Since 1954, Chilton Memorial Hospital has been truly devoted to the community, continuously seeking new methods of improving health needs. A highly effective process was established with the onset of the Chilton Neighbors for Better Health, an advisory board comprised of: health officers, business leaders, medical professionals, community agency representatives, educators, clergy, attorneys and residents. Building on the personal and professional experience of the advisory board members, innovative methods for improving community health have resulted from this collaborative.

"Neighbors for Health/Chilton Community Coalition" was the project's original name. In the beginning, the Coalition distributed 5,000 surveys to area residents in order to evaluate the health status and needs of the community. The results led to the creation of programs not only to address those needs, but also to teach and support preventative measures. Based on the results of the top 10 priorities, three subcommittees were formed: psychological health, respiratory health and adolescent health.

These subcommittees were responsible for developing at least one preventive health program per year. Each subcommittee's goal was to find the best resource to reach the most people with a positive, effective message. In each area, gatekeepers - people in the community who can help others - were identified.

The three subcommittees evolved over the years to become the task forces we have today: Psychological Task Force, Child Obesity Task Force and Current Health Trends Task Force. They meet on a regular basis to design and implement programs to address various health issues. Together the task forces provide the input that the community members are seeking. In collaboration with our community partners, they identified the following topics:

The Childhood Obesity Task Force was formed in an effort to address the obesity epidemic in children. The Task Force conducted extensive research to evaluate different weight-loss programs. TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), one of the leading programs, was selected as a model and Chilton Memorial Hospital then tailored it to meet our requirements. This program was successfully implemented and has received national recognition by the American Hospital Association.

The Psychological Task Force was created to address the numerous psychological issues facing the community. This Task Force has offered seminars on the topics of post-traumatic stress, coping with chronic pain and grief and loss. The current focus is on eating disorder awareness.

The Current Health Trends Task Force looks at current health priorities facing the communities. The Task Force addressed the growing need to make the surrounding towns aware of gang violence that was taking place in suburbia. They brought together the police chiefs and the Morris and Passaic County Sheriffs Offices to offer a two-part series: one for the police department and the other for professionals and community members.

Additionally, the task force held a Caregiver Health Fair to disseminate information on local resources and community agencies focusing on the needs of the older adult. Currently, the Current Health Trends Task Force is planning a program on domestic violence.

At Chilton Memorial Hospital, we realize that prevention is vital for maintaining a healthy community and a healthy future. Each year, approximately 8,000 hours are spent planning, promoting and presenting various events around the area. Education and communication are the common tools in the Task Forces employ to strengthen the community's health awareness. For more information, call (973) 831-5475.