November 14, 2011
Attendance: 3 plus 1 ally
Two new members. Overview of the purpose of drug user networks, the history and goals of KANDU.
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
Our free box has been obtained from ANKORS. The group agrees that the box is tamper-proof, however wishes to ensure that it is mounted in such a way that it cannot be disturbed. It was suggested that larger holes are drilled into the back to allow for larger bolts to mount the box, and that we also look into having poles cemented into the ground to hold them to avoid damage to any existing structure. The group is ready to approach relevant community leaders in regards to the implementation of this goal.
First Aid and Overdose Response Training:
We are ready to set a date. Once some possible dates are put forth by the training provider, they will be posted in the lobby at Living Positive so the group members may indicate dates they would be available as they come in.
Funding:
Living Positive Resource Centre has agreed to hold an account specifically for KANDU. Interior Health has requested KANDU submit a revised request that is more general, as well as a new request for the possibility that there is additional funding available. These two proposals have both been submitted, and we are waiting to hear back.
Logo:
As the group may see some funding for promotional items such as business cards and t-shirts, it is important that KANDU develops a logo. One member has a friend who is an artist, and will be approaching this individual about designing a KANDU logo.
Notifications:
The group acknowledges the need for greater awareness of issues that can cause immediate harm to people who use drugs, for instance the ongoing concern of levamisole, a veterinary de-worming drug that has affected about 70% of the cocaine in North America since 2008 and can cause agranulocytosis, a serious illness affecting the immune system. The group has agreed to report any local concerns that users should be aware of to Living Positive, who will post such notifications on their information board.
Next Meeting: Tentatively set for November 28th, 2011 at 2pm.
Many group members have indicated that they will be moving and/or transitioning around that time of month, and that attendance will be uncertain.
Two new members. Overview of the purpose of drug user networks, the history and goals of KANDU.
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
Our free box has been obtained from ANKORS. The group agrees that the box is tamper-proof, however wishes to ensure that it is mounted in such a way that it cannot be disturbed. It was suggested that larger holes are drilled into the back to allow for larger bolts to mount the box, and that we also look into having poles cemented into the ground to hold them to avoid damage to any existing structure. The group is ready to approach relevant community leaders in regards to the implementation of this goal.
First Aid and Overdose Response Training:
We are ready to set a date. Once some possible dates are put forth by the training provider, they will be posted in the lobby at Living Positive so the group members may indicate dates they would be available as they come in.
Funding:
Living Positive Resource Centre has agreed to hold an account specifically for KANDU. Interior Health has requested KANDU submit a revised request that is more general, as well as a new request for the possibility that there is additional funding available. These two proposals have both been submitted, and we are waiting to hear back.
Logo:
As the group may see some funding for promotional items such as business cards and t-shirts, it is important that KANDU develops a logo. One member has a friend who is an artist, and will be approaching this individual about designing a KANDU logo.
Notifications:
The group acknowledges the need for greater awareness of issues that can cause immediate harm to people who use drugs, for instance the ongoing concern of levamisole, a veterinary de-worming drug that has affected about 70% of the cocaine in North America since 2008 and can cause agranulocytosis, a serious illness affecting the immune system. The group has agreed to report any local concerns that users should be aware of to Living Positive, who will post such notifications on their information board.
Next Meeting: Tentatively set for November 28th, 2011 at 2pm.
Many group members have indicated that they will be moving and/or transitioning around that time of month, and that attendance will be uncertain.
October 4, 2011
Attendance: 6 plus 1 ally
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
The medical supply company contacted has indicated that their manufacturer has discontinued the design of sharps boxes ideal for this purpose, but is trying to locate another supplier for these boxes. The typical cost is between $350-$600 a piece. KANDU will be obtaining a free mountable sharps container from ANKORS to be used as a demo model when approaching potential supporters. ANKORS has extra boxes on hand, and is willing to sell them to KANDU at a much cheaper price of approximately $150 a piece. The free box will be available to us before the end of October, and the group has decided to wait until the box has arrived before approaching potential supporters regarding installation of the boxes.
