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"Salute to Health" helps you eat better and exercise more. January 2004 issue is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Inside This Issue:

  • Articles, p.1,2
  • Meeting Minutes, p. 2-6
  • Did You Know That…, p. 6,7
  • Calendar, p.7
  • Funding Resources, p.7

 

 

 

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.3                                                                                                                                                                                March 2003

GATHER/GTHHSC WORKS TO REDUCE YOUTH ACCESS, USE AND ABUSE OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND OTHER DRUGS

 

   The GATHER / GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee has received a grant from the Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, to implement a social norms marketing / environmental strategies approach to reduce youth access and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD). 

How It Began

   Recent drunk driving fatalities, loss of tobacco initiative funding and recent incidences have prompted youth members of schools and community groups to request a means of conducting outreach to friends, to address substance abuse issues by youth.     In planning this project, the Environmental Strategies Subcommittee (comprising representatives from law enforcement social services, education, community members, youth and others) addressing teen substance use in the GATHER/GTHHSC communities, completed a needs assessment to determine the level of substance use/abuse by area youth. Several school systems in the GATHER/GTHHSC area responded to a request for Massachusetts YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) data. The primary data source was the 1999/2000 version of the Massachusetts survey.

   A representative sample of young people, ages 14-18, participated in this anonymous survey.  Results indicated that alcohol was a leading drug of choice among area students with an average of 50.65% (statewide average is 52%) of youth admitting to having at least one drink of alcohol within the past 30 days. An average of 29.94% of youth admitted to binge drinking (having 5 or more drinks in a couple of hours) within the past 30 days, while an average of 5.03% admitted to having at least one drink of alcohol on school property during the past 30 days. An average of 26.9% were under 13 when they had their first drink of alcohol, other than a few sips.

Social Norms Approach

   A sustained campaign over a two-year period will allow for accuracy in data gathering.  The project will use a social norms marketing and environmental strategies approach. Social norms are the beliefs about the behavior that is expected of them in a particular social context and are often a good predictor of what they will say and do. Science based materials (those that have been tested previously with similar populations and have demonstrated the desired change of reducing alcohol use by teens) will be utilized.  

GTHHSC March Meeting

3/18/03, 9:00

Associates for Human Services, 29 Broadway, 3rd Floor

   Surveys of youth reveal that most students greatly overestimate the amount substances being used. Based on this misperception, students may conclude that this behavior is the social norm, which in turn may lead them to increased use. In other words, the misperception may cause students to believe they are justified to abuse alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in order to “be like other students”. Social marketing is the application of commercial marketing and advertising principles to the design and implement campaigns to advance social causes. The social marketing campaign and other environmental strategies will be used to change the behavior of youth and adults. Environmental strategies seek to change the social context in which alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs are used by reducing availability and spurring changes in normative beliefs about the acceptability of substance use (Klitzner 1999).

   The Substance Abuse Committee is encouraged by the effectiveness of social norms marketing campaigns that have been implemented in pilot projects in the Midwest as well as Cambridge, Framingham and Quincy, MA.  It is important to remember that no one strategy will solve the problem of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by our youth. A social norms marketing campaign and environmental strategies is a promising component of our effort to prevent and reduce underage drinking and substance use.                                      «

Fundraising Dance for American Cancer Society’s 2003 Relay for Life of Greater Taunton on 3/22/03

Local Residents Encouraged to Attend

   Hundreds of area residents have taken up the fight against cancer by taking part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. The volunteer planning committee for the American Cancer Society’s 4th annual Relay for Life of Greater Taunton is hosting a fundraising dance for local residents on Saturday, March 22, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Taunton Elks Hall, 119 High Street, Taunton. This fun filled night of music, prizes and dancing will get everyone ready to relay. Team captain packets will be available and there will be a contest for the best movie character look-a-like. Tickets are $10 per person in advance by calling event co-chairs Cindy Tokarz at 824-0038 or Kathy Allen at 822-3909; or at the door while supplies last. Funds raised will benefit this year’s event and support the Society’s programs of research, education, advocacy and local patient services.

   Relay For Life is the Society’s signature activity taking place in more than 3,800 communities nationwide. This unique, community, overnight event allows all individuals to join in the fight against cancer. The event raises cancer awareness while serving as a celebration for cancer survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost, and a rally for the community. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Greater Taunton is set for May 30-31 at Taunton High School.

