HEALTHY INITIATIVE PROGRAM
PARTNERSHIP (H.I.P.P.) for Fall River, Westport, Somerset, Swansea, Mansfield,
Attleboro and North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

H.I.P.P. Coordinator
Julianne Kelly
Municipal Employee Wellness Coordinator
One Government Center
Health Department
Fall River, MA 02722

Tel.: 508.324.2405

Contacts

H.I.P.P. Programs

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro

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Open Programs

One great feature of this site is the “Ask the RD” section of the blog. Essentially you can visit the website and post a question about nutrition to the RD who will then e-mail back a response to you. Ask the RD Link: http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/dietitian.

The Boards of Health in these seven municipalities came together because they were eager to create a wellness program for town and city workers. Another common thread is that all the municipalities have Blue Cross Blue Shield as their insurer or among several insurer options. Therefore, this website links to the wellness options available to any employee with Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue (the HMO).

Mass in Motion

Open Programs are available to employee and/or employee family members for all municipalities served by H.I.P.P. Below is a list of our current Open Programs:

Mass in Motion is a statewide initiative aimed at preventing overweight and obesity and encouraging physical activity and nutrition. We all can live healthier lives and protect ourselves from heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes by taking simple steps to eat better and move more. Get started by taking small steps, and making little changes at home, at work, and in your community. Join the thousands of other people in the state who getting healthier and losing weight with Mass in Motion: Better health. It's your move. Click here to visit Mass in Motion website!

Tobacco Treatment Programs

Following is a list of tobacco treatment programs open to all who wish to participate. Participation in any of these programs is confidential and all employees and their family members are encouraged join. Feel free to contact any of the service providers listed below, or contact H.I.P.P. for more information:

Local Agencies	Services
Saint Anne's Hospital	New Freedom From Smoking Group to start October 6 at Saint Anne's Hospital (please see attached bookmark as a link for all local smoking cessation resources) at 5 PM for 8 weeks. Call 508-674-5600 x 2392.
SSTAR: Commit to Quit	ATTENTION! TIME SENSITIVE! Start date to be announced- 5:30-7 PM For more info call: 508-324-3522 Combine support with a free patch!
1-800-Try-To-STOP	When you're ready, we can help: 1-800-Try-To-STOP Get confidential online and telephone support. Services are free to Massachusetts residents. 2009 SouthCoast Patch Give Away For Veterans! Veterans and their family members are eligible for a free 4-week supply of nicotine patches. Just call 1-800-Try-to-Quit or 1 (800) 879-8678 and say you are a veteran or relative of a veteran and are calling for free nicotine patches. Make Smoking History. Massachusetts Department of Public Health
HealthFirst Family Care Center 102 County Street, FR 508-679-8111	Smoking cessation is offered for adults by a Certified Cessation Specialist by appointment. Smokers who are considering quitting receive help in preparing for a successful cessation experience. Only patients of the Center are eligible for this service.
Project ASSERT Saint Anne's Hospital 795 Middle Street, FR 508-674-5600, Ext. 5514	Assistance is provided on information and education on smoking cessation as well as assistance in locating referral to providers for treatment. Health Promotion Advocates work in conjunction with Emergency Department staff and can be accessed seven days a week by calling Dan Mahoney at Ext. 5514.
Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) 386 Stanley Street, FR 508-689-5222	Smoking cessation is offered for adults by a Certified Cessation Specialist by appointment. Smokers who are considering quitting receive help in preparing for a successful cessation experience. Individual and Group Counseling Free to All MassHealth Members and SSTAR Primary Care Patients. Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges). Free Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays available with RX from your doctor as well as RX pills such as Wellbutrin and Zyban (bupropion) and Chantix (varenicline). Contact Michelle Rapoza at 508-324-3522. Anyone is eligible for the service.
Freedom From Smoking Program St. Anne's Hospital 795 Middle Street, FR 508-674-5600	This program offers eight weekly sessions to guide persons through the process of quitting. This is the program recommended by the American Lung Association which is also offered on-line. The St. Anne's program is offered several times a year for a nominal registration fee of $25. Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges). Free Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays available with RX from your doctor as well as RX pills such as Wellbutrin and Zyban (bupropion) and Chantix (varenicline). For more information, call Dixie Tavares at 508-674-5600.
Southcoast Hospitals ACS Fresh Start Program Charlton Hospital 800-497-1727	Southcoast Hospitals have initiated smoking cessation groups for hospital employees and the public following the American Cancer Society's "Fresh Start" program of four weekly sessions. There is a $15 registration fee. Call Kris Aimone at 800-497-1727 to register.
Quit Tip Line	1-800-9-GET-A-TIP (or 1-800-943-8284) Recorded Message 24 hour pre-recorded quitting ideas. Recording changes daily and provides information and quit tips for quitting tobacco. Free.
QuitWorks Telephone Cessation Counseling	QuitWorks - A telephone counseling, information, and referral service for Massachusetts residents who want to stop smoking. QuitWorks is part of the Try To Stop Tobacco Resource Center of Massachusetts. It includes the Quit Wizard, an on-line resource for smokers who wish to quit or those who want to help them.
Fight 4 Your Life	Fight 4 Your Life tells the stories of people who battled to quit smoking. Real people who fought for their lives. You can win the fight 4 your life! Find out about medicine and support that can help you quit—and see if your insurance will help you pay. Just visit the Quitting Smoking area.
"The 84 "	A project that gets its name from the 84% of Massachusetts youth who do not smoke.
Smoking Cessation Center	Glaxo Smith Kline offers a free on-line Smoking Cessation Center that offers information and a Smokers' Helpline available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST at 1-877-NO-ASHES (1-877-662-7437).
Nicotine Anonymous		Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12 Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The Fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 Steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine. www.nicotine-annonymous.org
Norwood Hospital Smoking Cessation Program		Topic: Smoking Cessation Location: Caritas Norwood Hospital Cafeteria, Dining Room A Facility: Caritas Norwood Hospital Fee: Free Description: Eight-week, free program to stop smoking.
Norwood Hospital Stress Management Program		This Stress Management program is highly encouraged as a supplement to the above Smoking Cessation program. Immediately follows the Smoking Cessation for 5 weeks. Topic: Stress Management Location: Caritas Norwood Hospital Cafeteria, Dining Room A Facility: Caritas Norwood Hospital Fee: Free
Attention Swansea employees!		Click here for information about the Quit Power program!
Attention Fall River employees!		Blue Cross Blue Shield for Fall River employees covers all Nicotine Replacement Therapies - the patch, gum, lozenges, as well as Chantix and Wellbutrin. Talk to your doctor. Even with over-the-counter products, you will only owe your co-pay if you have your doctor write you a prescription for the product.

