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THE ADVOCATE

The Newsletter of the Greater Taunton Health & Human Service Coalition (GTHHSC) and the Greater Attleboro Taunton Health & Education Response (GATHER)

Volume XII, No.4                                                                                                                                                                                 April 2002

MASSACHUSETTS BIRTHS 2000 RELEASED

(From Mass Birth Data Released for Year 2000 – CHNA Listserv)

 

   The infant mortality rate in Massachusetts in the year 2000 was the lowest in state history, the age of birth mothers
 in Massachusetts continues to climb, multiple births are up and teen births are down. These are among the findings i
n the Massachusetts Births 2000 report released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
   "We are incredibly encouraged at the progress being made to produce healthy babies in Massachusetts. This 
report indicates that Massachusetts efforts to insure good prenatal care and care for newborns has made it a leader 
in the U.S. But the report also identifies continued disparities in services in some ethnic communities. We need to 
remain vigilant to avoid losing the gains we've made," said MDPH Commissioner Dr. Howard Koh.
   MDPH releases the Massachusetts Births report every year. The information in the report is used to identify birth 
trends and disparities to enable the Department of Public Health to develop and implement programs to address the 
needs of Massachusetts birth mothers and to work with communities. 
   In 2000, 81,582 infants were born to women residing in Massachusetts: 73.6% were to non-Hispanic white women,
 11.3% to Hispanic women, 7.1% to non-Hispanic black women and 5.7% to Asian women.
   The infant mortality rate was the lowest in Massachusetts history.
   In 2000, 377 infant deaths occurred among Massachusetts residents, 41 fewer than in 1999. The 2000 infant 
mortality rate of 4.6 deaths per 1,000 live births was approximately 12% lower than the 1999 rate of 5.2, and 
substantially lower than the preliminary 2000 U.S. rate of 6.9/1,000. If Massachusetts were a nation, it would have 
the 12th lowest IMR in the world.
   Massachusetts perinatal health indicators were generally better than those for the U.S. The 2000 Massachusetts 
IMR was 33% lower than the preliminary 2000 U.S. rate. The 2000 Massachusetts low birth weight (under 5.5 
pounds) rate was 7% lower than the final 2000 U.S. rate; the teen birth rate was 47% lower than the final 2000 U.S.
 rate; and use of prenatal care in the first trimester was slightly higher than the final 2000 U.S. rate.
   Disparities in infant mortality remain across major racial/ethnic groups and by community. While infant mortality 
rates among white non-Hispanics and Hispanics decreased from 1999 to 2000, the Black non-Hispanic IMR slightly 
increased, from 12.3 in 1999 to 12.8 in 2000. 
   The teen birth rate continues its steady decline of the last ten years. In 2000, the teen birth rate was 25.8 births 
per 1,000 females ages 15-19, compared to 26.7 in 1999. The teen birth rate has declined 27% since 1990. This 
year's teen birth rate is well below the final 2000 U.S. teen birth rate of 48.5.
GTHHSC Monthly Meeting will be held
April 16, 2002, 9:00 
Associates for Human Services (A.H.S.)
29 Broadway, Taunton
   The percentage of mothers who smoked during pregnancy decreased from 10.7% in 1999 to 9.7% in 2000. The 
rate of smoking during pregnancy has decreased 40% since the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program began in 
1993.
   The age of birth mothers in Massachusetts continues to increase. The percentage of births to women over age 30 
continues to increase. The fastest
growing birth rates were for women ages 40 years and older. Since 1995, the teen birth rate has declined 15%; the 
rate for 20-34 year-old women has increased 8%, and the birth rate for women ages 35 and older has increased 17%
.
   The percentage of births delivered by Cesarean section continues to increase. In 2000, C-section was the method 
of delivery for 23.8% of Massachusetts resident mothers. Since 1997, the percentage of deliveries by C-section has 
increased at an average of 6% annually. Correspondingly, the rates of vaginal birth after Cesarean section (VBAC) 
have been decreasing. In 2000, for women with a previous Cesarean section, 24.7% had a VBAC, down from 
28.2% in 1999.
   The slow but steady increase in the percentage of multiple births
continues. In 2000, the percentage of multiple births increased slightly over the percentage in 1998-1999, increasing 
from 4.2% to 4.3%.This percentage has increased from 2.6% in 1990. There were 3,507 multiple births in 
Massachusetts in 2000.
   In 2000, 7.1% of infants born in Massachusetts were low birth weight, the same as in 1999 (7.1%) and well below 
the US rate of 7.6%.
   Adequacy of prenatal care as indicated by the Kessner Index (a measure of timing and number of visits, not quality
 of the visits) remained stable: 79.1% in 2000 compared with 79.4% in 1999. ¨

