Next Coalition Meeting is: 

January 21, 2009

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Earl Bennet Building

2nd Floor Conference Rooms

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November 19, 2009 Minutes

 

Attendees:  Leslie Deck, Wendy Olson, E.B. Eiselein, Sally Kay Bertelsen, Jennifer Leavitt, Katy Saisbury, Cathy Lisowski, Dr. Gordon Stillie

  1.  Introduction

  2.  Old Business

        a)  MCIAA Update

              Flathead County has received 4 complaints since October 1st; only 1 was actionable.  Statewide approximately 40 complaints have been filed with less than ½ actionable.  Comments from business owners and patrons alike have been mostly favorable, with some exceptions. 

        b)  Red Ribbon Week

              High School STAND kids visited elementary schools in Flathead County to discuss alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs with students.  Kari Gabriel was unable to make this meeting and give further details. 

  3.  New Business

       a)  Comp Cancer Workplan Focus

             Wendy presented Montana’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Goals to the group to help facilitate discussion of work plan ideas, identify areas of need and strengths.

              Prevention: Reduce the risk factors that lead to cancer, e.g. tobacco, poor nutrition, inactivity, obesity, ultraviolet light exposure and environmental carcinogens.

              Early Detection: Broaden coverage, increase utilization and promote compliance with cancer-screening guidelines.

              Dr. Stillie brought up the point that Montana’s mammogram rate is around 40% which is lower than the national average.  The latest national recommendation of starting screening mammograms at 50 was discussed.  The question was asked why the task force made this recommendation and E.B. shared that from his reading it was a cost benefit analysis decision.  The number of cancer cases discovered from screening didn’t out weigh the cost.  Which was in contrast to the front page article in the Daily Interlake featuring a 41 year old woman diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.  The group discussed the potential barriers to screening including:  Lack of transportation, Cost, Lack of time, Lack of insurance, Fear of radiation, Fear of pain, Don’t want to know if something is wrong

              E.B. suggested that we work on a media piece that features checklist of barriers with solutions.  Sally Kay thought KRMC was working on something like that and will check with them.  The big question is how to inspire people to take action

              Treatment:  Ensure prevailing standards of care, accessibility, availability, and utilization of cancer treatment services for all.  Promote optimum patient/provider communication.

              Quality of Life and Survivorship:  Promote quality of life for cancer patients, empower patients and families, ensure age-appropriate services for children, and ensure opportunities for safe and effective use of complementary medicine.

              Coalition member Cathy Lisowski talked about the “Journey to Health” program offered through the Clinical Department at the Summit Medical Fitness Center.  This is offered to all who suffer from chronic disease including cancer fighters/survivors.  The program focuses on balanced nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns through lectures, by registered dietitians, wellness coaches,  and other health professionals.  The program lasts 90 days and participants must be physician referred. 

              Research:  Provide access to cancer research information and ensure high-quality cancer research.

              Data, Registry and Surveillance:  Collect, analyze and disseminate quality cancer-related data.

              Advocacy:  Implement Montana’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan

              Top Five Ways to Prevent Cancer

Avoid use of tobacco

Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Engage in regular physical activity

Maintain a healthy body weight

Protect your skin from ultraviolet exposure

       b)  CRC Screening Program & Awareness

             Update was given on the CRC screening program.  The group discussed ideas for getting the word out on CRC screening to the insured population.  Chamber of Commerce newsletter, ads, wellness programs were suggested.  Will include the Cancer Treatment Center on appropriate promotional items to show the community wide support.  The Summit will also display CRC messages on their website, display boards.

       c)  Great American Smokeout

             Day of GASO is November 19th.  The Coalition will host a GASO event at the Summit on November 22nd from 1:30 – 4:30 pm.  The event will promote cessation of tobacco use and celebrate smokefree Montana.  Anyone who pledges to be smokefree will be allowed to swim for free at the Summit.  Coalition members are encouraged to stop by and check it out.  STAND kids will be working the event.   

       d)  New Tobacco Policy Focus

             Now that full implementation of the MT Clean Indoor Air Act has come and gone, we can now begin to focus on new policy development.  Two areas suggested are tobacco free parks and recreation areas and tobacco free multi-housing units.  The coalition discussed which should be pursued first and chose tobacco free parks and recreation areas.  E.B. spoke to this being the next logical step in the program and stressed that this is where the kids are and where we can have the largest impact.  E.B. will also look into have this be integrated into his course at FVCC and using it as a potential research project for students. 

       e)  MTUPP Observational Study

             During the month of January the coalition must work on an observational study to measure compliance with the MT Clean Indoor Air Act.  Details will be coming, but it looks as though we will be given a list of establishments and asked to “poke our heads in” and see if the establishment is in compliance.  If you would be willing to help out with this, please let Leslie know.  We will not have another meeting between now and when this study must be completed.

