Present:

A meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community was held on Friday, March 9, 2007 at the Jackson Conference Room at Charlton Hospital in Fall River.  Chairperson BJ Valente called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.

Minutes

The minutes of the February 9, 2007 Steering Committee were circulated in advance.

VOTED to approve the Minutes of the February 9, 2007 meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community as circulated.

Financial Report

VOTED to approve Financial Report as of February 2007.  (attached)

Marcia explained her note in regard to a lost check.

Report of Work Groups

Access to Health Care

Paula reported positive results from visiting the community suppers – high attendance at suppers. They are getting the message out to the community on how to access health care.  The goal is to reach all community soup kitchens.

Also commented positively on how the hospitals are getting the word out about Health First and Commonwealth Care Insurance.

Healthy Lifestyles

Sue Sterrett reported that at their meeting they talked about work site wellness.  Exploring circulating a survey throughout the city regarding work site wellness.  David Weed talked about how DPH has some software that can create a customized survey.  Would like to get information to employers to help workers increase fitness and wellness.  First step would be to find out what businesses are doing now and educate them as to what is already available.

Pat Bebo discussed new legislation regarding school nutrition.  The bill was stalled, but has been re-filed. 

“HB 2168, An Act To Promote Proper School Nutrition”  (See attachments). 

Pat’s message regarding this bill this morning was two-fold:

1. A push for help to contact State Reps, and
2. Asking support from Partners members.

Some topics that this bill will be addressing is in regard to food that students can buy at school (called a la carte foods).  Will be addressing other foods offered that are not governed by the USDA which are more nutritional.

Also looking at fundraisers in schools – alternatives from candy.

There was a motion to consider and review the House Bill 2168.  Motion accepted.

Pat will draft a sample letter for this group, send it to all for review before next meeting so that Partners can be a supportive partner of the bill.

Healthy Youth

Jamison reports they had a youth training  in preparation for the Mayor’s Youth Forum  on February 23 – 14 in attendance.  They learned leadership skills from the presenter, Suzanne Raposa.  Looking to recruit 10-15 more assistant leaders.  There is another training next week.

March 26 is the Youth Forum at Durfee HS which will be conducted during school hours.  They expect 100-125 students to attend.  All schools will be sending representatives.  The topic is America’s Promise.

Annual Poster Contest – theme is America’s Promise!  Poster awards will be after June Partners Meeting on June 8 (Meeting 8:30 – 9:30 that day) at Heritage State Park, which will be considered the kick off for American’s Promise Week June 11 – June 16.  Each day will be dedicated to one “Promise” per day.  Speakers will be the Youth Leaders themselves highlighting their own Promise and then will go into the community to promote America’s Promise. 

Further plans to gather Community Leaders so youth can present America’s Promise to them.  Plans are going well.

Applied for a grant from “Fellowship”.  They should hear by March 16.  If money is received they would be able to hire a full time person.

Healthy City Initiative

David Weed talked about the upcoming fifth Community Forum on March 28 focusing on Housing issues.  A total of about 130 new people have become involved.  A report will be done in April to sum up all the forums.

Walking Initiative - Project is well under way – Kick off event on Monday May 7 at Noon at the Fall River YMCA.  Hand out given.  Information is on the web site.  Would like to explore possibility of expanding to some indoor walking sites.

Spring Celebration at Heritage Park -  Annual Recognition Dinner and the premiere of the much-anticipated video!

Thursday April 12 from 4 – 7 PM – Will play the video at 4PM with a replay at 6:30 PM at the Heritage Park theater.

Video will be duplicated for distribution in the schools and community.

April 13 - 20, Mike and Odete are off to San Miguel then to Madeira for a conference with Government Officials to exchange information hoping to cultivate a Sister Healthy City relationship there. Unfortunately David cannot attend this trip.

Applying for a grant to expand marketing:

-         Walk to school week coming in October.

-         Involve mobility-impaired people.

-         Encourage 28 schools to participate and become Healthy City Partners (approach Principals).

Maureen and David reviewing a submission of an application for grants -  $35,000. 2-year grant for health related environmental issues. This will be  done in conjunction with Green Futures and clean water group with UMASS.

Lightolier has partnered with the Diabetes Assn -  A workforce recruitment program that targets employees considered to be “pre” diabetic to get them engaged in exercise and weight loss.

BJ quickly added an agenda item concerning Partners By Laws in regard to adding a member on an “off” voting year.  She would like to put a committee together to review and recommend the proper revision concerning this.  And would also like to initiate an ongoing Membership Committee. 

Volunteers:  Marcia, Roger, Frances, Jamison.    BJ will contact and set a meeting date.

Announcements:

David Weed started a discussion regarding future opportunities to apply for big money grants - $50,000. plus Federal money.    Proposal – should we look into exploring how to apply for these grants?  The applications are lengthy and complicated.  Would have to get a DUNS  Number to even get information about the grants and plan way ahead in order to be successful. 

David will get more information on how to set an indirect rate with the federal government so we can be prepared with this amount if we should apply for these kind of grants.  He will gather information from other agencies that already receive federal money.

South Coast Hospital Group and the American Cancer Society is having a “Cancer Awareness Health Fair” at White’s, April 1, 2007 from Noon – 3 PM.  Topic – Early detection.  There will be translation and interpreting services available in several languages.

New DPH Commissioner – John Auerbach – taking over end of March.  Positive reaction due to his public health community background.

Paul Quinn talked about an article in the Pro Jo and other area papers reporting on “Gateway Cities” and old mill towns concerning their economic and social issues and challenges to overcome in order to engage residents to get involved and educated.

Sue Dickens passed around a short survey for “Clean Air” to collect data for a needs assessment.

Foster Care Task Force – Jenny Rulison made a short statement that there will be public service announcements televised on FRED TV on this topic.  May is Foster care Awareness month.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month.  Campaign is under way including posters – Theme:  “Kids are Special People”.

April 28 at the Boys and Girls Club – Children’s Trust Fund is having their annual Family Fun Day.

Sue announced that a Train the Trainers Program was going to be available for a Shaken Baby curriculum  “Babies Cry, Have a plan”  . She will make this information available when she has it.

Jamison – CD Rec Spring Season registration. This is the first year they are having a Spring registration First week of April – Kids Fitness Camp 9 – 11 AM on Saturday mornings – 6-week duration for $20.00.

Adults 8:00 AM $20.00 – Fitness Boot Camp.

Mike announced there is a part time opening to hire a “Literary Project Coordinator”.  Job duties include promoting literacy in the community.  Contact Mike Coughlin.

Frances Fuller announced major changes in cancer and health screenings. 

She reported that an RFR and open bids with a new process was coming out.  All those that receive these kind of funds to should be aware and ready for the changes.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:30 AM

Next Meeting – April 13, 2007 at 8:30 AM

At the South Coast Hospitals Group – Charlton Site

Jackson Conference Room

Links to Minutes of Previous Meetings

minutes of 2-9-07

minutes of 1-12-07

minutes of 12-8-06

minutes of 11-10-06

minutes of 10-13-06

minutes of 9-8-06

minutes 8-11-06

minutes 6-9-06

minutes 5-12-06

minutes 4-14-06

minutes 3-10-06

minutes 2-10-06

minutes 1-13-06

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

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minutes 4-9-04

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