The Well Being of Everett - The Institute for Community Health

Transcription

the well being of
Everett 2008
the well being of Everett
Character
I would have all young persons taught to respect themselves, their citizenship,
the rights of others and all sacred things; to be healthy, industrious, persevering,
provident, courteous, just and honest; neat in person and in habit, clean in
thought and in speech; modest in manner, cheerful in spirit and masters of
themselves; faithful to every trust, loyal to every duty; magnanimous in judgment,
generous in service, and sympathetic toward the needy and unfortunate; for
these things are the most important things in life and this is not only the way
of wisdom, happiness and true success, but the way to make the most of
themselves and to be of the greatest service to the world.
Albert Norton Parlin
the well being of Everett 2008
table of contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Summary of Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
City of Everett Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
I. Leading Health Indicators
1. Physical Activity and Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
2.Tobacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3. Substance Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4. Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
5. Responsible Sexual Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
6.Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
7. Chronic Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
8. Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
9. Access to Health Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
II. Quality of Life Indicators
1. Environment, Recreation and Open Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
2. Social Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
3. Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
4. Arts and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
2
Everett Community Health Partnership
Dear Everett Residents
ECHP Mission
To improve the health and quality of life
of the people of Everett by creating
opportunities for individuals, families and
organizations to work collaboratively and
strategically in addressing important
challenges facing the community.
ECHP Members
Cambridge Health Alliance
Eliot Community Human Services
Everett Board of Health
Everett Chamber of Commerce
Everett Human Services
Everett Literacy Program
Everett Public Library
Everett Public Schools
Everett Substance Abuse Coalition
First United Parish
Immaculate Conception Church
Joint Committee for Children’s Health
Care in Everett (JCCHCE)
Malden Everett Family Network
Mystic Valley Elder Services
Our Lady of Grace Church
Portal To Hope
Revere Family Health Center
Tri-City Community Action Program
The City of Everett, in partnership with the Cambridge Health
Alliance and the Institute for Community Health and the other
members of the Everett Community Health Partnership, have
produced the 2008 Everett Health Data Report.The goal of this
report is to inform the community about the health status of Everett
and to provide a baseline for planning and improving the many
crucial community health programs that serve the people of Everett.
The 2008 Everett Health Data Report provides current information
about key health indicators, such as overweight and obesity,
substance abuse, mental health, responsible sexual behavior, violence,
chronic illness, cancer and access to care.The report also provides
information on additional areas that affect the health and well being
of the community including education, housing, income levels,
employment and crime. Each section of the report includes
information on the many strengths and assets of Everett as well
as recommendations for expanding and building on these existing
resources to improve the community’s health.
The report contains significantly more data for youth than adults
because over 5000 youth are surveyed every two years through the
Youth Risk Behavior Survey. A future report will include data on
adults gathered from a new survey of health related behavior which
was conducted early in 2008 in the cities of Everett, Cambridge,
Somerville and Malden by the Institute for Community Health.
It is our hope that the 2008 Everett Health Data Report will
be both accessible and provocative, and that it will increase the
community’s curiosity about the health of Everett residents.
We welcome each member of the Everett community to join
us in making Everett an even healthier and more vibrant city.
Whidden Memorial Hospital
Zion Baptist Church
Carlo DeMaria, Jr.
Mayor
City of Everett
Dennis D. Keefe,
Chief Executive Officer
3
Summary of Recommendations
Physical Activity/Nutrition
G
Support Everett Walks and Talks as part
of a community-wide campaign to encourage
physical activity and healthy eating.
Tobacco
G
Increase access to information on the risk
of second hand smoke and smoking cessation
resources.
G
Chronic Disease
G
G
Increase advocacy, support and access to
treatment information for drug users and
their families.
G
G
G
Organize a mental illness anti-stigma community
education campaign.
Support JCCHCE’s development of volunteerstaffed parent forums/discussion groups.
G
G
Create a youth-led community-wide educational
campaign aimed at decreasing sexually
transmitted diseases and preventing pregnancy.
Expand existing sexuality education at all grade
levels to include more sessions on decision
making, values and setting personal goals for
all students.
Responsible Sexual Behavior - Adults
G
Increase community education on modes
of transmission, access to resources and services
for people of all ages.
Violence
G
Increase funding for Portal to Hope to expand
domestic violence trainings and create
systematic reporting.
Enrich and enhance citywide campaign
to inform residents of available insurance and
help residents access health care services with
particular emphasis on newcomers to Everett
including immigrants.
Nature, Environment Health,
Recreation:
G
Help develop and promote a Bike To Sea program.
Social Capital:
G
Responsible Sexual Behavior -Youth
G
Organize community-wide cancer education
and screening programs.
Access to Health Care
Expand the substance abuse educational
curriculum throughout the Everett Public
Schools.
Mental Health
Increase primary care services for adults and
children in Everett.
Cancer
Substance Abuse
G
Create after-school teen center with
leadership from teens, police and other
community leaders.
Increase the number of intergenerational,
interethnic and interracial community building
projects.
Housing and Jobs:
G
G
Advocate that new housing development
projects include affordability below 60% of the
Area Median Income so that low- to moderateincome Everett residents will be able to access
housing.
Advocate that new community/economic
development projects include provisions
of jobs for local residents, training to help
increase likelihood that they can get the jobs,
and that the jobs are living-wage ones.
Arts and Culture:
G
Expand and promote cultural programs for
children and families promoting the diversity
and richness of the community.
4
A Demographic Description of Everett
People and Geography: The city of Everett,
since its incorporation in 1892, has been a
working-class community. Everett has 38,037
residents living in only 3.4 square miles
(See Figure 1). Bordering on the Mystic River,
Malden, Revere and Chelsea, Everett is 4 miles
north of downtown Boston on the eastern
edge of Massachusetts’ Middlesex County.
Historically, Everett has attracted immigrants,
especially from Italy and Ireland and most
recently from Brazil, El Salvador, and Haiti.
In the past 20 years the city has become
much more ethnically, racially and linguistically
diverse (See Figure 2: Foreign Born Residents).
For example, Census 2000 reported that the
number of foreign-born Everett residents
increased by 106% in 10 years to 8,323 or
21.9% of the total population. The race and
ethnicity changes have been even more
dramatic with a 164% increase in Hispanic
population, a 121% increase in the black
population and a 12% decrease in the white
population. These changes have continued over
the past eight years as reported by the
Massachusetts Department of Education which
indicates that from 2000 to 2007 enrollment
at Everett public schools by Latino and Black,
non-Hispanic students has increased by over
72% and 56% respectively. White non-Hispanic
children decreased by 20% (See Figure 3: School
Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity). Everett’s
diversity is also evident linguistically with 29%
of residents speaking a language other than
English at home and approximately 17% having
limited English proficiency.
From 1970 to 1990,
Everett’s population
decreased by 16 %. Since
then, Everett’s population
has experienced a 4%
growth from 1990 to 2006.
Data Source: United States
Census Bureau, 2000
5
Almost a quarter of Everett
residents are foreign-born
(22%) compared to 12%
of residents statewide.
Brazilian and Salvadorian
residents make up 32%
of Everett’s foreign-born
population.
Note: Data reflects 8,323
foreign-born Everett
residents
Census Bureau, 2000
From 2000 to 2007,
enrollment at Everett public
Schools among White, nonHispanic children decreased
by 20%. Latino and Black,
non-Hispanic student
enrollment increased by
72% and 56% respectively
during the same time period.
Data Source: Massachusetts
Department of Education,
1999-2007
6
From 1992 to 2008 the
proportion of Everett
students whose first
language was not English
increased from 8.5% to
43.8%.
The proportions of
students with limited
English proficiency
increased from 3.9%
to 9.7% during the
same period.
In addition to changes in the ethnic make-up,
Everett’s population has shifted towards younger
age groups in recent years. According to Census
2000 data, nearly a quarter of the city’s residents
(over 9,000) are youth below the age of 19.
