Department of Public Health To Hold Community Health Forums

[[note: This would be an opportunity to raise the issue of the school nursing shortage.]]

(from the Hartford Courant)

September 09, 2013 -- William Gerrish, Connecticut Department of Public Health, Statewide

NEW HAVEN COUNTY: Oct. 10, 5:30 pm
Hill Regional Career High School, Auditorium, 140 Legion Ave., New Haven 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is holding forums across the state to engage the public in discussions about making their communities healthier places to live.

DPH commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen and other department leaders will hold a one-hour public forum in each of Connecticut's eight counties to hear the public's perspective on the issues affecting their health as well as their ideas on making their communities healthier. During the forums, DPH representatives will also present key information about the health of Connecticut residents.
"These forums will provide an opportunity for the department and the public to share information and discuss the important issues affecting the health of Connecticut communities," said Commissioner Mullen. "Obtaining direct feedback from the public is critical to our work to improve the health of Connecticut."

DPH is the lead state agency for health planning in Connecticut. Last year, DPH began conducting a comprehensive health assessment in collaboration with other state agencies and diverse organizations from across the state. The State Health Assessment will help establish the health status of Connecticut residents and identify resources in Connecticut that can be used to address health issues such as prenatal care, behavioral and environmental risk factors, and the leading causes of death.

Based on findings from the assessment, a State Health Improvement Plan will be developed to provide a roadmap for improving health and ensuring that all people in Connecticut have the opportunity to attain their highest potential for health (health equity) through 2020.

Public input is an important part of the State Health Assessment, and will provide valuable information for the State Health Improvement Plan. All Connecticut residents are welcome to attend and participate in the forums. Walk-ins are welcome. Advanced registration is optional by phone at 860-509-8070 or online (https://ct.train.org - Use ID # 1045492). All forums are from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.