Partners for a Healthier Community


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Minutes for the Meeting of March 11, 2005

Present:

Joseph Borges, Frances Fuller, Lynda Sampson, Kate Correia, Joan Gancarski, Bill San Antonio, Michael Coughlin, Howard Guggenheim, Karen Statser, Paula Doherty, Stewart Kirkaldy, BJ Valente, Katy Dutille, Marcia Picard, David Weed, Maureen Estes, and Maria Evora-Rosa

A meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community was held on Friday, March 11, 2005 at the Southcoast Hospital – Charlton Site. Chairperson David Weed called the meeting to order at 8:35AM.

Minutes

The minutes of the February 11, 2005 Steering Committee were circulated in advance.

VOTED to approve the Minutes of the February 11, 2005 meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community as circulated.

Financial Report

The financial report for February was presented. We have received money from SEMRI from 2004. Another deposit of $9000 will be sent some time soon. Money also will be coming from SouthCoast in the near future. Also reviewed the expenses from the Legislative Breakfast. Marcia Picard will submit this report to the New Bedford group, as it reflects their portion of the bill also.

VOTED to approve the financial report as presented.

REPORT OF WORK GROUPS

Access to Health Care

Representative from the access group was not present at meeting. Past discussion centered on the video and how it will be distributed/marketed in the community.

Healthy Lifestyles

Partners for Clean Air will be kicking of the smoking cessation program on March 21st. There will be a meeting at 1:30 at the Chamber of Commerce with a press release the next day. Approximately 500 stop smoking kits, including a one-month supply of the patch will be available. People will have to call a 1-800 number and register in the program. Employees at all South Coast hospitals and some larger employers in the city will be targeted. These packets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Work also continues on the General Mills Grant and walking program.

Healthy Youth

The Mayor’s Youth Forum is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 7th. We are hoping to use the new space at the Boys and Girls Club. Bussing and other specifics are being discussed. Planning will begin on the annual poster contest. The theme will be decided by the end of the month. Location is to be determined, with the Boys and Girls Club a possibility.

Health City Initiative

The reports from the 50 participants are still being gathered. The Event is scheduled for Thursday, April 7th from 5:00 – 7:00 at the UMASS Center. Invitations for the upcoming event will be sent out shortly. All from this group are encouraged to attend, and there should a mailing to community organizations also. There will be resource space available for the participants. The logo has been completed, and all participants will be receiving an award. There will be a design team meeting on March 24th at 8:30 at the UMASS Center. The training series has wrapped up. A summary of all trainings will be submitted and posted on the web site.

Women’s Health Network

Paula Doherty, Regional Outreach Specialist for the Women’s Health Network joined us. The program provides breast and cervical cancer screenings for income-eligible women who are uninsured, or underinsured. This service also provides follow-up care if problems are detected in screening. The Network contracts with several local hospitals and health centers. Anyone can call 1-877-414-4447 for more information.

Announcements

Dr. Kirkaldy announced that he will soon be retiring and shared some very interesting articles with us dealing a one-payor healthcare system in Vermont, and incentives in Cuba for educating MD’s.

Beginning 4/7, the Diabetes Association is sponsoring a meditation series. The cost is $150.00

The Commissioner of DPH has resigned. Someone will be placed in an interim role, but we expect to see some changes.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 9:45. Our next meeting is Friday April 8, 2005