PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Goodbye Winter and hello…Summer? What happened to Spring?

CPHA has had such a productive Spring, it seems to have just flown by! National Public Health Week (April 6th-12th) was a huge success for our MOR Committee.  Be sure to check out their update below. The Advocacy Committee has stayed right on top of all the public health-related legislation this season and provided a detailed analysis of what to watch. The Membership Committee jumped from two to eight members this spring (special thanks to Morgan Spencer and Jon Noel). CPHA’s top priority is our members, so we’re very pleased this committee has more hands on deck to recruit and retain CPHA members!

After finalizing the transition from two organizations to one, CPHA is moving forward with the strategic planning process. A planning committee was formed at the last board meeting, held on May 8th. Any members interested in participating in the process, which will consist of a 2-hour brainstorming session in June and follow-up meetings as needed, please feel free to contact me or anyone on the Executive Committee. A clear strategic plan will help direct CPHA’s focus and priorities over the next few years, so we’d love to have your input!

You won’t want to miss CPHA’s Awards Ceremony, next Friday, May 29th at the Lyceum in Hartford! We are honoring some exceptional public health professionals and would love a great member turnout. See below for more information about this year’s award recipients and how to register. Hope to see you there!

REGISTER NOW: 2015 CPHA PUBLIC HEALTH AWARDS & NETWORKING BREAKFAST, THIS FRIDAY, MAY 29

Register Today for CPHA Awards and Networking Event!

Please join us for a morning of celebration and professional networking with public health colleagues and supporters from around the state!  The Connecticut Public Health Association (CPHA) cordially invites you to the 2015 CPHA Public Health Awards & Networking Breakfast on Friday, May 29 at the Lyceum, 227 Lawrence Street in Hartford, CT.

Come and honor our 2015 CPHA Award Recipients for their outstanding contributions to public health in Connecticut.  The honorees include:

Jeannette R. Ickovics, PhD:  C.-E.A. Winslow Award

Jeannette Ickovics is a Professor at the Yale School of Public Health and founding director of CARE: Community Alliance for Research and Engagement. CARE was established in 2007 to identify solutions to New Haven’s health challenges through an approach known as community engaged research.  Jeannette is recognized for her vision, leadership and commitment to bring real improvements to the health status of populations, particularly in the city of New Haven.

Chris Willems: Ira V. Hiscock Award

Mr. Willems is a teacher of general science, public health, medical science and science research courses at Metropolitan Business Academy in New Haven, CT.  His passion is facilitating student-centered, experiential science learning. Chris is recognized for extraordinary teaching skills and piloting our state’s first full-year high school “Public Health 101” course.

Stephen Updegrove, MD, MPH:  Charles G. Huntington III Award 

Stephen Updegrove spent 29 years at the Cornell Scott‐Hill Health Center in New Haven as a community pediatrician and, for 11 years, as Medical Director. Currently he works for the New Haven Health Department. Dr. Updegrove has served on many local, state and regional public health advisory councils on issues ranging from asthma and nutrition to tuberculosis and childhood immunizations. He is recognized for his commitment to population-based health as a clinician.

Jonathan Noel, MPH: Michael J. Perlin Student Award

Jon Noel will be graduating with his PhD in Public Health from UConn in 2017. Not only is he recognized for his outstanding academic achievements and passion for research, he has also demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteerism and mentoring. Jon has dedicated countless hours to CPHA, establishing our web and social media presence and assisting every committee with their work for the past eight years.

Doors open at 8:30 AM for breakfast and networking. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. And you do not need to be a member of CPHA to join us!

For more information and to register, visit the events pages at www.cpha.info

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SAVE THE DATE: CPHA ANNUAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE, "HEALTHY BY DESIGN," SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015

Mark your calendars!  The 2015 CPHA Annual Meeting and Conference is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2015 at the CoCo Keys Resort in Waterbury.  This year’s theme is “Healthy by Design.”

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PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE WELCOMES INPUT FOR ANNUAL MEETING

The 2015 CPHA Program Planning Committee is off to a great start with Barbara Dingfelder and Laura King serving as co-chairs. 

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract.  All notices have been emailed.  We appreciate all the wonderful submissions we received- the response was overwhelming.