Almost 7,000 of them were school-aged (5-19),
Department of Education, 2008
with a slightly higher percentage of females
to males.The number of youth, as a percentage
of overall population, has been increasing
in Everett in the last 10 years (See Figure 5:
Population by Age Distribution).
Almost a quarter of Everett’s
population consists of youths
under the age of 20 (23%
in 2000).
residents in 1990 and
38,037 residents in 2000
Census Bureau, 2000
Income: Everett’s per capita income is
$19,845, which is significantly lower than the
statewide average of $25,952.The poverty rate
in Everett is 11.8% with more than 1,300 area
children living at less than the 100% poverty
level.The number of persons living below the
poverty line increased 31% from 1990 to 2000.
The number of families with dependent children
receiving temporary aid increased 15% between
2000 and 2005. The number of Women’s, Infants
and Children (WIC) participants increased 38%
in this same period. (WIC Program Utilization
Data, Bureau of Family and Community Health,
Massachusetts Department of Public Health).
Employment: The Metro North Employment
Board, the Workforce Investment Board for
the tri-city area (Everett, Malden and Medford)
reports that in April 2005 the region had the
second highest number of people claiming
unemployment benefits in the state. (from TriCAP 2006-2008 plan). Unemployment in Everett
has been at 4.85 percent (2006) for the past
five years; this has been consistently higher than
the rate in Massachusetts (Regional and State
Unemployment News Release. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. February 29,
2008. http://www.bls.gov/news.
release/srgune.htm.) Most of Everett and
Massachusetts residents are private wage and
salary workers, comprising roughly 80% of the
workforce. The remaining classes of workers
are public sector, government employees
(13.5% in both Everett and Massachusetts), selfemployed/non-incorporated workers, and unpaid
family workers.
Housing: There are approximately 16,000
households in Everett, the majority of which
are renter-occupied (56%). Median advertised
monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment
7
in Everett in 2007 was $1,000 (down from
$1,200 in 2001). 38% of median income is
needed to pay rent in 2004.The median single
family home price in Everett in 2004 was
$332,000.The maximum home price affordable
to the median income household was $212,120;
the maximum home price affordable to a first
time homebuyer in Everett was $140,639
(Heudorfer B. and Bluestone B. The Greater
Boston Housing Report Card: An Assessment
of Progress on Housing in the Greater Boston
Area. Prepared by the Center for Urban and
Regional Policy (CURB) at Northeastern
University for the Boston Foundation and
Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association
(CHAPA). September 2005. http://www.chapa.org
/pdf/HousingReportCard2004.pdf). High rents
and a limited range of housing options have
created homelessness for families and
individuals.The Tri-City Continuum of Care has
documented more than 200 homeless individuals
and nearly 100 homeless families residing or
seeking services in the tri-city area (Tri-CAP
2006-2008 Community Action Plan).
Disability: Disability is defined as a long-lasting
physical, mental, or emotional condition.This
condition can make it difficult for a person
to do basic activities such as walking, climbing
stairs, self-care, learning or remembering.
Individuals with disabilities may be less visible,
undercounted or underserved, and therefore
experience disadvantages in health and wellbeing compared with the general population.
The potential for a lack of access to health
care services and medical care may increase
a persons risk for various health and mental
health conditions.
8
A quarter (24%) of Everett
residents between the ages
of 16 to 64 years have one
or more disabilities – higher
than statewide and national
proportions of 17% and
19% respectively.
Everett residents.
Census, 2000
Crime: In the United States violent crime rates
have declined since 1994, reaching the lowest
level ever in 2005.The violent crimes included
in this statistic are rape, robbery, aggravated and
simple assault, and homicide. (Bureau of Justice
Statistics: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/). This trend
has been mirrored in Massachusetts and Everett
with violent and overall crime decreasing over
the past 10 years. In 2005 (the latest year for
which there are statistics) crime decreased
significantly from 2004 in every major category
except burglary. (see Figure 27 on page 27).
However, Everett’s crime index, or risk of
experiencing any type of crime, remains steadily
above that of the state. On a scale in which 100
represents the national average, Everett’s total
crime index (a measurement including all forms
of crime) is 95, which is considerably higher
than the state index of 78 (Massachusetts State
Police, Crime Report Unit).
Education: The Everett Public Schools consists
of 7 public schools, pre-kindergarten through
12th grade, and enrolls over 5,000 students each
year. Three of the City’s five K-8 schools are
less than 10 years old and a new state-of-the-art
high school facility opened in August 2007.
There are 3 private schools in Everett. The
city also maintains a membership affiliation
with Shore Educational Collaborative, a special
agency that provides services for behaviorally
and academically challenged individuals.
In the 2006-7 school year 42% of Everett public
schools students spoke a language other than
English at home, a 45% increase since the
2000-2001 school year. Six hundred students
representing 11.5% of the student population
claim limited English proficiency, a 22% increase
since 2000/1. In Massachusetts, 15.1% of students
indicate that English is not their first language
and 5.8% claim limited English proficiency. Sixtyfour percent of Everett students are considered
9
A higher percentage
of Everett public school
students come from low
income families and speak
a first language that is not
English compared to their
statewide counterparts.
Department of Education, 2008
low-income, a 28% increase since the 2000-2001
school year. Students in Everett exceed the
state rates for in-school suspensions (11.3%)
and dropoutrates (3.6%). Additional educational
indicators of concern falling below the state rates
include average number of days absent (11.0%)
and graduation (77%). The student/teacher ratio
in Everett is nearly the same as the state’s, at
13.5 to 1 in Everett and 13.2 to 1 across
Massachusetts. In 2007 Everett spent $9,894
per pupil for grades k-12, significantly less than
the state average of $11,210 per pupil.
The Everett Literacy Program is an adult
education program operated by the city of
Everett which teaches 180 students to speak
English as a second language (ESOL), citizenship,
as well as how to access training programs, get
a GED or ADP, continue their education and
get better jobs.The Everett Literacy Program
has a waiting list of over 300 people.The
program has a paid teaching and administrative
staff funded by the Massachusetts Department
of Education, as well as, a volunteer staff of oneto-one tutors.
10
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Why is this important?
Increasing rates of early weight gain have led
to predictions that youth today may be the first
generation to have shorter life spans than their
parents. A significant number of Everett children
and adults are either obese, overweight, or
at risk of becoming overweight. Obese adults
are at increased risk for diabetes, high blood
pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis,
depression, and respiratory illnesses. Overweight
among children and teenagers is also a serious
health issue. Overweight children are at risk for
developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes,
and other conditions once common only
among adults. Promoting and supporting an
environment in Everett that makes it easy for
children and adults to be physically active and
to eat within the 2005 National Dietary
Guidelines are among the most important
things we can do for their long term health
and current quality of life.
The proportions of high
school students in Everett
volunteering, participating
in organized activities and
playing sports are lower
than their statewide
counterparts.
Data Source: Everett School
Health Survey, 2005 and 2007
Less than a quarter
(23%) of middle and high
school Everett students
meet the daily fruit and
vegetable consumption
recommendations in 2007.
11
- The PEP grant includes training staff at all
schools in Project Adventure, an innovative
program of non-competitive, adventurebased learning. All schools will receive
Project Adventure challenge course
equipment.
Community Strengths and Assets
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
“Everett Walks and Talks,” a program of the
Joint Committee for Children’s Health Care
in Everett (JCCHCE), includes walking events
and groups for all ages, historical and environmental walks and marked routes.
- Enhanced food service offerings that are free
from trans-fat, and are rich in whole wheat
and grains, fruits and vegetables and other
low-fat foods.
Weekly physical exercise/nutrition education
for seniors provided at Connolly Center by
Cambridge Health Alliance.
Everett benefits from a long tradition of athletic
excellence.The culture of the city promotes
membership in a diverse range of sports
programs for children of all ages continuing
through high school.
