The Communities Promoting Health Coalition (CPHC) and Eastern Cumberland County Health Coalition (ECCHCO) are excited to announce the availability of mini-grants to support the Community Themes and Strengths Assessment (CTSA) for Cumberland County.
Through the CTSA we hope to better understand how county residents feel about the health issues in their town or city. An online survey is being used to gather thoughts and opinions from community members. Please go to the following link to add your opinion www.surveymonkey.com/cumberlandcountyhealth .
While adults are well represented in the assessment, there is a lack of information from the youth perspective. As a result, the Photovoice Project is being implemented to give young members of the community an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas via photography.
Participants of Photovoice will be taking pictures of the positive and negative health aspects of their community. Photos will be used to generate dialogue about the health of their city/town and identify areas of strength or weakness. This information will be incorporated into the CTSA and ultimately shape community health efforts in Cumberland County.
CPHC and ECCHCO will provide $500 to a select number of Cumberland County high school classes, health promotion clubs, photography clubs/classes as well as youth groups that apply for a mini-grant and agree to meet the funding criteria. (Please see RFA for more information.) If Photovoice appeals to one of your classes, clubs, or groups, then I encourage you to apply and be a part of this exciting project. Applications are due December 1, 2008.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 541-6952 or mtran@portlandmaine.gov. Thank you for your time.
Marice Tran Community Health Promotion Specialist
October News Update
October just continues the busy-ness of the month before! Healthy Casco Bay made some particularly good strides forward to becoming an important regional health promotion entity this month.
• Confirmed interest in 5210 Program by Chebeague, Long Island, and Pownal. Kits are being delivered in October and November.
• Began process of developing a low cost high nutrition cookbook in cooperation with the other Cumberland County HMPs, USM Extension Service and the Junior League.
• Began networking with Falmouth Comprehensive Transportation Committee to explore strategies to promote bike/ped modes of travel in Falmouth.
• Developed contacts with Teens to Trails, an organization that offers technical assistance for outing clubs, of which there are currently two in the Healthy Casco Bay service area.
• Conducted a bicycle safety fair in Falmouth.
• Began networking with Freeport Trails committee; facilitated Let’s Go application for town committee to repair a bridge on the preserve adjacent to Mast Landing School.
• Held a Get Back on Bike Event for adults on the Portland Promenade as part of the Easy Adventures initiative to promote sustainable lifestyle activities, 9 riders participated.
• Held a Geo-Caching event at Camp Ketcha as part of the Easy Adventures initiative to promote sustainable lifestyle activities, 20 participants.
• Released Community and School Mini Grants for Healthy Casco Bay Service area
• Released Photo-Voice RFA as part of the Cumberland County MAPP assessment.
• Engaged with four new recreation departments in the service area as part of the Easy Adventures initiative.
September News Update
September marks the start of the school year, and with it, a whole collection of new initiatives and efforts. Highlights include:
• HCB Director Jim Tasse was interviewed by Sandra Harrison on September 3 for the Citadel Broadcasting Network on bicycle safety and commuting issues. Aired on four radio stations on Sunday, Sept 7.
• HCB Director Jim Tasse offered a bicycle safety seminar to members of the Greater Portland Bicycle Commuter Group on Sept. 3. Four participants. These efforts build capacity and credibility with this key regional stakeholder group, and has already yielded four volunteers for bike safety promotion events in the HCB region.
• HCB was a host agency for the MPHA Regional Meeting in Portland; an important networking opportunity.
• Met with the chairperson of the MSAD 15 Wellness Committee to prepare for an upcoming activity day, as well as to review/coordinate student based tobacco prevention initiatives and begin the process of reviewing district wellness policy.
• Developed plans for spreading information on the new second hand smoke laws.
• Identified/recruited potential candidates for the HMP Advisory Board.
• HCB Director Jim Tasse offered a bicycle mechanical seminar to members of the Greater Portland Bicycle Commuter Group on Sept. 17. Fifteen participants. These efforts build capacity and credibility with this key regional stakeholder group, and has already yielded four volunteers for bike safety promotion events in the HCB region.
• Including a new member, Edie Dubord, in the Casco Bay Regional Collaboration Committee.
• The first event of the Easy Adventure series occurred on September 19, 2008. The final count on the raft trip was 38. Planning for the Cycling Event is Ongoing; the event occurs on Oct. 1.
• HCB provided the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Bicycle Safety Education presentation to 387 students at Gray/New Gloucester Middle School on Sept. 19. Presentations included training a staff member in the curriculum.
• Compiled information for and preparing for distribution of a month by month health resource packet for worksite bulletin boards.
• HCB set up a bicycle skills course as part of the Pinelands YMCA “Activate America” Kickoff on Sept 20.
• HCB staff provided technical support for a substance abuse presentation at the Cumberland County Fair set up by PROP, OMOP and 21 Reasons. 200 students from Gray/New Gloucester and Cumberland served.
