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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 XIII, No.1 January 2003
HEALTHY HEART PILOT AT GALLIGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The Healthy Heart Pilot Project encourages Galligan Elementary School parents and children to develop lifestyle habits that will promote healthier hearts, such as quitting smoking, managing stress, exercising regularly and eating better. It will run from September 2002 through June 2003. The project developed from the Community Health and Wellness Committee of the Greater Taunton Health and Human Services Coalition. Members come from Morton, other area health and human services agencies, student nurses from UMass Dartmouth, Taunton school system, and the Department of Public Health. The project attempts to reduce the extremely high incidence of deaths and disability due to heart disease in Taunton
Offerings to parents and staff during the school year will include smoking cessation programs, weight management and exercise programs, and workshops on nutritional, fitness and stress management topics. Healthy recipes and lifestyle information will be distributed weekly during the school year to parents via the Galligan parent newsletter. An afterschool enrichment program for Galligan students focusing on nutrition and fitness is also planned.
The school system is supporting the initiative by ensuring that only healthy snacks will be available at Galligan during the school year. Teachers and PTO cooperate by not conducting candy-related fundraisers or using candy as classroom rewards
The program began with two cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose screenings in September. The screening also included a heart risk assessment questionnaire. This provides baseline data on the parents’ health status and cardiac risk. In the spring, the screenings / assessment will be repeated for comparison of data. We hope to see an improvement in health status and healthy behaviors. If that’s the case, major funding to replicate the program in other area schools will be sought.
Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation has granted $5,650 to help offset some of the costs associated with this project. Also received from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation is $10,500 to underwrite some of the program expenses.
We would welcome the participation of any GTHHSC members in this project. If anyone has any nutrition, fitness, or other healthy heart-related programs they’d like to offer to adults or children at the Galligan School between now and June 2003 or has any staff able to provide smoking cessation or nutritional counseling services, please call Dori Bingham at (508) 828-7016. Thanks to grant funding, money is available to pay for services.
Discussion Highlights:
Project – GATHER is a communication agent that utilizes existing resources. Technology grants could support an improved interactive GATHER website which would include links to other organizations, a teen corner with resources, information and chat, and a calendar, all for underserved GATHER communities.
Hairdressers’ Project –Bristol-Plymouth High School and the New England Beauty Show will be offered the Hairdressers’ Domestic Violence training.
Mentors in Violence Prevention continues in Taunton, and has been offered to Coyle & Cassidy and Bristol-Plymouth. Four mentors attended a conference at Holy Cross College, in Worcester.
Teen Action Campaign was initiated by Jane Doe, and intended to support area programs to jointly develop outreach materials that are tailored for sharing with communities. Other area resources include the Dighton-Rehoboth teen dating violence website and “Taunton News”.
Next Steps:
To extend Hairdresser’s project invitations
To continue to explore grant funding
To look at planning for 2003 at the January Meeting
To draft an application for a grant, including staffing, definition of underserved, and project plans at the January meeting
To extend congratulations and an invitation to Chief Wetherell.
To pursue a meeting with New Hope to discuss funding and issues related to Safe Families, Safe Pets
Next Meeting: 1/15/03, 9:30, Taunton New Hope.
Contact Person:
Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822
Discussion Highlights:
New Resources include Substance Abuse Funding News 9/24/02; Substance Abuse Letter v.8, #2; Study: Kids Exposed to TV Beer Marketing www.salon.com/mwt/wire/2002/12/17/kids_beer/print.html and Synthetic Pot May East Depression (Jennifer Warren, WebMD Medical News)
Environmental Strategies Subcommittee will host a meeting on 1/17/03, 1:00, at 63 Winthrop St. Jose Morales, MassCall project, will address the committee.
Substance Abuse Round Table 8 (SARTVIII) – Police Chief Moose, Montgomery County, Maryland will be the keynote speaker for SARTVIII on 3/13/03, at the Taunton Holiday Inn. Due to budget restraints, the smaller attendance will be by invitation only.
Community Drug Education Program recently held it’s most successful series in four years. CDE, a product of the SART of 4 years ago, is a disposition from the judge for first time offenders. The 3-session program meets 3-4 times yearly, with approximately 40 individuals at each. Participants are getting younger. CDE is seeking a new location.
Drug Policies – Sample drug policies have been collected from GATHER area high schools, and forwarded to a local school department as a resource.