DIVERSITY BOOKLET TO EXPLORE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND PREJUDICES

   The Multicultural Committee of the Greater Taunton Health and Human Services Coalition (GTHHSC) has updated its mission statement and identified a new project.

   The Committee’s missions is “to create an atmosphere that fosters unity and improves communication among community members and providers while celebrating our individual differences and similarities. We embrace, celebrate and respect diversity and advocate for equality in our communities.”

   Committee members became aware of a booklet published in the Fall River school system in 2001. This booklet, What Kids Say About Diversity, is a compilation of high school students’ comments regarding cultural differences and prejudices. The project, headed by Dr. Edward Costar, sought to accomplish several goals, including helping to overcome prejudices through increased knowledge regarding cultural differences and to initiate discussions between different groups.

   While the GTHHSC Multicultural Committee originally planned to disseminate the existing booklet throughout the city of Taunton, plans changed after asking a group of teens for their input. Their suggestions were as follows:

1.       In order to reach the Greater Taunton community, we would need to re-create the project with students from this community.

2.       Additional groups should be added to better represent the population of this area.

3.       School newspapers are widely read and, therefore, should be utilized in “getting the word out”.

   If you are interested in receiving regular updates of this exciting project, please contact chairpersons Lucy Jackson  (823-5400, x1810) or Matt Rodrigues (823-6346, x211).    You are invited to attend the next meeting on May 14, 2002, 2:00, at the TRY Conference Room, 1 Taunton Green.          ©

SAVE THE DATE: 5/21/02

GTHHSC/GATHER ANNUAL MEETING

MOVING FORWARD IN CHANGING TIMES

Annual Southeastern MA Conference for Those Living With HIV/AIDS and Those Who Care For Them

   “Moving Forward in Changing Times”, a conference for those living with HIV/AIDS and those who care for them, sponsored by the Fall River Health & Human Services Coalition and Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction (PAACA), will be held Wednesday, 5/15/02, 8:00-12:30, at White’s of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport, MA. The cost is $35.

   Terry Tafoya, PhD, a world renowned HIV/AIDS educator and Native American storyteller, will be guest speaker. Dr. Tafoya is a Taos Pueblo and Warm Springs Indian who has used American Indian ritual and ceremony in his work as a Family Therapist at the Interpersonal Psychotherapy Clinic, part of the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in Seattle. The Harbourview Community Mental Health Center, the site of the Interpersonal Psychotherapy Clinic, was responsible for having the Washington State Department of social and Health Services designate Dr. Tafoya as the first formally recognized Native Healer for the state as an Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist.

   In 1988, Dr. Tafoya took a leave of absence from his Professorships to co-found the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center, a CDC-funded Minority AIDS Project. In 1989, he created Tamanawit Unltd, an International Consulting Firm.