• HCB contributing regular columns to the Freeport Merchant’s Association website and newsletter as an outreach strategy to worksites. This collaboration will provide a conduit for distribution of the HMP Worksite packets, info on tobacco laws, and other environmental/policy efforts.
• Begun preliminary planning for a smoke-free patio dining registry for Freeport.
August Report Highlights
It’s been a wet August in the Healthy Casco Bay region, but we haven’t been lying around getting soggy and moldy!Healthy Casco Bay has been busy forging new relationships, developing new programs, and planning for a new year!
Highlights include:
Finalizing the details of the “Easy Adventures,” offering outdoor activities that appeal to older adults without being extreme or “senior,” to be rolled out this fall.
Finalizing and submitting the Year 2 Workplan.
Drafting and submitting a “Maine Voices” column in support of the proposed alcohol and soda tax, published in the Portland Press Herald on August 2, 2008, circulation approximately 76,000.Column generated 48 comments.
Meeting with the Chebeague Island Recreation Department to learn more about the needs and wants of the town with respect to physical activity, substance abuse and nutrition.
Participating in an on-line course on the use of evidence based practices in substance abuse prevention to deepen expertise in this critical program area.
Developing a bicycle education program for YMCA members and staff for the fall.
Developing plans to collaborate with Pinelands YMCA for their Active America Week.
Developing plans for programming to encourage kids to ride to school at Gray/New Gloucester Middle School.
Providing a mini-grant to support a tobacco education component at a Wellness Camp for Gray/New Gloucester MiddleSchool kids, with an ongoing tobacco/wellness youth group remaining active through the fall.
Addressing the Kiwanis Club of Scarborough at the invitation of the spouse of one of our New Gloucester school principals.(Kiwanians are excellent resources for bicycle promotion efforts, and this meeting yielded valuable contact information for Kiwanis Club members in the HCB region)
Compiling information for and preparing for distribution a month by month health resource packet for worksite bulletin boards.
Facilitating the release of $5000 in Let’s Go funds for the Falmouth Conservation Corps
Begun preliminary planning for a smoke-free patio dining registry for Freeport.
Begun networking with Freeport Merchant’s Association, submitting monthly articles for their newsletter and website.Plan to distribute worksite health information packets through these contacts.
Developed graphic resources for the Maine Public Health Association as part of a general networking and capacity building effort.
Networking with key players in the Portland bicycle and pedestrian culture to explore the development of a stronger regional bike/ped education effort. Offering bicycle safety and tech seminars in September on behalf of regional commuter group to build capacity and credibility with this key regional stakeholder group.
July Monthly Report Hightlights!
Caniculares Dies (Dog Days of Summer)
It’s been a hot July in the Healthy Casco Bay region, but we haven’t been lying around in the shade with our tongues hanging out! While our school partners are off for the summer, Healthy Casco Bay has been busy forging new relationships, developing new programs, and planning for a new year!
Highlights include:
Working with the Falmouth Conservation Corps to create over 1.5 mile of new trail at River Pointe Park in Falmouth on June 28, as well as discussing the longer term plan for the area.
Developing a program of “Easy Adventures,” offering outdoor activities that appeal to older adults without being extreme or “senior,” to be rolled out this fall.
Networking with the Pinelands YMCA, and being invited to apply as a member of their Healthy Living Committee.
Representing the Cumberland County HMP community at a panel discussion with the Acting Surgeon General on July 1.
Developing a bicycle education program for YMCA members and staff for the fall.
Moving closer to finalization of the Year 2 Workplan.
Meeting with the Long Island Recreation Department to learn more about the needs and wants of the town with respect to physical activity, substance abuse and nutrition.
Exploring and learning more about the resources available in the HCB towns of Long Island, New Gloucester, Cumberland and Yarmouth.
Appearing before the New Gloucester Recreation Committee to offer technical assistance in the development of adult wellness programming.
Engaging stakeholders and coalition member agencies to explore the possibility of developing a diversion program for the Healthy Casco Bay region.
Networking with key players in the Portland bicycle and pedestrian culture to explore the development of a stronger regional bike/ped education effort.
Launching (but not yet advertising!) the new healthycascobay.org website.
At the same time, of course, HCB has been working with other community collaborators to address other parts of the HMP workplan.
Monthly Report • June 1, 2008
Outreach Going Well Healthy Casco Bay continues to make good progress in its outreach to both Casco Bay region communities and possible coalition partners. In the last month, HCB Program Coordinator Jim Tasse has developed or expanded connections with school and community groups in Freeport, Gray, Cumberland, Falmouth and Yarmouth. There are already several ideas and initiatives under discussion, including community-based activity programs and health promotion events.