Networking:
The Uptown Rutland Business Association will be meeting on Wednesday, October 5th. The cost to attend is $5. As the group currently has no funding, it would be up to those wishing to attend to pay the $5. This is to be strictly a networking opportunity, to meet members of the business community and introduce KANDU, no discussion of issues will take place at the meeting. KANDU business cards will be available to those wishing to attend the meeting by Wednesday afternoon.
Branding:
The group acknowledged the need for a KANDU logo, and discussed some ideas around the image and meaning the logo should try to portray. The group also discussed other types of advertising that could be done, including flyers and an awareness/fundraising event such as a wiener roast. Business cards are in the process of being created. Already KANDU has been mentioned in a provincial newsletter for service providers.
Funding:
Funding proposal to Interior Health is being re-submitted. Living Positive Resource Centre will be approached regarding opening an account specifically for KANDU, and having the group umbrella-ed under their charitable status.
First Aid and Overdose Response Training:
There are a few options available for receiving the training, the group maintains that they would like a larger membership before the training takes place to ensure maximum benefit.
Next Meeting: October 18th, 2pm.
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
The medical supply company contacted has indicated that their manufacturer has discontinued the design of sharps boxes ideal for this purpose, but is trying to locate another supplier for these boxes. The typical cost is between $350-$600 a piece. KANDU will be obtaining a free mountable sharps container from ANKORS to be used as a demo model when approaching potential supporters. ANKORS has extra boxes on hand, and is willing to sell them to KANDU at a much cheaper price of approximately $150 a piece. The free box will be available to us before the end of October, and the group has decided to wait until the box has arrived before approaching potential supporters regarding installation of the boxes.
Networking:
The Uptown Rutland Business Association will be meeting on Wednesday, October 5th. The cost to attend is $5. As the group currently has no funding, it would be up to those wishing to attend to pay the $5. This is to be strictly a networking opportunity, to meet members of the business community and introduce KANDU, no discussion of issues will take place at the meeting. KANDU business cards will be available to those wishing to attend the meeting by Wednesday afternoon.
Branding:
The group acknowledged the need for a KANDU logo, and discussed some ideas around the image and meaning the logo should try to portray. The group also discussed other types of advertising that could be done, including flyers and an awareness/fundraising event such as a wiener roast. Business cards are in the process of being created. Already KANDU has been mentioned in a provincial newsletter for service providers.
Funding:
Funding proposal to Interior Health is being re-submitted. Living Positive Resource Centre will be approached regarding opening an account specifically for KANDU, and having the group umbrella-ed under their charitable status.
First Aid and Overdose Response Training:
There are a few options available for receiving the training, the group maintains that they would like a larger membership before the training takes place to ensure maximum benefit.
Next Meeting: October 18th, 2pm.
September 20, 2011
Attendance: 4 plus 1 ally
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
KANDU members are looking into the cost of two secure, mountable disposal boxes for the locations with the highest need, Lions Park and Ben Lee Park. Once the total cost has been calculated, KANDU will create a funding proposal to approach potential supporters with. It is again emphasized that these boxes will benefit the entire community by reducing the number of discarded syringes. Once established, KANDU members are willing to provide monitoring and maintenance of these boxes, keeping records of how many syringes have been disposed of in the boxes. Depending on the success of these initial boxes, KANDU would like to consider the addition of more disposal boxes in the other identified areas. Should community not be willing to fund these boxes, KANDU will consider hosting a fundraising event to secure the initial cost. The goal for the next meeting is to know the costs associated with the purchase and installation of two sharps boxes.
Website:
The website was approved by the group and published at the time of the meeting. A group email address will soon be established, and one of the KANDU members will be assisting with search engine optimization to make the site easier to find through internet searches. Having a website will assist with efforts to increase membership and community awareness.
