Renée Speh opened the agenda with the following updates:

• DHS contract reapplication -- The current grant contract expires June 30, and the draft reapplication for the next 12 months is due by April 19. Renée has completed most of the budget work, and has included funds for five school health coordinators (SAD 46 full time) and a MY TURN coordinator. While we don't know exactly how much money will be available, the Legislature has supported the Fund for a Healthy Maine and we should have close to last year's level of funding. The workplan objectives will remain the same, but PPHC will be reviewing the most effective strategies that can used to achieve the objectives.
  Action: Renée will distribute draft budget and workplan when finished. PPHC will meet 10 a.m. April 10 to approve document before it is forwarded to DHS by April 19.
• Mini-grants -- Many partnerships are distributing mini-grants to individuals and/or organizations to further the grant objectives. Grants may be awarded on two levels, up to $5,000 and up to $2,000. Renée is formulating guidelines for distributing grants. PPHC needs to form two committees: one an Awards Committee to review grant proposals and approve distribution of funds, and one a Planning Committee to work with grant winners to work out project details before funds are actually awarded.
  Action: PPHC members signed up to help with grant committees.
• MY TURN -- Anita Cooley will work part-time to coordinate the Maine Youth Tobacco Use Resistance Network. A presentation by MY TURN is being planned for April 9 at Foxcroft Academy.
• PPHC by-laws -- Renée has begun work on developing PPHC by-laws to more clearly define the organization's structure and procedures. More progress will be made after the grant reapplication deadline is met.

Miscellaneous:

• Renée shared the social ecology model with members. Discussion ensued on how this framework can be used to further tobacco grant objectives.
• Grant funds will be used to purchase bulk subscriptions to STOP magazine, which will be distributed to various locations in the community.
• Susan Crippen reported that the Penquis Oral Health Coalition has been approved for a $27,000 dental services program grant.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Tom Lizotte

Next meeting:
Wednesday, April 10, 10-11 a.m. at Mayo Resource Center, Sebec Conference Room.