v      Articles, p.1-4

v      Did You Know That…, p. 4-5

v      Meeting Minutes, p. 6,7

v      Calendar, p. 7

THE ADVOCATE

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

ASSOCIATES FOR HUMAN SERVICES

HAS MOVED!

(From Associates for Human Services)

   Over five years ago, Associates for Human Services, Inc. (AHS) began the process of strategic planning.  Long and short-term goals were designed, one of which was to acquire real estate to better meet the needs of the individuals supported in our programs. Through the years, many property prospects were considered until we finally ended the search with the Allison Ave. purchase of 2.5 acres, and a fortuitous donation of 2 adjacent acres!  This is where Associates for Human Services, Inc. has built a modern 15,000 sq. ft. facility to house our programs, offices and staff.

   The new space is beautifully designed to promote efficiency and convenience of service delivery, in addition to enhancing staff’s work environment.  Almost every room is flooded with natural light and the views of the wooded area surrounding the building promote a sense of calmness. Details, such as handicapped accessibility throughout, an ADA compliant kitchen in Wise---along with a separate dining area---and modern workstations for staff, all add up to major improvements.

   Associates for Human Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1974.  Our mission is to provide choice, opportunity, and support to the individuals we serve, their families and those we employ, in order to enhance the quality of life in our communities.

   AHS provides support services for children, adults and seniors experiencing developmental disabilities or delays, as well as families struggling economically.  Today we have five programs:  Early Head Start, Early Intervention, Parent-Child Home Program, Residential Services and Wise Adult Day Health.

   Please come by and welcome us to the neighborhood.                      §

GTHHSC Agencies Address 

Child Obesity

(From Morton Hospital & Medical Center)

    Two members of the Greater Taunton Health and Human Services Coalition--Morton Hospital and the 

Taunton YMCA--have teamed up on a pilot program addressing childhood obesity. The program was 

developed in response to a request for help from the nursing staff from the Taunton Public School system, 

who were alarmed by the rising number of children and teens who were overweight. They were looking for 

the kind of program that would promote healthier eating and fitness habits. 

   The Friedman Middle School was selected as the pilot school. The Friedman school nurse and 

School-Based Health Center nurse practitioner sent a letter home to the parents of seventh graders who had 

been screened for height and weight earlier in the year, and were identified as being in the 85th percentile or 

higher for weight. They were invited to enroll their child in the program. As a result of this mailing, 21 children 

were enrolled in the Fun 'N Fitness program, which is held twice weekly for two hours.

   For the first three weeks, the program was held after school at the Friedman Middle School. The children 

spent the first hour with YMCA fitness staff, who guided the children through a variety of physical activities. 

They next spent an hour with Morton Hospital staff and volunteers, who provided a variety of hands-on 

nutrition education activities. At the end of the school year, the Fun 'N Fitness program moved to the 

Taunton YMCA. The program will continue until the week before school resumes.

   As part of the program, Taunton YMCA staff are instructing the children on the safe use of the weight 

training and cardiovascular equipment. The children also participate in group activities such as basketball and 

other physical activities under the leadership of YMCA staff. Children enrolled in the Fun 'N Fitness program, 

and their family members, received a free 3-month membership to the YMCA and are encouraged to use the 

YMCA other days during the week.

   The children are receiving nutrition education on a wide range of topics, including the Food Pyramid, the 

five Food Groups, portion sizes, label reading, beverage alternatives, fats, fast foods, goal-setting, emotional 

eating, snacks, breakfast, school lunches, calories, vitamins and minerals, menu planning, vending machines, 

social eating and grocery shopping. The goal of nutrition education is to give children the information they need 

to make healthier choices when it comes in food and beverages. 

   The overall intent of the Fun 'N Fitness Program is to change the children's attitudes toward nutrition and 

fitness, empowering them to make more conscious decisions to eat better and exercise more.

   At the start of the program, the children filled out a 24-hour diet recall and pre-survey to determine their 

attitudes and behaviors regarding nutrition and exercise. They will complete another 24-hour diet recall and 

post-survey at the conclusion of the 13 weeks, to determine whether the interventions have positively impacted 

their attitudes and behaviors, with regard to nutrition and exercise. The parents will also be surveyed to get 

their feedback on whether the children's attitudes and behaviors have changed.

   For more information on this program, please call Dori at 508-828-7016.        ©

 

Turning Point & RESPECT Programs of New Hope

(From Program Coordinator - Annie Price)

 

 

Turning Point      The Turning Point Program of New Hope, Inc is a violence intervention program for adolescent males.  This twelve-week intervention group focuses on high-risk adolescent males ages 11 - 17, who are abusive towards females.  The program goal is for adolescents to become non-violent, through the following: By learning non-controlling behaviors Respecting the differences in others Expressing anger appropriately Stopping physical, emotional, and verbal abuse Examining attitudes about males and females Developing social skills Increasing self-esteem.     Intervention with boys at a young age is extremely important.  If a child is exposed to continuous violence without intervention, it could result in the child taking dangerous risks and looking for violent or even deadly situations.  For more information about Turning Point or to join our community-based Adolescent Task Force, please call (508) 226-8286.

