Present:

A meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community was held on Friday, January 13, 2006 at Southcoast Hospital – Charlton Site.  Chairperson David Weed called the meeting to order at 8:40AM.

Minutes

The minutes of the December 9,2005  Steering Committee were circulated in advance.

VOTED to approve the Minutes of the December 9,2006 meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community as circulated.

Financial Report

Reviewed financial information as presented by Treasurer Joe Borges.  Only invoices for month were for Legislative Breakfast . Income versus expenses even  for both CHNA’s  so New Bedford does now owe us anything to balance this year’s Legislative Breakfast. This is the first year that income has covered expenses. Total on account 48,175.00

VOTED to approve the Financial Report as presented for January 13, 2006.

Discussion after vote about DON monies and what is anticipated income over next five years.  Some thought was given to work groups brainstorming mini grants proposals within each work group. Other idea for monies would be to consider secretarial services for all work groups. Possible part time position with an agency that has a person interested. Members were asked to bring their ideas and proposals for discussion at the February meeting.

REPORT OF WORK GROUPS

Access to Health Care

The poster contest is moving along.  Diman, and Durfee are on board with meeting next week with Bishop Connelly. They are excited about the topic and will present to all the students. Judging will take place on 2/16 a 5:00 pm  at Government Center with posters on display and awards presented.

Healthy Lifestyles

The Task Force did not meet in the past month. Hilltop edition is in process: Healthy choices for tens is the topic. The Children’s Nutrition Partnership is looking at data on impact of breakfast program on MCAS scores and are upporting groups that received mini grants for tobacco control initiatives.

Healthy Youth

Two initiatives continue to be discussed with group members. Resource listing and web page access to service listings and things for Youth to do is going to be available through a start up program with Fall river school department using Old Colony Y listing first then additions will be incorporated by a person in charge of adding and correcting information.  A mapping project is in development stages for possible implementation with Youth Works group this summer.

Health City Initiative

Micro grant follow-ups are in process. The Winter 2006 newsletter almost ready for print. If any one has activities and events for the calendar, please let David know. April 6, 2006 has been set for the 2^nd Annual Spring Celebration for the 98 participants in the Healthy City Initiative.

New Business

David passed out a draft letter of support for the Tru-Med Clinic to request a waiver to hire a non-citizen physician to work in their clinic and the two hospitals. Following discussion, no motion to support the request was made and the issue failed.

Announcements

Red Dress day February 3. 2006. American Heart Association “ Love Your Heart”. Campaign  will focus on women and heart disease. Activities will be occurring at Government Center.

Guest from EDCO. Chris Cowen and Tina Babalas Regional Director for Mass. Migrant Education Program for parents who move around with tutorial for children in the summer and other outreach services while families are in the area. Saturday enrichment classes art Durfee and parent meetings.  Accessible to Khmer, Spanish and Portuguese speaking families.  They are looking for eligible families in the area that meet the criteria . (Chris’ e-mail is chenley @edcollab.org, and Tina’s e-mail is ababalas@edcollab.org)

Links to Minutes of Previous Meetings

minutes 12-9-05

minutes 11-4-05

minutes 9-9-05

minutes 8-12-05

minutes 6-10-05

minutes 5-13-05

minutes 4-8-05

minutes 3-11-05

minutes 2-11-05

minutes 1-14-05

minutes 12-10-04

minutes 11-12-04

minutes10-8-04

minutes 9-10-04

minutes 8-13-04

minutes 5-14-04

minutes 4-9-04

minutes 3-12-04.html

minutes 2-13-04.html