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Partners for a Healthier Community and the Greater New Bedford Health and Human Services Coalition held their 6th combined Annual Legislative Forum on October 14, 2005, at White's Restaurant in Westport.
(Left) Assistant Fall River Council on Aging Director Pauline Gousie and Diabetes Association Director Julianne Kelly help themselves to a healthy breakfast at the 6th Annual Forum. (Right) Maria Alves and her staff  from Home of Hope in  New Bedford and the STEP outreach program in Fall River Natasha Pereira, Connie Rocha-Mimoso, Vera Raposo, and Joanne Fernandez, gather near the victory centerpieces they created to accent the theme of the event, "Public Health Victories, We're Winning Some Battles."


New Bedford Health and Human Services Coalition Chairperson Robin Cleveland welcomes nearly 100 attendees to the annual event that focuses on legislative issues.


Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community chairman David Weed, Psy.D., recalls some of the important past public health victories.


Partners Vice-chairperson Billie Jean Valente begins the introduction of six community awardees who were recognized for their efforts.


Mary Ann Wordell of the Fall River Street Tree Planting Program is recognized for her mission to use trees to improve the quality of Fall River life.


Senator Joan Menard recognizes Greater Fall River Alliance for the Mentally Ill President Brenda Venice.
Senator Menard praises Manuel Papoula for his voluntary efforts on behalf of Fall River youth.

Alec Ciminello and Carl Alves of the "Paint Your Heart Out in New Bedford" Project, which has painted over 75 houses and provided yard make-overs for seniors over the past nine year, accept their awards.
Kathy Moraes, Clinical Manager of the Southcoast Oncology Center in New Bedford, and Medical Assistant Claudia Settele, accept their award for providing support and emotional comfort to patients and their families.
State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral of New Bedford describes some of the current legislative efforts to expand health care coverage.

Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. describes some of the local initiatives that he has undertaken to address health and human service needs.
New Bedford Mayor Frederick M. Kalisa, Jr. reviews some of the issues that have confronted his community over the past year and some of the innovative efforts that are underway to address those needs.
Massachusetts Acting Commissioner Paul Cote details some of the legislation currently under consideration to address the health care crisis and points to the recent restoration of public health funding.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Greg Connolly of the Harvard School of Public health outlines the history of tobacco control.
Dr. Connolly points to the importance of changing social norms as a means to addressing tobacco addiction and other public health problems.
Following the tremendous progress that was made in tobacco control, Dr. Connolly notes the lack of progress since funding was eliminated.

Dr. Connolly notes the high degree of compliance with recent workplace laws governing the use of tobacco.

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Dr. Connolly concludes his remarks by summarizing the lessons learned.


Karen Maciulewicz and Carl Alves enjoy some of Dr. Connolly's remarks.
 

To see pictures of previous Legislative Forums, click here

2004

2003

2002

2001

 
 

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