Bronx Health REACH e-blast: June 17, 2011

** Legacy Project Funding Opportunity for Projects Addressing Diabetes Related Health Disparities – proposals due July 8**

Bronx Health REACH, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) designated National Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities (CEED), announces a request for proposals for projects which aim to eliminate diabetes related health disparities affecting African American and/or Latino populations. Bronx Health REACH/New York CEED will award 3 grants of $25,000-$30,000 for a period of one year beginning September 30, 2011. Proposals for funding are due by July 8, 2011. For application or if you have any questions regarding this announcement, contact: Jill Linnell, jlinnell@institute2000.org (212) 633-0800 ext. 1305 or Yvette Holland, yholland@institute2000.org (212) 633-0800 ext. 1232.

Good Health Bronx Initiative – June 18^th

The Bronx Multi Faith Advisory Group and NYC Department of Health Office of Minority Health is hosting a full-day Good Health Bronx Initiative on June 18^th in Crotona Park. The event will feature a 3 mile faith walk, health screenings, and information about health concerns affecting Bronx residents. Registration for the faith walk is required and each person will receive a free t-shirt. For information on registering please contact Lisa White at 646-253-5800 or email her at lwhite@health.nyc.gov.

Green Bronx Machine – launch party June 22^nd and help a classroom get computers!

Green Bronx Machine is a new youth initiative focused on generating authentic voices in health, wellness, and academic and vocational career readiness. The United Federation of Teachers is hosting a launch party for the program on June 22^nd from 6 pm to 9 pm at Café Iguana on West 54^th Street in Manhattan. The Green Bronx Machine will receive a set of computers for a school classroom if they receive 1,000 “likes” on Facebook and/or followers on Twitter by June 22^nd, so please visit http://www.facebook.com/green.BX.machine orhttp://twitter.com/greenBXmachine and help out! You can also watch a video starring Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Gustavo Rivera about the Green Bronx Machine here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cww_dUh5FUI.

Bronx Health REACH Nutrition and Fitness Committee – June 23^rd

Bronx Health REACH is holding its monthly nutrition and fitness committee on Thursday, June 23^rd from 10 am to noon at Walker Memorial Baptist Church in the Bronx (120 E. 169^thStreet). The topics discussed will be the school health policy work of HEA+LTHY Schools NY and resumption of the three working groups on physical activity, nutrition and tobacco. Also, there will be updates on the Johnson & Johnson initiative and the social marketing project. All are welcome to attend.

Bronx Health REACH Coalition Meeting – June 24^th

Bronx Health REACH is holding its quarterly coalition meeting on Friday, June 24^th at Walker Memorial Baptist Church in the Bronx (120 E. 169^th Street). The meeting will take place from 9:30 am to 12 pm and all are welcome to attend.

Hunts Point Farmer’s Market – Wednesdays and Saturdays starting June 29^th

Starting Wednesday June 29^th, the Hunts Point Farmer’s Market will be open twice a week (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) through November. The market will be open from 8:30 am to 5 pm rain or shine at Msr Raul Del Valle Square at Southern Blvd. and E.163rd St. Alex’s Tomato Farm located in Carlisle, N.Y. will sell fresh and local fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, and plants. The farmers market will accept state issued Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and there will be nutrition education lessons and cooking demonstrations conducted every Wednesday by NYC Department of Health. Free HealthBucks will be distributed at the workshops for people to spend at the farmers market. Please contact Dagmar Kostkova at dkostkova@communitymarkets.biz for more information.

Bronx CAN Health Initiative

Bronx Health REACH and the Institute for Family Health are proud sponsors and partners of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative, a borough-wide community health initiative promoting healthy behaviors throughout the Bronx community. The Bronx CAN Health Initiative, led by New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera (33^rd District) and Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr.,  is a collaborative effort with community groups, residents, faith-based institutions, health care providers, and others to encourage healthier lifestyles in our communities. For more information about the Bronx CAN Health Initiative and to see a calendar of events, visit: http://www.bronxcan.com/.

Bronx Health REACH featured in UFT-ACTS Spring Newsletter!

The United Federation of Teachers Alliance for Charter Teachers and Staff highlighted Bronx Health REACH’s obesity prevention program at the Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School in its Spring newsletter. The program, funded by the Johnson & Johnson/John Hopkins Community Health Care Scholars Program, is part of a national effort to provide elementary school children with nutrition education. Bronx Health REACH staff member Diana Johnson taught two third grade classes at Bronx Academy of Promise about healthy eating over six sessions and has brought this program to other schools in the Bronx. Bronx Health REACH plans to expand the program to reach 600 students and will also train teachers to teach the whole curriculum on their own.

