AFTON – Chenango Health Network invited the nine mayors of Chenango County to meet to identify opportunities to better inform and educate their constituents about health related issues and the services available locally and to discuss possible collaborative efforts. The roundtable meeting, called “The Meeting of Mayors’ Minds” held June 13th at Main Street Grill and Bakery in Afton was attended by Mayor Sally Muller, Afton; Mayor Philip Darling, Bainbridge; Mayor Marcia Miller, Greene; and Mayor Joseph Maiurano, Norwich and three Chenango Health Network staff, James Mutabiilwa, Lori Kemmerer and Chris McAvoy.
Discussed were three main Chenango Health Network programs and their value to the community: Tobacco Free Chenango and the importance of tobacco free parks and playground policies and resolutions. The policies and resolutions are self enforced through posting of signage at the parks and playgrounds and ongoing awareness through use of media; The Restaurant Project which most recently completed work with seven locally owned restaurants to encourage them to offer healthy food choices and portion options. Some received assistance with menu planning, others education for staff, signage in various formats and other creative assistance. Another group of restaurants is receiving support for 2012 and 2013. The Every Woman Counts in Chenango County Campaign’s focus is to improve access to information and educational opportunities for women living in Chenango County and to insure that women receive mammograms and clinical breast exams and follow-up. In October 2011, to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chenango Health Network sponsored the first Paint the Town Pink. Greene, Norwich, Afton and Bainbridge participated.
It was agreed that more opportunities to inform the Chenango County community about health related issues are needed. Agency newsletters and other educational materials will be sent to Chenango County mayors to be made available on websites and bulletin boards, and to libraries and other community locations where people gather. Chenango Health
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Network was invited to attend and present information to village and city meetings to present health awareness information. It was concluded that this first “Meeting of the Mayors’ Minds” was important and educational and it is anticipated futures meetings will result and will involve other community leaders.
About Chenango Health Network
Chenango Health Network is a rural health network whose objectives are to increase access to health and wellness information and to health care services. Our goal is to improve the quality of life in every community in Chenango County.