The City has a recreational complex located
across from the new high school, which
includes a skating rink and outdoor pool.
A Bike and Walking to Sea Trail is being
developed which will provide a nine mile path
to the ocean.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
at City Hall provides healthy foods, nutrition
education and referrals to moderate and
low-income individuals.
A recently opened food pantry at the First
Methodist Church on Broadway is open two
days each month.
The Everett Public Schools have demonstrated
a commitment to fostering a healthful
environment for students through:
- A $1.3 million Carole B.White Physical
Education Program (PEP) grant to improve
exercise and nutrition programs throughout
the schools.
- Pilot physical activity programs, such as
“Fitness Buddies”, Fitness Night and “Recess
Before Lunch.”
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Support Everett Walks and Talks as part of the
community-wide campaign to encourage
physical activity and healthy eating.
Measure heights, weights and Body Mass Index
of all public school students
Promote home cooking as a nutritious
alternative to take-out and fast food.
Development of a Teen Youth Center with
nutrition education and fitness components.
Help develop and promote the “Bike to Sea”
pedestrian and bicycle trails.
Implement school-wide campaign to educate
youth and parents about excessive “screen
time” specifically television viewing, computer
use and video games, as well as the benefits
of a non-sedentary lifestyle.
Initiate a community rowing program.
Reinstate the Farmers Market.
12
Tobacco
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable
death and illness in Massachusetts, and in the
nation. Tobacco kills more people each year
than car accidents, AIDS, homicides, suicides
and poisonings combined. Though they are not
smokers themselves, an estimated 1,000 or more
Massachusetts adults and children die each year
from secondhand smoke. Studies have shown
that children exposed to tobacco advertising
are more likely to become smokers. Research
indicates that 80% of adult smokers began
smoking before the age of 18.
By the time they graduate,
more than half of Everett
students report having
smoked cigarettes at least
once. One fifth of high
school seniors report
smoking tobacco in the last
30 days.
Health Survey, 2007
Everett high school students
report someone else buying
cigarettes for them as the
primary method of
obtaining tobacco (34% of
students who currently
smoke).
Note: Data reflects 219
Everett high school student.
Health Survey, 2007
13
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
Everett has been part of the Five City Tobacco
Control Collaborative since 1993.This initiative
is a state funded coalition that includes the
Health Departments of Cambridge, Somerville,
Chelsea, Everett and Revere. Its primary
mandate is to develop and promote local
tobacco control policies, and to enforce these
policies in all five cities it serves.
The Collaborative develops tobacco control
policies in two basic areas: Youth Access (YA),
which is intended to limit youth access to
tobacco products; and Environmental Tobacco
Smoke (ETS), which establish restrictions on
smoking in public and workplaces.
Sales of cigarettes to minors, monitored by the
Tobacco Control Collaborative, have decreased
annually since 2003.
Youth are actively involved in tobacco
prevention through state supported grants
focused on youth education and advocacy
efforts aimed at tobacco companies.
G
G
G
G
G
Encourage and support medical providers
in screening and helping patients to quit.
Increase access to information on smoking
cessation resources in local businesses, city
buildings and on city cable stations.
Expand education efforts to adults and
youth on the risks associated with second
hand smoke.
Eliminate local and national tobacco advertising
and promotions that influence adolescents and
young adults through advocacy efforts aimed
at tobacco companies.
Provide education to help increase parental
monitoring and communication with children
and youth on the risks associated with short
and long term tobacco use.
Participate in national initiatives, such as the
Great American Smokeout and World No
Tobacco Day.
14
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a major public health
problem that impacts society on multiple levels.
Substance abuse is associated with violence,
sexually transmitted diseases, low worker
productivity, child abuse, costly medical
conditions, motor vehicle crashes and accidental
injury. Substance abuse impacts the individual,
family, and community. Many of America’s
top medical problems can be directly linked to
drug abuse including lung cancer, heart disease,
HIV/AIDS, and mental health issues. Directly or
indirectly, every community is affected by drug
abuse and addiction, as is every family. We know
as a community that substance abuse prevention
needs to be a priority for both adults and youth.
Youth exposure to alcohol and other drugs may
interfere with adolescent brain development.
Alcohol and drug use by youth increases the
likelihood of becoming involved in other risky
behaviors which can lead to victimization, injury,
sexually transmitted infections, suicide and
educational failure. Research has shown that
prevention programs that aim to reduce risk
factors for youth substance abuse can also
reduce delinquency, teen pregnancy, school
drop-out or violence, and increase school
performance.
Half of the substance
abuse admissions to
treatment facilities in 2005
among Everett residents
were heroin-related
(vs. 38% statewide).
admissions among Everett
residents from 2000 to
2005.
Data Source: Bureau of
Substance Abuse Services,
MDPH 2005
15
Substance abuse treatment
admission rates among
Everett residents under
30 years are higher than
statewide rates. People
ages 20-24 and 25-29 are
most at risk (5,365/100,000
and 4,367/100,000)
respectively.
residents in 2005.
MDPH 2006
There is an average of 495
substance abuse-related
emergency departments
visits a year at Whidden
Hospital in Everett.
* DAWN cases include
drug-related suicide
attempts, detox related
visits, and alcohol –related
visits among people under
21 years old.
visits from FY05-FY07.
Data Source: Drug Awareness
Warning Network, 2007
16
Everett high school students
report lower current usage
of alcohol, cigarettes, and
marijuana compared to
their peers statewide.
* Binge drinking is defined
as the consumption of five
or more drinks in a row
Health Survey, 2003, 2005, 2007
The majority of Everett high
school students report
obtaining alcohol by asking
someone older than they
to give it or buy it for them
(57%).
students
Health Survey, 2007
Heroin-related treatment
admissions rates among
Everett residents between
the ages 15-19 years
(1450/100,000) are almost 6
times higher than statewide
rate of 255/100,000.
heroin-related treatment
residents in 2005
MDPH 2005
G
G
G
G
G
G
Implementation of a nationally recognized
science-based substance abuse prevention
curriculum, Project Northland, for students
in 6th, 7th and 8th grades, with positive
results.
Everett Community Health Partnership’s
Substance Abuse Coalition (ECHP-SAC) is
a collaborative community-based initiative
funded by the federal agency, Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration.
Since 2002, the coalition, dedicated to prevention efforts, has been addressing substance
abuse using multiple strategies in multiple
settings to change the social norms on alcohol
and drug abuse.
Everett has a dedicated and active group
of over thirty youth,Teens in Everett Against
Substance Abuse (TEASA), who work in partnership with community leaders on prevention
strategies to educate youth, adults, parents and
businesses on risks associated with substance
abuse.
Whidden Memorial Hospital’s emergency
department has expanded its capacity to
screen patients with substance abuse disorders
through a state-funded program called
Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and
Treatment (SBIRT).
The Drug Awareness Resistance Education
(DARE) program has been reinstated in the
Everett Public Schools.
The Cambridge Health Alliance and Everett
Board of Health continue to monitor overdoses,
suicide, hospital and treatment admissions
data on substance abuse, helping to guide
community prevention efforts.
17
G
The Everett Police Department monitors
youth alcohol sales through compliance checks
throughout the year.
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
Provide increased support and access to
treatment information for drug users and
their families dealing with substance abuse
disorders.
Address the lack of treatment facilities
available to meet the needs of the community
by advocating for local and state resources
to treat addiction for youth and adults.
Expand the substance abuse educational
curriculum throughout the Everett Public
Schools, especially at the higher grade levels,
with a stronger focus on health classes in the
high school.
Increase educational efforts to help parents
recognize the signs and symptoms of early
drug use. Provide resources for parents on
how to talk with their children about
substance use and abuse.