   With over 20 years of University level teaching experience, including his work with the National Bilingual Training and Resource Center, Dr. Tafoya has worked with Mental Health, Human Sexuality, AIDS/HIV, Substance Abuse Prevention and Bilingual Education as at trainer and educator. He has taught with the Kinsey Institute for the Study of Human Sexuality, Gender and Reproduction, as faculty and as an expert on Cross-Cultural Sexuality. He serves as a National Consultant for the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and is the Chief Curriculum Writer for the Gathering of Native Americans, a national project for Native American Substance Abuse Prevention. He is also on the National Teaching Faculty for the American Psychological Association and on the International Faculty of the Erickson Foundation for Clinical Hypnosis and Psychotherapy. For information, please call Ginny Creamer, 508-679-3131, extension 2546.                   ª

CITIZENS HEALTH HELPS ITS MEMBERS SEE BETTER

(From CitizensHealth)

   The Citizens Health card is proud to announce the addition of discounts on vision needs. The Vision Savings Plan is a brand new addition to a discount card that is dedicated to bringing members the best savings possible. Citizens Health members can now save up to 50% on frames, 45% on bifocals, 20% on non-disposable contact lenses, and $5 or $10 off eye examinations.

   Getting discounts on your eye care needs is easy. Members can present their card with the Vision Savings Plan number at a participating Pearle Vision, Sears, JCPenney, or Target to receive eye care discounts. To find the nearest Vision Savings Plan provider, please call 1-800-804-4384, or log on to www.express-scripts.com.

   All members will be receiving new membership cards in the mail, which will include their Vision Savings Plan number on it. Enjoy the newest savings from Citizens Health.               §

This month’s Advocate was published by Lorraine Rosa, Coordinator, with funds from GATHER and GTHHSC dues. To submit an article, announcement or other information, please call (508) 823-4822, fax 823-8584, or write to GTHHSC, P.O.Box 2894, Taunton, MA. 02780, by April 25th. H

COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES    

 

GATHER Domestic/Relationship Violence Committee. 3/13, 10:15, T.H.S.

Discussion Highlights:

Mentors in Violence Prevention – Participants are motivated to make a difference in relationship violence prevention, in this highly recommended program. They will be presenting to 8th and 9th graders.

Health Awareness Day – March 28 is health awareness day at T.H.S. A GATHER table will have interactive information, such as White Ribbon Campaign materials, purple ribbons and resource cards, Healthy Choices Under Stress sheets, the Wheel of Safety, the GATHER banner and Safe Families, Safe Pets handouts.

Retail Project – Letters are ready for dissemination to retailers. They will include sample posters, all of which will be mounted with double-sided tape. GATHER members and volunteers will maintain these. Posters measuring 11x17 with tear offs will be displayed outside restroom stalls, along with baskets and cards, if appropriate. Within stalls, 40 lb glossy posters will be displayed. About 10 locations are expected.

TMLP Flyers – About 20,000 sheets, 20 pound paper will have 3 flyers per sheet for the 60,000 bills sent out in Greater Taunton.

Domestic Violence Packets – Items needed for first response emergency packets include free legal assistance information from the New Center for Legal Advocacy, New Hope information, wallet cards, and safe plans. In Rehoboth, packets are given on calls, and an advocate follows up.

Hairdresser Project – Letters are being sent to academies.

Next Steps:

To send letters and retail project samples to area retailers such as Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Shaws, Stop and Shop, Trucci’s, Market Basket and Roche Brothers.

To follow up with phone calls to retailers one week later.

To price copying for Retail Project posters and TMLP flyers at BP and Taunton High School.

To review the DV packet used by Rehoboth Police

Next Meeting:

4/11/02, 9:30, New Hope.

Contact Persons:

Deb Brown, 508-821-1129

Anne Kotch, 508-252-5080

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. 3/20, 3:00, T.H.S.

Discussion Highlights:
Restaurant & Bar Ventilation Training – Over 30 attended the training. Establishment owners have already p
urchased expensive ventilation equipment to comply with non-smoking areas, and are opposed to going 100% smoke 
free. Norton has gone 100% smoke free.
 
SARTVII – “From Incarceration to Re-Integration” was very successful, and demonstrated the community’s 
willingness to work together. SART Committee chairs will review the report and bring suggestions to this committee.
 
Marijuana – People don’t usually admit they smoke marijuana, making data collection on it’s effects difficult.
 
Women and Additions – The Committee accomplished its ambitious agenda of supplying information at a variety 
of locations in the GATHER area. Next year’s event will run for one day at one location, perhaps during the day and 
in the evening. An event could be offered to an existing client base. 
 