   Events are taking place in towns and cities throughout Massachusetts. For more information, to volunteer, or to find an event near you, please call 1-800-ACS-2345 or log on to www.cancer.org.

COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES

Crisis Intervention Team. 2/4/03, 8:30 a.m., 18 Broadway.

Discussion Highlights:

Welcome – James Young is a new member from D.M.H.

Congratulations – Mike Bonenfant congratulated Police Crisis, the Court Clerk’s Office and Morton Hospital and Medical Center on a job well done in handling a potentially explosive situation. Steve Jochim thanks all involved for the things done to avoid a dangerous situation. There are tough times ahead.

CIT Training:

·         Thirty (30) tape players are needed for the May 20, 21 and 22nd training at the Silver City Galleria Community Room. DMR Training may have funds, and Wal-Mart will prove players for $5.00 each.

·         Judge Maurice Richardson was suggested as a speaker

·         Work was done on the training agenda. Completion is expected by next meeting.

Closing – The Pathways Program (a CCBC Day Treatment Program) is being closed. There was a great deal of concern about the budget cuts and impact on clients and the community, especially if the Police and Human Services are hit as hard as has been announced.

Norton Crisis Team did 300 evaluations.

Morton Behavioral Elders Unit did 60 referrals.

Section 12 Training on 2/7/03, at Taunton State Hospital, was cancelled due to snow.

Next Steps:

Please have all the material in for the CIT Training by 4/1/03

Next Meeting: 4/1/03, 8:30, 18 Broadway.

Contact Person: Kathy Lalor, 508-823-9416

GATHER Domestic Violence/Violence Prevention Committee. 2/19/03, 9:30, New Hope, 39 Taunton Green

Discussion Highlights:

21st Century Grant – A letter offering GATHER’s Parents Making a Difference training was sent to the 21st Century Learning Center.

Thank You – The Committee sent a card thanking Strojny & Strojny for providing meeting space for the January Committee meeting.

Farewell – Healthy Families has been terminated due to budget cuts to human service programs.

Domestic Violence/Substance Abuse Connection – GATHER/GTHHSC is applying for a federal Drug Free Communities Grant. A dollar for dollar match, which can not reflect federal dollars, is required for the $100,000 grant. The goal is to reduce substance use among youth in the GATHER towns connected by routes 44 and 138, by utilizing social norms marketing and environmental strategies. The Committee listed some of the community’s protective factors and barriers, as follows:

Protective Factors:

·         Parent Aid Program

·         Linkage to police

·         AHS parent groups

·         Taunton High School teen day care

·         Community Care Services programs

·         DTA programs

·         DARE money is running dry

·         Families Forward

·         Community Police projects

·         ESL (English as a Second Language) classes

·         Homework assistance

·         Girls Empowerment group

·         Parent Education Workshops

·         Project Images

·         Extended day

·         Latina HIV/AIDS

·         Self sufficiency for youth and families

·         MOCD job source

·         Violence and drug prevention programs for middle and high school youth

·         YMCA

·         Boys and Girls Club

·         Girls Inc.

Barriers: State funding cuts

·         Healthy Families has lost services for 89 families.

·         SER jobs for projects closed: Teen GED and job opportunities training

·         Transportation

·         The link between substance abuse and pregnancy

·         No open AA meetings for teens in GATHER area.

·         Health Insurance barrier

·         Homelessness funding cuts

·         Childcare funding, such as Community Partnerships for Children, Headstart

Next Meeting:

3/19/03, 9:30, New Hope, 39 Taunton Green

Contact Person: Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

GATHER/GTHHSC Environmental Strategies Committee. 2/26/03, 4:30, CFC.

Discussion Highlights:

BSAS Grant is a 5-year grant. Project YELL (Youth Endorsing Legal Lifestyles) can target 3 communities in the first year, and add the other 4 within the 5 years of the grant. Four prongs of the grant include Access (compliance checks), Enforcement (roll call briefings, tobacco compliance checks), Attachment (presentation to community clubs, Preparing for the Drug Free Years, school policy, raising attendance), Media & Communications (youth produced ads).

Atlas Program – This suggested 10-week program focuses on drug prevention, sports nutrition, exercise, and coach training. It is science-based and changes perceptions. Cost is $180.

Next Steps:

To include the history of the Middleboro Youth Advocates

To select a data collection tool

To create and distribute sample memorandum of understanding to police, schools, and others.