  4.  Upcoming Important Dates

       Great American Spit Out - February 18, 2010

  5.  Other / Brainstorming

       Members voted to continue meeting every other month at the same time.

  6.  Member Updates

       None were shared.

  7.  Next Meeting:  January 21st at 10:00 am 

 

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September 17, 2009 Minutes

Attendees: Sally Kay Bertelsen , Alex Bokor , Lori Cormier, Leslie Deck , Clell Hoffman, Jennifer Leavitt , Wendy Olson , Carole Pinnell

    1.  Introduction

    2.  Old Business

          a)  MCIAA Implementation Celebration

                  A celebration of the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act was held at the Picnic in the Park in Depot Park on August 25 th . In general, people seemed excited for the full implementation of the law.

          b)  MCIAA Bar Kits

                  208 Bar Kits were delivered to bars, casinos, and restaurants in Flathead County . The vast majority of comments from the staff and patrons were positive, although there were some concerns about how bartenders can enforce with law with their patrons.

          c)  Changes to Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

                  The Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program will be combining at the state and local level. In addition to this change, the program received a grant from the CDC to start doing colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopy or FOBT) by January 1. Screenings will be based on income levels.

    3.  New Business

          a)  Breast & Cervical Health Program – Sally Kay Bertelsen

                  Sally Kay presented information on the Breast and Cervical Health Program. The program provides mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests and pelvic exams for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. These services may be provided free to income-eligible women.

         b)  MCIAA Full Implementation October 1 st

                 100% smokefree indoor public places begins October 1 st . If you see violations of the law (people smoking, smells like smoke, ashtrays, etc), either let Leslie know or file a complaint at www.tobaccofree.mt.gov .

         c)  Upcoming Important Dates

                 Oct 1   Full Implementation of MCIAA

                              Prostate Cancer Screening at The Summit

                 Oct 2   Turn the Flathead Pink

                 Oct 3   Prostate Cancer Screening in Whitefish

                 Nov 19   Great American Smokeout

         d)Other / Brainstorming

    4.  Member Updates

    5.  Next Meeting:  November 19th at 10:00 am

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July 16, 2009 Minutes

Attendees: Dr. Gordon Stillie , Clell Hoffman, EB Eiselein, Katy Saisbury, Sally Kay Bertelsen , Leslie Deck , Wendy Olson

    1.  Introduction

    2.  Old Business

              None

    3.  New Business

          a)  Prostate Cancer Awareness Organization – Clell Hoffman

                     Clell shared with the coalition information about the Prostate Cancer Awareness Organization including support group activities, annual golf tournament fund raiser (9/27) and support of the free prostate cancer screening activities. Three screening dates have been set up for 2009: September 17 th , October 1 st and 3 rd . All will be held at the Summit in Kalispell. A follow up prostate health lecture will be held at the Summit October 19 th to give screening participants and others a chance to hear the latest information about men's health and have questions answered. The screenings and lectures are done by volunteer local urologists. The PSA tests are paid for by the Prostate Cancer Awareness Organization.

          b)  Changes to Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

                     An update was provided on the upcoming addition/changes to the Comp Cancer program. The State of Montana DPHHS has received a grant to support colorectal cancer screening which are targeted to begin January 2010. There is a possibility that the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program and Comp Cancer will be combined. More details to follow as they are revealed.

           c)  MCIAA Implementation Celebration

                      Ideas were discussed of ways to celebrate the upcoming full implementation of the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act:

            Utilize the Tavern Association

            We are Smoke Free table tents

            Organize bars and casinos that are in the same geographical area to work together and apply positive peer pressure for compliance

            Have a community picnic to celebrate MCIAA, possibly incorporating it into an existing musical event (Picnic in the Park?)

Finalization of plans with youth will occur after start of school.  Coalition members are asked to provide support and encourage excitement for implementation through letters to the editor, “Thank You's” to bars/casinos.  Leslie and Wendy will be handing out “kits” to all bars/casinos for implementation (Clell has also agreed to help). If you would like to help out as well, let Leslie know.

           d)  MTUPP Observational Study

                      Coalition members were asked to help perform the observational studies and for other ways to check compliance with the law. Suggested were putting a tear out copy of the finalized venue checklist in the newspaper and on our website so the general community can provide input. More details to come.

           e)  Other

                      Other ideas generated were: put together a screening challenge to increase the number of people participating in age and gender appropriate cancer screenings; generate more news stories of people that were asymptomatic prior to their cancer diagnosis; make the screening message a positive push for screening.