18
Mental Health
Mental health is sometimes thought of as simply
the absence of a mental illness but is actually
much broader. Mental health is a state of
successful mental functioning, resulting in
productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and
the ability to adapt to change and cope with
adversity. Mental health is indispensable to
personal well-being, family and interpersonal
relationships, and one’s contribution to society.
Thus, in assessing the health of Everett, it is
important to understand the proportion of
individuals and families that are experiencing
strong and persistent dissatisfaction with their
lives, harming themselves, and/or interfering
with the well being of others. Although suicide
rates began decreasing in the mid-1990s, prior
increases among youth aged 10 to 19 years
and adults aged 65 years and older have raised
concerns about the vulnerability of these
population groups. It is, therefore, critical that
we are mindful of depression, isolation and
other mental illnesses which may lead to suicidal
ideation and attempts.
More than a quarter (28%)
of Everett High School
students report being
depressed in the past 30
days.Thirteen percent
of students considered or
attempted suicide in 2007.
Health Survey, 2003, 2005, 2007
19
On average, rates of
hospital discharges for
mental disorders among
Everett residents are
higher than statewide rates.
Hospital discharge rates for
mental disorders among
Everett residents declined
19% from 2000 to 2005,
while statewide rates
remained stable for the
same time period.
mental disorder hospital
discharges among Everett
residents from 2000-2005.
Data Source: Hospital Discharge
Database, MDPH 2005
G
G
G
Cambridge Health Alliance provides a variety
of clinical and professional expertise available
to service the mental health needs of the
Everett community, including: two adult
inpatient psychiatric units located at the
Whidden Hospital; a child psychiatrist at the
Anna May Powers Health Center at the
Keverian School; a teen health center at the
Everett High School, which provides counseling
and other mental health services from a staff
psychiatrist, psychologist and social worker.
Close collaboration between primary care
providers, school guidance counselors, school
nurses and social service providers allows for
effective referrals to clinical settings.
Everett High School staffs a full time licensed
clinical social worker to assist any student who
may benefit from counseling, assistance and/or
referrals.
G
G
G
The Joint Committee for Children’s Health
Care in Everett (JCCHCE) conducts semiannual
Parent University educational forums which
focus on the stress of parenting, as well as
childhood mental health issues.
For families of children 0 to 3, the MaldenEverett Family Network (MEFN) provides
parenting classes and support groups to help
foster healthy family interactions, and Tri-CAP’s
Head Start pre-school program provides mental
health support for children and families.
Cambridge Health Alliance’s elder mental
health care program, COPE (Consumer
Outreach Program for Elders), provides care
in people’s homes, as well as, community
education for elders. COPE is staffed by
a psychiatrist, social worker, and nurse
practitioner.
20
G
Eliot Community Human Services provides
Everett with comprehensive, community-based
outpatient care for children, adults and seniors
which includes outreach, emergency services
and outpatient medication programs.
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Organize an anti-stigma community education
campaign.
Support JCCHCE’s development of volunteerstaffed parent forums/discussion groups.
Implement COPE-staffed elder suicide
prevention program.
Increase the participation of Everett teens
in a variety of leadership development projects,
including the statewide youth mental health
advocacy project:Teens Leading The Way.
Participate, with the JCCHCE, in Health
Care For All’s child mental health legislative
campaign.
Identify and better utilize mental health
resources that already exist in the community
such as Arbor Counseling and Eliot
Community Human Services.
Develop volunteer-facilitated support group(s)
for adult men.
21
Responsible Sexual Behavior: Youth
Sexuality is a large part of adolescent
growth and development. For healthy sexual
development, children need stable and safe
environments that promote social and emotional
well-being. Along with positive expectations and
sound preparation for their future adult lives,
adolescents need education, skill training,
self-esteem promoting experiences, and
age-appropriate reproductive health services.
Sixty-eight percent of
Everett high school seniors
report having had sexual
intercourse. Among 8th
graders, almost 20% of
students report having had
sexual intercourse.
Everett public school
students in 2007 and 2,812
students in 2005.
Seniors are less likely to
report using a condom at
last intercourse compared
to underclassmen.
Almost half of high school
girls (48%) and 36% of boys
reported talking to a parent
or other adult about
AIDs/HIV infection.
Health Survey, 2007
22
On average, each year there
are 22 newly diagnosed
cases of Chlamydia among
Everett youths between the
ages of 15 and 19.
newly diagnosed cases of
Chlamydia among Everett
teens 15 to 19 years old.
Data Source: Sexually
Transmitted Disease Program,
MDPH 2005
The number of births to
Everett teen girls increased
from 20 births in 2000 to
37 births in 2006. Since
2001, the teen birth rate in
Everett has remained higher
than the statewide teen
birth rate.
births to teen girls in
Everett (15-19 yrs) from
2000-2005.
Data Source: Registry of Vital
Records, MDPH 2005
23
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
Sexuality education in the Everett Public
Schools begins in the elementary school
using a comprehensive research-based health
curriculum, the Great Body Shop. Starting in
the 4th grade students learn about risk-avoiding
decision making skills.
The Everett Teen Health Center, located at
Everett High School, offers comprehensive
primary care services for children and teens,
including confidential reproductive health
services.
Since 2006, a science-based curriculum,Teen
Outreach Program (Empowering Youth in the
Community), evaluated to show reduction in
school drop out, school failure and a reduction
in teen pregnancy, has been available to 9th
and 10th graders at Everett High School.
High school students may elect health classes
“Making Life Choices”, “Independent Living”
and “Parenting Skills” to better prepare for
adulthood.
G
G
G
G
Expand existing sexuality education to all
grade levels to include more sessions on
decision making, values and setting personal
goals for all students.
Support education programs for peer
educators and parents to help them speak
to youth about appropriate sexual behavior
and decision making.
Create a community-wide educational
campaign aimed at decreasing sexually
transmitted diseases and preventing pregnancy.
Sustain clinical services in order to treat and
contain sexually transmitted infections for
sexually active youth.
Create a year round Youth Center for
Everett teens.
24
Responsible Sexual Behavior: Adult
“Because sexuality is one of the human
attributes most endowed with meaning
and symbolism, it is of particular importance
that addressing sexual health issues involve
community wide discussion, consultation, and
implementation.” (The Surgeon General’s Call
to Action to Promote Sexual Health and
Responsible Sexual Behavior, 2000)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
resulting from HIV remains a serious public
health concern; public awareness and education
are important in order to reduce transmission
rates and increase safe sexual behaviors.
Responsible sexual behavior can reduce the risk
of transmitting sexually transmitted infections
(STI). Untreated STIs cause serious reproductive
health problems, health complications in
newborn babies, certain types of cancer, and
increase the risk of the sexual transmission
of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Chlamydia incidence rates
among Everett adults
increased 78% from 2000
to 2005 compared to a 42%
increase in incidence
statewide.
newly diagnosed cases of
Chlamydia among Everett
adults 20 years of age and
older.
Data Source: Sexually
Transmitted Disease Program,
MDPH 2005
30
25
20
25
Figure 25: Average Annual HIV Incidence Rate,
Everett 2003-2005
20.7
24.8
22.8
23.3
23.2
18.4
15
10
MA Rate: 14.1
Somerv ille
Malden
Ev eret t
Chels ea
0
Rev ere
5
Cambridge
A ve ra ge R ate per 1 00 ,0 00
An average of 7 people
become diagnosed with HIV
each year in Everett (based
on 2003-2005 data). HIV
incidence rates among
Everett residents are higher
compared to statewide
rates but lower compared
to rates in surrounding
communities.
Everett residents diagnosed
with HIV within 2003 and
2005.
Data Source: HIV/AIDS
Surveillance Program, MDPH
2005
Among the 110 people
living with HIV/AIDS in
Everett in December 2005,
30% contracted HIV
through male to male sex,
and 13% contracted HIV
through intravenous drug
use. Heterosexual sex was
the mode of transmission
for at least 11% of people
living with HIV/AIDS in
Everett.
