SCI/TBI Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
November 17, 2004
 

Members present were Chris Olson, Ryan Green, Mary Pat Forsberg, Dr. Robert Morecraft, Jim Tesch, Leo Hallan, and Grady Kickul. Others present were Kim Schweiss from SD Advocacy Services, Dr. Barry Timms from USD, and Becky Blume. The meeting was called to order at approximately 3:45 p.m. via DDN. Roll call was taken and introductions were made. Welcome to Dr. Barry Timms and Kim Schweiss, and thank you for attending the meeting.

Kim Schweiss is the Protection and Advocacy Traumatic Brain Injury Program director and advocate. She reported that Advocacy received a grant to assist persons with TBI. She also feels that it is great that South Dakota started up the SCI/TBI Advisory Council. She gave brochures to be sent out with the minutes, and also gave the toll free number for her office (1-800-658-4782).

Grady received a letter from the Brain Injury Alliance president, Robert Woodring. The Brain Injury Alliance would like to share meeting minutes and agendas, and supplied the names of the Board members. It was also stated that the Alliance would try to have a representative present at the meetings. A copy of the Board members will be sent out with minutes.

The Agenda was approved. The minutes of the last meeting were also approved.

Leo reported that he visited with the Sioux Valley Rehabilitation Center. He was very impressed. He informed them of the Council and the purpose. Kevin Lampe, Vice-President of Ortho/Neuro/Rehabilitation, was also present at this meeting.

Discussion was held on changes in the by-laws. An updated copy of the by-laws will be included with the minutes. Final action will be an agenda item at the next meeting.

Discussion was also held on changes to the Research Program Overview. Dr. Timms will review the document and then send it to the Grant Writing team at USD for their opinion. After it is finalized and approved by the Council, it will be presented to the Governor’s office by Grady.

Leo stated the need for a SCI/TBI Advisory Council website. The website would be used to make people more aware of SCI and TBI. The minutes would also be available on the website. Leo has spoken with some organizations that would be willing to give free website space to the Council. Chris is interested in setting up the website. Chris also said that he could put a link with the Brain Injury Alliance e-mail list on the website.

Leo is working with the Treasurer’s office to set up another account to put funds into. These funds would come from private donations and grants that the Council may receive.

USD requests a budget from the Council. This would be for Administrative and other costs associated with the Council. Dr. Morecraft mentioned that USD put $1000 into an account for the Advisory Council but it is not known for sure if the $1000 is annually or for a three year period. Leo will contact USD to discuss further funds.

Ryan suggested that the Council send a letter to businesses to solicit funds. Leo and Ryan should get together to draft a letter for the Council to review prior to sending. DRS and Grady will handle mailing the letter

Dr. Morecraft asked if he should continue attending the Council meetings. Grady feels he should continue until they start issuing grants.

The next meeting will be held via DDN on December 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The sites and addresses are listed below. Note that the Yankton site is different from the last meeting.
DHS Adim Bldg in Yankton, DDN04, 3515 Broadway
USDSU Room 282 in Sioux Falls, 2301 Career Place
Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, 230 11th St NE
University of South Dakota1 in Vermillion, 414 East Clark
Capitol A in Pierre, 500 E Capitol
Dakota State University/TCB109 in Madison, 820 N. Washington