AlaTeen – Before the establishment of an area youth group, there is a need for someone to volunteer to run it. This is being explored.
Next Steps:
To send invitations to participate in the Environmental Strategies Committee, to area schools, police, and affiliated youth groups.
To continue to gather budget cut information for the Legislative Breakfast
To send a follow up letter to the out of state nightclub.
Next Meeting: 1/15/03, 3:00, CCBC, 63 Winthrop St.
Contact Person: Phil Shea, 508-824-7224
Discussion Highlights:
Survey Development – The coalition is developing a survey to demonstrate how local agencies address disaster relief and childhood obesity, two common areas covered by all member agencies.
Disaster Relief - CCBC’s Ryan Pickerell has a questionnaire covering the mental health part, to use as a template. Short term effects have been addressed. Services include free counseling for individuals or groups. In addition to CCBC, Taunton Student Health Corp has a disaster planning coordinator, Morton Hospital has a comprehensive disaster plan, and Rick Ferreira is a contact person for Taunton’s emergency plan.
Childhood Obesity – January’s meeting will feature brainstorming and a development of an inventory of services by area agencies, providing exercise and nutrition among clients.
Dental Clinic continues to operate with more focus on pediatric services. The mobile program also continues.
Save the Date – Health Awareness Day will be held 3/28/03, 8:00-2:00.
Presentation: Associates for Human Services – AHS consists of 4 programs and 2 divisions, as follows:
Residential Program – This DMR program assists individuals to increase independence, manage needs and integrate into the community. Currently 34 individuals participate in 12 closed-referral programs. Its human rights committee meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month, and needs a nurse and psychologist as members.
WISE Elder Services is a day support and adult day health services for adults over the age of 55 with developmental disabilities or health care related issues. Activities enhance quality of life. Four activities coordinators develop plans of care. They have received a grant to work on activity and nutrition in January.
Early Intervention Program provides free developmental screenings to the community and/or services to families with children, 0-3 years. Referral and enrollment are open. A trans-disciplinary model of staff and parents is used. Offerings include parent groups, sibling groups, evening parent groups (educationally supported), and transitional process help. EIP also makes referrals to other agencies.
Early Head Start serves income eligible children ages 0-3. The pregnant women’s program consists of customized visits, risk assessment and pre & post natal issues. Infants and toddlers is a home based model, meeting weekly for 1½ hours. Goals include the importance of adult / child relationship, nutrition, wellness, obesity, parenting skills and education, a Dad’s group, parent groups, mom’s evening groups, parent/child playgroups and economic self-sufficiency.
Next Steps:
To invite Rick Ferreira to speak about Taunton’s Emergency plan.
To invite DPH disaster preparedness persons to January meeting.
To invite Suzanne Powers to the March meeting.
To look over operating costs for the coalition
Next Meeting: 1/21/03, 9:00, A.H.S.
Contact Person: Richard McMahon, 508-979-7160, x3010
Discussion Highlights:
Purpose – This Committee shares resources by forwarding information to the United Way. Other goals include grant writing, information collection, and devising the Coalition questionnaire.
Childhood Obesity – Pediatricians, WIC and the Pawtucket Heart Health Project are excellent resources for collaboration. Grocery markets may be utilized to do a shopping bag awareness. The Committee expressed a desire to be the working group for the family obesity crisis.
Next Steps:
To contact Dori with the Committee’s goals
To invite WIC to participate in this committee
To contact the Pawtucket Heart Health Project
Next Meeting: 1/21/03, 10:15, A.H.S.
Contact Person: Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822
Discussion Highlights:
Announcements:
· FEMA Funds for rental assistance are low due to DPH budget cuts
· Client Christmas Party was held 12/13/02, 2:00-5:00 at CCBC
· Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program may be reached at 1-877-JOE-4-OIL
AIDS Awareness Day – Mayor Strojny issued a proclamation at the November 26 City Council Meeting.
Meetings of CCBC & Morton Hospital infectious disease doctors are held monthly to discuss client issues.
Local Conference on Treatment Choices by the AIDS Action Committee, will be held 2/6/03, 8:30-4:30, at the
Taunton Holiday Inn.
AIDS Walk 2003 needs a chair and participants to organize the Spring walk.
Consumer Advisory Board discussed issues concerning the CAB newsletter. They also planned their annual
awards/Christmas dinner.
Next Meeting: 2/12/03, 9:00, Morton Cafe Annex.
Contact Person:
Damar Aponte, 508-884-8264.
