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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 XV, No.9                                                                                                                                                                                September 2005

 

GATHER/GTHHSC Annual Meeting Presents

“Gary Marino of the Million Calorie March”

Tuesday, September 20, 2005, 8:00-10:00

Silver Platter Restaurant, Bristol-Plymouth High School
 

   Gary Marino’s 1,200-mile obesity awareness walk gained national attention on FOX News, ABC’s Live With Regis & Kelly, and in featured stories in People Magazine and USA Today, among others. He is also the author of Big & Tall Chronicles: Misadventures of a Lifelong Food Addict!, which was recently released nationally by Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

   His video interactive presentation is a rarely seen approach to motivating and educating the masses. He takes audiences on a unique journey through his struggle with obesity and weight loss in the 1980s and 1990s, offering an entertaining and humorous look at fad diets, weight loss gurus and the pursuit of health in the “land of plenty.” Marino’s story involves the fortitude of losing 150 pounds while in the process of planning a life-changing event, The Million Calorie March, three years before the media would make it a front page topic. His 1,200-mile cross-country walk to champion obesity awareness reached over 70 million people desperately in need of inspiration.

   There is still time to register to attend the GATHER/GTHHSC Annual Meeting (full sit-down breakfast) on Tuesday, 9/20/05, from 8:00-10:00, $10. Gary’s presentation is Follow Your Dreams with Passion and Determination: the Million Calorie March RSVP to Lorraine Rosa at 508-823-4822.

AGENDA

Welcome and Introductions

Where We’ve Been – Major Accomplishments and Committee Reports

Keynote Speaker: Gary Marino,

Follow Your Dreams With Passion and Determination: The Million Calorie March

Where We’re Going:

Goals for 2005-2006 and Beyond
 
September Is Pain Awareness Month

(From the American Cancer Society)

   The American Cancer Society and the Massachusetts Pain Initiative are highlighting the importance of effective pain management during September, which is Pain Awareness  Month.

   Pain is the most common reason people seek medical attention. Over seventy-five million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and each year  another twenty-five million experience acute pain as a result of injuries or surgery. Some fifty to seventy percent of cancer patients experience uncontrolled pain at some point during their illness. Yet, despite the availability of effective medicines and treatment options, pain continues to be under treated.

   According to a recent survey by KRC Communications Research, three out of five people in Massachusetts reported experiencing pain on a regular basis. Unrelieved pain will affect nearly everyone in Massachusetts at some point. Pain ruins lives, yet most do not know that most pain can be treated by rather simple means.

   It is vital that health care providers improve their knowledge and  skills in assessing and managing pain and that the public understand that effective and safe pain treatment is available, said Carol Curtiss, RN, MSN, and member of the Massachusetts Pain Initiative.

   Pain Awareness Month offers the opportunity for public officials, business leaders, and health care providers to critically examine and address the barriers that prevent persons in pain from getting the relief they deserve. Health care professionals need to become more knowledgeable about how to assess and treat pain; patients must not fear taking medications or be embarrassed that they are in pain; and public and private institutions must recognize the societal and economic benefits of pain  management and avoid implementing policies that restrict access to pain treatment.

   The American Cancer Society and the Massachusetts Pain Initiative (MassPI) offer the following suggestions to help persons take control over their pain:

·         Speak up! Tell your doctor or nurse that you are in pain. It is not a sign of weakness to talk about your pain. Pain is a common medical problem that requires urgent attention. So don’t be embarrassed to talk about it.

·         Describe your pain. Where and how much does it hurt?  Use numbers from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain of my life) to rate the intensity of  your pain. Use words like sharp, stabbing, dull, aching, tingling, and burning to describe how it feels.

·         Take active part in your treatment. It is your responsibility to tell your doctor you are in pain, take part in your treatment, follow your pain management plan, ask questions, and speak up if treatment isn’t working. Be persistent until you find what works for you.

·         Know the facts. Misunderstandings about pain and the medicines used for treatment often prevent patients from getting the relief they deserve. You should know that treatments are available to relieve or lessen most pain, that pain medications rarely cause addiction

·         Most side effects from pain medications can be effectively managed. (Adapted from the Pain Action Guide ©, American Pain Foundation, 2000)

   For more information on National Pain Awareness Month, please contact Amy Goldstein, Massachusetts Pain Initiative Coordinator, at 508-270-4653.

