Members of the Leadership SouthCoast Class of 2013 spent a day on March 13th exploring the health status and the healthcare system of Fall River and New Bedford as part of their ten-month community leadership program. Presentations on the region's population health status by Healthy City Fall River Coordinator Dr. David Weed, one on worksite wellness programs by Partners Worksite Wellness Coordiantor Angela Bras, and one on the Southcoast Hospital System by President and CEO Keith Hovan helped participants better understand what is in place and what is changing to help people lead healthier lives. Led by Leadership Southcoast Executive Director and former CEO of Saint Anne's Hospital, Michael Metzler, the group was then challenged to design the ideal healthy community. Leadership SouthCoast’s mission is to provide the SouthCoast region with an ongoing source of diverse leaders who are prepared and committed to serve as catalysts and sustainers of positive change for the quality of life in the SouthCoast. Each year, Leadership SouthCoast selects a diverse group of acknowledged and aspiring leaders to participate in a thought-provoking, ten-month community leadership program consisting of a one-day retreat and nine monthly full-day sessions. Click here for a twenty-six minute video of Mr. Hovan's presentation. For more information about Leadership SouthCoast, contact Executive Director Michael Metzler at 508-997-4720. (Two photos courtesy of Angela Bras)