060418health

Charlotte, NC - The Mecklenburg County Health Department will host its inaugural State of the County Public Health Forum on Friday, April 28, 2006. It will be held at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Fire Training Academy, 1770 Shopton Road, Charlotte, from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Community leaders, leaders in the fields of medicine, education, and citizens of Mecklenburg County are invited to participate in what is expected to be a lively discussion concerning the state of public health in our county.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, Chief of Chronic Disease and Injury for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health. State Representative Beverly Earle and Mecklenburg County Commission Chairman Parks Helms will also take part.

Objectives of the forum include:

• Identify common themes that affect the health of the residents of Mecklenburg County.

• Give examples of policies, laws, and ordinances that affect the health of county residents.

• Gain a better understanding of health disparities among residents and why they occur.

• Collect pertinent information for diagnosis of current health trends in Mecklenburg County to design an effective strategy for reducing morbidity/mortality and health disparities.

• Promote awareness of the various organizations and partnerships, such as Mecklenburg Healthy Carolinians, that target pressing health issues.

Breakout sessions will cover topics including public health preparedness, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, access to healthcare, healthy behaviors and health disparities.

Citizens can register for the State of the County Public Health Forum by calling the CMC event registration line at 704-512-3209. There is no charge to participate. Breakfast and a light snack will be provided. For more information, contact Adrienne Gent at 704-432-4249 or adrienne.gent@carolinashealthcare.org.

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