RESPECT       The RESPECT Program of New Hope, Inc. is an intervention program for men who abuse their partners.  RESPECT was the first Batterer Intervention Program established in Southeastern Massachusetts and is certified by the MA Department of Public Health.     The goal of the RESPECT Program is to help men end their violence towards their partners by using educational tools and techniques.  The participants learn to avoid denying, minimizing, and victim-blaming.     The men who participate in this program are held accountable for any violent behavior towards their partners, drug and alcohol use, missed sessions, late fees, and conduct during group meetings.     Groups are held in Attleboro, Taunton, Franklin and Worcester along with servicing surrounding towns.     To find out more information about groups, please call (508) 226-8286.                                    ª

SEPTEMBER SIGNALS

BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY

(From MA DPH Injury Prevention and Control Program, and the

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal)

   Injuries are the #1 threat to your child’s health. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Injury Prevention and Control Program offers the following safe walking tips to keep your child safe this school year.

·        Teach your child how to use crosswalks and walk signals.

·        Teach your child to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

·        Never let children less than 11 years old cross the street alone.

·        You and your child should wear reflective or light colored clothing at night.

·        Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, teach your child to walk facing traffic.

·        Tell your child to look out for cars pulling out of driveways, side streets, and parking spaces.

·        Explain to your child that a car may not see them, even if they see the car.

 

   Are your children old enough to drive themselves to school? Would they know what to do if their car overheats? If this should happen, they should always

 

1.      Turn off the car and wait at least one-half hour before attempting to open the radiator.

2.      Use a heavy rag or cloth to open the radiator.

 

3.      Stand back as far as possible. Keep your face out of the way in case the radiator should rupture!

   Opening hot car radiators is one of the leading causes of burns to young adults. These burns can be prevented with patience and appropriate precautions. When a car overheats, or even when it’s just been running for a while, pressure builds up inside the radiator. If you open a hot car radiator, hot steam and liquid can splash on your face and hands causing painful, disfiguring burns.

   So, no matter what age your children are, pass this information along, and give them a safe start as they head back to school this September.                                                                                                      ♫

 

Date Change: 2004 Partners in Health Fall Health Fair, sponsored by Morton Hospital & Medical Center will be held on Saturday, 9/18/04, Noon-3 pm, at the Silver City Galleria. Participants will be allotted an 8’ table for displays. For information, call Lisa Bronstein at 508-588-7700.

Opioids: Trends and Current Status in Massachusetts – The Injury Surveillance Program, MDPH reports that poisonings, which include drug overdoses, are the leading cause of injury death in Massachusetts, surpassing motor vehicle injury deaths. Of poisoning fatalities in 2001, 68% were associated with opioids. From 1999-2001, opioid-related fatal overdoes rates increased 48% and hospitalization rates increased 38%. Total charges for opioid-related hospitalizations exceeded $120 million in 2001.

The Directory of Crime Victim Services sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime is a resource designed to help service providers and individuals locate non-emergency crime victim services in the United States and abroad. It is found at ovc.ncjrs.org/findvictimservices/

Physician Diversity: New Strategies is an initiative supported by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to develop strategies to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of the physician workforce in the U.S. and effect broad reform of policies and practices of medical schools and teaching hospitals in the country. Health Care For All runs the Massachusetts project. For more information, please log on to www.hcfama.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=196

Nickelodeon Let's Just Play Grants Program provides support to create or expand opportunities for physical play in K-9 schools and after-school community-based organizations throughout the U.S. Due on 11/1/04. $5,000 to $10,000. Applicants must participate in Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play. Funds may be used to purchase playground and athletic equipment, integrate playtime or recess into school/organization curriculum, establish nutritional or health education programs, establish athletic or intramural clubs/teams, or to host days of play for club/school/community throughout the year. Log on to www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/public_ljpgrants2.jhtml

October is Children's Health Month, yet its importance is year round. For information on a variety of children's health topics, including physical activity, available from different federal agencies, log on to www.childrenshealth.gov/topics/health_promotion.html.

10 Steps to Make Children Healthier - PE4life offers “Blueprint for Change, ” a 10-step action plan to make children healthier through quality, daily physical education programs and increased physical activity. A PDF of the new “Blueprint for Change” is available at www.PE4life.org, or by calling 816-472-7345.

National Drug Court Institute Confirms the Benefits of Drug Treatment Courts – A report titled “Painting the Current Picture: A National Report Card on Drug Courts and Other Problem Solving Court Programs in the U.S.” summarizes research demonstrating the benefits of drug court programs, such as reduced criminal recidivism, savings for taxpayers, and increased retention in and affordability of treatment. For more information, log on to www.jointogether.org/sa/action/dt/news/print/0,2810,573067,00.html.