Environmental Strategies – The Subcommittee is developing a data base and looking for funding. A community 
education piece could be that of alcohol poisoning. The committee has a list of alcohol vendors in the GATHER 
areas, server trainings and alcohol laws.
 
MassCall – The program ends in June. At Mulcahey, 18 students attend weekly. The curriculum is finished, and 
“Super Charge” is now being offered to 6th and 7th graders. This will continue in the summer. MassCall and Project 
Images collaboration has been beneficial. The MCAS challenge can be met by cross walking with drug education. 
 
Out of State Alcohol Access – Area youth are accessing club admittance out of state on weekends. The 
Committee will inform the owner of the violations.
 
OJJDP Grant is available for screening of high-risk children in courts, and referrals for services. There are 
currently 40-50 per month. The Substance Abuse Committee strengthens anti drug coalitions to reduce drug abuse in 
youth.
 
Next Steps:
To explore health studies addressing the effects of marijuana.
 
To explore next year’s theme for Women and Addictions.
 
To send a letter to the club owner of out-of-state club.
 
Next Meeting:
5/1, 5/22, 3:00, T.H.S. Library.
 
Contact Person:
Phil Shea, 508-824-7224
 

GTHHSC General Meeting. 3/19, 9:00, A.H.S. (Associates for Human Services)

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements – FEMA money is available for rent and mortgages. CFC has money for food and utilities. 
Emergency Task Force guidelines help the homeless with first and last month’s rent. Early Intervention has two 
child groups: a structured and organized classroom setting, and separate child/parent groups. TRY youth guides are 
still available.
 
Dental Clinic – The clinic was built to service MassHealth (45% of clients) and free care (45% of clients) These 
can no longer use the clinic - only adult emergency services and children are still covered. Morton Hospital’s 
emergency room sees 1000 people who come with dental problems. A mobile program for seniors is being sought. 
The New Bedford Dental Clinic is still seeing sliding fee scale clients.
 
Community Health & Wellness Subcommittee – The new focus is Cardiovascular, a problem in our area. The 
target is parents and children, nutrition and exercise. The Committee is looking into Homeland Security Funding to 
address this need.
 
Multicultural Committee – See Article on page 2.
 
Physical Activity Enhancement Program serves youth ages 10-16, 6 weeks, at the Fairfax Community Center. 
The program includes a fitness instructor for stability balls, nutrition, healthy snacks, and addresses sexual 
harassment versus flirting.
 
GLBT Youth Task Force hopes to start a PFLAG Support group in Taunton. It is a working, versus networking, 
group. Next meeting is 5/21, 1:00, T.H.S. Library Classroom.
 
Domestic Violence Prevention Committee – The Committee’s Retail Project provides New Hope Hotline tear 
offs and posters to men’s and women’s restrooms in the GATHER area. The Hairdresser Project hopes to create an
 awareness video with a GATHER area cosmetology academy.
 
Environmental Strategies – See Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee minutes above.
 
Haymarket Grant – A grant for core coalition support was submitted to the Boston based organization.
 
Chairpersonship – Responsibilities include attending meetings, occasional letters of support and consulting with the 
coordinator on setting the agenda. Besides the meeting, time investment is 1 or 2 hours per month.
 
May Annual Meeting – The joint GTHHSC/GATHER meeting will be held 5/21/02, location and time to be 
announced. Members and non-members will be invited.
Next Steps:
To plan the Annual Meeting.
 
To elect a new chairperson for the Annual Meeting.
 
Next Meeting: 
4/16, 9:00, A.H.S.
 
Contact Person: 
Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.

GTHHSC Child & Family Focus Committee. 3/19, 10:15, A.H.S.

 
Discussion Highlights:
Speakers – A Basic Rights Workshop on Special Education Shelly Greene of The Federation for Children with 
Special Needs is offering a workshop covering legal protections for special education, education acts and regulations, 
roles and responsibilities, etc., on 4/23, 9:00-11:00 a.m., at A.H.S. (RSVP by 4/18 at 880-0202.) Open to parents and 
professionals. 
 