Next Meeting: October 4th, 2pm.
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
KANDU members are looking into the cost of two secure, mountable disposal boxes for the locations with the highest need, Lions Park and Ben Lee Park. Once the total cost has been calculated, KANDU will create a funding proposal to approach potential supporters with. It is again emphasized that these boxes will benefit the entire community by reducing the number of discarded syringes. Once established, KANDU members are willing to provide monitoring and maintenance of these boxes, keeping records of how many syringes have been disposed of in the boxes. Depending on the success of these initial boxes, KANDU would like to consider the addition of more disposal boxes in the other identified areas. Should community not be willing to fund these boxes, KANDU will consider hosting a fundraising event to secure the initial cost. The goal for the next meeting is to know the costs associated with the purchase and installation of two sharps boxes.
Website:
The website was approved by the group and published at the time of the meeting. A group email address will soon be established, and one of the KANDU members will be assisting with search engine optimization to make the site easier to find through internet searches. Having a website will assist with efforts to increase membership and community awareness.
Next Meeting: October 4th, 2pm.
September 6, 2011
Attendance: 5 plus 1 ally
KANDU adopted a mission statement, and began strategising around goals.
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
Used injection supplies are being found in and around the bathrooms at Lions Park, behind the Coopers Mall, behind Storefront School, and in Ben Lee Park. Installing sharps disposal boxes at these sites will create a safer community for everybody. KANDU hopes to work with the Uptown Rutland Business Association to implement and inform the installation of the boxes.
Overdose Response Training:
A nurse has been identified who would be willing to provide overdose response training without offering certification. KANDU has decided that the training is more important than receiving a certificate, though certification would be something to work towards. KANDU wishes to increase membership before booking the training so that as many people as possible may benefit from it.
Increasing membership:
KANDU is in the process of having a website developed so that people have access to information about the group. The website address will be included on business cards, posters, and other marketing tools that will reach those interested in participating. KANDU also hopes to have a listing in the Street Survival Guide, and will approach Kelowna Community Resources regarding this once the website has been published. The key messages in advertising will be Equality, Safety, and Community.
Funding:
The funding proposal to the Interior Health Authority and the BC Centre for Disease Control has been edited and is ready to send.
Next meeting: September 20, 2pm.
KANDU adopted a mission statement, and began strategising around goals.
Sharps disposal boxes in Rutland:
Used injection supplies are being found in and around the bathrooms at Lions Park, behind the Coopers Mall, behind Storefront School, and in Ben Lee Park. Installing sharps disposal boxes at these sites will create a safer community for everybody. KANDU hopes to work with the Uptown Rutland Business Association to implement and inform the installation of the boxes.
Overdose Response Training:
A nurse has been identified who would be willing to provide overdose response training without offering certification. KANDU has decided that the training is more important than receiving a certificate, though certification would be something to work towards. KANDU wishes to increase membership before booking the training so that as many people as possible may benefit from it.
Increasing membership:
KANDU is in the process of having a website developed so that people have access to information about the group. The website address will be included on business cards, posters, and other marketing tools that will reach those interested in participating. KANDU also hopes to have a listing in the Street Survival Guide, and will approach Kelowna Community Resources regarding this once the website has been published. The key messages in advertising will be Equality, Safety, and Community.
Funding:
The funding proposal to the Interior Health Authority and the BC Centre for Disease Control has been edited and is ready to send.
Next meeting: September 20, 2pm.
August 23, 2011
Attendance: 7 plus 1 ally
Regrets: 3
First meeting. KANDU members selected a name, established guidelines for meetings, and identified goals. A funding proposal was reviewed and taken away for further consideration. The decision was made to meet every second Tuesday.
Next meeting: September 6, 4pm.
Regrets: 3
First meeting. KANDU members selected a name, established guidelines for meetings, and identified goals. A funding proposal was reviewed and taken away for further consideration. The decision was made to meet every second Tuesday.
Next meeting: September 6, 4pm.