   This month's Advocate was published by Lorraine Rosa, Coordinator, with funds from SAMHSA, GATHER MRI and GTHHSC dues. “The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and/or contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. To submit an article, announcement or other information, email mcaprosa@hotmail.com, or call 508-823-4822 by September 30, 2005. You may also access copies of The Advocate at www.oocities.org/gathercoalition.  ♫

Did You Know That…?

Events

GTHHSC/GATHER Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, 9/20/05, 8:00-10:00 am, at the Bristol-Plymouth High School Silver Platter. $10 includes full breakfast, and helps defray costs. Nationally renowned speaker Gary Marino will entertain and motivate attendees. (See cover article, p.1)

DPH Citizens Feedback Session (Influenza Vaccine Program) will be held 9/17/05, 9:00-11:00 (Saturday) MA Marlboro Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center. Contact Jennifer Cyle 617-620-9615.

HIV/AIDS Service Coordination Collaborative is a network of providers and consumers working together to strengthen and improve the constellation of services available to persons living with HIV/AIDS.  Meeting: 9/21/05, 10-Noon, Health Care for SE MA, 942 W. Chestnut St., Brockton. Clients may request transportation and stipend. Please contact Marisa at 583-2250, x229.

The Next MACHW (MA Community Health Worker Network) Training will be held on 9/22/05, 10am-Noon, at the Central MA Center for Healthy Communities, 44 Front Street, Worcester. Topic is domestic violence awareness. Information and resources will be offered by BWRI and the Gay Men's Domestic Violence Program.  Contact Lisa at lrsiciliano@aol.com

Enhancing State Efforts to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption to Prevent Chronic Illness – A brainstorming meeting to discuss enhancement of state efforts will be held 9/23/05, 9:00-10:30, at DPH, 250 Washington Street, 4th floor, Conference Room 5B. For information, please call 617-624-5439 or email Cynthia.Bayer1@state.ma.us

Partners in Health Fall Health Fair – Morton Hospital and Medical Center is sponsoring the annual health fair on 9/24/05, noon-3:00, at the Silver City Galleria Mall, to educate the community by involving them in health-related displays and activities. To participate or for information, call Lisa Bronstein, American Health Resources at 508-588-7700.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Day of Unity, is an observation begun in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV.org).  SEMA/VAV, GATHER Domestic Violence Committee and New Hope activities in Taunton on 10/3/05 include a viewing of The Clothesline Project during the afternoon, followed by a ceremony with brief comments from community leaders and a candle light vigil at sunset (6:45 – 7:30 PM).  We hope to fill the entire Taunton Green area this year. The ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM on the Taunton Green.

“Guiding Good Choices (Formerly “Preparing for the Drug-Free Years”) Free Leader Training Workshop will prepare workshop leaders to deliver the Guiding Good Choices parent Workshops. Leaders will learn the content of the 5-sessions and will have the opportunity to practice facilitating sessions with other workshop participants. Participants must plan to attend all three days: October 3 & 4, 8:30am-3:30pm and October 5, 8:00am-3:00pm. Location TBA in the Taunton area. Sponsored by CCBC, MA Governor’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, and Project YELL. Light breakfast & lunch will be provided. Please contact Sabrina Strong at 508-828-9112, x1211.

Local Media Relations to Promote Public Health (Intermediate Level) will be held 10/07/05, 9:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m., at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel. $20, scholarships available. (Call Susan Downey, 617-451-0049 x516) For information or registration, log on to

www.tmfnet.org/partnership and go to calendar of events/registration or e-mail mdacosta@tmfnet.org, or call 617-423-4337 x500.

Perinatal Connections: Strategy to Address Maternal Depression and Related Mental Health Issues will be held 10/20/05, 8am-4pm, at College of Holy Cross, Worcester. Contact Eileen at 617-624-5971.

PACC Health Fair will be held on 10/20/05 from 4-6.  Any agency that would like to set up a table can contact Terri, 508-828-7054, tsullivan@mortonhospital.org. Please invite community members to attend. 

