FOR RELEASE: July 6, 2006
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

District Task Force Holds Public Meeting to Plan Family Services

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Family Support and Prevention Service will host a series of public hearings statewide to allow citizens and service providers to express ideas and provide input for planning new programs for families’ needs specific to their community.

The District XV Task Force that covers Carter, Johnston, Love and Murray counties will hold its public hearing on Monday, July 17, 2006, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Chickasaw Regional Library, 601 Railway Express in Ardmore.

“Parenting is rewarding, but challenging. All parents need support at some point in time. The support can come from family and friends, but also from the variety of services our communities offer,” states Joanne Thomas, the District XV Task Force Co-Coordinator.

The District XIV Task Force wants to assure that the services offered to families are meeting their needs. While some parents seek educational information, others may desire more individualized services such as parent education groups, respite and home visits.

In preparation for the hearings, the focus will be on questions such as these:

• What types of new services to support families would you like to see?
• How could services that are already in place be improved?
• What programs and services are already available that might be expanded to families?
• What are the unmet needs for families in your area?
• How can programs reach out to families in need of support, education and resources?

Participants will be allowed a limited amount of time to provide input on the questions of interest. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, a written submission form may be obtained by contacting the OSDH Family Support and Prevention Service by phone (405) 271-7611, or by email, SherieT@health.ok.gov. Written submissions are due by July 28, 2006.

For further information, please contact John Jones or Joanne Thomas, District XV Task Force Coordinators, at (580) 226-3321.

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