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COLUMBUS — The Health and Behavioral Wellness Council of Greater Colorado Valley also known as The Wellness Council, met to discuss services for the community and campaigns for February.
The group met Feb. 9 at the Colorado County Courthouse on the first floor, Room 106, 400 Spring St.
Elizabeth Espinoza-Rodriguez, vice president of awareness campaigns, talked about how the group in partnering with Columbus Physical Therapy to conduct a Random Acts of Kindness campaign throughout February. Random Acts of Kindness is observed Feb. 17.
“All the schools in the district are going to get flyers and some stickers,” Espinoza said. “They’re going to put kids names in for a drawing and they will pull for a drawing and we are going to do three to five gift cards for each campus.”
Espinoza said this is the first time the group has done something like this. She said the money will be from the awareness campaign funds.
The Wellness Council said Methodist Healthcare Ministries awarded the group a $12,000 grant to help run the awareness campaign.
Since its last meeting, the organization has filled some of its committee spots including the Communications Committee Chair position which is now occupied by Nancy Williams. Williams said her role will focus on the awareness campaigns and using different methods to communicate with the public to help residents understand what the Wellness Council is doing and what is available to the community.
Other members from the Wellness Council gave updates. Brent Leftwich spoke on behalf of the grants and funding search committee about services they provide including help with grant writing. Leftwhich talked about the “You Matter 2” Beard and Mustache Competition which was held in La Grange, Jan. 21. Shannon and Tisha Clinkenbeard spoke about how the proceeds go to charities. Shannon Clinkenbeard said they wanted to donate to mental health charities. The Wellness Council was presented with a $20,000 check.
Other members representing committees spoke including Mental Health Deputy Andrew Lopez who also spoke during the meeting to provide a meeting health report. Vice President Tracy Lilie for networking and programs also spoke and introduced Kim Sodek and Laura Hernandez from the Texas Department of State Health Services. They spoke about how the Health and Human Services Clinic, 1220 Bowie St., provides services to residents of Colorado County ranges from immunizations, services for expecting mothers, a car seat program, and more. Dan Poré from Family and Youth Success gave an overview of their services and objectives.
The next meeting will be Thursday, March 9 at noon.
