In a population-based approach to health, we take a far broader view of health and the factors that influence the health of a community - often called "the social determinants of health." Education, economics, availability of transportation, access to exercise and healthy foods - these are some of the things that influence the health of a given population.
This shift to a population based approach to health also means reaching out in different ways and developing new models of care. To effectively deliver health - rather than just sick care - we need to be in the communities, working in new kinds of partnerships, to reach people in their homes, schools, and community centers.
You, our PCW members, are our link to these communities. Help us strengthen the partnerships that already exist within our network of members. We want to know what committees, planning boards, and governance groups you are a part of. That way, when we have resources and tools to offer our community partners, our members can be the conduit for that communication.
The Raising of America is an important documentary that raises the questions, "Why do we, as a nation, make it so hard for our children to thrive?" and "How can we do better?"
Raising NH asks those critically important questions at the state level in NH. In VT, Let's Grow Kids is a public awareness and engagement campaign about the important role good, affordable child care can play in the healthy development of children 0-5.
PCW is partnering with these groups and others to work to find solutions for the childcare problems in NH & VT.
We are working to bring these issues to light and work on solutions on all fronts, locally and regionally.
In New London, we are working with our members, Pat Bray and Tina Helm, New London Hospital's The Wellness Connection, Colby Sawyer College, and other community partners to raise awareness for early childhood health & education in the Lake Sunapee Region. For this project we're focusing on Andover, Bradford, Croydon, Danbury, Goshon, Grantham, Lempster, Newbury, Newport, New London, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Warner, Washington, and Wilmot.
Would you like to have a Raising of America screening and discussion in your community? Let us know!
As a reminder, PCW is supporting the work of Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Honoring Care Decisions program by training members to facilitate conversations about end of life care, wishes, and documents. We have facilitators trained in Hanover, Lyme, Lebanon, New London, Laconia, and Nashua.
▪ 9 PCW Members have been trained to facilitate end-of-life conversations and completion of Advance Directives ▪ 37 Conversations have been held between community members and PCW facilitators ▪ 25 Advance Directives have been completed with help from trained PCW facilitators ▪ 142 community members have attended PCW sponsored Advance Care Planning events
We need your help to expand our reach!
PCW can bring these conversations to your business, faith based group, or organization. We are looking for new communities to share our resources with in 2016. Send us a note here.
Would you like to become a trained facilitator, so you can help your own communities have these important conversations? The next facilitator training is on March 29th. There is still room. Click here if you would like to participate.
Looking Ahead
Toni LaMonica, in green, with line dance instructor, Jamie Orr, at last year's exercise event, sponsored by PCW and the Aging Resource Center
Education/Communication Subcommittee
As part of its Healthy Aging initiative, PCW sponsored an event with the Aging Resource Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in October 2015 about exercise and brain health. Now, the Education Subcommittee is partnering with interested communities to bring this fun, interactive exercise sampling out in to new towns. Lyme, NH will host the first event in early spring. After that, who knows where we'll show up? If you would like to learn how we can bring this event to your own town, write us!
A sister-project to this work is being planned for spring. PCW is working with Norris Cotton Cancer Center to help bring the same interactive exercise sampling to community members, but this time, we will tailor the presentation and exercises for patients and survivors of breast cancer. PCW Vice Chair Toni LaMonica is spearheading this work. Look for more details in the next e-newsletter.
Advocacy Subcommittee
PCW is forming an advocacy subcommittee to support the health & wellness priorities of our communities. If you would like to lend your voice to this subcommittee, let us know.
"Making Ends Meet: Enhancing Economic Security, Fostering Shared Prosperity" A conference from the NH Fiscal Policy Institute on Friday, February 19th at the Grappone Conference Center, from 8:30am-3:00pm. $45 Registration fee. Learn more here.
KEENE
Raising of America: Screening & Panel Discussion Wednesday, February 17th at the Keene Middle School Auditorium from 6-8pm. Sponsored by Impact Monadnock. Contact Marj Droppa at 603-352-4209 or marj@muw.org for more information.
NEW LONDON
Raising of America: Screening & Panel Discussion. Wednesday April 13th at Colby Sawyer College. Details to follow.
UPPER VALLEY
Advance Care Planning Free Community Workshop Wednesday, February 17th at the Lyme Congregational Church. Presentation by PCW facilitators Ellen Thompson & Lynn Smith. Co-sponsored by PCW, Community Care of Lyme, and Lyme Health Ministries. 5:30pm-7pm. Contact 603-795-0603 or sshipton@cclyme.org to register.
Maureen Hirtle, PCW Member & Sanders Burstein, MD Interviewed on "Dying to Talk" Radio Program
Recently, Sandy Burstein, MD, medical director, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua, and Maureen Hirtle, PCW member, were interviewed for a radio show “Dying to Talk” with Buddy Phaneuf from Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium in Manchester. The focus of the discussion was on advance care planning and honoring care decisions.
The show aired WTPL 107.7 The Pulse Sat., Feb 6 at 8 am and Sun., Feb. 7 at 8:30 am.