Each month the Healthy Start Coalition of Madison, Jefferson and Taylor Counties conducts its monthly Shared Services meetings, where local health, education and social service providers exchange updates and hear from guest speakers regarding timely issues in their respective areas. On Wednesday, August 31, State Representative Leonard Bembry joined the Madison County meeting, where he discussed funding challenges facing many of the organizations in attendance.

Noting the pros and cons of the state’s balanced budget requirements that have led to substantial cutbacks and even closures for providers throughout the state, Bembry praised the group’s mission and graciously reiterated his availability going forward. Coalition Executive Director Donna Hagan responded, stating that they need local legislators to urge all tri-county communities, including faith-based, to get behind key health initiatives. Among these initiatives, Hagan provided a brief overview of the Whole Child Connection resource for the legislator, emphasizing the program’s comprehensive online resource that is designed to serve the underrepresented, high-need populations of the region.

Poor health outcomes and disparities exist across almost all categories, ranging from maternal and fetal health to chronic and sexually transmitted diseases. A native of the area, Bembry was both sympathetic and outspoken regarding the urgency to support these and other issues that were mentioned, further noting that while budget challenges are inevitable, services are still very desperately needed. Resolute to continue to bring positive change, however, all present agreed they would continue to dig in and hold on regardless of the economy, even if that often means longer hours with smaller staffs.

The Shared Services meetings are regularly scheduled for the last Monday (Taylor), Tuesday (Jefferson), and Wednesday (Madison) of each month, although schedules periodically change due to calendar conflicts. Please phone Cindy Hutto at (850) 948-2741 for details or to request to be a guest speaker. She may also be reached by email at chutto@healthystartjmt.org.