Everett residents living with
HIV/AIDS in December
2005.
Data Source: HIV/AIDS
Surveillance Program, MDPH
2005
26
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
Confidential sexually transmitted infection’s
(STI’s) and HIV testing is available at CHA
primary care sites as well as the Whidden
Memorial Hospital.
Education is available for community agencies,
school groups and/or parents through the
Cambridge Health Alliance’s HIV community
services on STIs, HIV and hepatitis C.
Collaboration exists between Cambridge
Health Alliance’s HIV community services
and community based agencies including the
Everett Board of Health on increasing
counseling, testing and prevention education
for all sexually transmitted infections.
Tri-CAP’s Housing Opportunities for People
with AIDS (HOPWA) program provides
housing search assistance and other support
services.
G
G
G
Increase community education on modes
of transportation, access to resources and
services for people of all ages.
Increase awareness and visibility of the
Cambridge Health Alliance bilingual Integrated
Counseling, Testing and Referral (ICTR)
Hotline (617-591-6767 during the hours of
9-5, Monday through Friday). Language capacity
includes English, Spanish, Portuguese and
Haitian Creole).
Develop a plan to work in partnership with
agencies, programs, businesses and others
on awareness of resources on counseling,
testing and prevention education.
Increase visibility of public health events such
as HIV and Counseling and Testing Week, and
World AIDS Day.
27
Violence
Violence is among the leading causes of death
for people aged 15-44 years worldwide. For
every person who dies as a result of violence,
many more are injured and suffer from a range
of physical, sexual, reproductive and mental
health problems.
Domestic violence is violence or abuse
that occurs in the home between spouses,
partners (including teenagers in violent dating
relationships), children who experience or
witness family violence, elders and roommates.
Victims often suffer physical injuries such
as bruises or broken bones.The abusive
relationships also involve mental and emotional
suffering resulting in depression and social
isolation. Domestic violence affects all levels
of society regardless of income or education.
It typically goes unreported which perpetuates
the activity by a dominating spouse, partner,
parent or boyfriend/girlfriend.
The Surgeon General’s 2001 Report on Youth
Violence said that the most highly effective
youth violence prevention programs combine
components that address both individual risks
and environmental conditions, particularly
building individual skills and competencies,
parent effectiveness training, improving the
social climate of the school, and changes in the
type and level of involvement in peer groups.
Research shows that youth violence and
delinquency have been associated both with
poor academic performance and with an
increased likelihood for dropping out of school.
In the past decade, Everett
has seen a 73% decline in
rates of violent crime.The
majority of violent crimes
consisted of aggravated
assaults (58% in 2005).
* Violent Crime refers to
homicide, forcible rape,
robbery, and aggravated
assault.
State Police, Crime Reporting
Unit, 1996-2005
28
Everett experienced a 19%
increase in violent crime
during the first half on 2007
compared to 2006.
Compared to surrounding
communities, crime increase
in Everett is substantial.
* Note: Data reflects first six
months of 2006 and 2007
Data Source: COMPSTAT,
Massachusetts State Police,
2007
High School students report
a large increase in fighting at
school from 9% in 2005 to
24% in 2007.
29
Bullying at school is more
prevalent in the middle
grades. In 2007, 31% of
middle school students
report being bullied at
school compared to 17%
of high school students.
There were 347 domestic
violence-related calls for
service received by the
Everett police in 2007, a 5%
increase in calls from 2006.
The majority of domestic
violence calls in 2007 were
related to assault and
battery (58%) followed by
209A-Restraining Orderviolations (20%).
domestic violence-related
calls for services in 2006
and 2007.
Data Source: Everett Police
Department 2008.
30
As a community Everett has taken a strong stand
on violence prevention both at home and in the
community.
G
G
G
G
G
Portal to Hope is Everett’s non-profit domestic
violence agency which provides a 24-hour
hotline, emergency shelter, legal aid for ensuring
continued civil protections through the legal
court system, job placement & housing assistance which helps victims rebuild their lives
both personally and professionally and youth
programs designed to educate our children
and help break the cycle of violence.
The Whidden Emergency Room staff screens
all patients at triage with domestic violence
questions.
The Everett Public Schools was awarded
a Shannon Anti-Gang Violence Program grant
which supports regional and multi-disciplinary
approaches to combat gang violence through
coordinated programs for prevention, intervention and job development.
There is strong collaboration between the
Police Department, the school system and city
agencies around issues of injury and violence
prevention including a school resource officer
at the high school.
Everett has a well-established Conflict
Resolution/Mediation program at the High
School available for all school students and
staff to use.
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Increase funding for Portal to Hope; expand
domestic violence trainings and create
systematic reporting to Portal to Hope about
domestic violence cases.
Create an after-school year-round Youth
Center for Everett teens.
Expand school mediation program to
elementary schools.
Build stronger relationships between police
and youth through joint projects, community
and school trainings.
Offer professional development trainings for
school staff, especially in the 7th, 8th and 9th
grades, on social skills and conflict resolution
to ensure that they are well trained to handle
sexual harassment and conflict amongst
students.
Continue to make sure all students feel safe
in school by enforcing all policies with regard
to harassment and bullying.
Increase programming and mentoring
opportunities for girls since they are more
likely to experience violence than boys.
Attend regional prevention efforts such
as Massachusetts Coalition for Youth Violence
Prevention. Being part of regional efforts keeps
this a priority and helps our community better
understand what is happening outside our
borders.
31
Chronic Disease
Chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer,
and diabetes—are the leading causes of death
and disability in the United States. Chronic
diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the
U.S., which is 1.7 million each year. These
diseases also cause major limitations in daily
living for almost 1 out of 10 Americans or about
25 million people. Although chronic diseases
are among the most common and costly health
problems, they are also among the most
preventable. Adopting healthy behaviors such
as eating nutritious foods, being physically active
and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control
the devastating effects of these diseases.
Coronary Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Everett residents in 2005, followed by Lung Cancer and
Poisonings (including overdoses). Poisoning injury death rates including overdoses in Everett are 2 times higher than
statewide rates. Lung cancer mortality rates among Everett residents are 1.5 times higher than statewide rates in 2005.
Note: Data reflects 170 deaths among Everett residents.
Data Source: Registry of Vital Records, MDPH 2005
32
Lung and heart disease,
asthma-related
complications, and diabetes
were among the leading
causes of hospitalizations
in 2005. Hospital discharge
rates for lung and heart
disease are higher than
rates statewide.
hospital discharges involving
Everett residents in 2005.
Data Source: Uniform Hospital
Discharge Database, MDPH
2005
Coronary heart disease
mortality rates among
Everett residents declined
by 43% from 2000 to 2005.
Statewide rates declined
25% during the same time
period.
coronary heart disease
deaths among Everett
residents between 2000
and 2005.
Records, MDPH 2005
33
The average annual
poisoning-related death
rates among Everett
residents and residents of
surrounding communities
are higher than the
statewide rate.
deaths statewide due
to poisonings.
Records, MDPH 2005
Except for those in the
20-29 year old age group,
rates of diabetes-related
emergency department
visits among Everett
residents outnumber rates
of their statewide counterparts for all age groups.
The elderly are particularly
at risk.
visits for diabetes-related
complications among
Data Source: Emergency
Department Database,
MDPH 2005
Everett children under
the age of 10 and adults
between the ages of 20-29
are at particular risk for
asthma-related emergency
department visits.
visits for asthma-related
complications among
Data Source: Emergency
Department Database,
MDPH 2005
34
Recommendations
G
G
G
Everett Board of Health:
Provides communicable disease investigation
and surveillance; organizes immunization
clinics; oversees twelve school nurses; provide
health and sanitary inspections; plans public
health role in emergency preparedness;
protects environment from damage and
pollution.