MA Family Network – Due to budget cuts, there is no new funding to support an area project. 
 
Next Steps:
Future Agendas – April: MA Family Network and Cynthia Schoch, Project Connect, Presentation details. May: 
Cancelled. June: Invitation to Cynthia Schoch, Kathy Callahan.
 
Next Meeting: 
4/16, 10:15, A.H.S.
 
Contact Person: 
Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. 3/13/02, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex.

 
Discussion Highlights:
DPH Presentation – A comprehensive review of the role, number and makeup of Consortia in the state, and the 
importance of assessing the needs of clients was addressed. The possibility of mergers was discussed at length.
 
Legislative Breakfast – The Jockey Club, Route 44 Raynham, has been reserved for May 3, 2002. Legislators, 
clients and consortium members will be contacted
 
Membership Committee – Letters have been drafted and the possibility of an event to raise AIDS awareness 
was discussed.
 
CAB Report – Suitable meeting space continues to be a challenge. A meeting about increasing client trust was 
held. The Board hopes to tour Bridge House, AIDS Action and the Living Center. 
 
Next Meeting:
5/8, 9:00, Morton Cafe Annex.
 
Contact Person:
Damar Aponte, 508-884-8264.

GTHHSC Multicultural Committee Planning Meeting. 4/2, 2:00, CFC Conference Room.

 
Discussion Highlights:
Updates and Photocopies of the diversity booklet were distributed for sharing in the community.
 
Mailing List – Committee members have identified additional Committee contacts to receive updates.
 
Data Collection – Ideas for topics for the first diversity booklet will be gathered from attendees at the Youth Action
 Task Force meeting. SRPED will provide additional Taunton demographics.
 
Timeline – Focus groups will be scheduled for the fall.
 
Contact persons from each of Taunton’s three high schools will be identified.
 
Next Steps:
To poll Youth Action Task Force members on the most important topics for discussion in the first booklet.
 
To invite GTHHSC members to receive updates and identify other interested parties.
 
To publicize the project at the “Peer Appreciation Event 2002”.
To compile a contact file.
 
Next Meeting:
5/14, 2:00, One Taunton Green (TRY).
Contact Persons:
Lucy Jackson, 508-823-5400, x 1810.
Matt Rodrigues, 508-823-6346, x211

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. 3/27, 8:00, Bristol-Plymouth High School.

Discussion Highlights:

Criminal Justice Committee – Juvenile probation has been given additional cups for urine testing, enabling probation officers to continue random home testing.

Neighborhood Revitalization – The Mayor’s Office of Community Development (MOCD) is scheduling a public hearing to review the distribution of Community Development Block Grant funds in which 15% is used for public services. MOCD is presently working with the Weir group on rehabilitation of a building for 60-65 affordable housing units. They are also working with the Housing Authority on the rehabilitation of the Heritage House, transitional housing for homeless individuals, located on Fayette Place. These projects are in addition to CCBC’s transitional housing for disabled homeless individuals/families.

Abandoned Building Program – Pro-Home hopes to obtain legal possession of Highland Street property by May, for the first time homebuyers program.

Taunton CARES – Several new Neighborhood Watch programs have been developed at Fairfax Gardens and the elderly housing sites. The Downtown Area surveys will be mailed out early April and the first watch meeting has been scheduled for May.

Treatment and Prevention – The Substance Abuse Roundtable (SARTVII) which focused on reintegration from jails and prisons into society, was a huge success. The Peer Leaders’ annual recognition event will be held on May 3, 2002, for all youth groups in the community.

Taunton Reaching Youth – A physical activity enhancement program has started at Fairfax Gardens, and focuses on healthy attitudes. Taunton’s teen birth rate is the lowest in 15 years.

Education Committee – B-P and Taunton High offer safety presentations year long to the students. They include: Harassment, driving safety / occupant safety, teenage depression and suicide, drinking / driving, dating violence, brain injuries, breast and prostate screening, and alcohol and tobacco awareness.

