SCR 14-H&SS REGIONAL BEST PRACTICE MODELS  4:05:55 PM CHAIR HIGGINS announced that the final order of business would be CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14(HSS), Relating to health and social service best practice models and identifying citizen networks to achieve solutions to health and social problems in the state. SENATOR PETE KELLY, Alaska State Legislature, explained that the proposed resolution represented the effort from a group, "Empowering Hope." He offered his belief that the legislature was not able to address the necessary task for continuity of effort in dealing with FASD. He listed the members of the group, noting that the group would exist regardless of the composition of the Alaska State Legislature. He stated that the mission was to eradicate FASD, and he compared this effort to the societal changes for seat belts, drunk driving, and smoking. He said the proposed resolution was not creating anything new, and wanted to establish best practices by taking advantage of existing networks in urban and rural Alaska by encouraging and empowering individuals to work in their communities, and be the go-to people in every community. He shared an anecdote about suicide in Kotzebue, and the subsequent group of young kids organized to implement a solution for youth suicide. He lauded the results for decreasing the number of suicides. He remarked on the number of community groups working toward resolution for similar problems. He reported that the group would begin a public relations campaign, and would study the effectiveness of placing pregnancy tests in bars and restaurants. He declared that this was the "rudimental, operational plan as we go forward to eradicate FASD." He expressed his hope that the proposed resolution was a bit meatier than previous programs. He reported that the mantra of Empowering Hope was "because we so doggedly want to keep in the direction of eradicating fetal alcohol syndrome." He shared that the word "leg brace," in reference to polio, was used to keep everyone at Empowering Hope on the mission track for eradication. 4:18:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE NAGEAK shared that he had been involved with many organizations, some moving in a similar direction for a similar problem. He suggested a publication that would identify similar organizations and resources currently working on this. He declared a need to continue to talk with people who were impacted. He shared the need to talk with people who looked down and out and to get involved. He stated that this was a learned attitude. 4:21:47 PM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD referenced Recover Alaska, and asked Senator Kelly if he was partnering with them to change the social norms. She said that changing these social norms all boiled down "to respecting yourself and disciplining. It's free if you just learn to respect yourself and learn some self- discipline sometimes." SENATOR KELLY replied that, although there was not a formal relationship, they did work together. MR. RAY said that, while there was not a contractual partnership, there was a close working relationship with Recover Alaska. He pointed out that Mr. Jesse was a member of both groups. He noted that he had monthly meetings with Recover Alaska counterparts to discuss how to collaborate and work together as different organizations. 4:23:45 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER declared that it was still frustrating not to be able to fix this with law, and that it was dependent on the drive and the people behind it to establish best practices. 4:25:43 PM REPRESENTATIVE TARR expressed her support of the proposed resolution. She pointed out the national recognition [for placement of pregnancy tests in rest rooms]. She expressed concern that, as drinking happens elsewhere, there was a need for complementary prevention efforts for intervention, as well. SENATOR KELLY explained that the proposed resolution was the rudiments of an operating plan, and that they would not eliminate any possibilities, including the use of contraception as an alternative. He noted that contraception was not included in the current plan, and he offered that there were "some reasons to suggest it may not be the best thing at the point that we're at right now." 4:27:24 PM CHAIR HIGGINS offered his belief that it was necessary to stage a three-day conference for every organization that accepted state funds, in order to work together for ideas and to develop a better program. MR. RAY expressed his agreement. He shared his conversations with Senator Kelly regarding the Empowering Hope group, and referenced these proposed resolutions as "legacy class initiatives" and "social equivalents to the pipeline." He expressed his excitement that the proposed resolution identified the networks, and would bring them together at an event to discuss best practices for FASD, suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. He projected that the proposed resolution would lead to development of a social infrastructure network to carry out the strategies and suggest community based solutions to the governor. 4:30:24 PM [Chair Higgins opened public testimony.] MR. JESSEE expressed his support for the proposed resolution, declaring that this resolution would ramp up existing statewide efforts by supporting those who were already working on it. 4:31:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to report CSSCR 14(HSS), Version 28- LS1397\C, out of committee with individual recommendations. 4:32:18 PM CHAIR HIGGINS closed public testimony. There being no objection, CSSCR 14(HSS) was moved from the House Health and Social Services Standing Committee.