“A Night of Illusion II” – The Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium presents a theatrical performance premiering female impersonators on 10/22/05, 6:30pm-11:30pm at the Columbia Cultural Center in Taunton. $25 per person includes Italian buffet dinner and show. For tickets/information contact Monica at 508-884-8264.

School Wellness Policies Forum - Massachusetts Partnership for Healthy Weight and New England Coalition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention will hold a forum, Collaboration=Success! Communities and Schools Working Together for Wellness on 10/25/05, 8:15 am, at the Crowne Plaza in Worcester. The forum will provide an opportunity and practical guidance for schools and communities to collaborate towards the development and implementation of School Wellness Policies. To register, contact Jennifer at 617-624-5492.

Developing Effective School Drug Policies & Examining the Issues of Student Drug Testing, sponsored by the Regional Centers for Healthy Communities, will be held 10/25/05, 9:30-3:30, at the Worcester Holiday Inn. $55: light breakfast and lunch included. Please register through the Northeast Center for Healthy Communities, 978-688-2323.

COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES & REPORTS

GATHER Domestic Violence, Violence Prevention. 8/18/05, 3:30 New Hope, 39 Taunton Green

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements:

·         Dan reviewed some of the structure & staff changes at New Hope, Inc. He also shared, with regret, that he will be stepping aside as the committee’s co-chair within the next couple of months. 

·         Kellie Nason was welcomed as the new Coordinator for Community Services.

·         Thanks to Millie & Annemarie for taking and editing committee minutes.

Purple Ribbons - Dan shared prices & styles of materials researched with the help of Jane Doe, Inc. resources (www.theribbonlady.com & www.lifejackets.com).  The committee voted to invest $300.00 in self-stick ribbons as well as purple ribbon stickers to distribute throughout the vigil & other DV Awareness events in October.  The goal is to fill Taunton Green with people this year.

October 3rd, 2005, National Day of Unity Candle Light Vigil, Taunton Green - This will be the 3rd consecutive year. SEMA-VAV (Southeastern MA Voices Against Violence) will cover the costs to “rent” the Taunton Green for the vigil & the First Parish Church for the Clothesline Project.  If paper is supplied by SEMA-VAV, New Hope will make the copies of the announcement flyers for distribution.  Ideas include the following:

·         Distribute stickers & ribbons to businesses/agencies around Taunton Green the week before the vigil, requesting that they be worn to heighten awareness. 

·         Request setting up an informational display in the lobby/employee lunchroom. 

·         Local/state leaders (for example, Attorney General Tom Reilly, Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, Mayor Nunes, Sen. Marc Pacheco, Rep. Jim Fagan, Rep. Barney Frank, etc.) will be formally invited. Next year, the committee will reach out to regional leaders, Patriot’s organization, etc. 

·         SEMA-VAV will be collecting cell phones during the day at both locations for the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Grant. 

·         Request all churches ring their bells from 7:00 – 7:15 PM.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October activities include:

·         Distribution of the Gift of Hope Action Kits. 

·         Purple & white baskets/buckets will be placed throughout the city & surrounding towns to collect used cell phones (New Hope & SEMA-VAV benefit from this project).

·         Informational displays – Any business, agency, school, or church may request one.  Volunteers will be calling/stopping in to request setting up a display.  Outreach to the industrial park, Chamber of Commerce, hospitals, etc. also planned.

·         Purple Ribbons - Urge people to wear at least a week, preferably for the entire month. 

·         The Clothesline Project is all set for October 3rd

·         Media coverage - If anyone has specific contacts, please let Chairpersons know.  Annemarie will set up an appointment with the Taunton Gazette’s new City Desk Editor.  Web sites & Cable can be better used to promote activities. 

GATHER/GTHHSC Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, 9/20/05, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, at Bristol-Plymouth High School. Forms have been mailed/circulated.

Through My Eyes: Voices Against Violence, Voices of Hope 2005 Edition - Deadline for submissions is 10/15/05.  A packet was received from Hingham H.S. as well as several poems.  Entry forms continue to be shared.