Program Update – Taunton Police Department and the Department of Human Services have been meeting with the Director of Security at the Galleria Mall to address youth issues. A proposal was drafted which addresses appropriate behavior and parent responsibility.

Taunton Clergy Emergency Response Team – Clergy, Fire, Police, Emergency management and the School Department have met to discuss the current procedure during major disasters. Spiritual care is a mandated response has to meet FEMA and Mass Transportation Board guidelines. Area clergy and chaplains are being identified to set up logistics of a program, such as who to contact and where to respond.

Collaborative Highlights:

The SNI is made up of several agencies and organizations that continuously work and collaborate with each other.

Next Steps:

Each subcommittee will continue to meet prior to larger SNI meeting.

Next Meeting:

4/24/02, 8:00, T.H.S.

Contact Person:

Bob Cammarata, 821-1420.

Taunton Reaching Youth. April Report.

Highlights:
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Success - From 1995 to 2000, the teen birth rate in Taunton decreased 32.9%  The 
2000 teen birth rate is the lowest Taunton has had in over 15 years.  The TRY Coalition feels that this is something 
that the entire community and all community agencies and schools should celebrate. Come and join us on 
Wednesday, May 8th, 2002 for a celebration!  (location and times to be determined).  
 
DPH Teen Birth Data - In March 2002, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released its Teen Birth 
Data from 2000.  Here are some highlights for Taunton:
·         From 1995 to 2000, the teen birth rate in Taunton decreased 32.9%  The 2000 teen birth rate is the lowest 
Taunton has had in over 15 years. A teen birth rate represents the number of births per 1000 women aged 15-19. 
The Taunton teen birth rate in 2000 was 37.5 per 1000 females aged 15-19. The Massachusetts teen birth rate was 
25.8.
·         The number of women in Taunton ages 15-19 increased by 8.8%, therefore the number of teenagers who could 
potentially give birth has likewise increased.
·         In 2000, Taunton had the 18th highest teen birth rate in Massachusetts. In 1999, Taunton was rated # 11.
 
Next Meetings:
Youth Action Task Force: 5/1/02, 3:00, 1 Taunton Green
 
Coalition Meeting: 5/8, Time and location to be decided
 
Contact Person: 
Karen Lee, 508-823-6346 

Did You Know That…?

The Link Up Education Network (a statewide coalition addressing the links among child abuse, animal abuse, and domestic 
violence) is arranging a training for child mental health providers on the AniCare Model of Treatment for Animal Abuse, 
developed by Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PSYETA).    It is designed for clinicians working with children 
who have abused animals.  For more information, please log on to 
www.psyeta.org/AniCare.html It will be held on 6/7/02 at the Tufts Veterinary School in Grafton.  
 
Gateway Olympic Sponsorship PC Donation Program - Following the completion of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake 
City, Gateway will donate up to 4,500 computers. Grant consideration is limited to eligible organizations recognized by the 
Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit entity, with priority given to schools and community centers whose programs help 
enhance access to technology for traditionally under-served communities. For more information, please log on to 
http://www.gateway.com/olympics/donations.shtml

 

Rally To Restore Substance Abuse Funding:  Educate Policymakers about the Need to Restore $6 Million 
to MA Bureau of Substance Abuse Services Continuum of Care 
Our United Opportunity
Rally Date - April 22- Monday - 1 to 3  PM - Grand Staircase- The State House  Please come! Schedule a visit with Legislators! 
Call the State House: 617-722-2000.

 

Dads are invited to the Associates for Human Services (A.H.S.) baked potato bar and basketball trivia, 4/16, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at the Early Head Start Parent Room, 29 Broadway, Taunton. For more information or to RSVP, please call Milly at 508-880-0202 or Jon at 508-822-7700.

 

Dental benefits for adult MassHealth recipients have been eliminated. However, adults with “special circumstances” may continue receiving dental services that are deemed necessary for their overall health. For information, call Dr. Doherty at 508-821-9041.

 

National Oral Health Plan Hearing (only 5 nationwide) listening session will be held at the Cambridge City Hospital Learning Center on 4/30. For information, contact Dr. Douglass at 617-432-1455.

