The 9th Annual Legislative Forum breakfast was held at White's Restaurant on October 24, 2008. New Bedford and Fall River  Community Health Network Area (CHNA) organizations C.O.A.S.T. and Partners for a Healthier Community invited the newly-appointed director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Health Equity, Georgia Simpson-May, to deliver the keynote at the annual event which drew over 150 people. Community awards were presented to ten individuals who have contributed to the overall health of each community, and a special award was given to Marcia Picard for her extraordinary work on behalf of both organizations. Fall River Mayor Robert Correia addressed the group as well as New Bedford Health Director Marianne DeSouza, speaking for Mayor Lang.
 

Attendees enjoyed a chance to network with one another at full breakfast put on by the staff of the Westport facility. White's Restaurant put out the welcome sign for the annual event that drew more than 150 people from Fall River and New Bedford.  Marilyn Edge, Julie Kelly, and Fall River Healthy Director, Dr. Henry Vaillancourt, receive a visit from Jamison Souza


Greater New Bedford COAST Chairperson Tim Velho welcomes everyone to the event which focused on the issue of health equity.


DPH Director of Healthy Communities Cathy O'Connor meets Mayor Correia as SE Regional DPH Director, Ron O'Connor, looks on.
Fall River Mayor Robert Correia shares some humorous remarks before praising the group as an essential community service.


The audience, including Frances Fuller, Director of Oncology & Specialty Services for Southcoast Hospitals (right), applaud.


Speaking on behalf of Mayor Lang, New Bedford Health Director Marianne DeSouza offered her perspective on local health issues.
Partners for a Healthier Community, Inc. chair Billie Jane Valente listens as Mr. Velho describes the community recognition award.


James Bartley and Susan Pacheco of the B.O.L.D Coalition receive their award.


Bill Daponte of the Diabetes Association, Inc. receives his award for the Fitness Challenge.


Catherine Cabral, Carina Paz, and Jessica Garcia accept their award for Team FRESH.


Dr. Chris Friszelle and Dr. Sharon Souza receive their award for their work on behalf of Southcoast COMPEER program at UMassD.


Charles Crowley accepts an award on behalf of Josephine Pannell, volunteer for the Matta-poisett COA, Friends of the Elderly, & FISH.


Fred Macedo accepts an award on behalf of Dennis Allen, volunteer for the Women's Veteran's Transition House, Wareham COA.


Billie Jane Valente and Tim Velho announce two special recognition awards given this year in addition to the community awards.


Cathy O'Connor announces the Commissioner's Leadership award given to Michael Coughlin and Dave Weed on behalf of Healthy City FR.


Marcia Picard receives an award and a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for the work she has done for both CHNAs.


Sam Lewis of the Mass. Department of Public Health introduces Ms. Simpson-May.


Georgia Simpson-May talks about the importance of taking action in health equity.


Suzanne Raposo receives applause for her work on the table decorations for the event.


Marianne DeSouza chats with a breakfast attendee following the program.


Award recipient Jim Bartley is congratulated by Kim Rodrigues and Karin Wood of B.O.L.D.


Attendees look over the many agency displays following the event.
 

To see pictures of previous Legislative Forums, click here

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

 
 

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