Older Adults Health Education
(CHA in collaboration with Everett
Human Services):
Weekly aerobics, strength and yoga classes
and informational/screening sessions at Everett
Armory, Glendale Towers,Whittier Villa Co-op,
Whittier Drive apartments and Golden Age
Circle on such issues as: flu prevention,
nutrition counseling, blood pressure, diabetes
and cholesterol control.
G
Volunteer Health Advisors (VHA’s):
VHA’s are people from the local community
who offer their time, skills and experience
to improve health in their community. VHA’s
hold screenings in their neighborhoods to help
people find health problems early, before they
get serious.VHA’s also run support group
meetings for people with serious diseases, like
diabetes.VHA’s are an important connection
between the community, JCCHCE, CHA and
other local health providers.VHA’s serve
communities speaking four main languages:
English, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese and Spanish.
G
“Everett Walks and Talks” (JCCHCE):
Funded by a Mass Department of Public
Health grant, Everett Walks and Talks includes
walking events and groups for all ages, historical
and environmental walks and marked routes.
G
G
G
G
Increase primary care services for adults and
children in Everett.
Expand citywide walking, fitness and nutrition
program.
Expand cancer screening and education.
Expand health education programs in multiple
languages via Volunteer Health Advisors from
the CHA and JCCHCE.
Identify and address risk factors such as the
correlation between asthma and age of
housing stock related to lead-based paint,
home accidents/injuries per the national
Healthy Homes initiative that Boston’s Public
Health Commission has implemented.
(http://www.bphc.org/bphc/healthyhomes_
main.asp)
35
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death
in America after cardiovascular disease (heart
attack and stroke). Approximately 1.5 million
new cases of cancer occur annually in the United
States causing 550,000 deaths. One in three
individuals in America will develop some form
of cancer in their lifetime. Every family in
America will be touched by cancer.
Great progress has been made in recent years
in the fight against cancer in terms of screening
and early detection, better treatments, and
significantly more cures. Many tumors are now
completely curable. Many forms of childhood
leukemia, testicular cancer, cancer of the cervix,
breast and colon cancer can be completely
cured by early detection and state of the art
treatment.We can have an important impact on
the well being of our communities and Everett,
specifically, by providing public education about
risk factors, insuring the availability of screening
for early cancer detection, and providing state of
the art treatment in our excellent local facilities.
Public health data shows that Everett has higher
rates of specific cancers; particularly lung and
colon, than the state of Massachusetts. In the
case of colon cancer, screening is known to
decrease mortality. For lung cancer, prevention
is the key. There is work to do to reduce
smoking rates which remain high in Everett.
A community wide effort involving all the
political, community, business and church leaders
in Everett would be most effective.
Prostate, Breast and Lung
cancer are the leading types
of new cancer diagnoses in
Everett.
Cancer Registry, MDPH 2005
36
In the past six years, lung
cancer mortality rates
have consistently been
higher than statewide rates.
deaths due to Lung cancer
between 2000 and 2005.
Records, MDPH 2005
An average of 25 women
a year in Everett are
diagnosed with breast
cancer (2000-2004 data).
Breast Cancer incidence
rates in Everett have been
lower than statewide rates
beginning in 2001.
newly diagnosed cases
of breast cancer among
women in Everett from
2000-2004.
Cancer Registry, MDPH 2005
37
Recommendations
G
G
G
Access for uninsured and language services for
those with limited English proficiency.
Cambridge Health Alliance Cancer Services
- Cambridge Breast Center - open access for
mammography, diagnosis and treatment
including the Whidden Hospital location
in Everett
G
G
- Coordinated cancer care for all common
cancers, e.g., breast, colon, skin, cervix,
testicular, prostate
G
Unity of purpose and commitment to cancer
death rate reduction by all community
agencies, political leaders, churches and
business leaders
G
Collect, analyze and present current cancer
data, including cancer incidence, cancer
screening and mortality data, led by the
Institute for Community Health.
Organize public forum to present health data
and priorities for action, including cancer.
Organize community wide effort to educate
every resident of Everett about cancer risk
and encourage residents to take advantage
of screening and early detection and potential
curative treatment for these common cancers.
Begin screening according to established
national guidelines (e.g., U.S. Public Health Task
Force and American Cancer Society).
38
“Access to health care” refers to the presence
or absence of various barriers to seeking or
receiving health care, including oral and mental
health care. Access to health care is essential
for increasing quality of life and length of life and
eliminating disparities in health status. Everett
broadly defines access to include financial,
physical and cultural/linguistic accessibility.
Health care must be affordable to be financially
accessible. Financial accessibility is enhanced
when a health care institution and local
physicians and dentists accept a wide variety
of insurance, assist patients in applying for
coverage and, when there is no other option,
provide free or reduced price care. Physical
accessibility includes such factors as location,
hours of operation and physical barriers to
people with limited mobility. Cultural and
linguistic respect and inclusiveness ease the
way for people who are less able or less likely
to use existing health services.
Measuring access to health care has been
hampered by insufficient data on certain
populations and an inability to access data
sources. This has been partially addressed by
the computerized school health record system
which now makes it possible to efficiently
monitor health problems and immunization
status of public school students. With the
assistance of the Institute for Community
Health, a collaboration of Cambridge Health
Alliance, Mount Auburn hospital and
Massachusetts General Hospital, there will
be additional data available in 2008 with the
implementation of a behavioral risk factor survey
of adults to gather information about health
status and risk behaviors. This is the same
survey that has been in use in Cambridge and
Somerville since 2001.
The number of first grade
children in Everett receiving
dental screening increased
19% from 273 children in
2002 to 326 children in 2005.
first graders in Everett
school system who have
received dental screening
from 2002-2005.
Data Source: Cambridge Health
Alliance Dental services, 2005
39
The mean number of
decayed teeth per child in
2006 was higher for nonEnglish speaking children.
first graders in Everett
school system who have
received dental screening
from 2002-2005.
Data Source: Cambridge
Health Alliance Dental services,
2005
G
Outreach and Education:
G
G
G
Helping uninsured residents enroll in insurance
plans is the foundation for improving access
to health services.The Joint Committee for
Children’s Health Care in Everett (JCCHCE)
has been performing this function since 1994,
with a multicultural team of outreach workers
to assist Everett residents apply for Mass
Health and other state funded health
insurance programs.
Cambridge Health Alliance provides
enrollment services on site at the Whidden
Hospital.
The Tri-City Community Action Program’s
Head Start Program in collaboration with
CHA’s Dental Program is implementing
a federal grant to provide screening and
service referral, the development of culturally
appropriate curriculum materials and oral
health education for parents and staff.
G
G
Parent education is available under the Parent
University programs organized by JCCHCE
in partnership with Everett Public Schools,
CHA, Hallmark Health, Eliot Community
Human Services, and other providers, offering
workshops to guide parents on a range of
parenting issues.
Parent Forum, a support group, started in 2008
to offer on-going assistance and guidance.
Everett Public Library maintains a collection
of resources and information on disease
prevention and management
Health Care Services (including oral
health and mental health):
Cambridge Health Alliance:
1. Anna May Powers Health Center (at Keverian
School): Mental health services
2.Teen Health Center (at Everett High School):
Primary care, confidential reproductive health
care, and mental health care.
40
3.Everett City Hall Dental Clinic: Dental care
including cleanings, preventive treatments,
filings, sealants, oral surgery, dentures and
dental restorations.
4.Home mental health care for elders: COPE
program (Consumer Outreach Program for
Elders) provides services of psychiatrist, social
workers, nurse practitioner and case manager.
5.Malden Health Center: Primary care for all
ages, women’s health, sports medicine, x-ray,
ultrasound, lab testing, special programs for
diabetes and asthma.
6.Revere Family Health Center: Primary
care (adult, adolescent, pediatrics, Ob/Gyn),
confidential testing and counseling;
Specialty Care (cardiology, pulmonology,
gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology,
sports medicine and orthopedics, podiatry);
Other services: nutrition, diabetes education,
mental health services, lab testing.