A Gift of Hope for All Ages – National Make a Difference Day, 10/22/05 will entail 3 phases of action for volunteers: Elderly Abuse, Early Intervention & No Bullying.  This will also include additional work at Triumph Head Start’s beautification project from 2004.  The $7000 Lowe’s Foundation grant was not funded, but outreach has continued to the local Lowe’s store, Wal-Mart, Home Depot & some local garden centers for donations and help to complete the architectural landscaping and planting. Fashion Bug has a “make a difference” type program called “Voices,” with five $20,000 awards.  Dan & Annemarie will collaborate on the essay submission before the 8/31/05 deadline. 

Next Steps:

Order self-stick purple ribbons & sheets of stickers

Extend invitation to speakers for the candle light vigil

Create & submit essay to Fashion Bug’s “Voices” Foundation

Outreach community to generate support for & participation at the candle light vigil

Invite churches to ring bells for the vigil

Invite libraries to set up informational displays about DV, child abuse, etc. for the month of October

Next Meeting:

GATHER DV/VP: 10/20/05 (3rd Thursday of the Month), 3:30, New Hope, 39 Taunton Green.

 Contact Persons:

Dan LeBrun, 508-226-4015

Annemarie Matulis,               508-824-3227 or 508-922-7278 cell

GATHER/GTHHSC Project TEAMS/YELL.  July/August Report

Project TEAMS was granted an extension to December 31, 2005, to allow for Project ALERT to be presented at the Boys and Girls Club beginning in October.

Project ALERT was taught to the Project New IMAGE summer program by Friedman health teacher Donna Garant and Deb Brown.  The students really seemed to be engaged by the program. The curriculum has been distributed to three Taunton Middle School health teachers (Friedman, Parker, Mulcahey – Martin already uses the curriculum) as well as to the Taunton Public Schools Health Coordinator and the THS school resource officer.

Guiding Good Choices parenting program training will prepare leaders to deliver the Guiding Good Choices parent Workshops. Leaders will learn the content of the 5-sessions and will have the opportunity to practice facilitating sessions with other workshop participants. Participants must plan to attend all three days: October 3 & 4, 8:30am-3:30pm and October 5, 8:00am-3:00pm. Location TBA in the Taunton area. Please contact Sabrina Strong at  508-828-9112, x1211

Project YELL

·         Three new Peer Leaders have been added to the ranks. They are all going to be freshmen at THS this fall.  One opening for a volunteer position still remains!  Contact Sabrina Strong for details.

·         Middleboro has hired a new Coordinator to work half-time in Middleboro and will be overseeing the implementation of the Social Norms campaign in Middleboro as well as supervising MHS Peer Leaders.  Amanda can be reached at 508-947-9258 or AmandaDecker1@hotmail.com

·         Still awaiting word from SAMHSA about the status of the grant application for 10/1/05-9/30/06.

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee.  8/24/05, 3:00, Probation

Discussion Highlights:

Substance Abuse Round Table XI minutes were distributed and revised. Participants are asked to bring resource table display brochures to Sabrina before 10/19/05.  

·         Project TEAMS and YELL – See above report. The possibility of including Bristol-Plymouth and Attleboro High School was discussed. Compliance
checks (MADD and local police work together with youth) indicate that just over half of establishments are in compliance.  The age of the clerk seems to influence whether or not carding occurs.   DPH
can offer technical assistance once a chair of the
steering committee is chosen.

Arbor Fuller Hospital

·         Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adolescents – The first group was held in June of 2005, and the next
starts in October.  Each adolescent must attend with an adult. The group is kept to 10 adolescents. Brochures will be shared at SART
XI.  Contact person is Regina McCaffrey.  See www.arbourhealth.com

·          Academic Series Conference is available by contacting Jeanette at      781-762-7764, x 162.

Domestic Violence Support Group has begun at Morton Hospital. To participate in the group, please contact Kellie, 508-226-4015, x114.  No insurance needed.  There are also plans for a group in Attleboro.

Next Meeting: 9/21/05, 3:00, Probation, 18 Broadway.

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

Safe Neighborhood Initiative.  6/29/05, 8:00, Fairfax Gardens Community Center

Discussion Highlights:

Criminal Justice Committee welcomed Cheryl Beauregard back to Taunton. Fast Track List is at 14.  Outreach to surrounding communities for Gang Information Meeting will occur this summer.