      4.  Member Updates

                None

      5.  Next Meeting: September 17 th at 10:00 am

 

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May 5, 2009 Minutes

Attendees: Leslie Deck, Barney Stucker, Donna Bosch, Kathryn McLeod, Dr. Gordon Stillie, Kari Gabriel, Cathy Lisowski, Katy Saisbury, Wendy Olson

    1.  Introduction 

                  New Member: Kathryn McLeod from Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency

    2.  Old Business

            a)  Kick Butts Day report

                  Kick Butts Day event was conducted at Flathead High School . 45 students lay “dead” in the commons with a banner explaining that 45 people die from tobacco every hour. The event was a success and we were able to draw a lot of students to observe the demonstration. We were also able to get great media coverage.

            b)  Quit Line Anniversary

                  The 5 th Anniversary of the Montana Tobacco Quit Line is May 2009. A letter to the editor was submitted. Leslie will send out brief information to physicians on referrals to the Quit Line.

            c)  MTUPP Statewide Meeting

                  May 13 & 14 in Great Falls . Focus is on full implementation of Clean Indoor Air – Kathryn may be attending with Leslie. Kari will attend the OPI specific meeting in Helena during the same time.

            d)  MTCCC Statewide Meeting

                  May 21 st in Great Falls . There is a Super Colon event and open house events at Clinic Cancer Care and Sletten Cancer Center on the 20 th . The focus of the Statewide Meeting is Colorectal Cancer. If you join the Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition, your expenses are paid for attending this conference. If you are interested, let Wendy or Leslie know.

            e)  Pharmacy Project

                  We will continue to pursue the pharmacy project although it has been sidetracked with H1N1 activities.

    3.  New Business

            a)  MT Youth Risk Behavior Survey – Barney Stucker

                  Barney presented the trends of tobacco use and attitudes in Flathead County . The handout with the pertinent information is attached.

            b)  Skin Cancer Awareness Brainstorming

                  Developed a list of potential venues to distribute information and sunscreen samples. Contact Wendy if you have additional ideas.

            c)  Upcoming Activities in which to have a presence

                  Relay for Life, Summit Triathlon, Whitefish Lake Run, etc

            d)  Other

    4.  Member Updates

                  Cathy Lisowski spoke about the 90 for $90 program that will be offered at The Summit Medical Fitness Center. The program focuses on lifestyle changes regarding nutrition, exercise, and wellness for 90 days. Participants will receive education, mentoring, and access to The Summit for fitness and consultation. For more information, contact The Summit.

    5.  Next Meeting: July 16 th 10:00 am

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March 19, 2009 Minutes

    1.  Introduction

            a)  Coalition Name

                  Coalition for a Healthy Flathead

            b)  Meeting Times

                  Meeting times seem to work with everyone's schedule – will continue meeting 3 rd Thursday of month at 10:00 am.

    2.  Old Business

            a)  Coaches v. Cancer

                  Information was provided to all area athletic directors on the C vs C awareness campaign. Bigfork and Whitefish participated. Next year we need to do more prep work with the schools and have a more visible presence at the games with banners, fundraisers, etc.

            b)  Through With Chew

                  During Through With Chew Week (Feb 15-21), STAND kids handed out palm cards with information on spit tobacco and candy at FHS and GHS during lunches.  Every dental office in Flathead County received “Quit Spit Kits” to hand out to patients who use spit tobacco. Focus of this year's campaign was “Tougher Than Tobacco.”

            c)  Celebration on the Hill

                  Held January 27 th by American Cancer Society. Intent is to speak with legislators regarding cancer related issues – specifically assured coverage of colorectal cancer screenings, keeping the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act intact and the DPHHS budget as proposed. Daffodils were set up on the stairs of the capital and delivered to every legislator to represent cancer deaths. 60 reACT (react Against Corporate Tobacco) youth attended and spoke with legislators about the benefits of clean indoor air laws.

