"Welcome to a new year," said Roger Hudak, chairman, to the 16 attendees at the Mayor's Southside Task Force September meeting.

The 90-minute meeting covered some important upcoming events and also provided an opportunity for several organizations to share information that they asked attendees to bring to their respective organizations.

Representatives from Bethlehem's Health Bureau shared a video "Hands Only CPR," an updated method of performing CPR that anyone can do. The video included two steps: First, call 911 and second, start chest compressions and maintain them until help arrives.

After the video demonstrated the hands only method, attendees had the opportunity to practice on inflatable torsos and passed around a portable AED (automatic external defibrillator).

EMS provided information about the Vial of Life, a program available to anyone who lives within Bethlehem's city limits. All first responders are trained to look for the Vial of Life magnet, which they suggest be posted on a home's refrigerator. The vial, stored in the refrigerator, holds a paper on which residents can record contact and medical information. This program provides important information for first responders, especially if the patient is nonresponsive or confused.

Another program shared is the Yellow Dot program. Similar to the Vial of Life but used throughout the state, the pamphlet includes a yellow dot which drivers stick on their back windshield. The pamphlet itself has spaces for people to include personal, contact and medical information for first responders to use, in the event of an accident.

One final informational piece the Health Bureau shared was a reminder to visit ready.gov, a website designed to provide practical information about emergency preparedness.

Eugene Brown, representing the Eastern PA Health and Wellness Expo shared his new mission: to make people aware of diabetes and the importance of taking the time to save one's own life.

He made available copies of the Prescription Discount Card (www.rxdiscountcd.com) for attendees to share with their organizations.

He also shared the date for the fourth Health and Wellness Expo, to be held at the Banana Factory on April 18, 2015.

Marilyn Kelly, a former Army medic now working towards a masters degree in public health and for the Southside's Victory House, is asking for key stakeholders of the Southside - residents, businesses, churches - to take a needs assessment survey about the community's health needs.

Lorna Velázquez, executive director of the Fowler Hispanic Youth Center, announced three events the center will be hosting in the coming months:

Ÿ Bethlehem Superintendent's Night, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. at 502 E. 4th Street, Bethlehem

Ÿ Appreciation Day, a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 520 E. 4th Street, Bethlehem

Ÿ The center's Annual Banquet, March 27 at 6 p.m. at DeSales University

A grant from Block by Block (out of Louisville, Ky.) has made possible the hiring of six Community Ambassadors. Set to begin training on October 1, these ambassadors will work seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to midafternoon, to clean the Southside's neighborhoods and commercial district. They will also spend afternoons and evenings working as hospitality ambassadors.

Their work is supported in partnership with the city, parking and local businesses to bring more life to this part of Bethlehem. More information about the program will be available in the coming week.

Rosemary Hensel, legislative assistant to Rep. Steve Samuelson, made available grant resource guides and information about rent/ property tax rebates.

She said the Bus 103 schedule may be modified, based on petitions to increase routes.

She announced that Dare to Care will take place Oct. 8.

The Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Office representative discussed the office's partnership with local school districts' SAP (student assistance program) and announced the following events:

Ÿ A luncheon with leaders of faith based communities on October 28.

Ÿ Harvest Full of Hope, Oct. 8 at ArtsQuest.

Also discussed briefly was Bethlehem's decision to maintain its own separate 911 center, its partnership with Lehigh University's security force and the prevalence of many security cameras, whose data is shared by the Bethlehem police department, throughout the Southside.