THE ADVOCATE

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

GATHER WEBSITE UPDATED AND IMPROVED

 

   You are invited to navigate the updated and improved official GATHER website at www.oocities.org/gathercoalition

   The site features contact information for all GATHER committees, past and present initiatives and minutes from the Domestic Violence / Violence Prevention Committee, Substance Abuse Committee, and Youth Endorsing Legal Lifestyles (YELL), along with links to outside websites of interest.

   If you have suggestions, or would like to post information on the GATHER website, please contact Lorraine Rosa, at 508-823-4822.          ♣

 

   The premier issue of the Greater Taunton Health & Human Services Coalition’s “Salute to Health” features a gift to help you eat better and exercise more. Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Food Pyramid, you have the necessary tools to help you choose what and how much to eat from each food group to get the nutrients you need, while maintaining or improving your weight. (This does not replace any special diet or recommendations that your health care provider has already given you. Please follow his or her recommendations.)

   The quarterly newsletter, printed in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, will focus on seasonally appropriate subjects. April is the time of year when thoughts of summer activities and fashions come to mind, so physical activity will be the focus of the second issue. As summer comes upon us, the June issue will discuss hydration and exercise. September is the time when children begin or return to school. Packing healthy lunches for our children or ourselves, healthy snacks, and the “5-a-Day” recommendation will be discussed in this final issue.

   Are there nutrition/physical activity subjects you feel would benefit our community? Do you have information that should be included in the calendar of events, please call Lorraine Rosa at                 508-823-4822.                     

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (DPH)

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE CLOSED

 

   The Southeast Regional Office of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has closed as of 12/11/03. Southeast Regional Office staff has moved to offices in Boston, Canton, and Taunton. New contact information is as follows:

 

Bureau of Family and Community Health:

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH, Donovan Building, 3^rd Floor, 5 Randolph St., Canton, MA 02021.

·         Telephone: 781-828-7700

·         TTY: 781-774-6619

·         Fax: 781-774-6618

 

Bureau of Substance Abuse Services:

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH, Donovan Building, 2^nd Floor, 5 Randolph St., Canton, MA 02021

·         Telephone: 781-828-7700

·         TTY: 781-774-6619

·         Fax: 781-828-7703

Office of Tobacco Control

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH, 250 Washington St., Boston, MA 02108

·         Telephone: 617-624-5904

·         TTY: 617-624-5992

·         Fax: 617-624-5921

 

Immunization Program

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH Immunization Program, Taunton State Hospital, Besse Building, 60 Hodges Ave, Taunton, MA 02780.

·         Telephone: 508-977-3708

·         Fax: 508-977-3710

 

Tuberculosis Surveillance

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH, Taunton State Hospital, Gifford Building, 3^rd Floor, 60 Hodges Ave, Taunton, MA 02780

·         Telephone: 508-977-3703

·         Fax: 508-977-3558

 

Sexually Transmitted Infections:

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH, Taunton State Hospital, Gifford Building, 3^rd Floor, 60 Hodges Ave, Taunton, MA 02780

·         Telephone: 508-977-3704

·         Fax: 508-977-3558

 

Health Educator/Trainer

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH, Taunton State Hospital, Gifford Building, 3^rd Floor, 60 Hodges Ave, Taunton, MA 02780

·         Telephone: 508-977-3706

·         Fax: 508-977-3558

 

Center for Emergency Preparedness

·         Address: Massachusetts DPH, Taunton State Hospital, Gifford Building, 3^rd Floor, 60 Hodges Ave, Taunton, MA 02780

·         Telephone: 508-977-3705

·         Fax: 508-977-3558

 

 

Discussion Highlights:

Suggested Agenda:

8:00         Registration

8:30         Welcome/Introduction

9:00         Keynote

9:30                         3 Topic Panel (15 minutes per topic)

10:30        Break

10:45        Breakout Groups

12:45        Lunch (Mentors in Violence Prevention [MVP] presentation)

1:30         Group reports and open

               discussion. Recommendations & Action plans that segue into future workshops

3:00         Conclusion

Keynote Speaker Suggestions – He/she may address the theme (Violence: There’s no excuse), touching on the 

3 subject areas

·         Dr. Elizabeth Englander

·         Marjorie Claprood

·         Liz Walker

·         Beverly Kennedy

·         District Attorney Walsh

Breakout Groups will be facilitated by one panel member from each group: 

·         DV/Family Violence 

·         Teen Dating Violence

·         Bullying in the Schools

Registration forms will include

·         A description and preregistration for each breakout topic

·         RSVP and payment information 

·         Questions and subtopics that attendees want addressed.

Voices Against Violence suggested calendar includes events and activities for 2004. Copies were distributed.

