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“We’re On Our Way”
annual meeting of The Partnership
for a Healthier Carroll County took
place on May 2, 2007, at St. John’s
Portico. More than 145 people
attended and enjoyed breakfast
catered by Johannson’s. Guest
Speaker Tiffany Tate of the Maryland
Department for Prevention provided
an interesting presentation on
energizing coalitions and the “open
space technology” concept.
Chairperson of The Partnership’s
Executive Council, Charles Devaud,
EVP, Westminster Union Bank, and
Executive Council member, Karen
Feroli, Executive Director of
Carroll Hospice lead participants
through highlights of work done to
advance individual and community
health this past year. The event is
named “We’re On Our Way” to
recognize the ongoing journey
necessary to accomplish sustained
HEALTH improvement. Agency
representatives provided updates
from active work groups in the
Community Health Improvement Areas (CHIA)
of Cancer, Heart Health, Prevention
and Wellness, Access to Health Care,
Rapid Growth and Development, Water
Quality and Supply, Interpersonal
Violence, Substance Abuse and Youth
and Family Development. Monitoring
results within our Healthy Carroll
Vital Signs measures were shared and
will be available on
www.healthycarroll.org very
soon.
Tricia Supik, Executive Director/CEO
of The Partnership shared details
from the organization’s recent
strategic planning process. She
explained that The Partnership
recognizes tobacco use as a key risk
factor in 40% of the CHIA; that lack
of activity and poor nutrition are
similarly indicated in 40% of the
CHIA and that Prevention/Wellness
offers greatest opportunity for
health impact. There will be
increased focus by The Partnership
in those regards.
A highlight of the event is always
the award recognition component. The
2007 Dr. Janet Neslen Award
for excellence in efforts to improve
access to health care was presented
to Dr. John E. Steers. Dr. Steers is
a Physician volunteer at Access
Carroll Inc. providing primary care
services to uninsured, low income
adults.
The 2007 Outstanding Community
Partner Awards recognizing
exceptional efforts to affect the
HEALTH and quality of life in our
community were presented to the
following individuals and
organizations:
• George Hardinger, Warden,
Carroll County Detention Center
– “Recognizing the connections
between addictions and criminal
behaviors, he consistently
volunteers time and leadership to
develop solutions. His understanding
of the importance of addictions
treatment, housing, education and
support demonstrates concern for the
offender and the health of our
community.”
• Milton Zepp – “With a
remarkable focus on saving lives, he
has worked tirelessly to improve
emergency services; to advance
CPR/first responder readiness; and
to increase public access to A.E.D.s
in our community. He has been
relentless in your mission by
reaching out to civic groups, faith
organizations, recreational
facilities and more — inspiring all
of us along the way.”
• Carroll County Youth Services
Bureau – “Despite space and
resource limitations and an ever
growing need for services, the
Bureau has maintained a commitment
to our youth and to excellence in
service. Innovative scheduling and
dedicated staff continue to
distinguish the work and contribute
to a healthy community with healthy
youth”.
• Mission of Mercy – “With
over 200,000 patient visits,
providing free medical, dental and
prescription services to the Carroll
County community, Mission of Mercy
has reached the needy via a unique
and effective mobile unit. This
innovative approach has
distinguished the program as a
leader in addressing access to
healthcare since 1994”
• Manchester Elementary with
special recognition of PE teacher,
Robert Cooke, school nurse, Kim
Clinedinst and parent, Kimberly
Blair – “Manchester
Elementary has been recognized by
the American Diabetes Association as
the top school in the nation for
raising funds for a cure. Their
participation in and promotion of
the American Diabetes Association’s
School Walk for the Cure
demonstrates excellence in
adult/youth partnerships and
encourages life-long awareness and
active involvement habits. They have
raised upwards of $170,000 in the
last 4 years!”
“We’re On Our Way” 2007 concluded
with a renewed sense of energy and
eagerness to continue the good work
of creating a healthier community.
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