The Program Planning Committee will meets every two weeks.  Committee members bring a variety of public health experiences, perspectives, and ideas for a successful conference.   Some of our returning volunteers from last year include: Ingrid Kania, Joan Ascheim, Jon Noel, and Millie Seguinot. 

If you are interested in joining the Committee and assisting with the conference preparations, please contact Program Committee chairs, Barbara Dingfelder or Laura King via email:  program_committee@cpha.info. We are looking for some new ideas and perspectives to make this another empowering conference. 

Stay tuned for information regarding the conference speakers and the various sessions. If you have ideas, please email annual.conference@cpha.info.

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2015 ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT

The 2015 regular legislative session began January 7th and ends June 3^rd.  Here is an analysis of proposed legislation that the Advocacy Committee has been monitoring during this session:

• We are in support of House Bill 6949, AAC Childhood Vaccinations

Analysis: CT’s existing law exempts children from school immunization requirements if the child presents a statement from his or her parents or guardians that the immunization would be contrary to the child's religious beliefs. This requires religious exemption statements to be officially acknowledged by a notary public, Connecticut-licensed attorney, judge, family support magistrate, court clerk or deputy clerk, town clerk, or justice of the peace. The bill also extends the requirement to children attending child day care centers and group or family day care homes whose parents or guardians object to such immunization on religious grounds. The bill requires that religious exemption statements be re-submitted annually in order for the child to remain enrolled in a public or private school, child day care center, or group or family day care home. To read about this in the CT Mirror, click here.

Status: This bill passed House with an amendment—it is on the Senate Calendar. The vote in the House was close so please call your Legislators in support of this bill! (Find your legislators here.)

CPHA Legislative Priority Area:  Prevention

• We are in support of House Bill 6283, AA Regulating Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products. This act would regulate use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapor products in CT in a similar manner to existing regulations for tobacco smoke. Under the act, “electronic nicotine delivery system” is defined as an electronic device used to simulate smoking in delivering nicotine or another substance to a person who inhales from it including electronic (1) cigarettes; (2) cigars; (3) cigarillos; (4) pipes; (5) hookahs; and (6) related devices, cartridges, or other components. This act:

• prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in state buildings, restaurants, places serving alcohol, schools, child care facilities, and health care facilities, among other areas;

• makes exceptions for e-cigarette use in certain areas and facilities, including designated smoking areas, tobacco bars, and outdoor areas in establishments serving alcohol;

• permits hotel and motel operators to allow e-cigarette use in up to 25% of rooms;

• requires signs in areas where e-cigarette use is prohibited;

• establishes penalties for violations of the bill

• specifies that nothing in the bill requires the designation of an area in a building for e-cigarette use.

• specifies that it supersedes and preempts municipal laws or ordinances on e-cigarette use.                        

Status: This bill is on the Senate calendar—it passed the House with an amendment. The fiscal note was removed after the bill was amended so there is a possibility the bill will pass.

CPHA Legislative Priority Area: Prevention

• We are in support of Senate Bill 18, AA Establishing a Taskforce to Study Hoarding.

Analysis: The purpose of this bill is to create a legislative task force to address the issue of hoarding, which has been identified as a public health issue resulting in risk to the person hoarding their personal items as well as members of the public. The task force will (1) review current methods used by various public agencies to address hoarding, (2) identify barriers faced by public agencies to intervene and assist persons who compulsively hoard, and (3) create a framework to coordinate the efforts among state and local public agencies to address the public safety and health issues associated with hoarding. In addition, the taskforce will include a local health director, the Commissioner DPH (or designee), a mental health advocate, the Commissioner of DMHSAS (or designee), a physician with expertise in compulsive disorders and various other officials.  

Status: This bill passed the Senate with an amendment to include a local health director on the taskforce. It is on the consent calendar and should pass the House.

CPHA Priority Area: Public Health Infrastructure

• We are opposing the provisions in the Governor’s Budget which would eliminate the annual transfer from the Master Tobacco Settlement to the Connecticut Tobacco and Health Trust Fund.

Analysis: The Governor’s Budget would eliminate the $12 Million annual transfer from the Master Tobacco Settlement to the CT Tobacco and Health Trust Fund (THTF) in both FY 2016 and 2017. This would effectively eliminate funding for many of CT’s tobacco cessation programs and the CT Quitline.

Status: Please call your legislators to oppose these cuts!(Find your legislators here.)

