HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 08-13 HRRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 13, 1980
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was
called to order by Chairperson Kuhar at 7:50 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Kuhar, Commissioners Reichgott and Mayleben. Also present were
Councilmember Gene Lhotka and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. Chair-
person Kuhar noted that Commissioners Lemke and Stacy were absent from this
evening's meeting and were excused.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 6-18-80
There was a motion by Commissioner Mayleben and seconded by Commissioner
Reichgott to approve the minutes of the June 18, 1980 Human Rights Commission
meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
GUEST SPEAKER FROM DRUG INFORMATION SERVICE CENTER
Chairperson Kuhar introduced Mr. Robert Beck who has worked as a coordinator
for drug education for five years at the Drug Information Service Center of
the University of Minnesota. Mr. Beck noted he has developed several slide
presentations on drug information oriented.to various age groups including
elementary, junior high, high school and adult audiences.
Mr. Beck proceeded to make his slide presentation and pointed out, the major
drugs of choice of high school and junior high age people appear to be
marijuana, alcohol, and PCP, not necessarily in that order of preference.
He reviewed the effects and side effects of various types of illicit drugs
and presented numerous statistics on drug use in the metropolitan area and
the United States in general.
He noted that there are varying attitudes among parents regarding drugs,
particularly in the aspects of good drugs versus bad drugs. For example, he
pointed out, prescription Valium appears to be accepted by adults as a drug
but marijuana is not an-acceptable drug, although both present certain hazards
to users. He added, attitudes of parents and children are often the same
about drugs and only the drugs are different. He informed Commissioners,
there appears to be an "amotivational syndrome" involved with marijuana use,
in that, with continued use of marijuana there appears to be a link with
lack of motivation.
Commissioner Reichgott inquired whether the slide presentation could be
geared to various age groups. Mr. Beck replied, he has about 150 slides
and that his program can be oriented towards all age groups from elementary
to adult. He pointed out he has made several presentations to P.T.A. groups
and believes it is important for parents to know the effects and side effects
of various drugs, including prescription drugs. Commissioner Reichgott
inquired how the Drug Information Service Center was different from a group
like the Pharm House which appears to focus on chemical dependency with an
emphasis on the social aspects of drug use. Mr. Beck replied the Drug
Information Service Center concentrates on the pharmacological effects of
drugs not on the social aspect of drug use. He noted, there are three peop
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in the group making presentations and all are pharmacy students. He added,
drug education programs are generally not.cost effective since their impact
is generally small. He broke the category of drug user into three subcategories
those being, those who use drugs no matter what information is presented to
them, those who never use drugs, and those who are not sure if they will or
will not use drugs.
Mr. Beck concluded his presentation and stated, the Drug Information Service
Center has made several presentations throughout the metro area to such groups
as Women Jaycees and P.T.A.'s and added, they would be happy to assist the
Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission in any program that they might develop.
DISCUSSION ITEM: DEVELOPMENT OF A QUESTIONNAIRE FOR DRUG INFORMATION RESOURCES
There was a general discussion.of the development of a questionnaire to be
sent to various information resources for drug information. The intent of the
questionnaire is to develop a directory for persons to use who may be interested
or have a particular need in drug abuse or drug education information. There
was a general consensus among the commissioners present to develop a questionnaire
at the next Commission meeting, and to also develop a list of groups to which
the questionnaire will be sent.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Reichgott and seconded by Chairperson Kuhar
to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center
Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9:59 p.m.
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Chairman
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