Next Steps:

·         Committee members will contact potential speakers and facilitators

·         Create a sample invitation

 

Next Meeting: 1/21/04 3:00, High Point, Crocker Building

 

Contact Person:

Kathy Lalor, 508-823-9416 Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

 

Discussion Highlights:

Gaps in Services:

·         Bridges Resource Guide still exists. The United Way online project didn’t materialize, but the infoline exists for Taunton/Attleboro residents.

·         TRY put together a youth card with area services.

·         Community development has an intern.

·         The Coalition has lost funding.

·         Gaps: addressing all seven community, will be able to state gaps in services in detox and youth services.

·         Taunton Emergency Task Force has a guide.

·         Middleboro has a Youth Mapping Grant through the Employment Task Force.

Needs Assessment: Youth (YRBS type) MADD (Youth in Action)

·         Taunton a straight use rate survey (ASAS) completion date is 1/31/04, using passive consent, and math and science.

·         Middleboro includes a perception of use survey.

·         Each Community can have a survey tailored to their community use.

Program Design: The next 4 years:

·         Partner with existing after school programs

·         Do S.N. and have all the information to identify the biggest issue to target the program

·         Reapply for funds in the beginning of January

Function of the Planning Group

·         Meet no less than monthly

·         Communicate via e-mail on a regular basis

·         Collaborate

·         Trust that members will complete delegated tasks

·         Establish structure

Needs from Sabrina

·         Revise the time line

·         Relationship with Middleboro is essential

·         Taunton can learn from Middleboro. They did a Youth Summit, which Taunton could replicate.

·         Communication: weekly updates, documentation of volunteer time to be put online for people to download and use. Changes will be made as needed

·         Sabrina goes to Anne, Jonathan and Jack.

Next Meeting:

1/21/04, 4:00, High Point.

 

Contact Person: Phil Shea, 508-824-7224.

 

 

Discussion Highlights:

Committee Goals for Year One:

·         Reapplication was scheduled for January. No news as yet.

·         Address gaps in services – Bridges, TRY resource booklet, DHS Referral line, and the GATHER budget cuts document. Middleboro and Lakeville resource information is needed.

·         Needs Assessment regarding the consequences of youth substance abuse, with focus on Middleboro and Taunton. Recent data is sought by the committee.

·         Design a Program Plan with detailed intervention, specific objectives, implementation and evaluation.

 

Surveys – Use and perception questions need to match. Survey providers are able to redesign questions and generate campaign messages.

 

Some Health Outcomes:

1.       Increase age of onset/first use

2.       Reducing abuse increases use of treatment services

3.       Healthy alternatives

4.       Decrease in pregnancy rate, crime, alcohol-related accidents, increase in school attendance and academic performance.

 

Impact of Outcomes:

·         Self-esteem

·         Seeking services for dual diagnosis with substance abuse

·         Motivation increases

·         Good night sleep

·         Better work ethics

·         Increased joy in life

·         Improved family relations

·         Personality development

·         Change in friends

·         Peer support

Next Steps:

Reapply for the grant this month.

Next Meeting: 1/28/04, 3:30, CCBC, 63 Winthrop St.

Contact Person: Sabrina Strong, shstrong@aol.com

Discussion Highlights:

Committee Reports/Updates:

·         Multicultural Committee booklet will be titled What About Diversity? Graphics will be updated to include photographs or other appropriate illustrations.

·         SART/DV: The 9^th annual roundtable will be held 3/11/04, 8:00-3:00, at the Taunton Holiday Inn.

·         Taunton Emergency Taskforce: Emergency Funding, United Way impact funding, covers basic needs. A church may provide overflow shelter for homeless individuals. This increases their heating costs.

 

Nutrition/Physical Activity – The first printing of “Salute to Health” will be distributed in January, and include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) current food pyramid, and suggested diet. (See insert in this issue of The Advocate.)

 

Keg Legislation – The GTHHSC, along with GATHER, has signed on to Representative Phil Travis’ Keg Bill.

 

Budget is currently at $2034.00. Other coalition funding is earmarked for specific projects.

 

Announcements:

·         Headstart will do a Community Needs Assessment this spring, concerning pregnant women and children ages birth-5.

·         Associates for Human Services hopes to occupy its new site near Home Depot by this summer.

·         Department of Public Health Lakeville office is officially closed, and is now located in Canton. Their new phone number is 781-828-7700. (See article on page 2) Director is Sally Fogarty.

 

Next Steps:

·         Compile a Coalition budget from 2003

·         Bring potential needs assessment questions to the February meeting

Next Meeting: 1/20/04, 9:00, A.H.S., 29 Broadway, 3^rd floor.

 

Contact Person: Richard McMahon, 508-979-7160, x3010

 

 

Discussion Highlights:

Distribution of Three Language Health Newsletter

·         Various businesses and agencies (3000 copies)

·         Taunton Public School students may wish to take them home on “take home day” in appropriate languages. (8000 copies)

·         English Newsletters will be on maize colored paper, and make up 50% of the copies.

