healthy communities and community organizations


Healthy Communities and Community Organizations


Southeastern Massachusetts Healthy Community Initiatives Fall River is a local community actively using the Healthy Communities principles. SYNERGY: Southeastern Massachusetts Networking Group for Public Health Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs): A Community Health Network Area is a coalition that is comprised of public, non-profit and private sector individuals who are working together to build healthier communities though community-based prevention planning and health promotion. CHNAs are coordinated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Healthy Communities. CHNAs cover 351 Massachusetts towns and cities, split into 27 different geographic networks throughout the state. There are six CHNAs in the Southeast. CHNA Principles CHNA Approach CHNA Configuration & Contact People CHNA 22: Greater Brockton Community Health Network Serving the communities of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman. CHNA 23: Greater Plymouth Partners for a Healthy Community Serving the communities of Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Marshfield, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton and Rockland. CHNA 24: Greater Attleboro and Taunton Health Education Response (GATHER) Serving the communities of Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Lakeville, Mansfield, Middleborough, North Attleborough, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Taunton. CHNA 25: Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community Serving the communities of Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Westport. CHNA 26: Greater New Bedford Health and Human Services Coalition Serving the communities of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester and Wareham. CHNA 27: Cape and Islands Community Health Network Serving the communities of Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Dennis, Eastham, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gay Head, Gosnold, Harwich, Mashpee, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Tisbury, Truro, Wellfleet, West Tisbury and Yarmouth.

Healthy Communities Info Sheet Definitions of a Healthy Community and who is involved. A fact sheet for sharing with individuals and groups who want to start a healthy communities initiative!

Healthy Communities Checklist Compiled by: Peter Kenyon, IDEAS (Initiatives for the Development of Enterprising Action and Strategies)

Looking for Community Building Tools? Try these links: Community Toolbox Coalition Tip Sheets


Other Resources: *Statewide:* The Regional Centers for Healthy Communities Office Of Healthy Communities, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Massachusetts Partnership for Healthy Communities Healthy Communities: Massachusetts Newsletters National: Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Evaluating Community Initiatives Healthy Youth Initiative s

Healthy Community Principles 1. Use broad definitions of “community” & “health” 2. Create a shared vision from community values 3. Address quality of life for everyone 4. Build diverse citizen participation & community ownership 5. Focus on “system change” 6. Build capacity using local assets & resources 7. Benchmark & measure progress & outcomes From Ayre D, Clough G & Norris T, 2000. Facilitating Community Change, Grove Consultants International

Selected Articles & Publications: Healthy Community Principles The American Communities Movement Healthy Communities, Healthy People List of Tyler Norris’ recent publications (about Healthy Communities) Look for more Healthy Communities publications at the Southeast Center for Healthy Communities Resource Library

Healthy Communities Initiatives Association for Community Health Improvement The Change Project National Civic League Colorado Health Communities Council Connecticut Healthy Valley 2000 Ontario Healthy Communities Coalitions

7 Patterns of a Healthy Community 1. Practices ongoing dialogue 2. Generates leadership everywhere 3. Shapes its future 4. Embraces diversity 5. Knows itself 6. Connects people & resources 7. Creates a sense of community From: http://www.communityinitiatives.com/7pattern.html back to top