The Virginia Faith-Based Outreach Initiative featured in local newspaper!

The Virginia Faith-Based Outreach Initiative, a Bronx Health REACH legacy grantee, was featured in the Suffolk News-Herald about its five-week fitness program in local churches. The Virginia program started when a Bronx Health REACH coalition member relocated to Suffolk, Virginia and asked if she could start a fitness program at her church modeled after Bronx Health REACH’s Fine, Fit and Fabulous program. The Virginia-based program combines faith with physical activity and nutrition information and runs for five weeks. Read the article here: http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2011/06/11/faith-%E2%80%94-and-five-weeks-to-fitness/

Bronx Smoke-Free Partnership Newsletter – June 2011

The Bronx Smoke-Free Partnership highlights its partnership with Bronx Health REACH in its June newsletter. Bronx Health REACH staff members Sigrid Aarons and Bernice McFarline have worked closely with the Smoke-Free Partnership on protesting tobacco marketing toward youth in stores and in organizing the World No Tobacco Day held last month in Union Square. 

Excellence in School Wellness Awards

Bronx Health REACH is pleased to announce that four of our HEA⁺LTHY Schools NY partner schools received recognition from the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health for Excellence in School Wellness. PS 218 and Sheridan Academy received Gold Medals, PS 43 received a Silver Medal, and PS 64 received an honorable mention. The award ceremony for schools in the Bronx will take place on Wednesday, June 22^nd at the Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse) from 3 pm to 5 pm. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

The Prevention Institute discusses how “overweight is the new normal”

In its weekly e-newsletter, the Prevention Institute explores how changes in our environment, such as larger food portion sizes, have transformed our cultural norms surrounding food and physical activity, and our behavior. The Institute examines how what surrounds us shapes our behavior toward nutrition and fitness and provides tips on how to inform legislators about community prevention and creating healthier environments. Read more here: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5902/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=1168072

Women Helping Others Foundation Invites Grant Applications

The Women Helping Others Foundation is inviting grant applications from grassroots organizations for programs that serve the overlooked needs of women and children in the United States. The Foundation is particularly looking for projects or programs that address health or social service needs. The grants will range from $1,000 to $40,000 and are open to 501(c)(3) organizations that have been incorporated for at least three years. To learn more about funding guidelines, eligibility restrictions, and application procedures, please visit: http://www.whofoundation.org/.

BeFitNYC.org

The New York City Departments of Parks & Recreation and Health & Mental Hygiene have launched BeFitNYC.org – a search engine to find FREE and low-cost fitness opportunities in New York City. Visit BeFitNYC.org to find and join free or low-cost fitness activities, such as lunchtime walking groups, after-work runs, yoga meet-ups or zumba classes, as well as organize a fitness activity and invite friends and family to join using Facebook.

Bronx Health REACH e-blast: June 3, 2011

** Legacy Project Funding Opportunity for Projects Addressing Diabetes Related Health Disparities – proposals due July 8**
Bronx Health REACH, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) designated National Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities (CEED), announces a request for proposals for projects which aim to eliminate diabetes related health disparities affecting African American and/or Latino populations. Bronx Health REACH/New York CEED will award 3 grants of $25,000-$30,000 for a period of one year beginning September 30, 2011. Proposals for funding are due by July 8, 2011. If you have any questions regarding this announcement or want a copy of the application materials, contact: Jill Linnell, jlinnell@institute2000.org (212) 633-0800 ext. 1305 or Yvette Holland, yholland@institute2000.org (212) 633-0800 ext. 1232.

Excellence in School Wellness Awards
Bronx Health REACH is pleased to announce that four of our HEA+LTHY Schools NY partner schools received recognition from the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health for Excellence in School Wellness. PS 218 and Sheridan Academy received Gold Medals, PS 43 received a Silver Medal, and PS 64 received an honorable mention. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Corbin Hill Road Farm – registration deadline for first delivery week is June 7th
Corbin Hill Road Farm is signing people up for its Farm Share program, which gives communities direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown by local farmers. From mid-June to mid-November, fresh produce will be delivered on a weekly basis at several locations in the Bronx and Harlem. Shareholders pay in advance (several flexible payment plans are available) and will receive a set number of produce items each week. The registration deadline for the first delivery week is June 7th. For more information and to sign up, visit the Corbin Hill Road website at http://www.corbinhillfarm.com/farmshare.html or call (718) 578-3610.