Discussion Highlights:
Criminal Justice Committee reported Juvenile Probation has no cups for urine testing at this time, and juveniles know this. They are asking for your ideas/suggestions. There was discussion of juveniles with insurance to pay for urine testing. Fast tract has 13 adults and 3 juveniles. The gang information meeting focused on the increased number of bank robberies and B&E’s in the area.
Taunton CARES – Neighborhood Watch meetings (Whittenton and Downtown) were cancelled for the month of December. Elderly program fraud and scams presention was just completed. Remaining sites will be rescheduled for January. Sixty residents attended the Fairfax Gardens meeting.
Treatment and Prevention – Environmental Strategies received $3,000 grant from Bristol County Savings Bank. Chief Moose will speak at SARTVIII. The Community Drug Education Program is looking for a new location. CCBC’s Pact team works with 60 mental health individuals, bringing homeless resources with DMH services, providing a higher level of care.
Youth Committee – TRY has received an increase in funding, which will be used for TRY programs, CCBC peer leader programs, peer leaders with family planning programs, and a peer appreciation event. The Youth Council Coordinator’s position is open. Teen Topics will be presented at Friedman and Mulcahey in January.
Crisis Intervention Team – The group is planning to train police on Section 12 orders. Also, the group is looking at the possibility of developing a database of elders and individuals with mental health issues. This information may be provided by family members.
Program Update – Jobs for Youth has been funded for $10,000 from January-June. Police dogs have searched Taunton High School and Martin Middle school, with other schools being scheduled.
Taunton Clergy Emergency Response Team – A conference will be held on 3/27/03, to discuss diversity related issues on grief and death.
Other – Ryan Pickrell from CCBC discussed the free outreach and support FEMA Disaster program, for Massachusetts residents affected by the 9/11 crisis. The Board of Health flu clinic served approximately 2,000 individuals.
Next Meeting: 1/22/03, 8:00, Bristol-Plymouth High School.
Contact Person:
Bob Cammarata, 508-821-1420
Discussion Highlights:
By-Laws were accepted as revised.
DTA/ETF Meeting – Representatives met on 11/25 to present and discuss issues of concern. DTA provided a call list of staff, a copy of the new food stamp application, eligibility information, and an explanation of categories for eligibility criterion. Food stamps applications will be made available throughout the city. Food stamp eligibility was extended to 5 months after a family ends DTA cash benefits. Deductions and circumstances pertaining to emergency food stamps was also discussed.
Agency Sharing:
· Catholic Social Services – Applications for utility bill assistance and first and last months rent, up to $100-$200, may be obtained at St. Mary’s Church in Taunton, or by calling 508-674-4681.
· Early Head Start is accepting applications for expectant families and families of children ages 0-3.
· Head Start expresses thanks for the donations of food baskets for families.
· Citizens for Citizens is still taking fuel assistance applications.
· St. Vincent de Paul will hold a jacket drive in January.
· Samaritan House received a grant and a $1,000 donation to purchase bunk beds and mattresses.
· Healthy Families Young Parent Program is taking applications for teen parents.
· Morton Hospital has health corps students available for volunteer opportunities. Americorps has a new focus on homeland security. A grant from Bristol County Savings Bank will help with an after hours clinic for uninsured adults. The hospital also has Breast and Cervical cancer clinic for women who don’t have insurance to cover mammograms and pap smears. The Galligan School weight management pilot program continues at the school.
Next Meeting:
2/4/03, 9:30, TEMA Office
Contact Person:
Charlene Sanger, 508-821-1420
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 508-823-8584, or write to GTHHSC, P.O.Box 2894, Taunton, MA. 02780, by January 25th. H
Highlights:
Youth Action Task Force is working on a social norms / environmental strategies campaign with the GATHER / GTHHSC Environmental Strategies Committee.
Highland Hills Presentation – CCBC peer leaders next presentation is on tobacco, January 24, 2003.
Teen Topics runs for six consecutive weeks, excluding vacation week. 1/8/03 is the first week at Mulcahey, and 1/16/03 is the first week at Friedman.
Peer Appreciation Planning Committee – The first meeting will take place on 2/7/03, 3:00, at the CFC Conference Room. Katie Kelly and Erica Emond will co-chair.
Increase in Funding – TRY has budgeted $2000 for each subcontractor, $2000 for CCBC Peer Leadership program, and $2000 for Taunton’s Family Planning Safe Teen Health Program.
