Community Building in Fresno (October 2011)

MHS continues to build strong community collaborations in Fresno. MHS Senior Vice President Rich Bradway has begun work with the Fresno Business Council on the Fresno Flourish Initiative. In another partner activity, MHS Vice President for the Central Valley Region, Jenny Bates was selected by Comcast for an interview on “Newsmakers”. (continued)

Building on the strides of several initiatives underway in Fresno County, the Fresno Flourish Initiative will forge a broader collaborative that links and aligns its efforts with a specific focus on health. Utilizing a linked community approach, it seeks to achieve community transformation and holds Social and Emotional Wellness as one of its five Strategic Directions.

Jenny’s “Newsmakers” interview gave her the opportunity to provide an update on MHS programs and services, as well as to share news of the Lock It Up Project. A combined effort of the California Health Collaborative, the Women's Initiative Program of United Way of Fresno County, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, the Lock It Up project provides confidential and safe drop points at county substations for any unused prescription pain killers. Its goal is to help prevent prescription painkiller use by teens and young adults. Click here to view Jenny’s interview.