Needs Assessment Survey:Reducing Stress in the Workplace

Presented by Elizabeth Coleman, Samantha Gamez and Cory Urban, Needs Assessment Surveys were developed and passed out to the different municipalities in each city. These surveys picked out specific areas that are of the greatest concern to the employees of said municipalities. Different programs are being developed and implemented to meet these needs. Click here for the full presentation!>>>

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro

Fall River Programs

Click here for Tobacco Treatment Programs

Mobile Health Van Schedule for October 2009

The Mobile Health Van is a community outreach program of Charlton, St. Luke's and Tobey Hospitals. The public is invited to participate in FREE medical screenings, including blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, pregnancy testing as well as colorectal screening kits and medical referrals. Click here for a list of dates and locations for the Mobile Health van. (PDF)>>>

Weight Watchers!

Nine Week Program beginning in Mid-October Interested? Meetings 8 AM one morning (TBA) each week at FRPD. Police contact Lori at 508-324-2787 or lrita2@frpd.org Government Center or Fire Fighters Contact Julie at 508-324-2405 or jkelly@fallriverma.org.

The City employee who achieved the greatest weight loss over the Fitness Challenge-30 lbs. Congratulations Ken Medeiros of the City Maintenance Department!

Congratulations Ken Medeiros of the City Maintenance Department!

The City employee who acheived the greatest weight loss over the Fitness Challenge-30 lbs. Congratulations Ken Medeiros of the City Maintenance Department! The Fitness Challenge which offered low-cost fitness and nutrition activities through Community Development Recreation, the Diabetes Association and the YMCA. Click here for more photos and text about the fitness group.

Fall River City Employee Health Screenings Continue

Photos from Southcoast Hospital Cardiac Prevention Program

This spring Southcoast Hospital Cardiac Prevention Program returned to City Hall, the Police Department and on June 26 to the Department of City Maintenance. The men there received results on Total Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar.

Donna Querim, Nurse Clinician and Amanda Szot, Registered Dietitian will be screening firefighters, EMTs and family members are welcome. The screening will take place on August 25, 26 and 28 at the Eastern Avenue (FLINT) Fire Station.

