Talking Wellness Minutes

June 2, 2004

5:30-7:30

No Agenda

Present: Keisha C. Paxton—Charles Drew University

C. Edward Corbett—The Corbett Group

Sequioa Olivia Mercier—Community Resident

Ms. Ife Onawughalu—Volunteers of Africa

Barry Collins—HAAF

Loretta Jones—HAAF

Ted Booker—HAAF

Andrea Jones—HAAF

New Members: Albert Mathews--Neighborhood

Shelly Rabinson—N-H

Yvonne Amos—AADAP

Fonda Whitfield—AADAP

Addie Moore

Lillie Moore

Tammy Moore—AADAP

Mildred Hayes—AADAP

The Meeting

• Loretta Jones explains to the new members the history of the Depression Project and the different groups—Talking, Building, and Supporting. She explains what each group is trying to accomplish: “We are in partnership with the community. We need documentation to take to Congress to get the funds we need for the community. We are not here to exploit.” Throughout the meeting, the new members contributed their input about the different topics that were discussed.
• Ed Corbett went over his notes from the last meeting.
• Introductions: The new members are people who came to a Community Discussion this morning that was hosted by Ed Corbett, Dr. Wells, and HAAF.

• Sequioa gives update on the World Stage situation. She talked to Clint Rosemind, a board member. A July date for a presentation at the World Stage was discussed, but not confirmed. Some concerns about the World Stage were: 1) How to evaluate without bringing “research” into the “mix”. 2) Exploitation of the poets 3) Would the World Stage donate the stage or the cover charge? 4) Should we do it on a Sunday? 5) Advertising the event. 6) Also, if we were to have a discussion about depression after the poetry reading, would we have the time? Should we have such a discussion period? Do we want to get people to open up and then send them home? What about a procedure for following up? Should we just do a short survey? The short survey would be ½ sheet, maybe 6-8 questions. (Barry says maybe we won’t be able to evaluate the first one.) 7) Can we videotape the artists; the whole event? We would need their permission. (This could be a way to follow-up. A consent form could provide contact depending on the way it’s structured.)
• Other things discussed were;

(a) Advertising: radio, flyers, The Wave, Sentinel, LA Watts-Times, [billboards (need a sponsor, too expensive)]

(b) Music and its relation to depression

(c) Substance abuse and depression

(d) Medication is not the only option to depression, but it has its place. (Fonda Whitfield takes medication. It really helps her. Miss Ife Onawughula says different things work for different people.) Psychotherapy, education, and just going to the beach and screaming were mentioned.

(e) Domestic Violence and Depression

(f) Community Groups evolving as we go through this process

(g) Meeting twice a month

· Defining depression and the different levels of depression--“Do you have the “blues” or do you need a doctor?”

· The Website--doubtful by July, but the programmer is available in July and the designer is available in August.

· Other Venues—Magic Johnson Theater, Crenshaw Mall Community Room # 10, Leimert Park (outside), T.H.E. Clinic, D.W.P.

v Action Items:

v Ed Corbett will update the “Let’s Talk About Wellness” paper.

v Have information on website but also hard copy.

v Keisha needs to have framework ready for next week

v Barbara and Sharon do the report back on July 15^th:

v Sequoia will continue talks with World Stage. Trying for a July 25^th date

v List of referrals—Kim Fuller, Info-line, LA County DMH: Betsy Pfromm, Moses at DMH, T.H.E. Clinic (people & places that can help us compile a list of referrals)

v Next Meeting-June 23^rd at 5:30 p.m.