Jim Rice

The commission discussed re-orientation and future goals, bylaws, and commissioner terms. They addressed the need for a new Prevention & Outreach pillar lead and a student representative. Progress on achieving 501(c)(3) status was reviewed, including setting up a bank account. Plans for Colorfest participation were discussed, along with the importance of disseminating information. Updates were provided on the resource compendium and guide for recovery coaches. Pillar leads were challenged to set concrete goals. Updates included school events, International Overdose Awareness Day, and community engagement. A family support group was announced, and a commissioner resigned.

The meeting included discussion of the Frederick County Health Department Mobile Harm reduction syringe services program and TAC's role in supporting it. There was also a discussion about the risk of high schoolers vaping or Juuling. The commission discussed options for a drug education kit for TAC to use when members are out in the community, and the resource compendium. The commission also discussed scientific literature about how the lessons and successes learned in tackling the HIV crisis can be applied to tackling the opioid crisis, from a public health perspective.

The Thurmont Addiction Commission (TAC) meeting covered various topics, including the potential for televising future meetings, a restructuring of meeting formats to focus on actionable items, and a discussion on funding opportunities. Progress reports were given on initiatives such as the CARR Recovery coach training, a harm reduction/needle exchange program, a Catoctin High School poster competition on addiction, and the monthly addiction education speaker series. The meeting also included presentations on funding opportunities from a private citizen formerly with HRSA and SAMHSA, and a discussion of the need for a community needs assessment to support grant applications. Finally, updates were provided on the progress of a local recovery center and the activities of the Abandon teen group.

The meeting addressed the need for a new secretary, reviewed the treasurer's report and the financial status of the commission, and discussed plans for the upcoming Night of Remembrance event. Reports from the Education and Awareness, Prevention and Outreach, and Support and Recovery pillars covered various initiatives, including an "Introduction to the Enemy" program, the Fuse New Year's Eve event, and the Path Peer Recovery Community Center. Discussions included resource development, community outreach strategies, and the use of visual aids for education. The commission also reviewed a request to publish a link to an out-of-town resource on the town website and discussed the need for a volunteer with journalism skills. Finally, the meeting concluded with sobering statistics on drug overdose and suicide rates.

The Thurmont Addiction Commission (TAC) meeting addressed several key issues. A position for a non-voting member in active recovery from substance use disorder was opened. The commission discussed the amendment of its by-laws, the resignation of the Support and Recovery Pillar lead and the selection of a replacement. Updates were provided on the 501(c)(3) application status, financial contributions, and the development of a resource compendium. Progress reports were given on the Fuse teen center, a Christmas bazaar fundraiser, a harm reduction syringe exchange program, and the education and awareness speaker series. The student representative reported on planned events at Catoctin High School, including a drug awareness poster contest. Finally, plans for the Catoctin Colorfest were discussed, along with the need for a monthly treasurer's report and the possibility of seeking a stipend from the town.