June 18, 2025 Community Advisory Committee Minutes
Otero County Department of Human Services
13 W 3rd Street
La Junta, Colorado 81050
Phone: 719-383-3168
Fax: 719-383-3150
June 18, 2025 Otero County Department of Human Services CMA
Community Advisory Committee Minutes
Date: June 18, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Attendees Present:
David Monett - Member with other disability
Kayla Kaminsky - Member with Intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
Mary Jo Aragon - Member with Intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
Vicky Masar – Family Member
Donna Rohde – Staff Member
Absent:
Ruben Rael - Family Member
Members introduced themselves and reviewed the agenda.
Mary Jo asked about a potential golf cart rental program so that those who did not drive could accomplish short errands or more easily get outside to enjoy the company of others to increase the quality of life. Others present agreed that quality of life is important and that this could enhance that. Mary Jo will contact the local golf courses to see if such a program may be a possibility.
Members reviewed the complaint trend. The complaints received were regarding displeasure with treatment in an assisted living and a member whose durable medical equipment was stolen during a short rehab stay in the nursing home.
The Committee members reviewed the training required for certification as a case manager. The group recommended adding training to ensure that case managers were aware of available resources - local and otherwise - so they could make the members aware of any applicable resources. Those present gave examples of helpful resources to which they had been steered.
The Committee members review the internal grievance policy that is in place should a member have issue with the behavior or actions of an employee of the case management agency.
There were no exceptions to review.
The Committee reviewed the plethora of services that are offered by Medicaid. The group asked for time to review and digest the information and bring any questions, concerns, observations or suggestions back to the next meeting.
The group discussed the potential federal and state changes and shared their impressions. The reactions to the potential changes in services and funding range from “No need to worry; we will work it out” to “I’m concerned that the changes will cause our local hospital to close.” Vicky reminded the group that writing to legislators was an activity that all could do to help influence the decisions being made.
For the next meeting, Mary Jo committed to bring the information she found regarding golf carts and the group would like to bring back the Medicaid Coverage conversation.
The next meeting will be held on September 17, 2025.
Meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.