State Wants Your Opinion on Public Health Priorities

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is holding a series of one-hour forums across each of the state's counties to ask residents' ideas about making their communities healthier places to live.

During the forums, DPH representatives will also present key information about the health of Connecticut residents.

“These forums will provide an opportunity for the department and the public to share information and discuss the important issues affecting the health of Connecticut communities,” said Commissioner Mullen. “Obtaining direct feedback from the public is critical to our work to improve the health of Connecticut.”

Based on findings from the assessment, a State Health Improvement Plan will be developed to provide a roadmap for improving health and ensuring that all people in Connecticut have the opportunity to attain their highest potential for health (health equity) through 2020. The plan will focus on health improvement through prevention, and the promotion of health equity based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, geography, and the social, economic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health.

Here are the list of remaining forums (two have already been held in Tolland and Windham Counties):

• Sept. 24, Hartford County: Legislative Office Building, Room 2C, 300 Capitol Ave., Hartford
• Sept. 26, Litchfield County: Torrington City Hall, Council Chambers, Rm. 218, 140 Main St., Torrington
• Oct. 8, Fairfield County: Discovery Magnet School Cafeteria, 4510 Park Ave., Bridgeport
• Oct. 10, New Haven County: Hill Regional Career High School, Auditorium, 140 Legion Ave., New Haven
• Oct. 17, New London County: Three Rivers Community College, Multipurpose Rm. F117, 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich
• Oct. 21, Middlesex County: Connecticut Valley Hospital, Paige Hall Solarium, 1000 Silver St., Middletown

All Connecticut residents are welcome to attend and participate in the forums. Walk-ins are welcome. Advanced registration is optional by phone (860-509-8070) or online (https://ct.train.org — Use ID #1045492). All forums are from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.