Next Meeting: 3/12/03, 3:00, CCBC, 68 Church Green, Suite 5

Contact Person:

Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.

     GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee. 2/26/03, 3:00, CFC.

Discussion Highlights:

Bristol County Savings Bank’s Michelle Fortier presented an oversized check for photo purposes, in recognition of receipt of a $3,000 grant for Project YELL (Youth Endorsing Legal Lifestyles).

Budget Cuts – Agencies include TRY, Family Planning Peer Leaders, Medicaid, and Detox.

Project YELL (Youth Endorsing Legal Lifestyles) is the Project name for the Environmental Strategies Committee. The group is applying for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (5 years, $100,000 yearly, Coalition application, CHNA connection) and 2003 Drug Free Communities grants. The program will educate adults and youth that not everyone is engaging in illegal drinking. It will include “how to talk to your kids”, MADD training on compliance checks, roll call briefings, trainings for non compliant vendors, perception of harm, a parent component, and a law enforcement component. Both grants need an advisory board to fill staff positions and issue press releases. The suggested curriculum is “All Stars”. Grant requirements are for a pre and post test on perception of risk or harm and perception of approval.

Middleboro Youth Advocates Committee reinforces 12 key values throughout the community. They are working on a youth council, and have buy in from key community members.

Next Steps:
Get evaluation tool 
Get permission slips to publish photo of youth at today’s kick off.
 
Next Meeting: 3/19/03, 3:00, Citizens for Citizens. 
 
Contact Person: Phil Shea, 508-824-7224

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. 2/12/03, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex.

 
Discussion Highlights:
Annual Lobby Day, sponsored by Project ABLE, was held 3/5/03. All were encouraged to speak with representatives and 
senators about the effects of the HIV/AIDS Budget cut of 30% over the 1 ½ years.
 
Alexis D’Arcy, AIDS Law Project Educator/Advocate from GLAD, presented and distributed informational brochures about 
services provided to consumers.
Consortium budget was cut $8,783.00, reducing many line items, but services should not be noticeably affected yet.
 
Consumer Advisory Board discussed the CAB newsletter. Members attended a Conference / Training at the Holiday Inn on 
2/4/03, and the Emergency Walk Meeting, to help revise a new standard. They are brainstorming recruitment. 
 
AIDS Walk 2003 tentatively will be held in the Fall of 2003. 
 
Next Meetings: 
Consortium: 3/12/03, 9:00, Morton Cafe Annex.
New England AIDS Conference: 4/3/03, 12:30 pm, Jordan Hospital, Plymouth.
 
Contact Person:
Damar Aponte, 508-884-8264.

Re-Entry Committee. 2/7/03, 8:00, 18 Broadway.

Discussion Highlights:

·         Meeting attendance was light due to the snow

·         A follow up of the CCBC contract with Dartmouth Prison on Re-entry was made

·         Marcy was checking DTA emergency

·         Bill questioned if the Correction Counselor or Institutional Parole Officers should be involved with the Re-Entry group.

Social Security – Marcy and her assistant met with area manager Gary Lavalley and CPI Rep Payee staff Kathy Borges and Jolene Halpin, on 1/23/03. The meeting was helpful to all.  SS can not start a process until the client has a date and time of release. SSI/SSDI eligible individuals do not need an address if they have a Rep Payee. If their sentence is over a year, they will have to go through the entire process again.

Next Meeting: 4/18/03, 8:45, 18 Broadway.

Contact Person: Kathy Lalor, 508-823-9416

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. 2/26/03, 8:00, Taunton Holiday Inn.

Discussion Highlights:

Seventh Anniversary Meeting – Rep. James Fagan and Mayor Strojny opened the meeting. The Mayor noted an 11% decrease in the overall crime rate for Taunton, and commended SNI for organizing and providing all city utility workers with a photo identification card.

Guest Speaker – Elizabeth Tavares, 2nd Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Probation, discussed how times and policies procedures have changed to make probation more effective. SNI is an excellent example of providing good and stable ground for probation officers.

Overview – Bob Cammarata discussed SNI’s two new groups: The Community Crisis Spiritual Care Response Team and the Crisis Intervention Team. He explained that the apparent increase in juvenile complaints between 2001 and 2002, represents complaints to Taunton Juvenile Court, which services surrounding areas, as well as Taunton. The Police Department installed a new computer tracking system for greater statistical accuracy for Taunton.

Criminal Justice Committee – Among cited group accomplishments are curfew checks, community service program and the gang informational meeting.

