Partners for a Healthier Community and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth are conducting a research study during the first several months of 2012 to determine what resources families would like from their community and school to help them live healthy lives UMass Nursing School Professor Maria Vazquez met with parents at the January 17th meeting of the Corkey Row Neighborhood Association. Parents and other child caregivers were being recruited by UMass-Dartmouth School of Nursing staff to participate in focus groups to talk about what they need to help them live healthy lives. Gift cards and travel expenses are provided along with child care. The sessions are being conducted in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The results will help to better understand what parents feel will help them raise their children in a healthy way. For more information about this project, contact Lori Keough, RN, at 508-999-8764.

(Top row) School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard and UMass Nursing School Professor Maria Vazquez  are greeted by Corky Roy Neighborhood Association President Rev. Marangelien Jovet before the group of parents say the Pledge of Allegiance. (Middle row) Mariam Morales listens as Professor Vazquez talks to the parents about the focus groups she will be running. (Bottom row) Ms. Vazquez describes what is involved in the focus group and the benefits that are offered to parents who participate as Rev. Jovet and David Meade listen.