A new website has been launched by the Healthy Chelsea Coalition.
Established in 2010, Healthy Chelsea emerged from a community health needs assessment (CHNA) performed by Mass General’s Center for Community Health Improvement that identified obesity as the city’s primary health concern.
By 2012, the coalition had voted to broaden its mission after residents and community partners flagged substance use and related issues—including violence and public safety—as the city’s most pressing health challenge. Since its founding, Healthy Chelsea has received strong backing from City leadership, including the City Manager, Director of Health and Human Services, the School Department, Chelsea Police Dept. and others.
Jennifer Kelly, Director of Healthy Chelsea, is utilizing the new website to “excited to showcase all the great work that we are doing with our community partners. We also hope to educate residents about our programs and to encourage their participation in these important efforts.”
The site highlights coalition priorities including healthy eating and living initiatives in schools and the broader community; the Youth Food Movement (YFM) internship program, which enables middle and high school students to advocate for improved food quality in their schools; efforts to build a trauma sensitive city; strengthening community connection; and a newer focus on early childhood development.
Kelly is particularly enthusiastic about the coalition’s recently funded youth substance use prevention efforts. With support from a federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant and the state Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (SAPC) initiative, the coalition has brought on two new staff members who are working with youth and families and partnering with community organizations to deploy evidence-based strategies for reducing substance use disorders.
The Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Community Health Improvement (CCHI) provides support to Healthy Chelsea.
Joan Quinlan, Vice President of Community Health at Mass General, stated, “We are so proud of the work that Healthy Chelsea is doing and of our strong partnership with the Chelsea community. Now, with the launch of their new website, everyone can learn more about their programs and the significant impact they are making.”
Kelly further noted, “It’s wonderful to be able to promote what can happen when residents and community partners come together for the health and well-being of their community.”
For more information about focus areas and programs, staff profiles, community partners, news and upcoming events, visit http://www.healthychelsea.org