CHATs - Accomplishments

ENGLEWOOD CHAT

• Video on Local Health Challenges
  Created a video on the health and human service needs and challenges in Englewood.  Presented the video and led discussion with hundreds of residents through local associations and organizations.
• Dollars for Mammograms
  Helped support the Dollars for Mammograms program with Englewood Community Hospital.
• Health Center
  Supported Englewood Inter-Agency Council efforts to build a One-Stop Health & Human Services Center for the local community.
• Promoting 2-1-1
  Held a community forum on information needs in the community, highlighting 2-1-1 services.

LOVN CHAT

• DVD: Active Senior Living
  Produced and distributed a video showing safe, simple ways senior citizens can stay physically active.

• Health Services Directory
  Developed in 2005 and updated in 2006 the LOVN Health and Human Services Directory, distributed to 40,000 residents each printing.

• Diabetes Project
  Created the LOVN Care Team Diabetes Project, which reached 65 seniors with in-home clinical, social, and educational support.

• Family Advocacy Committee
  Created the Family Advocacy Committee to address issues of healthy activities for teens and opportunities for inter-generational activities in Venice.

• CHIP Information Centers
  Created the CHIP Information Centers concept and obtained funding for a CHIP Center pilot project.  The Centers were located at various high-profile public areas throughout southern Sarasota County, including libraries, and distributed information on health topics and resources.  The Centers eventually were replaced by the CHIP Healthy Living Kiosks.

• Senior Focus Committee
  Created this committee to advocate for increased physical activity in seniors.

NEWTOWN CHAT

• Community Walks
  Organized monthly community walks in a local park to promote healthy activities of residents.

NORTH PORT CHAT

• Health Services Center
  Advocated for the development of more primary care services for the uninsured, which led to the creation of the North Port Health & Family Services Center.

• Health Services Guide
  Created and updated the North Port Health & Human Services Guide.  Each edition was distributed to more than 10,000 residents.

• Public Forums
  Sponsored four Visioning for a Healthy Community public forums.

• Hospital Feasibility
  Facilitated meetings to discuss the possibilities of building a hospital in North Port.

• Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention
  Created this subcommittee to reduce substance abuse among teens and support a local teen center.

• Expansion of Mental Health Services
  Held a community forum on the need for mental health services in North Port, which led to collaboration with County agencies to expand services and funding.