Treatment and Prevention – Goals are prevention of substance abuse by youth, and treatment and prevention across agencies. An Environmental Strategies sub-committee focuses on reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse among teens. SART8 will be held this month, with Chief Charles Moose as speaker.

Abandoned Buildings Program The first property is going through foreclosure, and Pro-Home will begin take applications from first time homebuyers for a lottery. The United Way funds a grant writer and the Bristol County Savings Bank is the lead bank for this program. Six other targeted abandoned properties have been rehabilitated by the owner, after being contacted by the program.

Taunton Cares – There are 12 active Neighborhood Watch program groups. A Criminal justice Club is being set up at Taunton High School, to include students interested in a criminal justice career.

Youth Committee – Most programs have been eliminated due to lack of funding. Committees continue to meet to discuss the future of the program.

Crisis Intervention Team – Representatives attended trainings in Maryland last year, and have since provided several local trainings to police and medical personnel.

Community Crisis Spiritual Care Response Team – The next meeting, 3/27/03, 11:00, at the Margaret Stone Conference Room, will focus on ethnic and religious needs during a crisis situation.

Appreciation Expressed – Chris Hoeth received a certificate of appreciation for his dedication and commitment as chairperson of the SNI from February 200-2003. Every three years, a new chair is chosen. Steve Turner, new chairperson of SNI as of March 2003, said he would try to follow the example set by former chairs, and commended Bob for his dedication. 

Next Meeting: 3/26/03, 8:00, Bristol-Plymouth High School

Contact Person:

Bob Cammarata, 508-821-1420

Taunton Emergency Task Force.  2/4/03, 9:30, 15 Summer St..

Discussion Highlights:

Homelessness – Bridge House, transitional apartments and Samaritan House are full. First Parish Church was open for the homeless on some very cold nights. Transportation to other area shelters is being explored.

Fuel Fund/Emergency Services – St. Vincent is partnering with TMLP to manage energy funds, cross referencing with CFC. Fund guidelines were amended and accepted.

DTA – CFC provides Food Stamp applications to clients.

Agency Sharing

·         AHS/Early Intervention – Healthy Families/Young Parents and SER for Jobs have been cut.

·         CFC – Fuel Assistance received a small increase, and 500 jackets were distributed. Family Planning/TRY were impacted by budget cuts.

·         CCBC received a 4th McKinney grant for Attleboro permanent housing. The School St. transitional housing is scheduled to open in March.

·         DHS is applying for the Community Impact Fund Grant. Elders may receive a free bag of groceries once a month through elder services in collaboration with Greater Boston Food Bank.

·         Greater Taunton Health & Human Services Coalition – A discussion was held regarding linkage. Most Task Force members receive The Advocate.

·         Head Start has been impacted by state cuts and proposed federal regulation changes

·         Our Daily Bread – Between 120-160 are served daily. Clothing has also been distributed.

·         Samaritan House – The new Executive Director is Gail Walker.

·         St. Vincent DePaul Society – Coats are still available. There is an influx of Brazilian clients. Bread runs are done daily.

·         Board of Health – One house was condemned, and they are working with local resources to house and support the family to move back when possible.

·         United Way has donations of office equipment. The Info Line and Masscares.org continue as resources

·         Young Parents / Healthy Families continue to recruit for families. Open referrals are for moms and dads.

Next Meeting:

4/1/03, 9:30, TEMA Office

Contact Person:

Charlene Sanger, 508-821-1420

Taunton Reaching Youth (TRY). February Report.

Discussion Highlights:

Peer Appreciation will continue as planned on May 9, 2003, location TBA.

TRY was cut by 31.5%. As a result, direct service contractors were terminated. (Safe Teen Health Program and CCBC Peer Leaders), and the Highland Hills and Fairfax Gardens Girls programs have been cancelled for the year.

Next Meetings:

·         Youth Action Task Force, 3/12/03, 3:00, CFC

·         Peer Appreciation Planning: 3/14/03, 3:00, CFC. 4/4 3:00

Contact Person:

Katie Kelly, 508-823-6346

Did You Know That…?

Morton Hospital and Medical Center is offering Feng Shui, 3/24/03, 6:30 p.m., at the Margaret Stone Conference Room. Free. 
Pre-register at 828-7777.
 