 

Suicide Prevention Workshops with the Samaritans of Boston (sponsored by TRY) will be held 6/3, 9:00-9:30 a.m., at the Margaret Stone Conference Room at Morton Hospital OR 6/3, 2:30-6:00 p.m., at the Silver City Galleria Community Room. Free. Please call Katie at 824-8882, x1916.

 

Electronic Seminars Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program include High School Policies and their Community Involvement, 4/18, 3:00; Addressing Underage Drinking in Rural and Bush Area, 5/21, 3:00; Adult Responsibility Laws, 6/20, 3:00. Call 877-335-1287, x230.

 

Sisters Crossing Bridges (Eliminating Health Disparities Mandate for the World) will be held 5/9/02, 8:00-2:30, YWCA 140 Clarendon St., Boston. For information, call 617-482-1317.

 

Health Care of Southeastern Massachusetts, Inc. is offering the following trainings: Evaluating Your Program, 4/23, 1:00-4:00, Bristol Elder Services, $25; Twenty Years of HIV Disease, 5/8, 9:00-3:00, Brockton Prevention Center, $55; A Look at Unhealthy Body Image and Positive Steps for Change, 5/15, 9:00-3:00, Brockton Prevention Center, $55; Sex, Gender and Sexuality: Understanding Sexual Oreintation and Gender Identity, 6/6, 9:00-3:00, Brockton Prevention Center, $55. For information, call 583-2250, x239.

 

Funding for Youth Mentoring Programs is available from the Massachusetts Service Alliance. Deadline is 4/23/02. For information, call 888-710-8099.

 

The Spirit of Community: The Healthy Communities New England Conference, will be held 5/28, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester. For information, e-mail INFO@AHECPARTNERS.ORG

UPCOMING AREA MEETINGS

 

April 16, 9:00                 GTHHSC Monthly Meeting. A.H.S., Broadway, Taunton      

April 16, 10:15               GTHHSC Child & Family Focused Committee. A.H.S., Broadway, Taunton

April 18, 1:00                 GATRA Consumer Advisory Committee. GATRA, 10 Oak St.

April 18, 2:30                 Domestic Violence Roundtable. District Attorney’s Office, New Bedford.

April 19, 10:00               Peer Appreciation Planning Meeting. Citizens for Citizens, One Taunton Green.

April 23, 9:00                 Basic Rights Workshop on Special Education. (Register at 880-0202)

April 24, 8:00                 Safe Neighborhood Initiative Annual Meeting. T.H.S. Library Classroom.

April 24, 9:00                 GTHHSC Community Health & Wellness. Morton Hospital Café Annex.

April 26, 10:00               Peer Appreciation Planning Meeting. Citizens for Citizens, One Taunton Green.

May 1, 9:00                   Environmental Strategies Subcommittee. T.H.S. Superintendent’s Office

May 1, 3:00              GTHHSC/GATHER Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. THS Library Classroom.

May 1, 3:00                   TRY Youth Action Task Force. CFC Conference Room, 1 Taunton Green.

May 3, 5:30                   Peer Appreciation Event 2002. Elks Club, Taunton. (Call 508-824-8882, x1916)

May 7, 9:30                   Taunton Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office.

May 8, 9:00                   Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. Morton Hospital Café Annex.

May 8, TBA                 TRY Coalition Celebration. Location and time TBA. (Call 508-823-6346)

May 14, 1:00                 Greater Attleboro/Taunton Coalition on Homelessness. United Way Office.

May 14, 2:00                 GTHHSC Multicultural Committee.  CFC, 1 Taunton Green.

May 7, 12:00                 GATHER Steering Committee. Off Broadway Diner.

May 21, 1:00                 GLBT Youth Task Force. T.H.S. Library Classroom.

May 22, 11:30-4:00        Information & Health Fair for Seniors. Taunton VFW.

May 22, 3:00                 Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. T.H.S. Library Classroom.

(Call 508-823-4822)       GATHER Domestic Violence Committee. Taunton New Hope Office.