T hese coalitions provide numerous opportunities for you to take action to positively impact the health and quality of life in our region. Most groups meet monthly and hold events throughout the year.

• Breast Health Task Force
  Includes representatives who work throughout the region in the area of breast health education. One goal of the Breast Health Task Force is to facilitate collaboration among these many organizations. The Task Force has a commitment to promote an awareness of the importance of preventive testing and early detection of breast cancer. For more information, contact Cindy Barry at Ledge Light Health District - (860) 448 - 4882.

• Children's Health and Learning Coalition
  The mission of the Health and Learn Steering Committee is to create culturally sensitive strategies to enhance the well being of children birth to age eight through a focus on healthy nutrition and its impact on physical, mental, and oral health. For more information, contact Lisa Cooney at LEARN, (860) 434 - 4800, ext. 161.

• Community Care Team
  Follows individuals, typically homeless and substance abusers, who have high recidivism rates in local emergency departments, with the goal of reducing their reliance on emergency services and improving their case management. For more information, call Pat Serluca at the New London Department of Health and Social Services - (860) 447 - 5226.

• SAFE KIDS New London County
  A coalition of law-enforcement, health professionals, businesses, community groups, educators and concerned citizens working to reduce the incidence of preventable injuries among children. For more information call (860) 442 - 0733, or visit:
  www.nlcsafekids.org or
  www.ctsafekids.org/index.html

• Faith in Action Network

• Teen Pregnancy Prevention / Teen Health Task Force
  Individuals and organizations that work to impact teen health and teen pregnancy meet for networking, resource sharing and collaborative planning. The Task Force has compiled a report on births to teens and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among New London teens as compared to teens from Groton and Norwich. The Task Force has made numerous presentations to community groups. For more information, contact Esther Schuman at Community Partnerships - (860) 442 - 0733

• The Southeastern Connecticut Indoor Air Quality Coalition
  A group of concerned residents, health officials, Board of Education representatives, business owners, parents, health care providers, and others who are working together to improve the quality of indoor air in Southeastern Connecticut. For more information call (860) 447 - 5233.