Present:

A meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community was held on Friday, May 11, 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 April 13, 2007 Steering Committee were circulated in advance.

VOTED to approve the Minutes of the April 13, 2007 meeting of Partners for a Healthier Community as circulated, with one correction on page 3 – “Bust Stop” should be “Bus Stop”.

Financial Report

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

Marcia made some corrections as a result of this meeting, which are included in the attached.

Report of Work Groups

Access to Health Care

Visited the First Baptist Church Soup Kitchen this month.  Met with people and shared information about health care and the 2 community health centers – SSTAR and Healthfirst.  Left bags of fruit and other health information for participants to take with them.

Next visit is June 11 at the Church of the Ascension.

Paula reported on the progress on the mini grant for “Smoke Free Homes”.  It is on target.  There have been trainings, in several languages on the dangers of second hand smoke in the home. 

Also – the grant to People Inc – “Healthy Cooking for the Developmentally Challenged”.  The Diman kitchen is used for these trainings.  This is also on track and well received, although the members thought that more direct care staff should be involved. 

It was also noted that the Rotary Club gave more money to People Inc. for other nutrition programs as a direct result of receiving the Partners Mini Grant.

Healthy Lifestyles

Did not meet this month.  Sue Sterrett not at this meeting to report.

Healthy Youth

The City is still looking for America Promise fellowship applicants.

Frank Sullivan on the 6^th Floor of the Government Center is accepting applications from High School Grads as well as College Students - $12,000 – 13,000 stipend as well as a $4000. scholarship at the end of employment.  Applicant can also take free courses from North Eastern University.  A great resume builder for the right applicant.

America’s Promise -  Kick off with the poster contest awards on June 8 at Heritage State Park.

There will be 5 guest speakers on the Promise Team each representing a Promise

“America’s Promise”  Week of June 11

There is a press conference scheduled for Monday, June 11 – time TBA.  WSAR will be showcasing a promise each day on the Kerry Roderigues show at 3:00 pm.  Each day that week one of the 5 promises will be the topic of discussion and the youth themselves will be on the show talking about it.

Jamison is requesting sponsorship from area agencies to support these radio spots.  The agency representative would be able to be on the radio show – about a 15-minute time spot.  If unable to actually attend then perhaps written information could be given so the kids will have a lot to talk about.

Contact Jamison at jdsouza11@yahoo.com

Fundraisers are necessary for all these events.  The Youth Task Force and the Promise Team are seeking monetary support for promotional items - $500.00 to cover the cost of 2 large banners and other items.  The banners will be used all year.  A motion was presented and approved to donate $500.00 to Healthy Youth Promise Team.

Joan Gancarski at this time also donated her time to help with invitations.  Much appreciated.

These young people have set a lofty goal for themselves – that is to earn being in the top 100 in the country for this their first year! 

Healthy City Initiative

Walking Initiative is going great !  Many more participants have turned out than expected.  David mentioned that they may receive another $4000. grant to be used for more work in this area over the summer and probably will turn out to be a long-term project.

Durfee Film Festival meets tonight at 6:30 PM – focus on the American Public Health Association.

BOLD Coalition meets this Thursday at Henry Lord School – Topic – “Stamp Out Tobacco”. Winners of a Poster Contest will be announced.

Conference on “Obesity” issues planned for May 24 at Bridgewater State College.

June 11 – Planning Conference at UMass Dartmouth – Sue Jennings / Craig Dutra will be some of the participants -  Effort is underway to get students better involved with Community projects.

Met last week with South Coast as a response to the “premature death report”.  They are happy to support a fall conference.  The key is to get doctors there so they will be educated as to what preventions are available in order to better inform their patients.

Healthy Dining – Going well -  David will be visiting a new diner on Sixth Street – The Empire Diner.

June 20 – A “Healthy Communities” Conference is planned in Shrewsbury.  Statewide representatives are expected to attend.

Micro – Grants -  Applications will be out in June – Decisions in August – Announcements in September.

St. Anne’s Hospital Transfer –  much discussion on this development.

David was at a meeting May 10-  Many people attended including members from the United Interfaith Council.  The general concern was – If Ascension takes over the hospital then some services might change.  St. Anne’s is seeking help from the community to defend their programs, although no known group is petitioning at this time.  However, any 10 people can get together and request a hearing.  DPH would be the mediator.  The United Interfaith Council made it known that if there eventually was a hearing they would be participating. 

There could be problems from the neighbors, especially in regard to Lifeline.  Neighbors would rather not have a methadone clinic in their neighborhood which could cause a stir.

However, all may not be negative.  This transfer could result in MORE resources available through the hospital – not less.  David will keep us posted on any petition that may occur.  The CHNA will not initiate the petition but will enter into any discussion as a result of a petition being submitted to activate the discussion with DPH about the transfer to Ascension.

As you all know Mike Coughlin and Dr. Odette Amarelo made the trip to Funchal, Madeira to further enhance the partnership Fall River is developing with Funchal in regard to the Healthy Cities initiative.  This was an official visit – government sponsored – to cultivate a global awareness of healthy lifestyles

At this time in the meeting Mike, who was all set up to present his impressive slide report, introduced Dr. Odette Amarelo.  Dr. Amarelo took a few moments as an introduction to the pictures we were all about to see.  She has been a part of Healthy Cities for a long time through her involvement with the school system.  She urged everyone to visit the web site -  www.AMA-LINGUA.com.  which has much pertinent information.

Many points of interest were discussed throughout the presentation such as:

• There are numerous refuse containers in public areas, as well as color coordinated recycling containers for cans, bottles and paper. 
• However, cigarette machines are plentiful and very inexpensive!
• Walk in clinics are located in the city as part of the health care system.
• Public transportation is easily accessible.
• Cleanliness is foremost and Funchal is considered the cleanest city in Europe.
• The countryside is full of vegetation, planting in tiers on the hillsides.
• Residents were preparing for the “Festival of Flowers” so colorful floral arrangements were everywhere, including tropical orchids.
• Funchal has a very moderate climate conducive to growing all types of flowers and vegetables.
• Open public markets are one means of obtaining fresh fruit and vegetables daily.
• During the visit there was a government election happening, which was unexpected.
• There were several official meetings with government personnel, which were very successful.
• Many ideas were discussed and information exchanged during these meetings.
• Gifts were also exchanged that were representative of both countries.
• It was noted how beautiful the government buildings were as they were built centuries ago, very ornately decorated.

Mike, thank you for a beautiful picture report of your visit.

Follow up to visit:  A letter is currently being drafted that will outline the present and future relationship between the two cities. 

Steering Committee announcements :

By laws committee still working on revisions. Hoping to present at June meeting.

Announcements:

Jenny Rulison announced her newsletter for United Neighbors will be available soon. This will include many stories and information from foster parents and foster children.

Health First – Third Annual Fun in the Sun Fun Day:  May 19 from 10 – 1PM.  Many activities are planned.

Paula also brought a supply of the multi lingual brochures for people to take back to their respective agencies.

Katy announced that the Southeast Center for Healthy Communities has received its funding for 3 more years.

Meeting Adjourned at 10:00 AM

Next Meeting – June 8, 2007 at 8:30 – 9:30 AM

At HERITAGE STATE PARK

PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THE CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION FOR JUNE.

Visit us at www.gfrpartners.com

Links to Minutes of Previous Meetings

minutes of 4-13-07

minutes of 3-9-07

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

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