Who we are: CHNA 18 is a local coalition of public, non-profit, and private sectors working together to build healthier communities in Massachusetts through community-based prevention planning and health promotion. Our vision is to fund and support grassroots efforts to address community public health priorities while providing professional value to CHNA members. The current focus for CHNA 18 is developing collaborations among community groups and across communities. We welcome new members to help us achieve that goal.

steering committee:

Alan Balsam Brookline Dept. of Public Health	Emily Bhargava Regional Center for Healthy Communities
Janice Berns Needham Health Department	Roseane Cardoso WIC
Bruce Cohen – Chair MA Dept of Public Health	Judy Fallows Healthy Waltham
Lloyd Gellineau Brookline Dept. of Health	Cheryl Lefman Wellesley Health Dept.
David Naparstek - Chair Newton Health Dept.	Venice Sahely MassBay Community College
Mary Suresh Wellesley Health Dept.	Jhana Wallace -Coordinator

What we do:
CHNA 18 provides a resource for local agencies and organizations to gather information, share ideas, and network on a regular basis. We also offer grant opportunities when funds are available. The CHNA meets regularly to plan educational and training events, identify funding sources, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Our current mini-grant partners and programs are:

• Springwell: Mental Health at Home (for senior citizens)
• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: Partnership to Address Campus Sexual Violence
• Needham and Wellesley Health Departments: Healthy Living Initiative
• Newton Partnership to Prevent Child Abuse: Community Partnerships for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

Click here to download a brochure about CHNA 18

2008-2009 Scheduled Events

October 2nd 2008: "Setting Health Priorities: An open meeting with the Boards of Health in CHNA 18 and representatives from the Commissioners Office of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health". On Thursday October 2nd, CHNA 18 is hosting an open forum among the Directors of the Boards of Health from Waltham, Weston, Westwood, Needham, Dover, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley and Dedham. Geoff Wilkinson, Senior Policy Advisor to the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in charge of community programs will also attend. Our goal is to have a conversation with anyone living in or representing agencies and organizations in the communities we encompass about local public health issues. Click here to download the flyer containing full details.

Click here to download the full calendar of events in 2008-2009

2007-2008 Scheduled Events

October 19th 2007: “Mitigating Global Climate Change: Community Strategies and Model Public Health Programs”. This Forum will bring together experts in environmental issues, public health, and community consensus building to share best practices and highlight successful local programs.
Date: Friday, October 19, 2007
Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Location: Needham Free Library
Forum Website: http://www.healthier-communities.org/info/global.htm