Julianne Kelly completes the 15th Annual Thomas Guinta Memorial 5K Road Race on Sunday, April 5. www.officergiuntaroadrace.org

NOTE: Blue Cross Blue Shield for Fall River employees covers all Nicotine Replacement Therapies - the patch, gum, lozenges, as well as Chantix and Wellbutrin. Talk to your doctor. Even with over-the-counter products, you will only owe your co-pay if you have your doctor write you a prescription for the product.

Award-winning firefighters laid off - Fall River, MA - The Herald News
Click here to read the full story.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Gym Membership Benefit

Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Plans (HMO) reimburses up to $150 for membership in a gym or weight loss program. Call your benefits officer, municipal wellness contact, or Blue Cross for more information.

Salsa Dancercise®

Weekly Salsa Dancercise® group

The Municipal Employee Wellness Program is giving city workers at Fall River's Government Center a chance to get fit and have fun with a weekly Salsa Dancercise fitness group run by Latin Dance Instructor Alan Morton. Employees meet at 5:15 p.m. after work to engage in a 45-minute session that involves stretching and vigorous aerobic exercise. "The music definitely makes it easier," commented Municipal Employee Wellness Coordinator Julianne Kelly who arranged for the program as part of the City's investment in employee health.

City Bike Program

Julianne Kelly, Coordinator

The City of Fall River has two brand new bicycles that are available for loan to all municipal employees. Housed at City Hall, they can be used for work and pleasure. Getting to meetings, conducting inspections, or taking a ride during lunch time, getting to a restaurant or shop are some of the uses. Wellness Coordinator, Julie Kelly, can tell you some routes to try. Call her at 508-324-2405.

Bikes are fully equipped with locks, helmets, computers to count your mileage, bags/racks to hold briefcase, handbag, or lunch bag. We highly encourage the use of helmets to avoid head injuries. You can bring your own or use one for that purpose that is at City Hall. Click her for an application you can print. Send send or bring the completed application to the Switchboard in the lobby of City Hall.

MassBike
MassBike's Guide for New Riders: Getting Started

Southcoast Hospitals Group Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The City of Fall River is providing the Employee Assistance Program to municipal employees and their families. Immediate family is defined as anyone who lives in your household. This program is available to all employees and family members of Fall River with the exceptions of the Fall River Police Department (Fall River Police Department has an independent EPA program, click here for details!) and Fall River School Department.

Employee Assistance Program and Peer Support Unit for the Fall River Police Department

The purpose of the Fall River Police Department Peer Support Unit (PSU) is to provide stress reduction, prevention, and education to Department personnel who may be experiencing adverse emotional issues in their lives. Members of the unit administer, in conjunction with Family Service Association, a program that has been developed to provide, among other services, critical incident debriefing to officers who have been involved in extremely stressful situations while performing their professional duties. Click here for a printable flyer with further information!

It is known that personal problems such as marital difficulties, parenting issues, elder care, emotional upset, alcoholism and drug abuse adversely affect the health and personal happiness, as well as job performance of employees. EAP will provide assessment, short-term counseling and referrals for further treatment, if necessary, to assist employees facing difficult family, emotional or other personal problems. Qualified counselors will be available to answer questions and meet with employees and members of their families to assess the problem and assist with identifying measures to reduce the stress and severity of the problem.

The Program is strictly confidential. Names of employees will not be reported back to your supervisor or employer.

The EAP benefit is provided at no cost to the employee. If further assistance is recommended, alternative plans will be offered. If extended help to resolve problems is needed, the employee or their insurance coverage will be responsible for payment.

Click here for a printable brochure that further explains the Program. Also, feel free to call the Employee Assistance Program with any questions or to schedule an appointment at, 508.679.7171, 508.990.3772 or 888.543.4120

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro

Westport Programs

Click here for Tobacco Treatment Programs

Mobile Health Van Schedule for October 2009

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life can get pretty stressful sometimes-even overwhelming. Wouldn't it be great if you had a personal coach you could call on? Someone who could provide expert guidance, resources and support just when you need it most? However routine or urgent your concerns may be, your Employee Assistance Program is a single, simple, and invaluable resource you can turn to. Like a trusted and caring advisor, we guide you to the solutions that make things less stressful and more manageable for you-the solutions you need to stay in charge of your life.

From assistance with legal matters, drug and alcohol counseling, financial consultation and concerns about stress, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has resources that can help you with many of life's challenges. This benefit helps you, your household members and dependents address both your everyday needs and growing personal concerns, keeping your life on course.

