David S. Weed, Psy.D., Coordinator of the Healthy City Fall River initiative had the opportunity to speak to two groups, members of the Fall River Women's Union on May 18th, and employees of the Family Service Association on May 4, 2010. The presentations began with a brief summary of some of the challenges that face the City's population when it comes to overall health status. Dr. Weed went on to describe the hundreds of community activities that have made up the initiative since its inception in February 2003. Dr. Weed then noted the recent shift in emphasis to changes in systems, policies and environments that can support health as outlined in the current Action Plan. About twenty percent of each group indicated that they were aware of the initiative, while the remaining members of the audiences had not been aware of the hundreds of activities that have been contributing to improving the health status of the City. Dr. Weed is available to speak to any group with an interest in learning more about the Healthy City initiative by contacting him at 508-324-2411. (Photos courtesy of Linda Schofield and Mike Moran)

(Top row) Members of the Fall River Women's Union talk informally during the break in their May meeting prior to introducing Dr. Weed. (Middle row) Members and guests listen intently to a twenty-minute PowerPoint presentation that describes the history of the initiative and the current Action Plan goals. (Bottom row) Dr. Weed presents the Healthy City initiative to about eighty employees of the Family Service Association during a monthly staff meeting in the community room of the Church of the Holy Spirit.