CPHA Legislative Priority Area: Prevention

• We are monitoring Senate Bill 995, AAC the Department of Public Health’s Recommendations Regarding Funding for Municipal Health Departments and Health Districts.

This bill would implement DPH’s recommendations concerning funding for municipal health departments and districts. Specifically: 1) Local health departments and districts would no longer be allowed to carryover unspent Per Capita money into the next fiscal year, beginning in 2017; 2) Local health districts would no longer receive Per Capita funding retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year if the district is formed mid-fiscal year. Funding would be pro-rated from the date of formation; 3) Full-time health districts applying for Per Capita funds will be required to employ a full-time health director and if the health director position is vacant for more than 90 days the state may withhold the funds.  Municipal health departments are already subject to these requirements.

Status: This bill is on the Senate Calendar—this bill will most likely pass.

CPHA Legislative Priority Area:  Prevention

• We are monitoring House Bill 6932, AAC Paid Family and Medical Leave.

Analysis: To expand the current family and medical leave system and to provide paid time off for such leave. This bill would create the Family and Medical Leave Compensation (FMLC) program to provide wage replacement benefits to covered employees taking leave under the state's private-sector Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the family violence leave law, or the state employee family medical leave law. It provides a covered employee with up to 12 weeks of weekly FMLC benefits in an amount that is the lesser of (1) the employee's average weekly net earnings over the previous 52 weeks or (2) $1,000. The program is funded by employee contributions.  Read more about this bill here and here.

Status: The CT Campaign for Paid Family Leave is spearheading advocacy on this bill. If you support this bill, call your legislators to let them know.  If you want to get involved in the Campaign go here.

CPHA Legislative Priority Area: Health Equity

If you have any questions about advocacy or want to get involved please contact Colleen O’Connor at caoconnor24@hotmail.com. 

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MOR COMMITTEE REACHES 2,500 STUDENTS DURING NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK AND BEYOND

The CPHA MOR led its most successful outreach effort to high schools and community colleges during National Public Health Week (NPHW).  Through our committed active membership of 39 organizations strong, we reached over 2,200 students.  Our new strategy, to make National Public Health Week the launching pad rather than the limit of our outreach efforts, allowed us to expand our student audience to 2,500 students through May.  While NPHW is a good week for public health organizations, it is not always ideal for schools where spring vacations, standardized test deadlines and sports compete for very limited time slots. 

Our new MOR Advisory Board helped us reach schools in over 70 communities. 

MOR Graduate Assistant this semester, Tarena Gadsden, MPH candidate from Southern CT State University, gave this outreach project a real boost.  She assisted in the development and tracking of the presenter and student responses and ensured that PowerPoint presentations were sent ahead of time to the teachers. Look for Tarena’s report of our NPHW efforts in the July issue of The Nation’s Health.

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HEALTH EDUCATION COMMITTEE TO HOST JON NOEL AND ALYSSA NORWOOD AT JUNE 10TH MEETING

The next HEC meeting will be held June 10th at the Wallingford Health Department.  We have two fabulous presenters:  Jon Noel presenting “How Marketing Impacts Health,” and Alyssa Norwood , presenting “Livable Communities and Statewide Initiatives.”  If you would like to present at an HEC meeting, please send an email to hec@cpha.info.  April's speaker presentations are posted on the HEC web page http://www.cpha.info/?page=HEC. We are looking forward to a great 2015!

CPHA’s Health Education Committee (HEC) always welcomes new members. For more information, please email the CPHA Health Education Committee Chairs, Linda Mako or Laura King.

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STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN MOVES INTO IMPLEMENTATION PHASE

The Healthy Connecticut State Health Improvement Coalition launched implementation activities in February 2015.  Over 80 Coalition partners from across the state participated in a coordinating conference call to learn how the group will move from planning to ACTION in the implementation phase of the Healthy Connecticut State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). 

In 2015, the coalition will continue under the leadership of the CT Department of Public Health Commissioner, Jewel Mullen.   A new, peer nominated 35-member Advisory Council and a 5-member Executive Committee will advise and approve implementation timelines, reporting, and communication strategies.  They will also provide recommendations and feedback on decisions related to refinement of the SHIP, sustainability of the Coalition, and the integration of public health strategies across sectors. 