The Mulligan Center at Health Care of Southeastern Massachusetts will hold Emergency Contraception: A Multidisciplinary 
Approach to Improving Access, 3/24/03, 8:30-11:30, and Microbicides: An Emerging Method of HIV Prevention – Putting the 
Power in the Hands of Women, 4/3/03, 1:00-3:00. For information, or to pre-register, please call      508-583-2250, x222.
 
Free Smoke Alarms are available through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, for distribution in Massachusetts. 
Fire Departments and Community-based Agencies must apply in partnership. If you are interested in obtaining these smoke 
alarms, please call Ms. Joanne Statires, 617-624-5426.
 
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services now has a more detailed PowerPoint presentation of the 
re-organization of the state's health and human services agencies on their website, at www.masscares.org. This new presentation 
s called "Improving Services and Meeting Fiscal Challenges."
 

The Impact of Asthma on the Health Care System will be held 5/8/03, 9:00– 2:30, at the Westin-Waltham Hotel, 70 Third Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts. For information, please call Susan Servais (617) 965-3711.

 

Invitation to meet new DPH Commissioner Christine C. Ferguson on 4/2/03, 2:00-3:30, Bristol Community College, Margaret Jackson Arts Center Auditorium. For questions, please call 617-624-5200.

 
US Postal Services Fund the Cure Stamp helps fund breast cancer research. Cost is $.45.
 
Pathways Mapping Initiative provides information about “what works” to improve targeted outcomes for children and families. 
Please log on to this work in progress at www.aecf.org/pathways/
 
Family Support Institute will hold “Innovative Strategies for Working with Families, 4/7/03-4/8/03, Best Western Royal Plaza 
Hotel, Marlborough. For information, please call Judy at 508-400-1377.
 
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 A Celebration of Parenthood, 4/3/03, 5:30-7:30 p.m., E. Taunton 
Elementary School. Pre-register with Johanna at 508-823-2937, x0

UPCOMING AREA MEETINGS

March 12, 9:00

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. Morton Hospital, Café Annex

March 12, 3:00

TRY Youth Action Task Force. CFC.

March 13, 12:30-5:00

SARTVIII. Holiday Inn, Taunton. By Invitation Only.

March 14, 3:00

Peer Appreciation Planning Committee. Citizens for Citizens Conference Room.

March 18, 9:00

GTHHSC Monthly Meeting. A.H.S., 29 Broadway, Taunton

March 18, 10:15

GTHHSC Child and Family Focus Committee. A.H.S., 29 Broadway, Taunton

March 18, 2:30

Bristol County Domestic Violence Roundtable. 21 South Sixth St., New Bedford.

March 19, 9:30

GATHER Domestic Violence Committee.  New Hope.

March 19, 3:00

GTHHSC/GATHER Substance Abuse Committee. Citizens for Citizens

March 20, 1:00

GATRA Consumer Advisory Committee. 10 Oak St.

March 26, 8:00

Safe Neighborhood Initiative.  Bristol-Plymouth High School

April 1, 8:30

Community Crisis Intervention Team (CCIT). 18 Broadway.

April 1, 9:30

Taunton Emergency Task Force.  TEMA Office, City Hall

April 2, 3:00

TRY Steering Committee. Citizens for Citizens Conference Room.

April 4, 3:00

Peer Appreciation Planning Committee. Citizens for Citizens Conference Room.

April 9, 3:00

Youth Action Task Force. Citizens for Citizens Conference Room.

FUNDING RESOURCES

(*All amounts are approximate and may be based on past giving records.)

 

Agency/Program:

Corporate Support

Net Cruiser Technologies

$ Available*:

Computer donations

Deadline:

 

Open

Contact:

 

610-725-9995

Education

Institute of Education Sciences education research

 

Varies

 

Varies

 

www.ad.gov/offices/IES/funding.html

Health

NIH Maintenance of Long Term Behavioral Change

 

NIH Hep C

 

NIH Drug Abuse and HIV Prevention in Youth

 

NIH Alcohol Abuse and HIV/AIDS

 

$8.2 million

 

$6 million

 

$2.4 million

 

$2 million

 

4/11/03

 

4/15/03

 

4/14/03

 

4/25/03

 

www.nih.gov

 

www.nih.gov

 

301-443-6710

 

301-443-2434

Housing

USDA Farm Labor Housing Grants

 

Varies

 

3/17/03

 

202-720-1624

Services for the Disabled

Vocational Rehabilitation Service

 

3/31/03

 

$7.7 million

 

202-205-8494