Members of the Leadership SouthCoast Class of 2014 spent an hour on the morning of April 19th exploring the health status and the healthcare system of Fall River and New Bedford as part of their ten-month community leadership program.  Leadership Southcoast Executive Director Michael Metzler introduced Southcoast Health President and CEO Keith Hovan who described Southcoast Hospital's investments in health through their expanded services and a variety of community projects. Mr. Metzler then introduced Partners for a Healthier Community Executive Director Dr. David Weed who detailed the health statistics for the Area and detailed his organization's Five Year Action Plan to address those challenges.  Mass in Motion Fall River Coordinator Julianne Kelly concluded by describing her efforts to change community policies, systems, and environments to favor healthier lifestyles, including the development of parks and walking and bicycle routes. Click here for a pdf copy of the the presentation. Click here for photos of the 2013 program on health. For more information about the current Leadership SouthCoast program, contact Executive Director Jennifer Downing at 508-728-8432. (Photos courtesy of Leadership Southcoast)

(Top row) Leadership Southcoast Executive Director Michael Metzler greets Southcoast Hospital's President and CEO Keith Hovan at the Southcoast Women's Health Center on Faunce Corner Road prior to his presentation to the class. (Middle row) Mr. Metzler then introduces Partners for a Healthier Community Executive Director Dr. David Weed and Mass in Motion Fall River Coordinator Julianne Kelly for their presentations. (Bottom row) Dr. Weed talks about how changes to community policies, systems and environments are more effective in making widespread and lasting changes that can promote health in any community.