POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The 26th annual Making Healthful Decisions conference was held in November at Dutchess Community College for over 100 teachers, human service professionals, educators, college students and parents. 

The event was sponsored by Garnet Health, Dutchess Community College and Dutchess BOCES. The conference was organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange, Dutchess and Sullivan counties. 

Discussions were held on Black/BIPOC maternal health in the Hudson Valley; harnessing empathy to power; thriving after trauma; diversity, equity and inclusion; and much more.

Three mothers raising neurodivergent youth also spoke.

CCE Sullivan County educator Malinda Ware led the group in free dance. 

Educators from New Paltz presented “In Here/Out There: Integrating Contemplative Practices in Our Life and Our Work,” teaching contemplative practices that participants could apply to their work or home life. 

For questions about the conference or to learn more about the programs, email Julika von Stackelberg at jv426@cornell.edu.