New Health Data Released

A new analysis of MetroWest births reveals that mothers in MetroWest are more likely to visit a doctor's office than use a midwife for prenatal care, that teen mothers receive less adequate prenatal care than older mothers and that while birth rates have declined, there has been an significant increase in Brazilian births in the region.

The MetroWest Birth Report contains details about births in MetroWest communities from 2005 until 2009 including birth rates by town, age, race and ethnicity. The report also includes a special section about teen births, adequacy of prenatal care and types of births.

In addition to the new birth report, a special section on town demographic data from the 2009 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau is now posted on our website. The report delves into the household type, ancestry, language spoken at home, school enrollment, education and veteran status on a town-by-town basis.

We have made even more data available through the Foundation's searchable health database which has been updated with the latest health indicators. 

Are y0u an emerging leader or do you know of one in your organization? Nominate them for our Health Leadership Program.

The Foundation is accepting applications for its next class of Health Leaders. The six-month program includes workshops and training for professionals who are looking to build on their skills and grow as leaders.

Ten participants will be chosen to participate in six classes covering topics such as strategic thinking, negotiation, coalition building, conflict management style, cultural competence and communications.

Eligible applicants must live or work in the MetroWest region. Applications are due by Oct. 21. For more information visit the Health Leaders Program page of our website.

We are gearing up for our fall forum called "Visions for a Healthy Future: Improving Cross-Cultural Communication" which will feature a presentation by health data expert, Dr. Larry Finison, of Boston-based SigmaWorks. Finison will discuss the results of the 2010 Census and the region's changing demographics.

Other presenters include Cathy Romeo, cultural competency program manager at VNA Care Network & Hospice and two of the Foundation's Nicks' Fellows, Dr. Paola Batista and Dr. Allian Iffih who will discuss their experiences of caring for, and treating, a culturally diverse population at the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Framingham.

Space is limited. Please RSVP to Ramani Sripada, program officer, at [email protected] or by calling 508-879-7625, ext. 12.

The Foundation's board of trustees reappointed Cheryl Tully Stoll  and Nancy Morse-Bey to the Framingham Union Grants Panel and Dennis Barr and Maureen Nguyen to the Leonard Morse Grants Panel.

Framingham Police Officer Edward Burman, RN, EMT was selected to receive the "Heartsafe Community Award" from the Metropolitan Boston Emergency Medical Services Council. Burman is being recognized for his efforts to expand the number of Automated External Defibrillators (AED's) available in the community.

Congratulations to the town of Natick which received a five-year $625,000 federal Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC) grant to reduce alcohol and marijuana use.