Bronx CAN Initiative – launching June 11th
Join NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera from the 33rd District in the Bronx and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for the launch of the "Bronx CAN Initiative." Senator Rivera is holding himself as the poster boy for a Biggest Loser contest where he vows to eat healthy and exercise more in order to lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle. The first weigh-in for the initiative will be held at the Mary Mitchell Center at 2007 Mapes Ave, Bronx NY 10460 on Saturday June 11th from 11:30am-1:30pm. The event will be the start of learning more about where to find fresh food in the Bronx, prepare healthy, delicious meals for yourself and your family, and take advantage opportunities to get some exercise in your neighborhood. If there is a health-related event coming up that you would like to see highlighted on the Bronx CAN Initiative Calendar of Events, please send the information to gomezjim@nysenate.gov.

Walk NYC – June 11th
St. Mary’s Recreation Center is hosting a Walk NYC event on June 11th between 12 pm and 1 pm. The event is free and open to all ages and aims to encourage people to stay fit by walking. The walkers will meet in front of the Center at 450 St. Ann’s Avenue in the Bronx and will walk around St. Mary’s Park. Contact Shawn James at 718- 402-5155 for more details.

Get Your Mind Right, Body Right Health Fair – June 11th
New York Urban League Young Professionals and The Bronx Knows are hosting a free health fair for the Bronx community on June 11th in St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx (146th Street and St. Ann’s Avenue). The event, which will take place between 12 pm and 4 pm, will have free health screenings for HIV and STDs, check glucose levels and provide information on diabetes, discuss how to control asthma, and provide tips on healthy eating and fitness.

Entertaining for Development Community Event – June 11th
The New Covenant Community Development Corporation is hosting an event to promote housing, resource opportunities, and economic empowerment in the Bronx. The event will take place at Dominion Cathedral at 1175 Boston Road from 3:30 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, June 11th. The event will include Educational Scholarship Awards, free health screenings, and special music and dance performances.

Bronx Urban Farm Tours – starting June 11th and monthly through October
On June 11th, Bronx Urban Farm Tours will be hosting a “Taste of the Latin Caribbean: Puerto Rican History in the Bronx” tour which highlights the agricultural contributions of the Puerto Rican community and culture in NYC. The tour costs $30 per person and will begin at 9:30 am at The New York Visitors and Convention Bureau, located on 810 7th Avenue (and 52nd Street) and will return at 3 pm. Bi-lingual tour guides will be provided. Urban farm tours with various themes will take place on a monthly basis through October. To register or for more information, call 718.817.8026 or email bronxfoodsummit@gmail.com.

Free Health Wellness Workshops – starting June 13th
Bronx Shepherds Restoration Corporation is hosting free health wellness workshops on Mondays starting June 13th from 1 pm to 3:30 pm at 1932 Washington Ave, 3rd floor. The workshop will teach participants how to manage their health in an interactive and fun way.

Get Screened + Get Cleaned – June 16th
The Institute for Family Health is hosting a health fair on June 16th from 12 pm to 4 pm. The event will take place at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building at 163 West 125th Street in Harlem and will have free health screenings for diabetes, dental, glaucoma, blood pressure, nutrition, HIV, and cholesterol. The health fair will also include free haircuts for the first 50 attendees and massage therapy.

Good Health Bronx Initiative – June 18th
The Bronx Multi Faith Advisory Group and NYC Department of Health Office of Minority Health is hosting a full-day Good Health Bronx Initiative on June 18th in Crotona Park. The event will feature a 3 mile faith walk, health screenings, and information about health concerns affecting Bronx residents. Registration for the faith walk is required and each person will receive a free t-shirt. For information on registering please contact Lisa White at 646-253-5800 or email her at lwhite@health.nyc.gov.

Grand Avenue Mount Zion Church Health Fair – June 18th
Grand Avenue Mount Zion Church is holding a health fair on June 18th from 12 pm to 6 pm at 1696 Grand Avenue in the Bronx. The community health fair will provide Bronx residents with information about health services available in the borough and have health screenings for community members. Please contact Beverly Salmon (917) 526-3342 or Maud Bailey (914) 664-8528 for more information.

BeFitNYC.org
The New York City Departments of Parks & Recreation and Health & Mental Hygiene have launched BeFitNYC.org – a search engine to find FREE and low-cost fitness opportunities in New York City. From June 6th to June 12th the City will be hosting a week-long celebration of fitness to launch the site. BeFitNYC.org will allow people to find and join free or low-cost fitness activities, such as lunchtime walking groups, after-work runs, yoga meet-ups or zumba classes, as well as organize a fitness activity and invite friends and family to join using Facebook.