The new Healthy CT 2020 Performance Dashboard is also now accessible on the DPH website as a transparent way to monitor the state’s progress in addressing the indicators tied to the goals of the SHIP.

The next step in the implementation process is to convene ACTION Teams for each of the focus areas of the SHIP. The work of the ACTION Teams will be informed by the knowledge and expertise of coalition member.  The strength of the ACTION Agenda will come from the orchestration and collaboration of coalition partners in connecting health improvement efforts and leveraging activities, resources, and momentum already in place at the local, regional, and state levels.

GET INVOLVED!

Join us to establish integrated change across Connecticut – become a member of the Healthy Connecticut State Health Improvement Coalition today to learn more about how you can get involved.  You can find a copy of the coalition membership form by clicking on the “Join Today” button on the Coalition webpage.

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RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON LAND USE PLANNING AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Thanks to a Health Equity grant from the American Public Health Association, a comprehensive list of resources is now available on the CPHA website. These resources, which were distributed at the February 13, 2014 workshop, “Healthy by Design: Community Health + Planning Practice,” were gathered to assist land use planner and public health professionals in working together to bring changes to the built environment that promote healthy living and improve health equity. More than 70 public health practitioners and land use planners from around the state attended the workshop and helped to develop a CT action plan for health and the built environment. In additions to a wide range of reports and tools, the PowerPoint presentations from the workshop presenters are also available. CPHA would like to thank all our partners for making this project so successful: the CT Department of Health, CT Chapter of the American Planning Association (CCAPA), CT Main Street Center and Partnership for Strong Communities.

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   CITY OF NEW HAVEN NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF HEALTH

The New Haven Health Department is delighted to welcome, Byron Kennedy, MD, PhD, MPH as its new Director of Health. Dr. Kennedy has lived in New Haven in the past, having received his MD as well as his PhD and MPH in chronic disease epidemiology at Yale University in 2004. He completed his Family Medicine Internship at Georgetown University and his Preventive Medicine Fellowship at the California Department of Public Health, Sacramento. He also received a B.S. in biological sciences from California State University, Sacramento. He has extensive knowledge of local public health practice and formerly served as Commissioner for Public Health in Monroe County, New York.  Please join us in wishing him great success!

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EASTERN HIGHLANDS HEALTH DISTRICT RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION

In partnership with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (CCAPA) and CPHA, the Eastern Highlands Health District (EHHD) has received one of 18 collaborative grants from the American Planning Association initiative, Plan4Health, part of a nationwide effort to reduce chronic disease in local communities. Plan4Health is a 15-month program aimed at strengthening the connection between planning and public health to improve access to nutritious foods and increase physical activity, reduce tobacco consumption, and increase access to preventive care.

EHHD, along with CCAPA and CPHA, will engage 10 rural communities in northeast Connecticut to strengthen community engagement and ownership of policy, systems, and environmental change as it relates to community planning process and activities.  By working with Planning and Zoning Commissions, the coalition will take advantage of community planning decisions that can impact healthy eating choices and active lifestyles.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

A Symposium on Community Health Workers:

Their critical role in addressing health disparities- in health care and in communities

May 27, 2015, 8 AM- 2 PM

The Mark Twain House and Museum, 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford CT

Hosted by Hispanic Health Council with partners Yale School of Public Health, and Southwestern AHEC

Registration Here (Registration is Free)

2015 CPHA Public Health Awards and Networking Breakfast

Friday, May 29, 8:30 AM

The Lyceum, 227 Lawrence Street, Hartford, CT

Hosted by CPHA

Register Here

50^th Anniversary of Griswold vs. Connecticut Dance Party

Dancing, Special Midnight Countdown, and Raffle Prizes including signed materials from Len Dunham to celebrate the impact of birth control over the past 50 years

Saturday, June 6, 8 PM- 1 AM

The Russian Lady, 144 Temple Street, New Haven, CT

Hosted by Planned Parenthood of Southern New England

Get Tickets Here

Binge-Worthy Journalism: Backstage with the Creators of SERIAL, Sarah Koenig & Julie Snyder

This special event is a live presentation about the podcast sensation SERIAL.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 8pm

The Bushnell Theater

Hosted by the CT Forum

Get Tickets Here (Use code CPHA to get $5 off tickets)

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