FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                Connecticut Department of Public Health

September 3, 2013                                                       Contact:  William Gerrish

                                                                                     (860) 509-7270

Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced it is holding forums across the state to engage the public in discussions about making their communities healthier places to live.

DPH commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen and other department leaders will hold a one-hour public forum in each of Connecticut's eight counties to hear the public’s perspective on the issues affecting their health as well as their ideas on making their communities healthier. During the forums, DPH representatives will also present key information about the health of Connecticut residents.

“These forums will provide an opportunity for the department and the public to share information and discuss the important issues affecting the health of Connecticut communities,” said Commissioner Mullen. “Obtaining direct feedback from the public is critical to our work to improve the health of Connecticut.”

DPH is the lead state agency for health planning in Connecticut. Last year, DPH began conducting a comprehensive health assessment in collaboration with other state agencies and diverse organizations from across the state. The State Health Assessment will help establish the health status of Connecticut residents and identify resources in Connecticut that can be used to address health issues such as prenatal care, behavioral and environmental risk factors, and the leading causes of death.

Based on findings from the assessment, a State Health Improvement Plan will be developed to provide a roadmap for improving health and ensuring that all people in Connecticut have the opportunity to attain their highest potential for health (health equity) through 2020. The plan will focus on health improvement through prevention, and the promotion of health equity based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, geography, and the social, economic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health.

Public input is an important part of the State Health Assessment, and will provide valuable information for the State Health Improvement Plan. All Connecticut residents are welcome to attend and participate in the forums. Walk-ins are welcome. Advanced registration is optional by phone (860-509-8070) or online (https://ct.train.org – Use ID # 1045492). All forums are from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

TOLLAND COUNTY: September 10, 2013

Rockville High School Auditorium, 70 Loveland Hill Rd., Vernon

WINDHAM COUNTY: September 12, 2013

EASTCONN Capitol Theater, Magnet High School, 896 Main St., Willimantic

HARTFORD COUNTY: September 24, 2013

Legislative Office Building, Room 2C, 300 Capitol Ave., Hartford

LITCHFIELD COUNTY: September 26, 2013

Torrington City Hall, Council Chambers, Rm. 218, 140 Main St., Torrington

FAIRFIELD COUNTY: October 8, 2013

Discovery Magnet School Cafeteria, 4510 Park Ave., Bridgeport

NEW HAVEN COUNTY: October 10, 2013

Hill Regional Career High School, Auditorium, 140 Legion Ave., New Haven

NEW LONDON COUNTY: October 17, 2013

Three Rivers Community College, Multipurpose Rm. F117, 574 New London

Turnpike, Norwich

MIDDLESEX COUNTY: October 21, 2013

Connecticut Valley Hospital, Paige Hall Solarium, 1000 Silver St., Middletown

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