Health & Fitness
Health Outreach to Livingston Asian Community
Health Outreach to Livingston Asian Community
In continued efforts to reach out to all residents, the Township of Livingston Department of Health conducted a very successful needs assessment and outreach to the Asian community with the help of the Livingston Chinese Association. Many Taiwanese speaking residents attended the program that highlighted the importance of health prevention through vaccinations. Dr. Huey-Shys Chen, associate professor in the Nursing Program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), and Dr. Chen Shu-ling, Director of the Department of Nursing at Hungkuang University in Taiwan, were instrumental in ensuring the success of this outreach program.
Thirteen nursing students on an exchange program from Taiwan presented a Powerpoint on diabetes and immunization for adults in their native language. It was a festive occasion with participants sharing a buffet of traditional dishes accompanied by songs and the beautiful sound of a Chinese Harp. The Livingston Chinese Association holds a regular meeting at the Livingston Senior/Community Center at 204 Hillside Ave on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For more information on the Livingston Chinese Association go to http://livingstonchinese.org/.
“This is just the beginning,” explained Janet Traettino, Public Health Nursing Supervisor. “The Township of Livingston Department of Health is always looking at new and innovative outreach programs that break down cultural and language barriers so that we can help keep our community safe and healthy. Dolores Keller, Nurse and Health Education Coordinator, will be working on developing additional programs to reach out to other cultures within the Livingston
community.”
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“Educational and outreach programs, clinics and fairs are planned throughout the year to help residents make informed decisions about health issues,” continued Traettino. “Including a free Health Fair on Oct 12, 2012 at the George Bauer Community Center in Taylor Park, Milburn (9:00 am – 12:00 pm) which is open to Livingston residents.”
“And don’t forget to schedule an appointment in September for a flu vaccination by calling 973-535-7961. Flu shots are free to residents 65 years and older.” The Department of Health, Welfare and Human Services is located at the Livingston Senior Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue. For more information on health matters visit the Township website at www.livingstonnj.org. Click on “Health” in the left hand column.