Youth Coordinator Position will not be filled. Katie will fill in as interim coordinator until the end of the program in June.
Next Meetings:
· Youth Action Task Force: 1/15/03, 3:00, Taunton Public Library.
· Steering Committee: 2/5/03, 3:00, CFC Conference Room.
· Peer Appreciation Planning Committee: 2/7/03, 3:00, CFC Conference Room.
Contact Person: Katie Kelly, 508-823-6346
Did You Know That…?
Connectfive is seeking qualified Social Workers, Mental Health Workers and School Counselors to work in the Mission Hill and
Allston-Brighton neighborhoods in Boston. For information, please contact Gretchen Graef graef@bc.edu Look Good…Feel Better – Caring for Yourself Inside and Out helps you look your best throughout chemotherapy or radiation
treatment. 1/27/03, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Conference Rooms D&E. Please RSVP to Cheryl Silveira, 824-5865.
Brown Bag Series Parent Programs, are sponsored by Community Partnerships for Children, BR Regional School District,
Taunton Public Schools, and Triumph, Inc. Next program is Cabin Fever II… 2/6/03, 5:30-7:30 p.m., E. Taunton Elementary
School. Pre-register with Johanna at 508-823-2937, x0
Social Security Administration award-winning website may be accessed at www.ssa.gov
Winter Injury Prevention materials available from the DPH include Fire prevention and safety, Poison prevention, Helmet use,
Employment safety and rights for teens, Snow sports injury prevention, Car seats, etc. Call Cindy Rodgers at 617-624-5424.
FUNDING RESOURCES
(*All amounts are approximate and may be based on past giving records.)
Agency/Program: Celebrity Support Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation |
$ Available*:
Varies |
Deadline:
Rolling |
Contact:
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Corporate Support BellSouth Specialty and Opportunity grants |
Varies |
Varies, 3/7/03
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Foundation Profiles Open Meadows Foundation
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Up to $2,000 |
2/16/03 or 8/15/03 |
718-768-2249 |
January 14, 1:00 |
Greater Attleboro/Taunton Coalition on Homelessness. MOCD, 45 School St. |
January 14, 2:30 |
Bristol County Domestic Violence Roundtable. 257 Union St., New Bedford. |
January 15, 9:30 |
GATHER Domestic Violence Committee. New Hope. |
January 15, 3:00 |
GTHHSC/GATHER Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. 63 Winthrop St. |
January 15, 3:00 |
TRY Youth Action Task Force. Taunton Public Library |
January 16, 1:00 |
GATRA Consumer Advisory Committee. 10 Oak St., Taunton |
January 16, 2:30 |
GATHER Steering Committee. New Hope (Taunton Office) |
January 17, 1:00 |
GTHHSC/GATHER Environmental Strategies Committee. 63 Winthrop St. |
January 21, 9:00 |
GTHHSC Monthly Meeting. A.H.S., 29 Broadway, Taunton |
January 21, 10:15 |
GTHHSC Child and Family Focus Committee. A.H.S., 29 Broadway, Taunton |
January 22, 8:00 |
Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Bristol-Plymouth High School |
January 27, 5:00 |
GTHHSC Multicultural Committee. CCBC, 68 Church Green, Suite 5 |
February 4, 8:30 |
Crisis Intervention Team Committee. Probation, 18 Broadway. |
February 4, 9:30 |
Taunton Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office, City Hall |
February 5, 3:00 |
TRY Steering Committee. Citizens for Citizens, Conference Room. |
February 7, 3:00 |
Peer Appreciation Planning Committee. Citizens for Citizens Conference Room. |
February 12, 9:00 |
Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. Morton Hospital, Café Annex |
February 12, 3:00 |
TRY Youth Action Task Force. Citizens for Citizens, Conference Room. |
February 26, 8:00 |
Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Taunton High School |
March 4, 9:30 |
Taunton Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office, City Hall |
March 13, TBA |
SARTVIII. Holiday Inn, Taunton. By Invitation Only. |
March 26, 8:00 |
Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Bristol-Plymouth High School |
April 1, 9:30 |
Taunton Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office, City Hall |
April 30, 8:00 |
Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Taunton High School |
May 6, 9:30 |
Taunton Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office, City Hall |
May 28, 8:00 |
Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Bristol-Plymouth High School |
June 3, 9:30 |
Taunton Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office, City Hall |
June 25, 8:00 |
Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Location TBA |