DE BEST Committee Meeting (November)

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Dec 5, 2025
by Celeste Peart

DE BEST Committee Meeting Minutes

Date: November 25, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)


Attendees

Celeste Peart, Anthony Policastro, Nadiyah Fisher, Trevor Alleyne, Marianne Baker, James Deel, Janice James-Webb


A. Introductions

The meeting opened with brief introductions from all attendees. The purpose of the committee was reaffirmed: strengthening DE BEST's volunteer engagement, coordination, and community outreach.


B. Mission Statement & Exercise Planning

  • (Anthony) Reviewed the DE BEST mission statement, emphasizing volunteer engagement and feedback to leadership.
  • (Anthony) Personally in active discussion with Nanticoke Hospital of planning an exercise simulating the mental health needs of patients following a school shooting. Goal: Provide actionable feedback to improve future disaster behavioral health responses in coordination with Nanticoke Hospital.
  • (Anthony) Noted challenges connecting with the DuPont/Nemours Hospital team, who are unable to partner or participate in this cycle


C. Recruitment & Meeting Attendance

  • (Anthony) Emphasized the need for increased volunteer recruitment and stronger meeting attendance to build ownership, continuity, and team commitment.
  • (Celeste) Plan to launch monthly hybrid meetings statewide, rotating through Kent, New Castle, and Sussex counties. Meetings will include opportunities for CEUs to increase professional engagement. Highlighted the value of meeting in community-facing locations for outreach and partner engagement.
  • Discussion on improving community involvement and expanding active participation in DE BEST activities.


D. Training Minute: American Psychiatric Association (Presenter: Nadiyah Fisher)

  • Overview of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and its mission to promote mental health and well-being.
  • Highlighted APA programs including:
    • Notice. Talk. Act. - a program supporting school staff in early identification and response to mental health needs.
    • The Center for Workplace Mental Health - resources for employers and organizations.
  • Emphasized the importance of reducing stigma, supporting help-seeking, and strengthening community-based mental health awareness.


E. Future Plans & Meeting Logistics

  • Discussion on planning the upcoming statewide mental health exercise, including exploring collaboration with local community theaters for role-play actors and if/how to engage oversight agency.
  • Monthly hybrid meetings expected to begin in Kent County, January 2026. Potential meeting venues include partner organization facilities to promote visibility and strengthen relationships.


F. Next Meeting

Next Meeting: To Be Announced.