7.Whidden Memorial Hospital’s new and
expanded services:
G Emergency Department
G Diagnostic Radiology
G Department of Surgery & Orthopedics
Specialty Suites
G Medicine Specialty & Hospitalist Programs
G Breast Center
G Medical/Surgical beds
Eliot Community Human Services: Mental health
services for children, youth and adults including
outreach, emergency services and out-patient
medication programs.
MGH Everett Family Care: Primary care (adult,
adolescent, pediatrics, Ob/Gyn).
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Enrich and enhance citywide campaign to
inform residents of available insurance and
help residents access health care services with
particular emphasis on newcomers to Everett
including immigrants.
Expand primary care services in Everett.
Expand dental screenings in Everett schools
to additional grades.
Increase coordination between JCCHCE,
Whidden Hospital and CHA Outreach.
Increase collaboration on outreach with
Literacy Program and Multicultural Affairs
Commission.
Outreach directly with all faith based sites
and communities.
Continuation of JCCHCE and the Everett
Public Schools school-based outreach.
Expand access to the definition of services
and the renewal process.
Increase support for training and professional
development for outreach workers and
coordinators.
41
Environment, Recreation and Open Spaces
A Healthy Community means clean air, pure
water, open space and residents committed to
recycling. An unpolluted environment supports
human development and fosters good health.
It also means safe public parks, open spaces,
playgrounds and a range of recreational
opportunities that meet the needs of diverse
persons of all ages. Recreation provides children,
youth, adults and seniors with constructive and
enriching alternatives for leisure-time activity.
Air Quality:
G
Because of the massive number of Mystic
Station Power Plant air quality violations
(6,000 violations from June 1998 to November
2003) the owner of the plant was required to
pay a $1,000,000 civil penalty and $5 million to
environmental projects including, making the
Bike Path between Somerville and Everett,
funding an environmental assessment of the
Malden River, restoring the salt-marsh in
Chelsea and making Boston-area school buses
and commuter trains more environmentally
friendly.
Water Quality:
G
G
Mystic River was given a "D" in water quality
by US Environmental Protection Agency
in April 2007 because of high levels of
Escherichia coli and Enterococcus (found
in fecal material) bacteria.
Mystic River in 2006 met water quality
standards for swimming 52% of the time and
met standards for boating 67% of the time;
Malden River: 42% for swimming and 67%
for boating.
Recreation and Open Spaces
The City of Everett strives to offer multiple
recreational opportunities to its residents.
There are approximately 58 acres of parkland
in the City, with at least one park in each ward.
The compactness of the city makes is very
livable and the scarcity of open land causes
citizens and community officials to value and
protect available open lands.
The commitment to protect our natural
environment is further documented by the
City of Everett’s dedication to protecting and
expanding our natural resources by planting
and maintaining trees, shrubs and flowers. In an
urban setting, such as Everett, trees play a vital
role in energy conservation, noise and visual
protection, beautification, as well as curb the
urban heat affect and offsets urban pollution.
The National Arbor Day Foundation has
recognized and designated the City of Everett
as Tree City USA since 1996 for its dedication
to planting and maintaining over 4,500 trees.
The Bike to the Sea Path is a planned multi-use
trail from Everett to Lynn. Planning work is
ongoing but construction has not been
programmed or funded.
The only indoor recreation opportunity
accessible to the general community is the
relatively small Everett Recreation Center.
Recommendations
G
G
Increase community awareness and support
for the Bike to the Sea Path.
Increase community use of community school
recreational facilities.
42
Social Capital
Social capital can be described as “the
connections between people.” It refers to the
skills, relationships, social cohesion, and trust
among community members. Community
members engaged in social capital often exhibit
common values, shared traditions, norms,
informal networks and the attitude, spirit and
willingness to engage in collective, civic activities.
Additionally, “those communities with high
levels of social capital are likely to have higher
educational attainment, more effective
government, faster economic growth and less
crime and violence. Residents are likely to be
happier, healthier and live longer.” The benefits
of social capital flow from the trust, reciprocity,
information, and cooperation associated with
social networks.
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
The Kiwanis’s Key and Builders Clubs – youth
community service and leadership development
programs at all Everett schools.
Youth-organized substance abuse prevention
and educational events.
Community advocacy surrounding
emergency relief.
Martin Luther King Day Celebration organized
by Zion Baptist Church.
Spring and Fall Festivals in Everett Square
organized by the City and Chamber of
Commerce.
Everett Walks and Talks – Opportunity for
intergenerational walks.
JCCHCE’s Annual “7 mile” “Walk It Out
For Kids”.
G
G
G
G
July 4th Citywide Event organized by Everett
City Council and Aldermen.
Annual Everett Public Schools Homecoming
Parade.
Friends of the Everett Libraries’ Annual Book
Sale and Speaking Program.
Holiday programs of Office of Human
Services: include Thanksgiving Baskets and
Christmas Toys and Meals.
Annual Tree Lighting at 3 locations.
Recommendations
G
G
Annual May Day Immigrant Rally and Walk.
Memorial Day Celebration at Everett Public
Schools.
National “Take Back the Night” organized
by the Everett Police Department.
G
G
Increase the number of intergenerational,
interethnic and interracial community building
projects.
Increase community participation in Everett’s
Multicultural Affairs Commission’s efforts to
make Everett a welcoming community for
immigrants.
Increase youth led community-wide events
celebrating healthy behaviors.
Increase collaborative projects with faith-based
community.
43
Housing
A Healthy Community means citywide affordable
housing in safe neighborhoods, free from
discrimination. Affordable housing is critically
important to the well-being and health of
children and families.Without decent and
affordable housing, families have trouble
managing their daily lives and their children’s
safety, health and development suffer. Families
who pay more than they can afford for housing
have too little left over for other necessities
such as food, clothing and health care.They may
not be able to pay for transportation and child
care, making it harder to go to work and school
each day.
The median price of a single
family home in 2006 in
Everett is $350,000.This is
more than $130,000 dollars
over what is affordable to
the median income resident.
Data Source:The Greater
Boston Housing Report Card
2007, Citizen’s Planning and
Housing Association
Seventeen percent of
housing units in Everett
are occupied by residents
paying more than half of
their household income
for rent or mortgage.
occupied housing units in
Everett.
Census Bureau, 2000
44
Median rent for a twobedroom apartment in
Everett is lower than
comparable rental units in
surrounding communities.
* Winthrop data is for 2006
Data Source:The Greater
Boston Housing Report Card
2007, Citizen’s Planning and
Housing Association
Recommendations
G
G
G
G
G
G
Everett’s Fair Housing Board meets to help
ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act
that prohibits discrimination in housing and
helps advocate for quality affordable housing.
Continuum of Care that addresses issues
of homelessness in the Tri-Cities.
Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc.’s
housing search assistance, Kaszanek
Transitional House, services for homeless
adults, and legal services.
Tri-City Workforce Development Task Force
a coalition that advocates for jobs for local
residents and training to help equip the local
workforce for new community development
projects so that they can afford increased
housing costs that often accompany these
projects.
Tri-CAP’s Housing Opportunities for People
with AIDS (HOPWA) program provides housing
search assistance and other support services.
G
Advocate that new housing development
projects include affordability below 60%
of the Area Median Income so that lowto moderate-income Everett residents
will be able to access the new housing.
Advocate that new community/economic
development projects include provisions
of jobs for local residents, training to help
increase likelihood that they can get the jobs,
and that the jobs are living-wage ones.
45
Arts and Culture
Visual and performing arts foster creative
problem-solving, discipline, tolerance, compassion,
intuition and intelligence. Art and cultural events
provide unique opportunities to come together
as a community and demonstrate the energy,
diversity and economic potential of our city.
Arts promote healthy civic engagement. Arts and
culture should be accessible to all.
