Partners in Health and local groups present community health improvement plan; local youth nail camp seeks expansion
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Summary
Partners in Health and community partners presented a community health improvement plan targeting violence prevention, mental health and outreach with an estimated three-year mental health training cost of about $300,000; a local entrepreneur described a youth nail-camp initiative supported by Access Montgomery that served about 30 students last year and seeks to expand.
Adrianna Marzette, project lead for Montgomery's community health improvement plan (CHIP), and Dr. Tina Thomas, director of Partners in Health's Alabama team, presented a summary of the CHIP and its priorities after a citywide community health needs assessment.
Marzette said residents identified priorities including community support, infrastructure, violence prevention, and mental health and emotional wellness. She said the team estimated a three-year mental health training program would cost about $300,000 (approximately $100,000 per year), though some costs could be offset by embedding training into existing programs.
Dr. Thomas noted a QR code on the handout links to the full CHIP document. The presenters said they worked with local nonprofits, community health workers and city grant staff and had completed focus groups and health fairs to develop the plan.
Separately, community members introduced youth workforce programming. Stephanie Shorten of Hope Inspired Ministries and Erin (owner/operator of TMNM Nail Supply) described a youth nail-camp initiative funded in part by Access Montgomery. Erin said recent camps served about 10 children and 4 teens and earlier camps served 9 children and 3 teens; another program iteration previously reached nearly 30 students. Council members suggested possible partnerships with Montgomery Public Schools, parks and recreation and community centers to expand the program.
Presenters asked the council to consider ways to publicize existing services so residents can access them; staff and council members acknowledged the need to maximize return on existing program investments.