerouting. They also criticized Mr. White being placed as CEO, saying essentially he's police and it's a bad idea to mix police and mental health services.

They was it for public comment. The meeting was adjourned at 3pm.