Health Promotion & Education
Madison County Partnership for Community Health
The Madison County Partnership for Community Health (MCPCH) is the voice of community health for Madison County residents. Our mission is to work together as interested individuals, professionals, and organizations to improve the health status of residents of Madison County by helping to create, promote, and maintain healthy environments and lifestyles through education, understanding, and action. Any community member or agency can join MCPCH to assist with identifying health concerns and working on solutions to address them. MCPCH works to accomplish the health priorities that are identified and established every five years in the Madison County Community Health Plan. Priorities are determined following an extensive community needs assessment. The health priorities for 2007-2012 are addictive behaviors, sexual risk behaviors, and cardiovascular health. MCPCH forms action committees based on the priority areas - current and past. These committees meet monthly to work on their plan to impact the health issue. Come help make a healthy difference for yourself, your family, your neighbors and all of Madison County. Call today to find out more, and we’ll see you at the next meeting!
If improving the health of Madison County citizens is important to you, consider joining the citizens, health professionals and agencies who work together as the Madison County Partnership for Community Health. To join a committee or for more information about MCPCH, call (618) 692-7040 ext. 6068.
Addictive Behaviors Prevent and treat behaviors in which addiction affects livelihood
Addictive Behaviors is currently focused on addressing substance use among youth. Madison County currently has 7 substance abuse prevention community coalitions, a Madison County Youth Board, involvement with the Illinois Drug Education Alliance, and multiple programs, initiatives, and other groups addressing issues related to substance use and abuse. The Drug Free Coalitions group meets once per quarter to share resources and ideas, coordinate efforts, avoid duplication, and collaborate on countywide efforts to impact addictive behaviors. Drug Free Coalitions is coordinating an effort for a monthly countywide prescription drug drop-off system.
Sexual Health Address sexual health issues
The Sexual Health Committee is being convened to address the rates of Chlamydia and gonorrhea in Madison County communities. Our vision is to have informed residents making healthy decisions that prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to improve and protect the sexual health of Madison County residents by educating the public with accurate sexual health information, conducting collaborative awareness activities, and encouraging STD testing.
Cardiovascular Health
Prevent diseases of the heart
The Cardiovascular Disease Committee (CVD) consists of concerned citizens and professionals who are dedicated to improving the heart health of Madison County residents. Through fun and educational activities such as the “Madison County Walk Day,” “Beat the Odds” holiday weight maintenance program and the development of a K-12 “Heart Healthy” curriculum, the CVD Committee strives to help all Madison County residents put into action positive health practices that promote heart health.
Motor Vehicle
Reduce vehicular crashes
The Motor Vehicle Committee's focus is to decrease the number of deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. One way the group hopes to accomplish this is by educating the community on the importance of proper use of the occupant protection systems, such as seat belts, air bags and car seats, in their vehicles. Another area that the group addresses is driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. These traffic safety issues are addressed through educational programming in the schools, the community and media outlets.
Cancer
Prevent and detect cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. The Cancer Committee's goal is to combat cancer through a coordinated, countywide effort. The committee's long-term goals are preventing cancer, early detection of cancer through education and the promotion of lifestyle changes. The committee focuses on carcinogens such as tobacco, as well as screening to detect breast, cervical and prostate cancers.