 

Oral Health Campaign - Health Care For All has launched its new Oral Health Campaign to increase oral health care throughout Massachusetts.  The Oral Health Advocacy Taskforce met in June, and will meet again in September.  For more information, please contact Stacey Auger, 617-275-2935, or visit the Health Care For All website www.hcfama.org.

 

2004 International Symposium on Problem Gambling and Co-Occurring Disorders will be held 10/18-10/19/04, at Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, Mystic Ct. $250. Register at www.gamblingproblem.net.

 

The National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality, NICHQ, is pleased to announce "Great Beginnings," an Internet based improvement collaborative, conducted in partnership with the Vermont Oxford Network, designed to help multidisciplinary clinical teams transform the care they provide to newborn infants and their families during the birth hospitalization. In seven interactive action-oriented web conferences guided by a faculty of national experts, organizations will receive tools, training and materials fostering collaboration, measurement, and improvement. See www.nichq.org or contact Lisa at lhorvitz@nichq.org.

 

Understanding MassHealth Members with Disabilities – The MA Medicaid Policy Institute has recently released a report identifying challenges and policy implications. You may obtain the summary or comprehensive report at www.massmedicaid.org/briefs.html

 

Prescription Advantage has been fully funded in the FY05 state budget. Open enrollment resumes 9/1-9/30/04. For information, log on to http://www.compartners.org/stacks/healthaccess/news/rxadv_7-04.pdf

 

 

Discussion Highlights:

September 18^th Galleria Health Fair – The date for the Morton Hospital & Medical Center Galleria Mall Health Fair has been changed to 9/18/04, Noon-3:00, at the Taunton Galleria Mall. The Toe Jam Puppet Band has reduced their cost, and will perform from 2:00-3:00. The Department of Social Services (DSS), Community Partnerships for Children (CPC), Early Head Start, Early Intervention and the MA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) are providing funding. A sign will acknowledge the contributors. Information will also be provided at resource tables to include Early Head Start, Southeastern MA Voices Against Violence (SEMA-VAV) information of the volunteers project for National Make a Difference Day, New Hope, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP)

 

Carousel will be held August 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 and August 15, 22 at 2:00, at the Friedman Theatre, 500 Norton Ave., Taunton. For tickets call 508-823-9040.

 

Grants and Funding

Ø      Southeast MRI has an application for another mobile MRI unit. Once approved, GATHER will receive about $9,000 a year for 5 years. $500 will be set aside yearly to support Southeastern Massachusetts Networking Group for Public Health (SYNERGY) activities.

Ø      Youth Violence Prevention Grant has been released by the Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS) for science-based programming to address issues such as teen dating violence, bullying, etc. Due date for the $50,000 grant is 8/2/04. Schools, police and agencies may apply.

Ø      Grant Opportunities – Annemarie examined several grants to address suggestions from the most recent Substance Abuse Round Table (SART) Report. Most funding opportunities do not allow administrative costs.

 

Communities’ Update:

Attleboro – Attleboro Police received a United Way grant, and have contracted with New Hope for a civilian advocate. Recent Attleboro newspaper articles drew attention to bullying issues, “Kids Making a Difference Day”, a peace vigil, “Love Makes a Family” art exhibit from the Attleboro Museum, and an article about how to make kids more passionate.

Taunton – Carmen of New Hope is contracted for 1½ hours weekly to work with children on violence prevention. Project Images, in its second step this summer, is currently offering a bullying prevention program. Education of the definition of bullying was clarified for students, educators and parents.

 

Next Steps:

Next Meeting:

·         Appoint a minutes taker to send August and September minutes to mcaprosa@hotmail.com

·         Agenda: Election of Chairpersons, Outline of a One-Year Plan, Setting of Agenda for Next Meeting, and Communities’ Update

·         Look over Committee materials stored at the New Hope Office.

·         Create chairperson description and nominations

 

Next Meetings:

Domestic Violence/Violence Prevention Committee: 8/26/04, 9/16/04, 3:30, New Hope, 39 Taunton Green.

Bristol County Domestic Violence Round Table: 9/14/04, 2:30, 888 Purchase St., New Bedford.

 

Contact Person:

Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

 

Discussion Highlights:

SMART (Strategies for Management of Anti-Retroviral Therapy) is a new Massachusetts program for infected persons. The Study covers 6-9 years, and consists of two groups: one will treat HIV infection with anti-HIV medications, while the other will wait to use anti-HIV medications while the risk of getting sick from HIV infection is low. If your CD4+ cell count is 350 or higher, you are eligible to join the study.

 

Lead Agency Report – The RFR for Case Management is coming out in September. Morton Home Health Care and Community Counseling of Bristol County (CCBC) are collaborating on an RFR for home nursing care.

 

GTMAC Annual Fundraiser,  “The Night of Illusion” will be held 10/16/04, at Ann’s Place.

 

Next Meeting: 9/8/04, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex.

 

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