Crisis Intervention Team - Training at Galleria went well.  Five Taunton CIT trainers will be presenting at the American Probation and Parole Summer Training in NYC on 7/25/05.  The next local training will be in November.

Treatment and Prevention Committee – Project YELL is developing a social norms campaign and will provide data to the school committee.  The federal government has released Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities funds.  Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Parent Programs and grant programs were discussed.  SART XI half-day event will be held in October as a follow-up to SART X.  Lt. Gov. Healey is tentatively scheduled to be guest speaker.  Oxycontin Commission Hearing was held at Bridgewater State College. There is a growing problem of youth selling, sharing and using the drug.

Education Committee:  THS will be working closely and meeting this summer with juvenile probation and Boys & Girls Club.

Neighborhoods: Taunton Police Department informed members of the troubled neighborhoods in Taunton. They are speaking with neighbors and increasing police presence in these neighborhoods.  Taunton Housing Authority is working with a local neighborhood to address crime and violence issues surrounding target neighborhood.  Mayor Nunes stated that CDBG funds were approved to provide increased police presence in the target neighborhood for the summer months. Various summer programs for youth were shared with members. 

Jobs for Youth ends on June 30, 2005.  A total of 6 youth completed the program; sites included Fairfax Gardens, Boys & Girls Club, Library and City Solicitor’s Office. 

Elected Officials

·         Senator Pacheco advocated for an increased per diem amount for Samaritan House.  The line item increase was approved. 

·         Representative Canessa co-sponsored an anti-gang bill that includes monies for violence prevention in cities with gang problems and an increase in penalties for illegal possession and trafficking of firearms. 

·         Representative Fagan submitted a bill for increased penalties for parents who do not send their children to school.

Grant – The Department of Human Services submitted a grant to hire an SNI Program Assistant who would work to resume Neighborhood Watch Programs.

Next Meeting:  9/28/05, 8:00 a.m., Fairfax Gardens Community Center.

Contact Person:  Robert Cammarata, 508-821-1420

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium.  6/21/05, 9:00, Morton Hospital

Regional Service Coordination Collaborative  contract was awarded to Health Care of S.E. Massachusetts.

“A Night of Illusion II” – The Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium presents a theatrical performance premiering female impersonators on 10/22/05, 6:30pm-11:30pm at the Columbia Cultural Center in Taunton. $25 per person includes Italian buffet dinner and show. For tickets/information contact Monica at 508-884-8264.

Project ABLE reports that the FY06’ Budget is in Conference Committee.  Report is to be out soon.

Estate Planning Seminar is to be held at The Jockey Club, Rte 44 Taunton on Monday June 20th at 5:30.

Consumer Advisory Board Report was distributed and read.  It will be on file at the CCBC office.

Next Meeting: 10/12/05, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex.

Contact Person: Richard McMahon, 508-979-7160, 3010.

 

UPCOMING AREA MEETINGS

Sept. 20, 8:00

GTHHSC/GATHER ANNUAL MEETING. Bristol-Plymouth High School Silver Platter

Sept. 21, 3:00

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee. 18 Broadway, 2nd Floor.

Sept. 24, 11-2

Child Safety Day. Taunton Federal Credit Union.

Sept 24, Noon-3

Partners in Health Fall Health Fair. Silver City Galleria Mall. Contact Lisa at 508-588-7700.

Sept. 28, 8:00

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Fairfax Gardens Community Center.

Oct. 3

National Day of Unity (Domestic Violence). Clothesline Project at First Parish Church in the afternoon. Ceremony at 6pm on Taunton Green, followed by candle light vigil at sunset (6:45-7:30)

Oct. 4, 9:30

Taunton Emergency Task Force. 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall.

Oct 12, 9:00

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. Morton Café Annex. CAB follows.

Oct. 20, 3:30

GATHER Domestic Violence Committee. New Hope Office, 39 Taunton Green

Oct. 20, 4:00

PACC (Portuguese American Civic Club) Health Fair. 175 School St., Taunton

Oct. 22, 6:30

A Night of Illusion II. Columbia Cultural Center. $25 for dinner and show