    3.  New Business

            a)  Tobacco

                    i.  Kick Butts Day

                        STAND kids will put on a demonstration at both high schools simultaneously after school. At each school, 45 kids will become dead bodies with notes attached depicting which tobacco related illness caused their deaths. Fun Beverage has graciously donated 3 banners to hang up (1 at FHS, 1 at GHS, and 1 at KMS) explaining 45 people die every hour from tobacco.

                   ii.  Anniversary of the Quit Line

                        The Montana Tobacco Quit Line is 5 years old. Quit Line calls are increasing every month with a large increase expected when 60cent tax increase takes effect and again with full implementation of the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act in October. In recognition of the anniversary, we will be reminding physicians of how to make referrals to the Quit Line. Look for letters to the editor and advertising over the next couple of months. If you would like to submit a LTE, let Leslie know (I have one already written).

                  iii.  MTUPP Statewide Meeting

                        Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program's statewide meeting will be held in Great Falls May 13 and 14. The focus of this year's conference will be on clean indoor air and the anticipated issues with full implementation of Montana 's law. If you would like to attend, we have funding to support 1 coalition member to go (travel, lodging, conference fees, and meals). Just let Leslie know. First come, first served.

            b)  Cancer

                    i.   MTCCC Statewide Meeting / Super Colon

                          May 20 – The Super Colon display will be at the Hilton Garden Inn, Great Falls , MT from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm

                          May 21 – Statewide MTCCC meeting focused on Colorectal Cancer.

                   ii.  Education for Physician Offices

                        Examples of posters, screening guidelines, informational handouts, magnets and window cling ideas were shared. Will move forward on compiling an educational toolkit for health care providers.

            c)  Pharmacy Project

                 We are looking at partnering with local pharmacies to include cancer prevention and tobacco cessation information with dispensed prescription medicines. Leslie and Wendy will contact a local pharmacy to use a pilot site. Information could be stapled to bags or stickers can be developed to be placed on bags.

    4. Member Updates

    5. Next Meeting

        Wendy and Leslie will both be gone during the next regularly scheduled meeting for the Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition statewide meeting. We have rescheduled the next meeting to Tuesday, May 5 th at 10:00 am

 

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January 15, 2009 Minutes

    1.  New Member Introductions

         Members Present: Leslie Deck , Wendy Olson, Barney Stucker, Sally Kay Bertelsen, Dr. Gordon Stillie, Brad Roy, Donna Bosch, Jennifer Rankosky.

    2.  Coalition Update

         Wendy explained the overall plan for the coalition. The vision is to have the coalition design or utilize available resources to promote cancer prevention and provide those resources in the form of a toolkit for specific events. Toolkits would be available online or provided by the coalition and contain items such as posters, newsletters, screening guidelines, prevention tips, posters, brochures, window clings and other collateral materials. Healthcare providers can use these resources for professional education and patient education. Businesses can use the resources for employee education and public education.

                  a)  Membership

         New members invited to the coalition include Sally Kay Bertelsen , MBCHP; Dr. Gordon Stillie , Radiation Oncology Center; Brad Roy , NWHC, The Summit; Donna Bosch , Home Options; Cathy Lisowski , The Summit; Meg Murphy, The Wave; Teresa Dunn, North Valley Hospital ; others?

          It was suggested that we recruit a member from an insurance company such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield or New West.

                  b) New Name?

         Suggestions included “Healthy Flathead,” “Healthier Flathead” “Towards a Healthy Flathead,” “Moving to a Healthy Lifestyle,” “Choose Health,” “Change for Health.” Wendy and Leslie will continue to work on the name and will submit to the coalition.

    3.  Suits and Sneakers Cancer Awareness Event

    4.  Through With Chew Week

         This year's campaign is “Tougher than Tobacco.” MTUPP was behind in distribution of event requests of a Tobacco-Free Winter Fun Day and a Day Off From Chew. If coalition members want to take on either of those activities, it can be done, but Leslie cannot be the lead.

         MTUPP has prepared a letter to the editor for TWC. If a coalition member is interested in submitting the letter, let Leslie know.

          Activities that will occur include distribution of “Quit Spit Kits” by dentist and physician offices. The youth coalition will also do any activity for TWC week.

          Leslie will look into getting dental offices to offer free oral cancer screenings during TWC week.

    5.  Colorectal Cancer Month

         March is Colorectal Cancer Month. Suggestions for activities include a Wear Blue Day in support of colorectal cancer awareness and the Remember When campaign.

         Wendy will work on media highlighting a cancer survivor and Dr. Stillie.

    6.  ACS Calendar of Events

         Wendy and Leslie distributed the 2009 Event Calendar. This calendar contains days of action from American Cancer Society, MTUPP, and MTCCC Program.