There is no cost to employees, household members or dependents for EAP sessions and one 30-minute consultation for each legal or financial matter. If continuing professional counseling is appropriate, we will work with your counselor to identify services that are covered fully or partially by your health insurance or have flexible fee scales.

Visit www.emiia.org for more information. We're here when you need us- get started today! Call our nationwide toll-free number-1.800.451.1834 Or, Click here for a printable brochure with more information!

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro

Somerset Programs

Click here for Tobacco Treatment Programs

Mobile Health Van Schedule for October 2009

Employee Assistance Program

The Town of Somerset is providing the Employee Assistance Program to municipal employees and their families. Immediate family is defined as anyone who lives in your household. This program is available to all employees and family members of Somerset with the exception of the Somerset School Department.

The Program is strictly confidential. Names of employees will not be reported back to your supervisor or employer.

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro

Swansea Programs

Click here for Tobacco Treatment Programs

Mobile Health Van Schedule for October 2009

SWANSEA TOWN EMPLOYEES

COMING SOON!

SWANSEA Employee Wellness Program

A HEALTHY INITIATIVES PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP- H.I.P.P.

Presents:

CARDIO-KICKBOXING
Now in progress!

WALKING PROGRAM
&
REDUCING STRESS

Details soon to be announced!

More Info? Call Joe Carvalho, Health Agent at 508-324-6704

Click here for a flyer of this information that you can print and post!

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro

Mansfield Programs

Click here for Tobacco Treatment Programs
Click here for a printable copy of the Mansfield H.I.P.P. Spring 2009 Newsletter. (PDF)

Our first offerings:

Weight Watchers at Work - Beginning in February, a 12 week lunch time or after work Weight Watchers at Work program. 20 participants per meeting/work site needed. Enrollment fee may be reimbursable through your health insurance.

Yoga at City Hall 6 Week Class - A form of exercise strengthening, stretching and relaxing the body, helping to relieve stress and tension. Benefits: increased energy, calmer way of being, increased ease of movement. Each class will consist of: a warm up, a series of poses to stretch and strengthen the body and ending with a guided relaxation. Students need a yoga mat and wear loose, stretchy fitting clothing. (A small blanket is provided, to help protect knees, during some of the poses.) Class will run once a week for 6 weeks beginning April 7. Class will be held Tuesday evenings for 1 hour starting 4:15 in meeting room3A/B. Fee is $60 for 6 weeks collected at the first class. Call 508-261-7366 to enroll.

Learn to kayak! L.L. Bean Mansfield Walk On Adventures -
Every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A 2 ½ hour session with equipment and instruction supplied for only $15.00. Limited to 14 participants, ages 7 and up. First come, first served! Call L.L. Bean Mansfield for info (508) 261-0400 .

Learn to fly cast! L.L. Bean Mansfield Walk-On Adventures -
every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A 1 hour session with equipment and instruction supplied for only $15.00. Limited to 3 participants, ages 7 and up. First come, first served! Call L.L. Bean Mansfield for info (508) 261-0400 .

Please call the Mansfield Health Department at 508-261-7366 or e-mail sleite@mansfieldma.com to sign up for the programs. Locations will be announced.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro

Attleboro Programs

Click here for Tobacco Treatment Programs

Attleboro program offerings:

(2) Group Walking Programs -
March 5 to April 30, 2009
Mornings: Saturday 7am – 8:30am (5 miles)
Evenings: Thursday 5pm – 5:30pm (1 mile)
Both Walking programs begin and end at 12 Massasoit Drive North Attleboro

Attleboro City Employee Day Pass -
Good for a single visit any day during promotional period

We All Have "Life Problems" ...legal, financial and emotional... that leave us uncertain. Sometimes we are able to solve these problems ourselves, especially if they are simple. Often we need the help of an experienced professional. Now comes more uncertainty. Where do you turn for help? Who can you trust? How much will it cost? Your employer has provided a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL benefit to help you during those uncertain times.

EAP Network is here to help you when life presents problems. We have been helping employees and those they love for decades and with successful outcomes.

EAP Network, your employee assistance program (EAP), provides you and your loved ones with counseling or consultations to help you with "life problems" whether they are legal, financial or emotional. Always completely confidential, your EAP is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your employer has put this program in place for the health and well being of each and every employee. Neither your employer nor co-workers will know of your request for help.

For Confidential Assistance Call:
EAP Network 1-800-333-6624
www.eapnetworkonline.com
Or, Click here for a printable brochure with more information!

Open Programs Fall River Westport Somerset

Swansea Mansfield Attleboro North Attleboro