Published: March 02, 2007 11:54 pm         

DSHS plans health needs assessment, local forum

Our Town column

The Texas Department of State Health Services and several local health departments will be conducting an assessment of community health needs during a community forum from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Palestine Public Library.

The East Texas Health Needs Assessment will gather information on public health, mental health, substance abuse and medical care that can be used to improve community education, prevention, care and treatment.

Information will be gathered during the forum and through anonymous surveys, which can be completed online at www.dshs.state.tx/easttexas.

A paper copy of the survey may be requested by contacting their local health department, by calling toll free 866-447-9746 or by sending an e-mail to ETassess@dshs.state.tx.us.

Deadline for the survey is April 6.

Interpretation services and special accommodations for the forum can be arranged by calling 866-447-9746 or sending an e-mail to ETassess@dshs.state.tx.us at least 72 hours before the forum.

An assessment report including a profile of the area, results of the surveys and forums, a resource inventory, identification of gaps in health services, recommendations and conclusions will be available online at www.dshs.state.tx.us/easttexas by May 27.

Results will be provided at regional, county and ZIP-code levels.



90th birthday celebration Sunday

A 90th birthday celebration for Ethel Ray (Beard) Barker will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Marvin Skeen Community Center in Neches.

Her family includes husband, J.R. Barker; daughters and sons-in-law, Rae and Lamar Roberson and Kathleen and Ed Compton; grandsons and spouses, Roger and Nicole Carroll and Brent and Ronda Carroll. She also has six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren

The family requests no gifts.



Blanket makers taking donations

The Piecemakers of Georgetown will be sending knitted and crocheted baby blankets and children’s sweaters with a team of volunteers who will travel to Romania in early May.

Those who you would like to participate in this effort, please make baby blankets with soft cotton yarn or children’s sweaters with wool or wool blend yarn. Donations of cotton or wool yarn for this cause would also be welcome.

For more information, go to www.forgive490.com and click on “Blankets for Romania.”



Groups collecting items for soldiers

Alterra Sterling House and the local American Legion are “competing for a cause” to see who can gather the most items to be sent to East Texas soldiers currently serving in Iraq.

The challenge began with American Legion Commander Ross Richardson, who reported to the folks at Alterra that the Legion was going to be collecting items to be sent to men and women serving in the military.

Alterra, lead by Debbie Wesson, not only took the challenge but is extending the competition to as many organizations or businesses who want to participate and see who can collect the most items.

Individuals can place items in shoe boxes and take it to the participant of choice. The allowed items to send to Iraq are very inexpensive. For a list of items call Debbie at 903-729-1900.

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Mary Rainwater may be contacted via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com

     

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