Progress on Objectives Progress on all work plan objectives has been very good, but a few deserve special highlighting: • The “Power-Up: Thriving Kids in Healthy Environments” training for childcare providers on March 15, 2008 included presentations on tobacco issues, nutrition, and how to educate parents about good nutrition. 97 persons attended, with 12 from the Casco Bay Region! • The March into May recruitment press went into full swing this month! Three sites in the Casco Bay region are participating. • With the assistance of Healthy Casco Bay, the Russell Elementary School Wellness Committee is planning to implement a version of the popular 5210 program at the schools. • The Gray/New Gloucester School Wellness Committee is working with Healthy Casco Bay to develop an action plan to promote wellness in school age populations. The group is considering implementing the 5210 message district wide. This represents a first step towards the Let’s Go objective of developing sustainability for the 5210 program by handing it over to HMPs. • The Freeport Youth Center is in discussion with Healthy Casco Bay to create a pilot community based bicycle program for kids after school. On top of these successes, the ongoing work of building the HCB coalition of providers and community members is increasing the capacity of the group to fulfill health promotion objectives in both the short and long terms!
CURRENT PRESS RELEASES
Health Promoters Holding Child Care Training
“Power Up!” Event Focuses on Creating Healthy Environments at Child Care Programs in Cumberland County
Portland, ME, February 27, 2008—A team of Cumberland County Health Promotion officials has planned a child care training called “Power Up! Thriving Kids in Healthy Environments” to be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the USM Gorham campus. The training focuses on strategies to include physical activity and healthy nutritional options in child care programs of all sizes. Additional information on tobacco-related issues, communicating with parents, and positioning a program for state accreditation will also be provided. The training costs only $10, and is open to any and all child care programs in Cumberland County.
The planning team for this event included the directors of the four Healthy Maine Partnerships in Cumberland County, as well as staff from PROP, Child Care Connections of Scarborough, Headstart, Let’s Go and health promotion specialists from the City of Portland’s Health and Human Services Division.
“The ultimate goal of the training is to demonstrate that creating a healthy, active, nutritious and tobacco-free child care program is simple to achieve and inexpensive,” according to Tina Pettingill, Health Promotion Manager for the City of Portland who helped plan the event. “The interest in the training has been amazing so far—we’ve already registered over one hundred participants. People are really getting the message that healthy options need to be presented to kids as early as possible and they want to know how to do it.”
For more information on the training or to register, contact Jenn Wiles, Training and Outreach Coordinator for Childcare Connections at 207-396-6566 x 580 or at jwiles@smaaa.org.
August Report Highlights
It’s been a wet August in the Healthy Casco Bay region, but we haven’t been lying around getting soggy and moldy!Healthy Casco Bay has been busy forging new relationships, developing new programs, and planning for a new year!
Highlights include:
Finalizing the details of the “Easy Adventures,” offering outdoor activities that appeal to older adults without being extreme or “senior,” to be rolled out this fall.
Finalizing and submitting the Year 2 Workplan.
Drafting and submitting a “Maine Voices” column in support of the proposed alcohol and soda tax, published in the Portland Press Herald on August 2, 2008, circulation approximately 76,000.Column generated 48 comments.
Meeting with the Chebeague Island Recreation Department to learn more about the needs and wants of the town with respect to physical activity, substance abuse and nutrition.
Participating in an on-line course on the use of evidence based practices in substance abuse prevention to deepen expertise in this critical program area.
Developing a bicycle education program for YMCA members and staff for the fall.
Developing plans to collaborate with Pinelands YMCA for their Active America Week.
Developing plans for programming to encourage kids to ride to school at Gray/New Gloucester Middle School.
Providing a mini-grant to support a tobacco education component at a Wellness Camp for Gray/New Gloucester MiddleSchool kids, with an ongoing tobacco/wellness youth group remaining active through the fall.
Addressing the Kiwanis Club of Scarborough at the invitation of the spouse of one of our New Gloucester school principals.(Kiwanians are excellent resources for bicycle promotion efforts, and this meeting yielded valuable contact information for Kiwanis Club members in the HCB region)
Compiling information for and preparing for distribution a month by month health resource packet for worksite bulletin boards.
Facilitating the release of $5000 in Let’s Go funds for the Falmouth Conservation Corps
Begun preliminary planning for a smoke-free patio dining registry for Freeport.
Begun networking with Freeport Merchant’s Association, submitting monthly articles for their newsletter and website.Plan to distribute worksite health information packets through these contacts.
Developed graphic resources for the Maine Public Health Association as part of a general networking and capacity building effort.
Networking with key players in the Portland bicycle and pedestrian culture to explore the development of a stronger regional bike/ped education effort. Offering bicycle safety and tech seminars in September on behalf of regional commuter group to build capacity and credibility with this key regional stakeholder group.
Healthy Casco Bay • 134 Congress St. • City of Portland • Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207.541.6957 • Fax: 207.541.6959