Everett has a number of well known and
distinguished residents who have made
a national name for themselves in the fields
of literature, science, entertainment and music.
By continuing to support programs that inspire
and promote originality, Everett will continue
to develop thoughtful and energetic minds
capable of inspiring others, as well as the
next generation.
G
G
G
G
G
G
New state of the art theater and performance
center at the high school opened in the fall 2007.
There are a variety of art classes, dance,
music,poetry club, other creative outlets for
children, youth and adults available throughout
the city.
Everett’s city public access cable television
station provides regular programming, show
casing performances and cultural events taking
place in the city.
The Everett Arts’ Association has a long
history of making art accessible to community
residents through classes, speakers and art
displays throughout the city.
International Day at the high school celebrated
food delicacies from many countries.
G
The Parlin and Shute Libraries offer a variety
of art and cultural activities, including talks by
authors, plays, passes to Boston area museums
and more.
Everett’s Historical Commission maintains
a rich archive of documents capturing the
history of the city through written papers,
photographs and memorabilia.
Recommendations
G
G
Develop cultural programs for children and
families promoting the diversity of the
community through dances, food tasting and
other activities.
Ensure children of all ages are exposed to arts
in the school and extracurricular activities.
46
Acknowledgements and Authors
We thank the City of Everett and Cambridge
Health Alliance for their ongoing and crucial
support of health improvement initiatives in
Everett. This report and the work of the Everett
Community Health Partnership would not thrive
without their generous support.
We thank the Institute for Community Health
for providing regular health information to
our community health programs and coalitions
that strengthen our strategic planning and
evaluation skills.
We thank the Everett Public Schools for their
commitment to ensuring the Youth Health
Survey is a biannual assessment.
Authors
Philip Bronder-Giroux
Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc.
(Tri-CAP)
Emily Chiasson
Institute for Community Health
Linda Cundiff
Community Affairs, Cambridge Health Alliance
Carolyn Lightburn
Everett Human Services
Loretta Kemp
(Tri-CAP)
Bob Marra
Everett Community Health Partnership,
Jackie Coogan
in Everett
Steven Mazzie
Everett Police Department
Meg English
Patrice Melvin
Marzie Galazka
Community Development, City of Everett
Lindsay Mendenhall
Jean Granick
Everett Community Health Partnership Substance Abuse Coalition, Cambridge
Health Alliance
Deb O’Neill
Health Department, City of Everett
Karen Hacker
Julie Whitson
Everett Public School
47
Partners providing support for community health activities
Eliot Community Human Services
Everett Board of Health
Everett Chamber of Commerce
Everett Office of Human Services
Everett Public Library
Everett Public Schools
Everett Substance Abuse Coalition
First United Parish
Immaculate Conception Church
in Everett
Malden Everett Family Network
Mystic Valley Elder Services
Our Lady of Grace Church
Portal To Hope
Whidden Memorial Hospital
Zion Baptist Church
Disclaimer
This report is an ongoing effort to reflect some community-defined indicators that relate to health
broadly defined. This report also highlights the most current Youth Risk Behavior Survey data collected
from Middle and High School students.
For online access to this document please visit our website at
http://www.challiance.org/COMMCONN/everettcommunitypartnership.htm
Date: November 2008
48
Appendix 1: A Demographic Description of Everett
1990
2000
% Change
18,119
9.2
TOTAL POPULATION
35,701
38,037
Female
19,112
19,918
White
33,381
30,321
-9.2
Asian
633
1,236
95.3
Male
RACE
Black
Other
Two or more races
Hispanic/Latino (any race)
Foreign Born
16,589
1,131
457
N/A
1,371
4,039
2,386
1,898
2,050
6.5
4.2
111.0
315.3
––
3,617
163.8
8,323
106.1
LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME
Speak a language
other than English at home
5,269
10,917
107.2
Under 5 years old
2,298
2,244
-2.3
15-24
5,070
4,705
-7.2
Speak English less than “very well”
AGES
5-15
25-34
35-44
45-64
65 and older
Median age
Households with children under 18
POVERTY STATUS
Persons below poverty
Poverty rate for all persons
Poverty rate for families
% of families with related children
under 18 living below poverty line
2,304
3,564
7,438
4,783
6,677
6,347
4,675
7,005
6,238
7,568
175.5
31.2
-5.8
30.4
13.3
5,871
5,602
4,056
4,658
14.8
4,456
31.1
––
9.2%
––
––
14.3%
34.1 yrs
3,399
9.6%
35.6 yrs
11.8%
-4.6
––
22.9
––
49
1990
2000
% Change
Median household income
$30,786
$40,661
32.1
Per capita income
$14,220
$19,845
39.6
INCOME
Median family income
HOUSEHOLDS
$37,397
$49,876
33.4
Total # households
14,528
15,435
6.2
Married-couple family
6,675
6,459
-3.2
Family households
HOUSING UNITS
9,421
9,551
1.4
Renter-occupied units
8,522
9,044
6.1
Gross rent 35% or more of head
of household income
33.8%
31.0%
-8.3
21.8%
16.1%
-26.1
Less than 9th grade
9.4%
8.8%
-6.4
High school graduate
42.2%
40.3%
-4.5
Median monthly rent
Median value Owner-occupied units
Selected monthly Owner costs
35%+ or more of household income
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
FOR PERSONS 25 AND OVER
9th-12th, no diploma
Some college, no degree
Associates degree
Bachelor’s degree
Graduate or professional degree
$611
$156,500
17.7%
13.5%
5.9%
7.9%
3.4%
$729
$164,500
15.0%
15.4%
5.8%
10.1%
4.6%
19.3
5.1
-15.3
14.1
-1.7
27.8
35.3
50
Sources
Introduction
1. Everett Health Data Report, 2007
A Demographic Description of Everett
1. United States Census Bureau, 2000
Violence
1. Massachusetts State Police, Crime Reporting Unit,
1996-2005
2. COMPSTAT, Massachusetts State Police, 2007
3. Everett School Health Survey, 2005 and 2007
2. Massachusetts Department of Education,
1999-2007, 2008
4. Surgeon General’s Report of Youth Violence, 2001
4. Tri-CAP 2006-2008 Community Action Plan
Chronic Disease
1. Registry of Vital Records, MDPH 2005
3. CHAPA 2004 Report Card
5. Bureau of Justice Statistics
Physical Activity and Nutrition
2. National Dietary Guidelines, 2005
Tobacco
1. Everett School Health Survey, 2007
Substance Abuse
1. Bureau of Substance
Abuse Services, MDPH 2005, 2006
2. Drug Awareness Warning Network, 2007
2. Uniform Hospital Discharge Database, MDPH 2005
3. Emergency Department Database, MDPH 2005
Cancer
2. Massachusetts Cancer Registry, MDPH 2005
1. Cambridge Health Alliance Dental Services, 2005
Environment, Recreation and Open Spaces
1. United States Environmental Protection Agency,
April 2007
3. Everett School Health Survey, 2003, 2005, 2007
2. The National Arbor Day Foundation, 1996-2008
Mental Health
1. Everett School Health Survey, 2003, 2005, 2007
Housing
1. The Greater Boston Housing Report Card 2007,
Citizen’s Planning and Housing Association
2. Hospital Discharge Database, MDPH 2005
Responsible Sexual Behavior
2. Sexually Transmitted Disease Program, MDPH 2005
4. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program, MDPH 2005
5. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to
Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual
Behavior, 2000
2. United States Census Bureau, 2000
The Well Being of Everett, 2008
Bob Marra
Director, Everett Community Health Partnership (ECHP)
Phone: 617-591-6947 l rmarra@challiance.org
Jean Granick
Director, ECHP – Substance Abuse Coalition
Phone: 617-591-6927 l jgranick@challiance.org

The Well Being of Everett - The Institute for Community Health

Transcription

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