·         Spanish Newsletters will be on blue colored paper, and account for 25% of the copies.

·         Portuguese Newsletters will be on yellow colored paper, at 25% of the total copies.

·         They may be distributed through local newspapers.

·         Future issues may be financed through offering advertisements.

 

Safety Issues – Children left in cars, the importance of all car occupants wearing seatbelts to protect children from injury in accidents, and falls from windows or stairs are some issues discussed. Safety campaign information may be sent to the Department of Public Health, Governor’s Highway Safety, Police, Kiwanis, and Housing. Affordable installation of safety devices may be offered. A health fair is usually held at the Galleria in March or April, and could feature safety information.

 

Next Steps:

·         Send copies of “Salute to Health” in three languages, to Suzanne Powers, for possible presentation at principal’s meeting.

·         Distribute copies to local venues.

·         Discuss safety issues at the January meeting.

 

Next Meeting: 1/20/04, 10:15, A.H.S.

 

Contact Person: Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

 

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements:

·         Emergency FEMA funds are out.

·         Fuel programs have now opened.

·         The Gazette did an article on the World AIDS Day, 12/1/03.

·         Meetings for 2004 will be held 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the Café Annex at Morton Hospital, as follows: 1/14, 2/11, 3/10, 4/14, 5/12, 6/9, 7/14, 8/11, 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8.

·         CCBC had a Family Holiday party on December 18.

·         Linda LeBreux is hosting a series of 6 discussions that will focus on various topics related to HIV/AIDS.

 

Lead Agency Report:

·         A successful Thanksgiving dinner at the Hynes Auditorium was attended by 23 clients.

·         A proclamation was read at City Hall, announcing World AIDS Day.

·         Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) checks will be mailed from now on.

·         Department of Public Health (DPH) statewide guidelines for CAB’s should be available after this month.

 

World AIDS Day – The remembrance event had good attendance. Mayor Thaddeus Strojny and Representative James Fagan raised the flag. A reception followed at First Parish Church, where the Mayor was presented with a plaque.

 

Emergency Fund Guidelines Sub Committee was formed to revise the Emergency Fund Guidelines.

 

Next Meeting: 2/11/04, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex.

 

Contact Person: Richard McMahon, 508-979-7160, x3010

 

Discussion Highlights:

·         Homeless – The Samaritan House is experiencing some rehab work. A church may be used as an overflow shelter. They could use help with the extra heating costs.

·         Financial Resources are needed for emergency needs in the area. The United Way Community Impact fund may be a resource.

·         Headstart is full, with a waiting list. The Brown Bag Parent series will be run. Please call 508-823-2937 for information.

·         Safe Neighborhood Initiative focus for 2004 is on creating a safe neighborhood at a local project.

·         Board of Health is working with tenants and landlords to fix issues that lead to houses being condemned. They held flu clinics. Water and sewer shut offs may begin.

·         St. Vincent de Paul had more than the average requests for assistance. Collaboration helps meet the needs. They gave out 300 baskets at Thanksgiving.

·         TEMA is completing a training for a volunteer disaster reaction team. Taunton was designated a Storm ready community, meaning a decrease in insurance costs.

·         MOCD – The Weir Corporation Robinson on the River affordable housing project will begin construction in January. The Homeless Coalition is working with SRPED on a housing study.

·         DHS is out of rental FEMA money. Area Task Force monies require an agency referral.

 

Next Meeting: 2/3/04, 9:30, TEMA Office, City Hall

 

Contact Person: Millie Burrows, 508-880-0202.

Mulligan Center for Health Promotion is offering the following special event: Health Careers Exploration 

Event for High School Students and Faculty, 1/28/04, 3:00-5:30. Free. Must contact Jon Dambly, 

508-583-2250, x239, or jdambly@hcsm.org, by 1/21/04. Refreshments provided.

Morton Hospital and Medical Center presents Meditation Class, Wednesdays, beginning 1/14/04, 

6:30-7:30 p.m., Northwoods Medical Center Pilgrim Room. $25.00. Preregistration  required at     508-828-7777.

Recent, Local Statistics, Tools and Survey Instruments Needed on the following health issues: Education, 

Safety, Transportation, Housing, Human Services, by the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton, to develop a 

resource base. Has your agency compiled a list off prevention and/or treatment resources? Please call Lorraine 

Rosa at 508-823-4822.

Pro-Home, Inc. Money Smart Seminar will be held for 5 evenings, 6:00-9:00 p.m., on January 28, February 

4,11,18 & 25, 2004. For information and preparation activities for the seminar, please call Pro-Home, Inc., at 

508-821-1092.